Giving $900 Alden Indy boots a chance (Unboxing)
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- Go to themorningdram.com/ to pick up some coffee for spirits drinkers, it makes a great holiday gift! Also check them out on Instagram here / themorningdram
BUY ALDEN INDY'S HERE:
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Videos Mentioned:
Alden Indy Boot Review (Cut In Half) - • Why the Indiana Jones ...
Cordovan Boot Cleaning Video (ASMR) - • [ASMR] Clean & Restore...
Aerosurferlv - • Stitchdown Patina Thun...
Trinity Handmade - • Stitchdown Patina Thun...
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:58 Backstory
8:13 The Boots
9:57 Unboxing
12:25 First Impressions
17:48 One Big Problem
25:46 Trying Them On
#alden #aldenindy #alden405 #indianajones
This is why I respect this man’s opinion. He USES his boots. I do t want to spend $500 plus on something that won’t hold up.
Exactly. I can buy "dressy" boots for half the price (or less) if I don't need the durability.
So wearing your boots in an urban environment isn’t using them?
Just different type of use.
Plumbers, construction workers, carpenters, electricians, painters, roofers, linemen, lumberjacks, mechanics....... nobody is wearing these in the trades.
Here come the Weston haters. Keep up the great work Weston. That cut/chunk in the insole is a deal breaker. I would return that boot if it were a $200.00 boot. This a $1,000.00 boot. Return asap.
It looks like ShoeMart tried to pull one over on him after looking at that torn up box
@@mach5jeep agreed. This is crazy for a $1,000.00 boot.
Yup. I'd return $50 boots from Walmart if they had that scar. That should never have passed qc checks on a boot that expensive. It's just unacceptable and speaks quite poorly of the brand.
Yeah. That’s blows. I’m sure the Indiana Jones bunch will jerk him for that but that’s inexcusable.
Absolutely. That box and then that NASTY GASH inside, make these a big fat nope.
Just rewatched the original video on Alden Indy boot, seems like a fair review.
Boots that cost almost 900 shouldn't have any flaws. No matter what brand or their legacy. For that price, they should be flawless. I own a pair of Alden Indy's, and I love them, but weston made an honest review.
i'd love if i could get the truebalance last in other boots/companies. it really is the perfect last, and i really will buy them just for that - but it would be nice to see what other companies could do with it.
Absolutely
I've been with you for quite a while, own several boots and shoes per your recomendations, including ND1s and soon ND2s. I also have wallets, mouse pads, etc. along with Toaster shirts. In other words, I'm a fan. I'm also retired and almost 70 years old. My bucket list includes shaking your hand and thanking you for keeping things real. Stay the course and like everyone on their journey watch the weather.
Best comment I've read in a while. Thank you and be well.
You have been truthful in all of your video's and reviews. Don't back down from saying if they are good boots or not. $900 boots should be worth it for the money. Alden is a big company and should know better it they are using cheaper materials in making their boots.
Bad news for Alden and The Shoe Mart when a heavily watched RUclipsr tries to give your company a second chance and you fall on your face by sending out gashed $900 boots. I’m embarrassed for them
Finishes are crooked and off, all the way through. It's a third grade pair. Should be gifted away. For 900 dollars, it's more than underwhelming. Horrible, in fact.
This is a very fair statement. These boots are factory seconds or thirds. Maybe they don’t want Rose Anvil cutting a perfectly good pair of boots in half just to make a video trashing the boots. Either way, I would send them back.
@@73split that's still cruel customer service, they're JADED THEN BRUV
@@73split shouldn’t mattee what he’s going to do to the boots. He paid for a pair of supposedly good boots. Not for factory seconds.
@@KimballPrecision he should have sent them back, but he didn’t . That’s on Him.
Issue w/ Alden isn't whether or not they make good boots/shoes and whether or not you're gonna like them, they do, and you will. Issue is the value you're getting for the price you're paying.
And the answer to that question is a huge no. Grant stone dunks all over Alden. Yeah it's made in China, but I thought US makers could roll with the best out there. I'm not about to reward Alden for mediocrity.
Alden fanboy here. That gash is total bs. Can’t believe they let that through.
+1 (the finishes look ghastly, all the way through)
I’m for you Weston. For 900 dollars those boots should be flawless!!!
Sadly they rarely are.
I feel like 99 bucks for the whole kit is a pretty good deal on the coffee and all the accessories. Also don’t back down Westin, your name and channel has been built on your honesty
The coffee sucks. I can literally tell looking at the grinding footage.
@@Robstrap how can you say that from grinding footage. It is conical bur handgrinder and we dont know are they ceramic or what type of metal. Coffee is medium roast. Non of that say anything. Also aged coffee grinds different than regular one. Usually it comes from half washed or sun dried sumatra. I really dont see how to say itis shit from it
The quality on these, the finishes on the outsole and the hole in the lining - I mean, come on. He's being way too kind to them in this video. I'm sorry if I step on any toes, but I agree. Keep it honest and don't f*ck around with being taken aback by Alden enthusiasts who have no objective view. I was a big Alden fan before this, not so much anymore. Cute models/lasts, complete trash quality and finishing. Ugh.
@@Robstrap 🤓🤓🤓
@@brunonjezic6208 🤓🤓🤓
Btw, I'm on Reddit and I wholeheartedly support your opinion on Alden boots. They're about 300 dollars over priced for what they are
I agree with you, except I'd argue they are about 600 dollars over-priced. That's my swiftly calculated number comparing the finishes and quality to other companies.
I've got two pairs that I bought that were basically only tried on. The guy who sold them to me is a really good dude and didn't charge me the 'alden tax'. They're a pair of chukkas on the barrie and indy's on barrie, both in shell 8 and I paid $500 for each pair. They are worth more than that but they aren't worth $200 more than trunk show allen edmonds. The right spot for these is about where Carmina is.
@@claytonberg721 And Carmina is much better quality than Alden as well.
Well, now you have sold me - on ordering a pair of Grant Stone Edward Boots in Shell Cordovan at $695...
Good choice. You get a better boot and have $200 left over.
As a fellow leather-head, I can't get enough of these brand name boot dissection videos! I hope Weston does Goruck boots next! (MACV-1 boots: suede or black leather)
I've never seen you ramble so much through a presentation. Continue to be honest with your reviews. I respect that.
A cordovan fever dream…
I love your attitude in this video and dedication to figuring what the truth is by direct experience.
I have had those same boots in cigar cordovan since 2013. Rebuilt once by Alden and still going strong.
We like your channel because of your honest reviews. If you think the indys are overpriced is fine is your honest opinion. Sometimes we buy and "love"something, but love is not rational and hurts when somebody review the things we love from a more rational perspective
There’s no doubt that these boots are absolutely brilliant to look at, but I cannot justify the price for something that’s basically made the same as a boot half the price. I want to love them but I can’t get past the price point. And the QC issues are inexcusable
Half of what you pay went to building the real Temple of Doom, I guess
Shell Cordovan is pricey
I'm cool with a grand. What color is the F150 they come with ?
I would return those, that flaw on the inside is unacceptable.
yeah totally. they're obviously trying their luck to fob it off on the customer to see if they'd just suck it up. not a fan of that kind of business practice.
These will be cut, no need to return, the point of the video is to show how you get your 900 boot.
@@aptrendz1815 He’s wearing them, and he still spent the money.
@@johnfreitas8474 there’s a sponsor. Cheers mate.
@@alui5362 yep totally, I once sucked it up cos of the time and return policy. Not a fan!
Great video! I started viewing your content since day-1 and love just how much your content has matured. Your style and needs are drastically different from mine because I’m one of those city folks who has not worked in manual skilled labor since I was a teen. Yet, I have always appreciated your take on value of leather boots that informed my own journey into developing my own business casual wardrobe (I work in an academic setting). Thanks to you and Stridewise I have purchased my own pair of Iron Ranger, White’s MP Sherman, Alden-405, and Allen Edmonds Fifth street boots. All except for my IR continue to serve their purpose.
I bought a pair of Grant Stone Ottawa boots in honey shell cordovan. Very similar to the Alden Indy in look except for the split toe in the front.. About 600 USD. This is one of the best fitting, most beautiful, comfortable boots I have had right out of the box. I think it would be a good comparison to rate the $900 Alden Indy Shell Cordovan boot you have against the Grant Stone Ottawa in Shell Cordovan.
Yeah…this crushed me as much as learning that Thursday doesn’t make a true cap toe. But at least they’re priced accordingly.
No one should be using thursdays to the point that they wear through the toe before they’ve already achieved multiple resoled. They’re a casual/dress brand.
@@colesisler582 Disagree. Even a casual dress brand should be of quality construction and capable of taking a beating. Certainly, most casual dress brands of proper construction are. Allen Edmonds and Alden are perfect examples. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Thursday and have two of their boots. But I refuse to wear their cap toes because I find them to be the only dishonest thing about their company. They are compromising the toe box by making an unnecessary cut in a high flex area. It wouldn’t cost the consumer much more for a real cap toe. And we all know that Thursday would charge an honest price for them. At least have the option for a true cap toe.
@@bradlarrison191 to be fair, even John Lofgren cap toe boots are not made with a real double leather cap toe. I believe it’s to maintain the “look,” these are casual boots and if they had double leather toes then it would look bulbous and more like a true work boot.
Maybe idk
@@bravobear1844 I don’t think that’s true. However, I havnt looked into it myself. But I have a very difficult time believing that a world renowned boot maker famous for durable footwear that lasts forever would put a fake toe cap on his boots. If you don’t mind, could you tell me where you heard this so I can see it with my own doubtful eyes. It would crush me. Also, here’s the issues with fake toe caps: they eventually dip where the vamp meets the toe cap. Fake toe caps actually make the boot weaker than if there were no toe cap at all. Either way, thanks for sharing.
@@bradlarrison191 Many high-end and bespoke brands use fake toe caps for aesthetic reasons, if you don't like fake caps go for PNW boots.
It takes a strong man to stick to his guns, but a stronger man to say “hey, maybe I was wrong, let’s give this a chance”.
Whatever the outcome of this video, you did good, and this is exactly why I so frequently recommend your channels to people
That gash on the lining goes a long way to proving he was right about Alden.
Great video. I appreciate the work. You’ve inspired me to pick up leather working as a hobby and potentially a side gig
Your channel is one of a kind and it rocks . Companies of the past may dislike seeing you arive into you tube , it's like when there was no internet and companies were able to get away with lies about there product . Great job and I enjoy all of your videos and I made purchases and changed my mind on others because of your info.
Great Video. It's so nice to see you wear your boots. That's what they are made for. But for $900 you expect near perfect.
I watched the first Indy boot video when you first put it out, and I was also a bit disappointed to see how they were made. I bought my Alden 405s 7 years ago. I think I paid around $375.00 for them at the time, and that was by FAR the most I had ever paid for footwear. I just assumed that they were impeccably put together because of the pedigree and reputation. So, yes, I was disappointed when I saw your excellent video, BUT that doesn't change the fact that they're still going strong after 7 years (I've replaced the heels once), they fit like a glove, and are some of the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. It doesn't personally offend me to find out that a pair of boots that have given me tons of satisfaction over many years of use aren't as well-built as I had imagined. It doesn't take away any of the utility I've gotten from them. My self-esteem isn't wrapped up in my boots. Your videos are an amazing source of information. What people choose to do with that information is up to them, but I hope everyone can just calm down a little bit. Thanks for all you do!
I laughed at the Alden box falling apart. I had to use hot glue to put my box for my 405C’s back together as the glue had failed on the box when I received it in mail. Alden shoe boxes need some work…
That's putting in very nicely. It's poor quality, through and through. Alden needs to get a grip. Disappointment of a company. How do you manage to drive such a well-functioning shoe company into the ground like this? Stupidity is baffling. I'd fire the entire management had I been a majority share-holder. Competition is fierce. It's no joke out here.
Cutting corners in ANY POSSIBLE WAY they can :|
You would think $900 Cordovan boots would come in a nicer box
@@wisdomseekertv It's a private company. There's no shareholders.
i will say the indy’s in cordovan are gorgeous. the $900 price tag is shocking tho
Or a big discount
Grant Stone (assembled in China) has Horween Shell Cordovan boots for $695, so $900 with the "Alden tax" isn't out of line IMO.
Shocking is the right word. The finishes are horrible, quality is horrible. Daunting, really. 1000 dollars for a shoe that looks like this. And it's half fiber-board. Ugh.
@@milkbaby99 the GS boots are built much better. I have both. There really isn’t much of a comparison.
@@milkbaby99 gs for this price is not horween shell. It means a lot. Especially rocado shell, that I would pass for any price.
Thanks to the Morning Dram for sponsoring such great content! 😉
Really enjoying the rose anvil 2 channel. I like the longer, more in depth style.
I'd love to see you review some Meermin boots. Meermin is a Spanish owned company with relations to Carmina in Mallorca, but most of their shoes and boots are made in China and finished in Spain. Most of their leathers come from tanneries in Italy, France, and Germany and they also have a shell cordovan line starting at $350. Their boot styles are all pretty classic in style ranging from chelseas to balmorals, chukkas to service boots, and many more. I'd LOVE to see how a $350 Chinese made Spanish finished boot compares to American made boots that are double the price.
I value Weston's HONEST and PROFESSIONAL opinion. Weston values our hard earned money.
Get well soon!!
I watched the first Alden Indy video … I still ordered a pair. Mine cost approximately $640. I waited 6 months for them to be made. I’ve had them for a couple of months now. I love them. To me, they are worth every penny. Why? I was inspired by the Indiana Jones character as played by Harrison Ford as a kid. Today, I am happy to have lived a life of unique adventures. The Alden Indy’s are very comfortable, look great and I get to tell people I care about stories about them. Nice video. Semper Fidelis, Raphael a former Lieutenant Colonel of Marines. A Marine, but just Raphael now :)
This is not fake stitch (actually, it is). Alden calls it "prestitched" welt. Like stitched with nothing.
It's a fake stitch. Yes. Boot would look better without it. It's subjective though. That stitch has no structural value.
your videos have guided my boot purchases. I love my thorogoods but they had a plastic fabric toe cap under the leather and above the canvas. after about 4 months I ripped out the canvas and a few weeks later cut the plastic up the center and ripped out the plastic piece. it came out in a few larg chunks and 100s of tiny little pieces. it was tough enough i had to turn the boot around my hand to get the pieces wrapped around the pliers to get them ripped out. I couldn't pull hard enough to get any where. they have been saving my feet everyday since i started a on concrete all day job.
Great review, Weston! I'm on your side, and then some... for $900, and to have manufacturing defects, and a beaten up box, I would be on the WARPATH! I've not been an Alden fan anyway, and I'll never buy a pair.
Exactly!
Wesley, for $1000,
I
Would
Return
Those
Boots.
It’s for cutting
I’ve always skipped the top eye/hook on my Alden’s, because they’re more comfortable that way. The multilayered sole construction at the toe is probably going to split, so keep an eye on that.
I found the first video extremely fair and informative. It confirmed the impression I already had. I’m actually Less likely to buy Alden than I was before.
You were not wrong about the Indy boots. Facts are facts, they’re not made with the quality of materials as many other boots that cost way less. But they’re still one of the most iconic boots and any serious boot collection is likely to have a pair. I love the Indys, but that doesn’t change the facts.
Hey Weston, firstly I love this dive into various dress shoes and things regardless of whether you like the shoe or not.
I know you're super busy, I just wanted to ask if you had any recommendations for resole-able motorcycle boots with um, like D3O or other armors in them? When I do a Google I see Umberto Luce and Stylmartin have Goodyear welted armored boots, but uh... I'd love to see you cut some open and discuss the features, but Yeah, video ideas for the loooong list you have I bet.
This channel is gold
I hope you get well fast but appreciate your releasing a great video despite illness.
Sick Weston is grumpy in the same way as a tired me after the fourth beer. Weirdly (and possibly sadistically) amusing! :'D
But like I said, I hope for a speedy recovery!
You're grumpy after four beers? What a horrible guest to have at a dinner or party. I don't think alcohol is the right sort of beverage if you get grumpy after four drinks. I don't know you and I'd hate for you to be offended, just wanted to keep it truthful in the comment section. Since the topic is "being honest".
Alden has been exposed, better step up your game Alden!!
Sincerely, a would’ve-been-customer
Not sure the specific criticisms levelled after the initial Indy review but I suppose ultimately people don’t like feeling like they’ve been hoodwinked or taken for a fool, which is precisely what these cut in half reviews speak to - are brands just taking consumers for a ride in terms of construction quality. As someone who isn’t a leather worker, I’ve found the Rose Anvil videos very helpful in understanding shoes/boots from a craft perspective.
It’s understandable to be miffed and try to rationalise. It’s human. Just as the Common Projects turned out to be less than the quality it claims, I’m sure customers who bought it under that understanding might feel a bit taken aback. But it doesn’t need to taken to mean that we’re stupid for having believed. Most of us go about life the best we can, it’s just not possible or feasible to know absolutely everything before we take action. Learning along the way about options that are perhaps better can be seen as an opportunity, in the case of consumer goods like boots/shoes, to perhaps make a purchase that better fits what we want. It doesn’t need to be disparaging of our past selves and decisions we made.
If there’s any shame, it’d be on brands who wilfully operate in less than honest ways to face the consequence that consumers may find out and be dissuaded from continuing to be customers
It's ok to say it. the Alden's suck for the price. People are just upset because they got hosed and don't like the feeling.
I’m not upset. I love my two pairs of Alden’s. Though it’s clear from the QC issues on both of my pairs and what Weston found cutting them up, that they are not made to the price they charge. I won’t buy another but I’ll enjoy my two pairs.
People are not pissed because they got hosed by buying Alden Indy boots, they got pissed because of jackoffs who judge a boot based on a criteria the boots were never designed to meet and then declaring the boots overpriced based on that same criteria without taking into account the criteria the boots were actually designed to meet. Only a fool would do that and only a bigger fool would listen to him. Alden Indy Boots are the comfort king. If you want a boot designed for lumberjacks then buy PNW style boots. If you want a damn comfortable boot you can wear all day and then polish up and wear them out to dinner with your lady then Alden Indy Boots are the way to go.
@@73split Admit it scooter, you’re mad as hell you paid so much for sub par materials and now you can’t comment enough. HA!!! 😂
@@73split Gentlemen, I give you exhibit A.
@@mgetts6506 I’m 57 years old with feet that are permanently deformed from wearing steel toe Red Wing boots my whole adult life for work. I bought 2 pair of Alden Indy boots on eBay for half the price, one pair are the exact boots in this video but in black and the other pair are black chromexcel. I was so impressed with the boots that I have two more pair on order at full price. Why are they on order? Because the factory can’t seem to keep up with demand! I also have a pair of Wesco high liner boots I purchased on eBay for 1/3 their original purchase price, the owner put them up for bid and I was the highest bidder. There is no comparison. The Alden Indy boot is the comfort king, the wesco boots are overbuilt tanks that will literally damage your feet during the break in process. The only thing PNW boots are good for is PNW work. If you are a lumberjack or fight forest fires you better buy PNW style boots, outside that environment they are worthless overbuilt tanks that just sit in the closet. So frankly buddy your childish assumptions about who buys Alden Indy Boots and why are exactly that, childish. And if you are buying PNW boots to wear to the office you are a fool. By the way, PNW style boots are a horrible choice for my job. Those thick leather soles would be soaked with chemicals real quick which in turn would leach into your skin. But that’s something office workers have no idea about.
I hope you feel better soon. Im very curious to see how they look after getting worn in.
I love my older (all leather) pair. A shame Alden has had (I’m being generous) to cut corners.
Yeah, they're cutting corners all right. That's a kind way of saying it. Alden's lost their grip on reality. Company is a complete mess. I would recommend for people to look at European shoe-makers. Both RTW and Bespoke. Like RTW John Lobb, Edward Green etc. if you've got around 1000 dollars to spend. You'll "see the difference" in finishing and quality, to put it kindly. It just doesn't compare.
You wouldn’t have ever known or cared if he didn’t cut one in half
@@wisdomseekertv so boots that are considered mid-grade at best are overpriced garbage but if you spend $400 more you get real quality according to you. And this makes sense to you?
Do a Trickers Stow boot review! Would love to see one cut in half.
Hope you feel better soon! You should get them exchanged!
I still love that you gave me a look inside my favorite pair of boots. They're overpriced and agree with what Dale said in his response video to you. The Indys are really a $400-$500 boot even with the materials it's using. The boots as is are still a better value to me compared to Wolverine selling the 1000 Mile with the same insole materials as Thursday at twice the price.
They're objectively overpriced but there's also nothing quite like them.
@@robformica5394 They are overpriced, but I still love that I can go 12hrs in them and not have sore feet at the end of the day.
thank U for the info. Feel better soon.
I think theres an argument to the very controversial fiberboard material, and other materials, and that is its weight. Its simply less heavy. What do you think?
Thanks again, Keep up the good work.
i own the exact same boot, and bought them after owing my 403's because I wanted to own the "best" version of an indy boot
Weston you’re awesome! Not your fault Alden’s aren’t a value! I can’t believe that gash!!!
my dream boots. Already have IR's and 1000 Mile but this is next level on my list
I don’t wear them as much as I used to, but I have the 405s, Indy boots in #8, cigar, and whiskey shell. All of mine are from around the 2005-2010 timeframe. The newer cordovan ones like yours have a hand stitched moc toe instead of the machine stitched toe. I don’t know what happened to yours, but the quality control on them is not up to what I would expect. I’ve really worn my #8s everywhere and have had them resoled by Alden 2-3 times over the years (I think they even replaced the welt). Despite having a lot of other boots, I think they’re still my favorite ones.
I have a pair of cordovan Aldens and a couple of the speed hooks are loose and can spin around. That should not happen to this expensive of a pair of boots. It was my first and last pair of Aldens. Things like that shouldn't happen at this price point. I have over a dozen other pairs of boots and haven't experienced that in any of them. They look good, but there are so many other options.
Also, your compromised lining should not pass QC. That is pathetic.
@8 min in and "greasy gooey chocolate" on the box...already off to a 💩 start lol
The split leather insole is BETTER. Less likely to split, less slippery, more absorbent. Alden quality control is ridiculous though. The seconds are actually more reliable.
I've got a few pairs of Alden dress shoes. A couple years ago, I had an issue with a pair (the welt stitch failed) and and sent them back to Alden. They completely refurbished the shoes; new insole, new laces, new everything... they were effectively brand-new shoes. I really like your videos, but I also really like good, old-school customer service.
Expect nothing less for those prices.
Your a famous man now in a good way!
Please do the Red Wing 2440, Wes! You say you're a fan of work boots so please give these a try. I know they aren't MITUSA but they are such a cool hybrid and extremely comfortable. I love the Cocoa Puff Milk Vibram soles and waxed nubuck leather. I feel like there's something more to them and I know you'll love them.
Im currently wearing the same Tom Sachs right now! Watching your video in Panera 😅
Keep up the good work! The cult followers of Alden in Reddit sub Reddit good year welt were really out of whacked! Kudos to you!
Still waiting one day to see a viberg cut in half then we can truly see what kind of value we get for $700
Maybe take a look at Corcoran jump boots. Munson lasted made in USA. An affordable boot that used to be a combat boot and the 1511 style is the new paratrooper service uniform boot
As a squid, I always wanted these, but they were not shipboard friendly.... Now as a civilian, I love mine!
What’s going to be interesting is when Alden pulls a Converse Chuck 70s- do a version made up to the old standard and then upcharge an extra $200.
Nonsense. If Alden were like that, they would've pulled a Converse and moved manufacturing to China when everyone else went there. They didn't.
What's the incredibly high priced whistling noise in the background?
I dont know if you realize the effect on the boot industry you are having on the whole boots industry. These cutting open videos are gaining in popularity like wildfire. I honestly dont know if i would ever feel comfortable buying another pair of boots without seeing the insides.
I also wonder if it's possible to xray them? Modern Xrays even have different colors for different materials. If it were possible to scan them without cutting you could scan a bunch of high end boots and just return them to the store without damaging them. You would be able to see every nail, stich and detail. It would be super cool. Just a thought. (If you do it hook me up with a pair of your custom Nicks haha :) ) Best of luck!
Love your channel, the way you tell it like you see it. Everyone has a favorite pair of shoes or brand they always wear.
When you contradict someone's tried and true belief, of course they will be defensive. I have been watching your channel for a couple month's now, mainly because I am in the market to buy my first pair of true leather boots. I've had Merrell and Lowa's, mainly because they are so comfortable out of the box, but never even considered what was inside til now. Thank you for what you do and please don't let fanboys dictate any of your opinions. Also if at all possible, can you have a video dedicated to Russel moccasins, the company in Wisconsin. Trying to find opinions on their footwear isn't easy. I'm leaning toward the Uplander 7", beautiful boot, but any opinion you have toward the way the company makes their products would be extremely appreciated.
Man, you was absolutely right about the indy boot. They are simply not worth it. We have to thank you for your honesty. Stop apologizing!
First off, I highly appreciate your way of commenting and being honest and sincere. Regarding Alden... I own a pair of Indies, which I love and at the same time I agree with all the negative you have mentioned about them. It eventually comes down to being VERY comfortable! The price tag, even more so in Europe, where the Indies have gone from 650 to 850€, is inappropriate IMHO. So I love my Indies, but I would not buy a new pair at that price tag anymore. I then have a pair of 975 that I love and have nothing to complain about. Last, a pair of Wing Tip Cordovan boot, that I enjoy a lot, but where the price tag is again a bit off given some minor flaws.
(btw, supination ;-) )
Glad you gave them another try, good on you! Sick and all!
It's kinda amazing anvil doesn't have any videos on Allen Edmonds. I get the dress shoe thing but the Higgins Mill boots seem pretty popular with a good heritage to. Next on the list?
Cant wait to see your thunderdome result. I personally owning a bunch of aldens and could get your questions answered: 1. the shoemart is not owned by alden. They simply having a long relationship with them, and they are the only retailer that getting alden factory seconds in batches (other shops only have seconds in very rare circumstances). 2. about the beaten up box. Alden in recent 2 years having problems gluing their boxes. Having no idea why but have experienced and seen several times people complaining it.
What were the model names of the two Nike sneakers that Weston had in this video?
I did wonder when I saw you upload them to the thunderdome app
I have had really good luck with Georgia amp LT wedge.
I don't walk enough to justify even $300 on a pair of boots, let alone $900. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously. lol
Hey rose here in Germany we heva the shoe brand Heinrich dinkelacker which is known for the last manufacturer which make the Norwegian stormwelt with hand.
Never had any QC issues with my Alden’s (I have half a dozen pair of shoes and boots), but it is disappointing to see the gash although it would not bother me.
As far as a work boot, they are excellent if you work in houses (finish carpentry, service electrical etc.). In fact, the Indy are my most comfortable boots. I can also comfortably drive in them which with nicks gets annoying pushing the clutch. They also hold up fine for yard work. So far they have been wearing like iron and my blucher shoes are my go to for suits and the soles last much much longer than comparable (if there is such a thing anymore) brands.
I really wanna get a Moctober shirt like yours where can I get it?
Value is a very personal thing. I own a nine hundred dollar fly rod that I’m afraid to use because they no longer make it….but the rod brings me huge joy because it is just a beautiful thing. If you love your Alden boots then they are a great value to you. It’s really that simple.
Also I just checked out those grease point pants. I try to buy Roundhouse when I can cause they're made in America but they are way more affordable. I do liked their striped denim, but I can't justify spending $350 a pair. And Roundhouse I'm pretty makes that look. I like that old-school litteral blue collar look at work so I do wear a lot of buttoned, collared shirts on the job, even like to get my own safety glasses with the older frames and side shields. Just cause most people show up in a long sleeve tee and hoodie, whole I also have plenty of. I just really like that throwback look must hipsters in Wicker Park are wearing but on the actual jobsite
Do they feel overly heavy to you?
Weston,,,,, I love the style of the indie,,,,, is there an alternative boots that are less expensive but better quality,,,,, For less money and similar style….
I don't have any Alden shoes, but I'm happy with the Parkhurst Niagara boots that seem very similar; my Niagaras were mistaken for Indys. I was looking at Aldens until I saw your video and compared build quality with the Parkhurst, and it seems (to me at least) that the Parkhursts check the boxes that the Aldens did not. Might be worth a shot if you haven't seen them. The only thing I don't like is that Parkhursts are made in Spain now instead of Western NY.
I gotta ask Wes, what ever happened to your $2000 Vibergs? Did you wear them or what bro?! Those Alden’s look amazing!!! I’m trying to get myself to spend the cash for a pair of boots in cordovan! I have a pair of longwing wing tips, but they don’t see much wear since I became a boot nut!!! Great content all the same!!!! Kudos brother!!! You may have convinced me to try them
What do you expect for a grand?
I think i will be happy with a Redwing.
Thats ridiculous. The QC department should have been on top of that and marked it as a second or put in a scratch and dent section. RETURN!
You do not have a blind spot for thinking Indys should perform well in rugged terrain; Alden has gone out of their way to promote and even NAME them based on their appearance in a series that helped invent the modern adventure film, and those are reasonable expectations to have of them (and it seems likely they used to be built to withstand those situations). I'm glad you got a pair that suits your needs better, should fit properly, and is just downright beautiful, and hopefully they live up to their price despite the gash.
That’s about the dumbest comment I have ever read. Harrison Ford wore these boots to make the movies, you don’t really think they are designed to be adventure boots do you? You do realize Indiana Jones is a fictional character don’t you. You do realize movies aren’t real life don’t you? How about you find out why Harrison Ford mandated he wear the Alden 405 when making these movies instead of the boots the costume designer wanted him to wear. Maybe then you will realize why it’s called the Indy Boot and why it’s so special, it sure isn’t because it’s an adventure boot built to wear into battle with Nazis. Jesus dude, get a reality check.
lolol this made my day! i don't think it's possible for a comment to be more needlessly aggro
@@caleblatreille8224 probably. But damn?????
Wait how many of these people cut their boots in half before deciding you are wrong?
Just a little extra information, what I have heard about Alden shoes. The primary problem with split leather insoles, that they are prone to streching and deforming over time. To fix this problem, Alden glues a piece of thick canvas on the back of them, to keep their shape much better. (Which is not visible on if you cut them half, but it should be there. If you check it and it is absolutely not there, well, they have really fucked up.) This also gives an extra layer on top of the gemming, which makes the welt stiches a extra strenght. This works pretty well for every type of construction, I use this for my handwelted shoes and I don't have to worry about special knots or adding an extra string to the toe area, it reinforces everything pretty well.
It looks that Alden has not the thin T-shape gemming rib, but whole the sole gemming sole part with formed T shape on the edges. Like it's one part, not the two ones.
My Alden’s had short shoe laces too
Can you do a review on John lobb please? it knew as the ,best goodyear welt shoe
This is totally weird. I have a pair of shell Alden Color 8 shell Indys (commando sole) still in the unopened box behind my sofa as I write this. They arrived this past Wednesday. It's the second pair of this boot that I've had from them. The first pair, ordered in the fall of 2021, arrived in Oct 2021 and then broke on the first day ... the speedhooks popped out. Sent them right back to Alden. Figuring I just had an oddball defect (Alden judged them defective and said they'd replace them) I ordered a different pair of the classic cork-rubber soled indys in that med-brown just to bang around the shop, yard and trailwalking from time to time. Got those, and they were defective according to the retailer's pre-ship inspection, and they offered them to me for 65% off. I accepted and sent them off to Bedo's leatherwork to have the soles properly attached to the upper at the heel. They came back looking good and I wear them happily. I wanted a pair in black, and got those and that was the first pair of non-defective Indys out of three. Alden took A YEAR to manufacture another pair of shell Indys for me. Part of me wants to put them on and wear them, but part of me doesn't want to even open the box because they only have a 33% chance of not being defective based on my experience. I'm glad you're taking the hit, Wes. In my personal opinion, based on my first-person experience, Alden is a venerable old company that has lost the ability to make a basic, serviceable product. They need to preserve their reputation and shut down. Let someone resurrect the brand when they're able to make an actual boot that is aligned with their reputation.
I appreciated the details you provided. Why on earth are you still ordering anything from this manufacturer given your experience? Be well either way.
Long time to produce shell - it's not the Alden problem, but supply/demand, economy recession and other smart words. You can't buy shell hide instantly and produce Aldens for regular price. They should wait their next bulk order from horween, where all the pieces already "sold" as a models in different Alden retailers and MTO 's.
So, if you ready to pay twice, I think, Alden will produce what you need in a month.
@@nyquil762 What an excellent question! Yeah, I'll admit, it's a bit of a paradox, isn't it? Wes touched on it briefly in the try-on section. The fit is really good, and the styling is excellent! Indys have a great look. The only thing that comes close is the Parkhurst moc-toe, that I've seen. Grant Stone brass boot comes close, but comes with a more fulsome and rounded toe-shape and they're heavier. I still think that Alden has a fairly high standard for materials. I am wearing the new Indys today, actually, and the shell is marvelous - better than both my Whites an Vibergs. Sizing Indys for me is somewhat of a mixed bag - my black Chromexcel pair is sized to my Whites/RedWing/Nicks size (9.5) - half-size down from my sneaker size. My brown Chromexcels (and these shells on my feet) are both 10s, but I wear both of these with thicker wool socks and heel+arch orthotics. The Indy last accommodates this beautifully. So, the things that make a difference (and a positive buying choice) are all the attributes that come AFTER (forgive the caps - I can't access italics here) receiving serviceable, well-constructed shoes. At the present rate, fifty percent of all Aldens are shipped with defects. I have to thank my retailer (Alden Madison) for doing a great job with pre-checking my boots and facilitating the returns & condition issues. Those folks are awesome to work with, and a huge part of product satisfaction for ostensibly luxury goods is tied to the retail partnership. Long story short, I have these 3 pairs of Aldens because of all the value attributes that are present AFTER I got a serviceable pair of well-constructed boots. My critical opinion on Alden will become moot once they can demonstrate again and again, 95% of the time, that they can produce a serviceable, well-constructed product. They used to be able to do that! They had, and have now squandered, that reputation imho. They are a bit too far from the mark of late, and for the cost of the goods they make, that's a serious problem. When they do the shoe their reputation says they can make, they're great. When they slap their Ferrari badge on a Yugo they harm themselves, sad to say. Hope it helps and thanks for pointing out the apparent contrast between my opinion and my behavior - you were correct to do that. Cheers.
@@randynovick7972 Thank you for the detailed response and it makes sense. Be well.
@@user-hv1lk9zd3j Yeah, and Alden is very picky, as I understand, in what shell they will accept. The shell used in my maduro vibergs has variation in shade that I know Alden would never accept. My beef is not about materials - it's about the out-of-the-box construction and serviceability of the shoe. The new pair (wearing today) looks and feels great. We'll see how they hold up over the winter.
Alden combines widths to improve fit and comfort. The close up of the size on the previous boots (17:49) says B/D which means the heel is B and the toe is D. The new ones are probably a C/D for a right heel and roomy toe box.
No the C width version would be a B/C instead of a B/D. They will keep the heel a B, as that is the whole point of the trubalance last. To lock the heel in.
Standard lines should be b/d , c/e (wider), a/c (narrower)