Club Obi Wan

Well, it just so happens that I may be able to purchase a pair of Aldens sooner than I thought! I have a nit-picky question to ask you Alden owners, though. As far as I've read, everyone who owns a pair can't say enough about how comfortable these shoes are and how much support they have.

My feet are increasingly picky on what shoes I stuff them in anymore. My biggest concern is that if I wear a pair of shoes all day (especially if I'm doing a lot of walking) I don't want my feet to be so sore that I don't want to move any farther. I also find that I need good arch support. Do any of you with arch troubles put additional arch supports in your Aldens, or are they so good and comfy that you find you don't need the extra support?

I just want to have all my (bufflehead) ducks in a row before taking that big... step.

bink

Great support (they're orthopedic shoes, for heavens sake ), and are great for all day wear. The ONLY down side I have with them is their weight. You get used to them, but speaking strickly for myself, by the end of any given day, I'm pretty worn out from dragging them around. Like I said, that's just me and my experience (they're no heavier than a good pair of safety shoes), but in terms of comfort and support, that's what they are designed to do first and foremost, provided you get measured and sized by a professional, and not not just guess at your size. Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote: The ONLY down side I have with them is their weight.

Ditto on this one. Driving is especially difficult to me, even worse if you drive a straight shift. You will develop big calf muscles though!

Super comfortable however, especially if you have to be on your feet all day (teaching), but they are heavy.

This may be just me, but I also like the sound of the heels on a tile or marble floor. Ya just don't get that authoritative sound with Nikes on.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

I have issues with arch support and sore feet too, especially after long walks. I have not experienced any problems whatsoever with my 405's. The boot is sturdy and provides good support - mainly because of the enormous steel shank within.
All feet being different, I still dare to say you will be most pleased with the comfort and support the 405's offer. Try them on, walk in them and listen to your feet...

/SJ

How heavy are they compared to a typical pair of Doc Martens? If they weigh near the same, then I can get used to that easily. And they can't be as heavy as hiking boots, can they?

As for the sound of solid shoes on a solid wood or marble floor, I know exactly what you mean, cliffhanger!

A little lighter than heavy duty hiking boots, yes. Regards. Michaelson

You must choose to do this for yourself and disregard all things you hear, except for the part about being fitted by someone who knows feet and doesn't just sell shoes. This should almost always work.

This is the most important...They're your feet.

You know folks, the absolute worst case I can think of when buying these really fantastic boots (without question my footwear of choice before any others in the closet), is sending them back and getting another size. Even if you have to do it more than once, so what? It should not be that big a deal. I got mine right the first time, but I was also fitted as I described above. Now all my other shoes feel funny. And my body feels much better for them. As far as being more tired at the end of the day due to weight - if you're on your feet all day, you're going to be tired. It is our nature and biology. BUT, with these, I am less tired/achey than before I had them. And for walking (I am not a hiker; situations differ), again they are my first choice.

To buy or not to buy. By all means, buy. You may well wonder why you haven't been wearing orthopedic shoes all your life.

Cab

I agree with you, Cab, to a point. I will always post the weight consideration, as I've read and received in the past comments by folks who ordered, then returned these boots BECAUSE they were heavy, and nobody told them. Sure, they're heavy. They're also work boots with steel shanks. They're SUPPOSED to be heavy. Ok, now you've been told, and there will be no surprises. Cab, I've owned and worn mine several years now. They still tire me out, and I wore steel toed. ankle high safety shoes for 12 years when I worked at the uranium enrichment plant in Southern Ohio. They tired me out as much as my Aldens do, so fore warned is fore armed. If the weight consideration is not a problem, good deal. They're still the best (and for me, doctor prescribed) support for my feet that I can possibily find.
The sizing consideration is one that should be carefully thought out as well. Folks have dabbled in the 'I think I know my size' many times, and have been wrong. One member here swapped around sizes so many times without consulting a professional, that he finally CAUSED himself feet and ankle problems, and decided it wasn't worth all the pain he had put himself through. He does not own a pair now, and it's taken him almost a year to get his feet straightened out.
Bottom line, these are great shoes, but they're orthopedic shoes, made for your specific foot size and shape. That's why they have so many sizes and widths to choose from. Be sure you buy the right one, and based on a professionals say so.

Regards. Michaelson

I'm glad you opted for the 405's Bink; they are a great, comfortable boot in my experience.

The Aldens are uncomfotable during the break-in period, but trust me after several weeks of wear, one day you will slip them on and realise that they are the best boots you have ever owned. At least, that's what happened to me.

The steel shank provides excellent support and the insole of the shoe actually adapts to the individual shape of your foot after a while.

I personally have never had a problem with the weight of the boots, even after wearing them for 14-16 hours straight. I guess it's an individual thing, but to me, they are no different in weight to wearing a pair of Docs for instance.

Oh, and yes! I do love the sound they make on a hard floor, almost like the sound of a cricket ball when whacked out for a six!

Bink,

I drove 2 hours each way to be fitted if i got nothing else out of all the posts i read was to go and be fitted before you order. The 4 plus hours in the car was worth it. I saved a bundle on postage which covered any gas costs. I have very happy feet.

Michaelson wrote:I agree with you, Cab, to a point. I will always post the weight consideration, as I've read and received in the past comments by folks who ordered, then returned these boots BECAUSE they were heavy, and nobody told them. Sure, they're heavy. They're also work boots with steel shanks. They're SUPPOSED to be heavy. Ok, now you've been told, and there will be no surprises. Cab, I've owned and worn mine several years now. They still tire me out, and I wore steel toed. ankle high safety shoes for 12 years when I worked at the uranium enrichment plant in Southern Ohio. They tired me out as much as my Aldens do, so fore warned is fore armed. If the weight consideration is not a problem, good deal. They're still the best (and for me, doctor prescribed) support for my feet that I can possibily find.
The sizing consideration is one that should be carefully thought out as well. Folks have dabbled in the 'I think I know my size' many times, and have been wrong. One member here swapped around sizes so many times without consulting a professional, that he finally CAUSED himself feet and ankle problems, and decided it wasn't worth all the pain he had put himself through. He does not own a pair now, and it's taken him almost a year to get his feet straightened out.
Bottom line, these are great shoes, but they're orthopedic shoes, made for your specific foot size and shape. That's why they have so many sizes and widths to choose from. Be sure you buy the right one, and based on a professionals say so.

Regards. Michaelson

You agree on all points, not most of them. I, like you, am always right .

Actually, though, I didn't say they weren't heavy, I said biology (or maybe physiology would be more accurate) has as much to do with being tired at the end of the day as anything. And, that in my situation, the 405 improved the "fatigue factor" for me.

That's a tough situation about the "swapped around sizes" guy. I hadn't heard that. I guess that would be the worst I could think of buying these shoes.

Please get fitted. I drove 2-1/2 hours to do it (well, not specifically - I was already in the neighborhood, so to speak, but glad to kill the proverbial two birds), and it was so worth it.

That's right....never being wrong is difficult at best, but then that's wrong too, right? Ok, let's not think about THAT one to long. Unfortunately, in my case, it's got to be biological, as my particular problem has to do with 'nerve damage' from Morton's neuroma in both feet, so in my case, they run me down after a full days wear. But, I'm the exception to the rule in this case....an exception I'd rather not be! Regards. Michaelson

You guys have great input! And to touch on a number of things said above...

My near purchase of a pair of Aldens is indeed my choice. No one coherced me into it! I know that I need a good quality shoe for my feet anymore, and knowing that many were happy with their Aldens, I thought I would ask a couple of nit-picky questions so I could be as well informed as possible. I'm doin' my homework, folks!

Second, there is an orthopedic shoe store in Fort Wayne which can order the 405's for me. I had them measure my foot and tell me what size I would need to order. Better yet, if I order them through this store (which I will) and they don't fit, I don't have to pay to have them bring in a different size. Why pay for a complete new pair in a different size if you don't have to?

As for them being comparable in weight to Doc Martens, I asked because I currently wear Docs (probably not for long after the Aldens come in!). Thanks, ob1 for the cricket analogy, too. That made my day!

I also like that they seem to conform to the shape of your foot after a while. My Birkenstock sandals did the same, so this answers my question about not needing additional arch supports.

So all in all, I know what I'm getting into by purchasing the 405's, I just thought I'd get some additional feedback before taking the leap! And after I find out how wonderful they really are, it'll be easier to convince my wife when I need to get a new pair one day!

Thanks, gang!

bink

Thanks, ob1 for the cricket analogy, too. That made my day!

My pleasure. There's nothing quite like the sound of leather on Willow...except maybe Alden's on marble...

~THONK~

Hey Bink. I've ben wearing mine everyday to work for the last 2 weeks, going on 3 weeks. I'm a contractor/carpenter and I'm on my feet all day.
The Aldens are very comfortable now, and the break in period was very short. They take a bit to get used too, but it's because they are different than any other shoe you may have worn. After about 3-4 days of wear, they feel fantastic. Now, they are almost like wearing a pair of Doc martens, but with so much more support. I come home, and usually, the first thing is kick off my boots, so I can give my feet a rest.
Not the case with the Aldens. I usually leave them on until after supper, and then take them off before getting a shower.

If weight is an important issue for you, than you may want to think about this decision first. They're heavier than most shoes I've worn, but I got used to them real quick. The weight doesn't bother me at all.

If you do end up buying them, I have a feeling you will love them, because I was very skeptical about these boots, but I was completely blown away by the feel, and the quality of these boots.

Hope you make a decision that best suits you.
'Blues

P.S. I loves my Aldens

Thanks for the input, IndyBlues! The weight issue does not bother me and I have made the decision to buy a pair! I have some extra money coming my way shortly from selling a piece of musical gear I don't use anymore, so it's only a matter of time before I order them. When I do finally place the order, what has the average wait time been in the U.S.?

bink

I'm not in the US, but I ordered from Renners in Kansas City. Give Jeff at Renners a call and he could advise you re. wait times, or he may have your exact size in stock (he did mine). Great customer service there, I recall.

Be sure to specify the newer brown colour if that's what you want.

Can you specify which colour you want your Aldens in? What choices do I have? I thought they only came in one colour. Great, now how am I going to make up my mind?

bink

For a while, 405's were produced in a slightly more 'pumpkin' colour - subsequently, they have reverted to a more reddy chocolate brown (oft preferred on the forum - many Alden owners actually dyed the 'pumpkin' version to a browner colour!).

I specified the 'new' brown when I ordered to make sure, as outlets like Renners may still have some of the older 'pumpkin' pairs in stock.

Got it, thanks!

When not in stock, I have been told by the SF shop (and read here several times) 12 weeks. You know, I wonder if that's just kind of a disclaimer. Surely it wouldn't always be 12 weeks.

When I said you would have to choose for yourself, I just meant that this is such a subjective thing. But, save Michaelson's report of the fella that had a bad experience swapping sizes a number of times, I have never read of anything but happiness with these boots for those who are wearing them all the time. Myself included.

Enjoy.

Cab

binkmeisterRick wrote:And after I find out how wonderful they really are, it'll be easier to convince my wife when I need to get a new pair one day!

Thanks, gang!

bink

You know, if Mrs. Bink is anything like Mrs. C (don't know why she would be, but isn't that the cliche thing to say?), you should just get two pair now. That is to say, when mine came right at a year ago, she thought they were very, very nice. She's actually for me ordering another pair to keep for nicer wear. I haven't done it yet, though. While the ones I have are scuffed and such, they still clean up pretty nice. I think just the fact that they have been made the same for a long time (correct? - anyone?), and have that great, handsome, vintage look, they are just a stand alone, great shoe/boot. Classic, you know?

Again, enjoy.

Cab

binkmeisterRick wrote:I just want to have all my (bufflehead) ducks in a row before taking that big... step.

Now you're talking, Bink!

I have a pair of white bucks that I drag out once in a blue moon. I wore them to work today. Around 11 AM I called my wife and said, "bring me my Aldens!" They're the only shoes I own that are comfortable all the time. Even feel good in a shopping mall. Didn't somebody here post recently that they bought a new pair that was considerably lighter than they used to be?

I believe that was Indy James, who stated his latest pair, was considerably lighter than the older models. I believe mine are from the newer batch, because they were the brick red color. If you consider the newer models as heavy, I can't even imagine what the older ones must feel like.
No wonder Indy couldn't make that jump across the pit in Peru.

Cabinetman wrote:

You know, if Mrs. Bink is anything like Mrs. C...

Well, your wife is a female human, isn't she? Doesn't that count?

bink

I didn't realise there was a difference in weight between the older and newer 405's.

I wonder which materials they have 'lightened'?

binkmeisterRick wrote:Cabinetman wrote:

You know, if Mrs. Bink is anything like Mrs. C...

Well, your wife is a female human, isn't she? Doesn't that count?

bink

Indeed. Carry on.

Cab

ob1al wrote:I didn't realise there was a difference in weight between the older and newer 405's.

I wonder which materials they have 'lightened'?

I think they're referring to colour, not weight. Can you folks clarify?

Nah, I think they're talking about weight...and colour...

OK, this is getting mighty confusing!

Bink - buy the boots man - no blisters!

Don't worry, my friend, I'm planning to buy the boots regardless!

"What?! They're green now?"

I got my Alden's from Fedoraman today!
They fit in everyway the way a good pair of 405's is suppose to fit as described in the threads here on COW and I can only hope my feet will be happy with my decision to go with 11.5 E. I measured the width of my feet before going to the Classifieds and came to the conclusion that normal was to narrow, and the E would be perfect after updating myself on what the sizes were. I take 11.5 in Converse All Stars and that helped a lot for my decision aswell as Scandinavia Jones giving great advice after he received his pair, his also being a perfect fit of his size.
I haven't worn them a lot yet as I need to fix a minor leather damage before I take them out on adventure but I can easily say that I was surprized over how well they fit and how comfortable they really are. How soon will one feel discomfort in case they are the wrong size? Maybe it is worth checking with and orthopedist anyway...
Still, I feel rather confident that this is my Alden size after such thorough reading and measuring on the subject. This thread does worry me a bit though I really LOVE my new boots. I think Fedoraman and I must be feet twins. (I hope that doesn't meen anything 'off topic' in English)

Regards,
Swindiana

Well, folks, I finally did it. I went to my local orthopedic shoe store and ordered my Aldens! =D>

Even though I had them measure my foot before, I went ahead and asked the salesman to do it again, just to make certain that I'd get the correct size ordered. And he said if there was a problem with the shoe, I wouldn't have to pay for it and they'd reorder the correct size. It's a no-risk order! The customer service is exceptional and he told me that if the shoes aren't on back order, I could have them as early as the end of next week! Apparently, my shoe size is common enough that my chances are good, even though he reminded me that a back order could mean up to a 12 week wait.

Thanks, everybody, for your input and help. I also made sure to request the darker brown shoe, in case their Boston supplier had the older "pumpkins" still in stock.

As an interesting side note, when I walked in to place an order for Aldens, the salesman mentioned that Alden has discontinued some of their models. But rest assured, we're keeping the 405's popular -- they're still on the list!

bink

Congrats on your order, Bink.

Hey, if they ever decide to discontinue the 405's I'll have to bulk order as a panic buy - now THAT wouldn't be cheap...

Be sure to post some pics once they arrive!

Regards

Alan

If they ever discontinue them, Harrison Ford will probably buy them out! And post pics once they arrive? But of course.

bink

Hey binkmeisterRick, which Boston supplyer did you use. I've read theres one in Woburn. I to live in New England (NH) and have been toying with idea of getting my hands on a pair.
Croft
PS of course we can't wait for the pic's

Congratulations, Bink. I know how excited you must be. I hope the fit is superb. I knew that you were talking yourself into a pair and that the purchase was imminent.

Indiana Croft wrote:Hey binkmeisterRick, which Boston supplyer did you use. I've read theres one in Woburn. I to live in New England (NH) and have been toying with idea of getting my hands on a pair.
Croft
PS of course we can't wait for the pic's

Honestly, I don't know which supplier the shoe store uses. I was unaware that there were several in the area! I would recommend going to your local orthopaedic show store and asking if they carry or can order Aldens. If so, get your feet measured :!: :!: :!: and see how much they sell them for. If you can't try a pair on in person, I like the route of ordering them through a local store, because if they don't fit, you don't pay for them!

And Bufflehead, I was slowly talking myself into a pair of Aldens. I just wanted additional feedback so I knew I was making the right choice!

And on another cool sidenote, my local store ROCKS! They definitely get an A++ for customer service. After I ordered them and put a $30 deposit down on the shoe, they gave me a receipt with the remaining balance due and I went on my way. Later that day, I looked at the receipt and noticed the price of the shoes were more than I was originally quoted a month ago when I first went in.

I called the store back, kindly explained my dilema and hoped there was an obvious explanation ("Oh, the price of the shoe went up since then" or something). I was still more than prepared to pay for my purchase, but I wanted to be on the same page as the shop. When they did their research and got back to me, it turned out that someone had quoted me the wrong price. And then the salesman made my day: "We'll just give them to you for the price you were originally quoted. It's no skin off our back." I ended up saving 20 bucks on my Aldens! These guys are the best!

bink

Bink,

I don't think you can go wrong with that decision. I am going to get a pair for myself. I just want to get a couple of things with a shorter window of opportunity, first. It will not be hard for me to make my purchase, as we have an Aldens store here in DC. That obviously takes all the worries about fit out of the equation. I would feel the same way as when I ordered my Wested, wondering if I sent the right measurements, if I were in the shoes (pun intended) of people that don't live near an Aldens store or at least a store that will order them. When you are paying for something that is supposed to be a custom fit, you want it to be as perfecct as possible. I hope you enjoy your purchase. I hope to get mine soon.

Bufflehead, I know what you mean about getting other things first. I want to get a whip someday, but the Aldens had to come first. Besides, I still want to handle a couple of whips in person before buying one!

It is too bad that you didn't have more time to spend with MJ as he was passing through your neck of the woods. He had some real nice whips with him and I am sure he would have let you try some out. You should try to make one of the summits. People bring all sorts of gear and share things. It is a great chance to see things you may like and to try out things like whips. The first summit that I went to, I won a whip.