Club Obi Wan

I dont know where to post this, so Im posting it here. I recently bought this "Aldens 405 , 2nd owner, worn-225.00 11 EE" item from the Bazaar. After an agonizing wait of a few weeks for shipping, I received the shoes yesterday. Here is what I emailed the seller Alathea_ Squared today. This is word for word what I wrote. Thought people might like to know what it feels like to get a pair of Alden 405s for the first time. Live vicariously through me, my friends:

"Holy F****** S***!!

Shoes got here yesterday, and the first thing I thought was "oh man, how did I buy new Aldens?" They are in immaculate condition. You must have not worn them at all, or took amazing care of them, or Aldens are just that well-made. Whatever the reason, they look gorgeous. Then I put them on- perhaps the slightest bit big? Not surprised. I normally where an 11 or 11.5. These are 11.5 wide, so there is just a little but of slipping. Which, in an inferior shoe, would be a problem. But in these? No worries at all! I wore them today and put about 5 miles on them walking around the streets of Beijing. Not only do my feet not hurt at all (which is rare for me when I walk that much), but they actually feel better than they did when I started out this morning. I'm telling you, something's up with these shoes.

The color is perfect, the style is awesome, the eyelets are sweet, and they truly look better than I could have ever hoped. I can't thank you enough for these things. I also hate you. There is no way now that I don't buy two more pairs of these in the future. I mean, these are work shoes, formal shoes, casual shoes, looked great with jeans today, will look good with a suit. I'm in trouble bad. I will be getting a new pair for sure in the very near future. You have cost me dearly.

Two quick questions. First, did you include two sets of laces or only one? I only found one set (the ones on the shoes) in the box. I thought you said it came with two sets of laces in the description, but perhaps not. Do you know which set of laces were on the shoes when you sent them- original? Either way, do you know the style of laces (and where to buy them) if I need to replace them at some point?

Second, you obviously took loving care of these things. What did you do, and how often did you do it? I don't want to destroy these through neglect. What did you treat them with, and how often? I'm fine buying and doing anything within reason you tell me to do to extend the life of the shoes.

Really, without question, these are the finest shoes (and the most expensive) I have ever bought in my life. Well, well, well worth it.

Thanks again!

Justin"


Thanks again to Alathea_Squared- great guy and great great great shoes!

Justin

Ha ha great post mate congrats:)

Regards
T
A
Z


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Welcome to the Alden's Club!

Trying to make this a running commentary on my experience with my first pair of Alden's, I can say now I've worn them for 4 straight days and still have nothing but good things to say.

5 hours at the Forbidden City in Beijing today were easy. No foot pain at all. Later this week will be Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Another 5-6 hours of walking nonstop, over and on rough terrain. I have no doubt they'll be perfect. Will let you all know.

Thanks for the update . We'll be waiting for the next one

Alden boots are built like tanks. I've owned the same pair since October 1998, and they're as durable and comfortable today as they were 15 years ago. Also, they're very low-maintenance. Just use a damp cloth whenever the boots get dirty, buff them dry, and give 'em a good coat of Pecards leather dressing. Also, I highly recommend a pair of Alden cedar shoe trees to help maintain their shape when not in use. Enjoy!

Justin wrote:Trying to make this a running commentary on my experience with my first pair of Alden's, I can say now I've worn them for 4 straight days and still have nothing but good things to say.

Try to give 'em at least a day to dry out between wearings if at all possible.

Shoes last longer (and smell lots better) that way, and it helps prevent foot maladies incubated in dark, damp places.

Cheers, fellas. Thanks for the tips on shoe trees and on letting them sit between extended wears. Good advice.

Thought I'd link to this, for those of you that follow Kickstarter:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jak ... 402538f96c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is certainly not SA or anything like that. Just good old-fashioned and interesting well-made goods. Thought that someone might like to add this very different take on an Indy boot, to ratchet up the "uniqueness" and durability factors.

Today was Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located about 30 miles outside of Beijing. 3 hours of straight hiking up and down sections of the Great Wall, up guard towers, down stairs, through secret passages. No problems whatsoever, and my legs and knees gave out well before my feet did. In fact, feet feel just fine even now, 3 hours later. As I've been saying, Alden 405s seem unflappable. Will be testing them against Angkor Wat in Cambodia in February, which should be a grueling 5 days of constant hiking. But plan to do plenty beforehand as well.

Also picked up a pair of Red Wing boots on the Bay last week. They're on the way now, so pretty soon I'll have a chance to compare. Now, if I can find a reasonably priced pair of Wolverine 1000 mile boots, I'd be set. Those babies are also like the Aldens- very expensive to buy new, and retain value when people post them for sale. If anyone has a pair of any of these, or equivalently well made boots, in 11 or 11.5, give me a shout.

Justin