***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

[planetarium]

I am thinking or ordernig a pair of Roy boots, but am wondering about durability. I plan on wearing whatever boots I buy for the next ten years or so. I don't mind resoling after 3 years or so, but I wonder if the crepes will last even that long. But more importantly, some of the pics seem to show significant wear to the CXL uppers even after a few months.

What do you all think? If I take care of them, will they last for ten years?

Thanks.

If you live a fairly active lifestyle and want to wear them most days, I cannot recommend CXL leather or a crepe sole. If you're going to rotate the boots with others or you don't do much other than walking about in them, they'll be fine.

 

[REguy]

^ Never sent a pair in, but have dropped off and picked up numerous pairs for $35 a pop. Always highly satisfied with the work.

 

[kwhitelaw]

^ Never sent a pair in, but have dropped off and picked up numerous pairs for $35 a pop. Always highly satisfied with the work.

good to know. I guess the shipping costs won't be too much of a negative. I dont trust my local cobbler unfortunately

 

[MarioImpemba]

If you live a fairly active lifestyle and want to wear them most days, I cannot recommend CXL leather or a crepe sole.

This makes no sense. CXL is nearly indestructible.

 

[kwhitelaw]

This makes no sense. CXL is nearly indestructible.

this.

my indys are beat and clean up nice with just venetian and a cloth

 

[thebeebs]

I'm not seeing these on the site. I assume sold out and removed from the inventory system?

Those 4 pairs sold out within minutes of my original post. How they even ended up with them is a mystery to me, and I won't believe it until they show up at my door...

 

[FrankCowperwood]



This makes no sense. CXL is nearly indestructible.

Agree completely. CXL Is very durable in my experience.

 

[Renton]



has anyone sent a pair of shoes into b nelson for flush mount toe taps? looks like my new cigar chukkas will benefit from it, curious of feedback and pricing if someone has had it done..

thanks

I sent Nick a few pairs after my local cobbler damn near ruined them. I don't remember the exact pricing but it was excellent work.

 

[planetarium]

Chromexcel is indeed durable in terms of taking scuffs and resisting tears (under the conditions most people in this thread put it through) and one of the things I love about the leather is the way you can buff it up with little other than a horsehide brush. However, it is a soft, pliable leather and Alden uses thin cuts. Having worn and subsequently sold two pairs of Alden boots in Chromexcel after they stretched too much and lost their shape when put through several months of my daily activities (for example installing art shows, doing wiring and mechanical repair, touring as a musician, hiking) I do not think that Chromexcel leather is the best choice for hard wear. To reference to the Roy boots specifically, I will point to these photos from Superfuture user El Topo showcasing the Roys after only 7 months of wear in similar conditions to how I treat my boots with an emphasis on outdoor activity:



I think they look cool, but I do not think you're going to get the kind of mileage out of the Chromexcel leather that the above poster was inquiring about as he does intend for these to be his only pair of boots. Provided that the ten year suggestion is hyperbole, I would reconsider.

Though the initial depth of color is less impressive, the classic wax hide Indy has been a far better every day work horse for my needs and does darken and develop more interesting character with use.

I will provide the disclaimer that I am the type of person who likes to toss on his boots and see what happens rather than plan out specifics. I purchase most of my footwear to be accordingly flexible, both aesthetically pleasing and durable. If you are using your boots less intensely doing city walking, occasional work, and especially if you're regularly rotating them with other pairs, then I think Chromexcel is an excellent leather. It is especially perfect for moccasins, though I prefer it in thick cuts as found on Yuketens and some Quoddys.

 

[blue collar]



Chromexcel is indeed durable in terms of taking scuffs and resisting tears (under the conditions most people in this thread put it through) and one of the things I love about the leather is the way you can buff it up with little other than a horse hair brush. However, it is a soft, pliable leather and Alden uses thin cuts. Having worn and subsequently sold two pairs of Alden boots in Chromexcel after they stretched too much and lost their shape when put through several months of my daily activities (for example installing art shows, doing wiring and mechanical repair, touring as a musician, hiking) I do not think that Chromexcel leather is the best choice for hard wear. To reference to the Roy boots specifically, I will point to these photos from Superfuture user El Topo showcasing the Roys after only 7 months of wear in similar conditions to how I treat my boots with an emphasis on outdoor activity:

   

I think they look cool, but I do not think you're going to get the kind of mileage out of the Chromexcel leather that the above poster was inquiring about as he does intend for these to be his only pair of boots. Provided that the ten year suggestion is hyperbole, I would reconsider.

Though the initial depth of color is less impressive, the classic wax hide Indy has been a far better every day work horse for my needs and does darken and develop more interesting character with use.

I will provide the disclaimer that I am the type of person who likes to toss on his boots and see what happens rather than plan out specifics. I purchase most of my footwear to be accordingly flexible, both aesthetically pleasing and durable. If you are using your boots less intensely doing city walking, occasional work, and especially if you're regularly rotating them with other pairs, then I think Chromexcel is an excellent leather. It is especially perfect for moccasins, though I prefer it in thick cuts as found on Yuketens and some Quoddys.

Those boots are also a perfect example of neglect. The leather looks dryer than a popcorn fart. The indy is not a 'hiking' boot, especially on crepe. It visually wont keep up like a nylon boot would. It does not matter what the boot is or what it's made of; if you dont care for them they'll fall apart.

also ftfy

 

[NewYorkIslander]

Anyone interested in trade? I have Whiskey NST on the Barrie in a 9D (about 10-15 wears) and I'd like to swap em for a whiskey/ravello/cigar PTB in the same size. I also have the LS Ultimate Jumper in Brown Chromex in a 9D (trubalance) with about 5 wears (pretty much new) that I'd like to swap for another Alden boot. All eyelets preferable, but Id be open to see what you got. Drop me a pm if you're interested.

 

[OfficeLinebacke]

Alden for Thanksgiving.




Kudu Indy at the airport.

Have a good holiday, gents. (and good tidings to all the non US members)

Is that the mosaic floor at Washington National?

 

[pic9809]

Came home late last night after being gone for 3 days on vacation with the family. My first pair of alden boots were waiting for me on the front porch. Thank you CHRK33.
These are ravello indys on the plaza for frans boone. I love them and YES i'm wearing them to thanksgiving dinner tonight!



That's the good news, the bad ..... I can't believe I missed the color 4 shoemart boots AGAIN.
Bless you if you bought the barrie 10 ds, and please let me know if you have buyers remorse.
I have lots to be thankful for, Happy Thanksgiving.

those FB plaza indies look great!

did FB already re-stock or did you manage to pick up one of the pairs from the first run? i am still waiting for them to re-stock a 9D but havent heard from frans...

 

[Johdus Fanfoozal]

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Chromexcel is indeed durable in terms of taking scuffs and resisting tears (under the conditions most people in this thread put it through) and one of the things I love about the leather is the way you can buff it up with little other than a horsehide brush. However, it is a soft, pliable leather and Alden uses thin cuts. Having worn and subsequently sold two pairs of Alden boots in Chromexcel after they stretched too much and lost their shape when put through several months of my daily activities (for example installing art shows, doing wiring and mechanical repair, touring as a musician, hiking) I do not think that Chromexcel leather is the best choice for hard wear. To reference to the Roy boots specifically, I will point to these photos from Superfuture user El Topo showcasing the Roys after only 7 months of wear in similar conditions to how I treat my boots with an emphasis on outdoor activity:

   

I think they look cool, but I do not think you're going to get the kind of mileage out of the Chromexcel leather that the above poster was inquiring about as he does intend for these to be his only pair of boots. Provided that the ten year suggestion is hyperbole, I would reconsider.

Though the initial depth of color is less impressive, the classic wax hide Indy has been a far better every day work horse for my needs and does darken and develop more interesting character with use.

I will provide the disclaimer that I am the type of person who likes to toss on his boots and see what happens rather than plan out specifics. I purchase most of my footwear to be accordingly flexible, both aesthetically pleasing and durable. If you are using your boots less intensely doing city walking, occasional work, and especially if you're regularly rotating them with other pairs, then I think Chromexcel is an excellent leather. It is especially perfect for moccasins, though I prefer it in thick cuts as found on Yuketens and some Quoddys.

Seven months? Those chromexcels have been through some serious neglect. Looks like a combination of water damage, improper drying, absolutely no oiling/conditioning and no shoe tree.

I have had a pair of cxl Indys for three years and put them through some hard work. Mine look nothing like those.

 

[sungmineyo]



Seven months? Those chromexcels have been through some serious neglect. Looks like a combination of water damage, improper drying, absolutely no oiling/conditioning and no shoe tree.
I have had a pair of cxl Indys for three years and put them through some hard work. Mine look nothing like those.

I totally agree with this post. I hate when people misinterprets the meaning of "boots looks better after beat up". I had my chromexcel boots for several years and I dont really baby them but I do clean and condition them time to time. Roy/indy boots should be handsome casual boots in my opinion, not hiking/work boots.