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Alden Indy 403 Chromexcel - supposed to scratch this easily??

post #1 of 17
2/15/11 at 11:50pm
Thread Starter 
I just got some Indy 403s (Chromexcel) and notice that I can literally scratch the finish off with just my fingernail. Is the finish supposed to be this fragile?? If so, when I start wearing them, won't they starting looking sorta beat up right away? Anyone got any pics of some 403s that have been worn a lot?
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post #2 of 17
2/16/11 at 12:00am
I think that's kind of the look that most people go for. Chromexcel is packed full of oils- you're just shifting them around. You can rub the oils with your finger to make any "scratches" go away. The leather itself is very resilient.
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post #3 of 17
2/16/11 at 12:02am
That's normal. They're boots... wear them and enjoy them

You can always get them shined or apply a leather dressing like Montana-Pitch Blend. Search through the Alden thread (supported by Leather Soul) and check out some of the shoe care posts at blog.leffot.com.
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post #4 of 17
2/16/11 at 12:05am
Thread Starter 
I guess that's true with the light fingernail scratch as I was able to sorta buff that out although I can still see it a little. But I also notice little nicks where the actual finish is totally gone. Seems like the finish is really fragile even if the leather itself is durable. I guess it will look all scratched up in due time and this is pretty normal for these?
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post #5 of 17
2/16/11 at 12:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mediahound View Post
I guess that's true with the light fingernail scratch as I was able to sorta buff that out although I can still see it a little.

But I also notice little nicks where the actual finish is totally gone. Seems like the finish is really fragile even if the leather itself is durable. I guess it will look all scratched up in due time and this is pretty normal for these?

For sure. If you're still concerned post a picture of the scratch(es) in the Alden thread for more feedback.
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post #6 of 17
2/16/11 at 12:17am
Thread Starter 
Thanks. I think probably I'm seeing where the top lace lugs which are sorta sharp, may have contacted the other shoe during transport. I also notice that I can indent this leather by pressing in with my fingernail (on the heel or toe for example) and the indentation does not seem to bounce back, kinda like putty. Normal?
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post #7 of 17
2/16/11 at 1:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mediahound View Post
I just got some Indy 403s (Chromexcel) and notice that I can literally scratch the finish off with just my fingernail. Is the finish supposed to be this fragile??

If so, when I start wearing them, won't they starting looking sorta beat up right away?

Anyone got any pics of some 403s that have been worn a lot?

same goes for me... have to enjoy them... in due time.. it'll have it's own character...
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post #8 of 17
2/16/11 at 1:19am
Thread Starter 
True. I'm not obsessing over it. I plan to wear them a lot and just sorta forget about the finish on them for a while.

I was just wondering if I got normal ones or defects or something.


Quote:
Originally Posted by coldnyt1 View Post
same goes for me... have to enjoy them... in due time.. it'll have it's own character...
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post #9 of 17
2/16/11 at 3:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mediahound View Post
I also notice that I can indent this leather by pressing in with my fingernail (on the heel or toe for example) and the indentation does not seem to bounce back, kinda like putty.

Normal?

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post #10 of 17
2/16/11 at 4:24am
defect, return
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post #11 of 17
2/16/11 at 5:02am
Normal
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post #12 of 17
2/16/11 at 10:21am
It's normal, but I have found the finish of my 403s to be exceptionally disappointing in the two months I've owned them. The leather looks shagged, and not in a nice "patina-ed" way. I love my Alden dress shoes, but I would not buy 403s again.
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post #13 of 17
2/16/11 at 11:15am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigbjorn View Post
It's normal, but I have found the finish of my 403s to be exceptionally disappointing in the two months I've owned them. The leather looks shagged, and not in a nice "patina-ed" way. I love my Alden dress shoes, but I would not buy 403s again.

Got a pic? From what I read people seem to love the way it wears.
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post #14 of 17
2/16/11 at 2:08pm
I'll take a pic tomorrow and post. I'm wearing the Grant-last BBBF pebble grain longwings today.
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post #15 of 17
2/16/11 at 11:56pm
If only there were a 5000 page alden thread here on sf.
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Styleforum › Forums › Men's Style › Streetwear and Denim › Alden Indy 403 Chromexcel - supposed to scratch this easily??