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

mediahound

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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?
 

distinctive

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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.
 

norcal_indy

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That's normal. They're boots... wear them and enjoy them
smile.gif


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.
 

mediahound

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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?
 

norcal_indy

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Originally Posted by mediahound
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.
 

mediahound

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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?
 

coldnyt1

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Originally Posted by mediahound
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...
 

mediahound

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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.
wink.gif



Originally Posted by coldnyt1
same goes for me... have to enjoy them... in due time.. it'll have it's own character...
 

meso

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Originally Posted by mediahound
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?


deadhorse-a.gif
 

jet

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defect, return
 

deveandepot1

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bigbjorn

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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.
 

mediahound

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Originally Posted by bigbjorn
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.
 

bigbjorn

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I'll take a pic tomorrow and post. I'm wearing the Grant-last BBBF pebble grain longwings today.
 

jet

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If only there were a 5000 page alden thread here on sf.
 

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