The Official Alden Indy Appreciation Thread

[McQ7]

First wear of my newly acquired 405 calf boots in brown. I think these are from 2010. They're the classic, much truer brown color than the current tan 405 ones that I have. I also noticed the interior heel construction is different. On the older ones there's a dark brown heel cup liner in addition to the light brown lining, as well as a dark brown stripe of lining running up the back of the boot, covering the rear seam. Also, the vamp lining on the older boot appears to be almost white, and different in texture than the light brown lining throughout the newer 405 boot. Some interesting differences.

Since there's a nice event coming up for which I plan to wear these, I gave them some Meltonian cordovan cream followed by Lincoln marine cordovan wax. They come off slightly darker in person.
Original listing pic:

Today's wear pics:

True to life color pic:

 

[M635Guy]

My Indy's turned 3 recently, so I took a few pix:

 

[cj610]

Headed out for some yard work thought I'd throw in a quick picture of my Indy's. I bought these around 2000 maybe?

View media item 2294574

 

[Dugafola]

going back to mali west africa next week. debating on which boots to bring over. brown 405s or my natty innsbrucks with commando. the brown 405s fit like a glove are heavier and therefore will be warmer. the natty innsbrucks fit a lit looser (same size for both pairs), are lighter and the commando sole will let them breath a little better.

day time highs will be in the mid 90s. lows in low 60s.

leaning towards the innsbrucks because of weight and not as warm. soles have some life left but this trip may be the last romp for them. i'd consider resoling with neoprene when i get back.

 

[M635Guy]

I'd personally go with the Innsbrucks if there's any weather in Mali.

Sounds like a cool place to wear 'em!

 

[rusticchasm]

Where do your toes hit? Mine are hitting about 0.5" below the stitching... wondering if I should keep sizing down...

 

[M635Guy]

Where do your toes hit? Mine are hitting about 0.5" below the stitching... wondering if I should keep sizing down...

If they're comfortable, it doesn't matter but so much.

 

[American_Psycho11]

Can someone explain to me why Aldens are so prone to loose grain? I don't think I've seen another boot besides the Wolverine 1000k that gets it as often. What is it about Alden that makes them so bad with their CXL clicking?
I really want a pair of Indys, but if I do it will definitely be in calfskin, as I just can't trust Alden to click good CXL

 

[M635Guy]

Can someone explain to me why Aldens are so prone to loose grain? I don't think I've seen another boot besides the Wolverine 1000k that gets it as often. What is it about Alden that makes them so bad with their CXL clicking?
I really want a pair of Indys, but if I do it will definitely be in calfskin, as I just can't trust Alden to click good CXL

Most people are incorrectly calling grain creasing "loose grain", and Alden does a good job avoiding loose grain. Grain creasing is pretty much inherent to CXL, and is harder to avoid in clicking. Frankly most of the work-boot styles look better with it to me - my pair higher up on this page were fantastic IMHO.

Alden does a far better job than Wolverine or any of the more retail-tier makers for actual loose grain.

That said, if you don't like grain, CXL isn't your leather choice. Grain happens.

 

[rusticchasm]

Any tips for squeaky and tongue slip?

 

[Dugafola]

Any tips for squeaky and tongue slip?

for tongue slip...most any cobbler can add a stitch to the tongue to keep it straight.

 

[Dugafola]

sent my natural CXL Innsbrucks to brian the bootmaker for a new soles. the existing commandos were falling apart after my romp through west africa earlier this year. i got a little analysis paralysis with all the options for the resole....in the end i opted for a cord half soles with a natural edge finish. my natural CXL has darkened up a good amount...the natural edge will hopefully make it pop for a while.

 

[Tweedboy]

Here are my 403s with about 8yrs wear. Wore them a lot to begin with, then less for a while. Got them totally refurbished by the Shoe Healer and they are back to the top of my pile. The put on a leather and two part rubber sole and changed out the metal ware as well.

 

[Tweedboy]

Here they are today after a bit of wear put back into them

 

[Dugafola]

forgive me the question if it's common knowledge....but is there a place where i can buy the the foot balance heel? or can a cobbler source them fairly easily? i'd rather take em to my local cobbler then send back to Alden.