Club Obi Wan

Well, I finally went thru with it. I took my Aldens to my friendly neighborhood cobbler, and had him put on a set of Vibram replacement soles.
I told him that I loved the boots, but because of the work I do, and the slipperiness of the soles, I couldn't really use them as an everyday work boot. He recommended that I keep the Alden heel, because he didn't think that they were a culprit in the slipping problem, but the smooth front part of the sole had to go. I am an Indy pendant contractor, and I am always up and down aluminum ladders, and on roofs, so the slick surface of the Alden sole would definately be a hazard.
He recommended one of the Vibram Industrial grade soles to me,model number #430

http://www.vibram.us/products/industrial.asp

and after checking them out, I agreed they were the best choice for my situation.
Anyway, the grand total of the work done, including parts and labor, was
a whopping $25 bucks!! Amazing.

So take a look at the pics, and tell me what you think.
BTW, first time posting pics, so I hope this works

http://public.fotki.com/IndyBlues/aldens/

I field tested them today, and now they are a great casual boot AND great work boot. Climbed up and down ladders all daylong, walking across a shingled roof, and absolutely no slippage.

I don't want to sing all praises yet, since it has only been one day of field testing, but I have a feeling I won't have any problems.

Hey,

That's great! Now you can be just like Harrison Ford - wear awesome shoes that are super comfortable, all day, while working! It looks like when you have shoes that you've worn for a long time and the bottom starts to wear away to the smooth part... a sort of distressed look. That's really cool. Congrats! And now you can hike around in 'em and not worry about slipping on a mossy rock and breaking a kneecap! lol (I can't remember who went through something similar to that, it was somebody here...)

In Christ,
Shane

Well, I think that is a great idea. I have always preferred Vibram soles on my hiking boots, as they are long lived and grip really well. Whatever you do, anyone, never resole a boot with leather outer soles, that is if you plan to go hiking in a pine forest. Pine needles and slick leather soles will turn you into a pine skier, pronto. I know, from experience. Fedora

That's the first thing I'll do when I get my Aldens!

They look great, you can tell anything as been done to them from the side, very impressive. Thanks for sharing the pics, Blues!

If i were you sends some pictures to Aldens and maybe they'll take this as an option and give you a pair of free boots. I'm not kidding.

I think they look great, very practical.

Alden should consider making this improvement to the 405 design, IMO.

When the time comes to have my Alden's resoled, I'll be taking this route.

I am totally jealous....well done!

Cheers
I J

Dear Sir,
Please ship me a pair of those IndyBlues style Aldens # 405 V The V is for the sole.

Thanks for the kind words guys, glad you like them. I'll keep you posted as to how they fair down the road. I have a feeling that the Vibram sole will last a long time. They are definately of an industrial grade material. Tough as nails.

I bought my self a pair of Aldens this year via Ebay that came with a pair of Vibram Soles . Look out for this tread

IndyBlues, you have just corrected the main problem I have with Aldens boots.

Has anyone put leather soles on their Aldens yet? I am thinking about getting that done to my boot when the time comes.

Leather soles....is that the material most mens dress shoes are made with these days? With the smooth bottom, like on the Alden 86?

Regards
I J

IndianaJames wrote:Leather soles....is that the material most mens dress shoes are made with these days? With the smooth bottom, like on the Alden 86?

Regards
I J

Yes. Only I was going to get them a little thicker so they can take more wear. I think it would be more accurate to the period also......I think.

Any thoughts?

Just be aware of how much static electricity you may build up with them once they have leather on the bottom. It's bad enough working on carpeted steel decks in my control room and setting off a static arc in the dry winter air, but I can't imagine how bad a spark I'd kick off wearing leather soled 405's. Regards. Michaelson

Any leather soled shoes that I have ever had were also slicker than...WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA...........

The boots look great Mike. The soles you chose are a good compromise
between the originals and a fully lugged sole. After you've had some
time in them be sure to repost an update of how they do in different
conditions. I may have to spring for a pair of these now that I see
what can be done to make them more Pacific NW friendly.

Regards,
Indybill