***The official Alden thread *** - Page 2521

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrDV 

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!

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

 

 

 

 

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.

Very nice, Congrats.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by linafelt 

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by planetarium 

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarioImpemba 

 

This makes no sense. CXL is nearly indestructible.

this.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElDave 


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...

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.