Russell Moccasins v. Alden Indy Boots?

[agfachrome25]

Trying to decide between a pair of Russell Moc "Imperial" hunting boots (14 week wait) or Alden Indy work boots. Anybody care to comment on differences in build quality, leather, workmanship between these two brands? Although Russells are custom made the Alden boots are quite stylish and utilize materials--cork bottoms, cotton canvas duck, waxed leathers--which I covet in a contemporary yet vintage-looking shoe style.

Regards,

Lesli

 

[The_Foxx]

for what it's worth, I have gotten MANY, many miles out of the alden boots. i had a pair in college, used them for several years.

I bought a pair in May, and have been wearing them almost every day here in Iraq-- great construction, just make sure you get a spare pair of shoelaces! Mine finally broke in two places, have to replace them with some other kind of bootlace today.

 

[JBZ]

I don't have any experience with Russell, although those that do give them high marks.

My Indy boots were incredibly comfortable right out of the box, and I love the way they look. If you go with them, remember that the last is a bit large, so you'll want to size down (I'm normally a 10.5, but took a 10 in the Indy boots).

 

[Luckyguy]

+1
I don't have any experience with Russell, but I have owned my Indy boots for almost two years and they are comfortable right out of the box. For some reason, they look a lot better in person than the picture in the website and they look even better after you break them in.

 

[minimal]

+1.

The Alden 405 (which has the nickname "Indy" since it was used in the Indiana Jones movies) has a bit of a strange last: in my experience the heel seems very large and very, well, cupped. I have wide feet, so it's strange for *any* part of the shoe to be too wide, but on my first try I got a pair too wide in the heel. Just FYI.

They're great, as everyone says, and a bit of a "stealth" boot: not many people have them, and they are pretty versatile. Because the welt is extended only on the forward 3/4 of the shoe, they can look surprisingly good with a pair of heavy tweed or flannel trousers. Part of this is also due to some nice detailing in the heel, which is a stack of different colors of leather and rubber. People who notice shoes will definitely see that these aren't ordinary workboots.

Also check out the version at Alden Fan, which is in an oiled olive green with a vibram sole, instead of the unique cork/rubber composite sole that comes on the 405.

Additional note: this boot comes in an incredible range of widths: I think AA through EE. A blessing for those of us with hard-to-fit feet.

 

[Tomasso]

I've no experience with the Indy Boots but I have a few pairs of Russells, including the Imperial (in kangaroo). They're great boots.

 

[wheelerray]

I want a pair of Russels soooo bad. Still saving up.

 

[agfachrome25]

Thanks for the feedback. I have extremely small feet so I hope the Indy boots will even work for me. Russells seem ideal since they're totally customizable (in Russells, I'm looking at the French veal and Horween leathers). Alden wins points for sheer classic style (especially in the shape of the heal and cork sole). Anyone recommend vendor from which to purchase the Aldens? Please send along any jpeg images you might have of your "real world" alden boots. I've only seen a few catalogue images.

I'm definitely looking for the kind of item one might find in a 1920s product catalogue for workboots..

 

[agfachrome25]

One more thing: what do people think of the pull up tab option on lace-up boots. Functional, yes. But does it disrupt the line/shape/profile of the boot?

Also, what's ideal height for ankle style boots (if I go with custom boots rather than the Indys)?