Custom White's Boots ... Thoughts?

[chicagoan2016]

I had to check that for myself... my first pair of HH in black arrived in April 2017... hard to believe it has been almost 5 years!

I did not provide the hide, IIRC it was a some kind of special limited offer from Bakers around Christmas of 2016... they are still one of my favorite pairs!
View attachment 1721581

I am (still) thinking about ordering a black HH pair and if memory serves I have seen pics of your boots before...But I can only hope my boots age similar to yours!!
I had shared pics in the past month or so where my HH had creased worse than CXL.

 

[ThatDudeOrion]

I am (still) thinking about ordering a black HH pair and if memory serves I have seen pics of your boots before...But I can only hope my boots age similar to yours!!
I had shared pics in the past month or so where my HH had creased worse than CXL.

The creasing I’ve been seeing lately on horween horsehide is a big part of why i haven’t worn my LTT bounty hunters yet. Especially considering how much bloom I’ve been seeing on them since i took delivery, I’m betting that this pair will exhibit pretty loose grain break and I’m not sure what I’d be more OK with, selling when new at a small loss, and getting a different pair made up in the Maryam HH or maybe waxed flesh, or living with the loose grain I’m expecting…or what is probably more likely knowing my lack of impulse control, I’ll start wearing them, see the bad grain break im expecting, and then sell them at a huge loss…

 

[chicagoan2016]

The creasing I’ve been seeing lately on horween horsehide is a big part of why i haven’t worn my LTT bounty hunters yet. Especially considering how much bloom I’ve been seeing on them since i took delivery, I’m betting that this pair will exhibit pretty loose grain break and I’m not sure what I’d be more OK with, selling when new at a small loss, and getting a different pair made up in the Maryam HH or maybe waxed flesh, or living with the loose grain I’m expecting…or what is probably more likely knowing my lack of impulse control, I’ll start wearing them, see the bad grain break im expecting, and then sell them at a huge loss…

Share some pics of your LTT bounty hunters! Do you think Maryam HH would age 'better?

 

[ThatDudeOrion]

I do, based on how Ben @Stitchdown Maryam pair are looking, I like the looks of them better than how i think the Horween will look. Here’s some more pics of mine: and here’s some of Ben’s

 

[Sfemet]

Hello all, having a bit of a dilemma on my next boot purchase and I know some of you have both White's and Aldens. I'm pretty new to quality footwear so don't have many boots at the moment. I am looking at the White's MP in the W&C tan latigo because the leather looks really fantastic. But I am also tempted by Alden Indy's in color 8 shell. I know the correct answer in some sense is "both", but I also have to keep my wife from killing me so it may need to be one now, another in... a while.

I've seen that the finishing on white's is sometimes a little... rougher, but have also heard of QC issues with Alden. I spend most of my days in a casual office setting (so denim and chinos mostly), so I think I can get away with either. Of course the Alden's are about $100 more and the white's would be custom. The Alden's also have the neocork sole option - with the MPs I am leaning towards Dainite despite the justifiable criticisms of it.

Any thoughts are much appreciated. My life is clearly very difficult in that this is the decision I am fretting over on a Saturday morning.

 

[Legal Eagles]

Hello all, having a bit of a dilemma on my next boot purchase ... I am looking at the White's MP in the W&C tan latigo because the leather looks really fantastic. But I am also tempted by Alden Indy's in color 8 shell...

They say internet advice is worth every penny you pay for it, but here is my take...

This is the White's forum, and I am a fan of PNW boots and the Alden Indy on the TruBalance... I have and wear both... White's and Alden are my two favorite makers... largely because they have lasts that work for me...

If I were in your position and worked in an office casual environment, and could get the Indys in shell, I would go with the Alden for my first pair (you will eventually have both, but start with the Indys).

The Alden Indy is an instantly recognizable classic, works in the office and for casual use, and the shell puts it over the top. Do not worry about the NeoCork... it wears remarkably well, and is not terribly slippery in the winter despite its smooth appearance.

I imagine the lead time is shorter on the Aldens and you are not playing the QC lottery as much. Inasmuch as White's is "custom made", unless they are modifying a last specifically for your unusual foot shape or size, they are really fitting you in the best last and size that works for your feet... at least that is the way it is supposed to work.

Although I have never found a last that fits my feet better than the White's 38 swing, if I had to pick the one last that would work for the largest variety of foot shapes, it would be the TruBalance...

The good part of this dilemma is no matter what you decide you will have a great pair of boots... but for my first pair?

TLDR - Both are great, but for office work, the shell option, and the versatility, I would go with the Indys for my first pair.

 

[Sfemet]

They say internet advice is worth every penny you pay for it, but here is my take...

Hah, well thank you for your take! Very helpful, and worth at least a drink imo were I able to send you one digitally. That's the direction I was leaning but getting your perspective as someone with both is very helpful.

 

[Luscombe]

Hello all, having a bit of a dilemma on my next boot purchase and I know some of you have both White's and Aldens. I'm pretty new to quality footwear so don't have many boots at the moment. I am looking at the White's MP in the W&C tan latigo because the leather looks really fantastic. But I am also tempted by Alden Indy's in color 8 shell. I know the correct answer in some sense is "both", but I also have to keep my wife from killing me so it may need to be one now, another in... a while.

I've seen that the finishing on white's is sometimes a little... rougher, but have also heard of QC issues with Alden. I spend most of my days in a casual office setting (so denim and chinos mostly), so I think I can get away with either. Of course the Alden's are about $100 more and the white's would be custom. The Alden's also have the neocork sole option - with the MPs I am leaning towards Dainite despite the justifiable criticisms of it.

Any thoughts are much appreciated. My life is clearly very difficult in that this is the decision I am fretting over on a Saturday morning.

I agree with Legal Eagles' advice. He knows what he is talking about.

I too have several pairs of Whites and in June bought my first pair of Indy 405 size 10.5B. The Trubalance last was comfortable right out of the box.

Couple of other things to be aware of as you go forward on this journey.
Whites boots have a leather comfort arch that starts abruptly and then molds to your feet. This creates a sublime fit once broken in.
Whites through Bakers has a plethora of options. Aldens, not so much.

Aldens has a metal shank that provides some arch support but is not as comfortable as Whites.
I have the MP's on Danite and hate the sole. I will never order it again. Those boots are in for a resole now, commando split sole. I like Aldens neocork sole, very comfortable, more so than the Danite.

The MP's do not have a leather comfort arch unless ordered on the 5050 last. Aldens will be more comfy than MP's on MP last.

Dialing in your size in either brand may be a challenge. It is necessary, as Legal Eagles has often reminded us, to figure out the correct last for your foot shape, then the proper length and width. I have narrow feet so determining the proper last and size in Alden is expensive. They only make one stock style in a 10.5B and that is the 405 Indy. All other models and lasts are custom for me, must be paid for in advance and are not returnable.

Bakers will guarantee the fit and work with you until they get it right.

I like both manufacturers although Whites are more comfortable with the arch ease lasts. I do currently have a pair of Alden Tankers in #8 shell on the Barrie last on order.
Bakers next standard sale will be Fathers Day and that may give you enough time to figure out your preferred Whites boot and purchase at a bit of a discount, usually 20%.

You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Legal Eagles]

I have narrow feet so determining the proper last and size in Alden is expensive. They only make one stock style in a 10.5B and that is the 405 Indy. All other models and lasts are custom for me, must be paid for in advance and are not returnable.

You are not kidding... and I thought White's had a lot of last choices...

 

[chicagoan2016]

Dialing in your size in either brand may be a challenge. It is necessary, as Legal Eagles has often reminded us, to figure out the correct last for your foot shape, then the proper length and width. I have narrow feet so determining the proper last and size in Alden is expensive. They only make one stock style in a 10.5B and that is the 405 Indy. All other models and lasts are custom for me, must be paid for in advance and are not returnable.

Bakers will guarantee the fit and work with you until they get it right.

I agree with the statement about Baker's guarantee.
As of a matter, getting the right size/last in White's is a no-brainer!

 

[js0930]

Bounty Hunters - 7” in Red Dog. Took them to the Methow Valley with me this week to get their first taste of snow and the honey Vibram handled it real well. Way better than the 430 which I found awful in the snow. Still wondering when they’ll open up that hybrid sole for custom orders for a lower profile option that will still perform in inclement weather.

 

[DG123]

I have narrow feet so determining the proper last and size in Alden is expensive. They only make one stock style in a 10.5B and that is the 405 Indy.

Here are 29model numbers in which Alden maintains regular stock of size 10.5B.
Style# 405
Indy Boot

Style# 663
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 660
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 662
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 666
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 681
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 683
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 6845
Black Cordovan Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 685
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 686
Full Strap Slip On

Style# 932
Plain Toe Bal

Style# 901
Perf Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 907
Straight Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 947
Famous All-Weather Walker

Style# 953
Monk Strap Oxford

Style# 955
Monk Strap Oxford

Style# 961
Norwegian Front Blucher Oxford

Style# 966
Wing Tip Blucher Oxford

Style# 967
Wing Tip Blucher Oxford

Style# 911
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 9694F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 9695F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 9697F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 971
Straight Tip Blucher

Style# 972
Straight Tip Blucher

Style# 908
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 909
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 3403
The Original Tassel Moccasin

 

[Sfemet]

I agree with Legal Eagles' advice. He knows what he is talking about.

I too have several pairs of Whites and in June bought my first pair of Indy 405 size 10.5B. The Trubalance last was comfortable right out of the box.

Couple of other things to be aware of as you go forward on this journey.
Whites boots have a leather comfort arch that starts abruptly and then molds to your feet. This creates a sublime fit once broken in.
Whites through Bakers has a plethora of options. Aldens, not so much.

Aldens has a metal shank that provides some arch support but is not as comfortable as Whites.
I have the MP's on Danite and hate the sole. I will never order it again. Those boots are in for a resole now, commando split sole. I like Aldens neocork sole, very comfortable, more so than the Danite.

The MP's do not have a leather comfort arch unless ordered on the 5050 last. Aldens will be more comfy than MP's on MP last.

Dialing in your size in either brand may be a challenge. It is necessary, as Legal Eagles has often reminded us, to figure out the correct last for your foot shape, then the proper length and width. I have narrow feet so determining the proper last and size in Alden is expensive. They only make one stock style in a 10.5B and that is the 405 Indy. All other models and lasts are custom for me, must be paid for in advance and are not returnable.

Bakers will guarantee the fit and work with you until they get it right.

I like both manufacturers although Whites are more comfortable with the arch ease lasts. I do currently have a pair of Alden Tankers in #8 shell on the Barrie last on order.
Bakers next standard sale will be Fathers Day and that may give you enough time to figure out your preferred Whites boot and purchase at a bit of a discount, usually 20%.

You really can't go wrong with either.

Thank you! You guys are awesome - perhaps I’ll wait on the white’s then till Father’s Day and maybe get aldens now.

I’ve seen quite a few posts of people swearing off dainite forever. The commandos are pretty hard as well no? But just better traction?

 

[Luscombe]

Here are 29model numbers in which Alden maintains regular stock of size 10.5B.
Style# 405
Indy Boot

Style# 663
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 660
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 662
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 666
Tassel Moccasin

Style# 681
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 683
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 6845
Black Cordovan Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 685
Full Strap Slip-On

Style# 686
Full Strap Slip On

Style# 932
Plain Toe Bal

Style# 901
Perf Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 907
Straight Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 947
Famous All-Weather Walker

Style# 953
Monk Strap Oxford

Style# 955
Monk Strap Oxford

Style# 961
Norwegian Front Blucher Oxford

Style# 966
Wing Tip Blucher Oxford

Style# 967
Wing Tip Blucher Oxford

Style# 911
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 9694F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 9695F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 9697F
Penny Loafer Flex Welt

Style# 971
Straight Tip Blucher

Style# 972
Straight Tip Blucher

Style# 908
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 909
Medallion Tip Bal Oxford

Style# 3403
The Original Tassel Moccasin

My Bad. I should have qualified my comment relative to Indy-style boots. My interest in Aldens is limited to boots. I really do not do well in slip-on styles and am not interested in oxfords.
Sorry to mislead anyone about Aldens. I like their boots but confirming lasts in my width is a challenge.

 

[DG123]

My Bad. I should have qualified my comment relative to Indy-style boots. My interest in Aldens is limited to boots. I really do not do well in slip-on styles and am not interested in oxfords.
Sorry to mislead anyone about Aldens. I like their boots but confirming lasts in my width is a challenge.

If you have a pair of size 10.5B Indy boots that fit you well, Alden stock models 401(black) , 403 (CXL), 404 (Kudu) , as well as dozens of Alden Indy make-up models offered by various retailers will also fit you the same.
Also, a 10.5B Alden Indy boot will fit very similar to any of the size 10D Wolverine 1000 Mile brand boots, so if you are looking for stock boots to try on at at no financial risk, Wolverine 1000 Mile is a good option.