The Official Alden Thread for 2021 - Share Reviews, Sizing, Advice, and Photos.

[Ancestral Star]

 

[American_Psycho11]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

 

[Hisheirness23]

Here they are next to a pair of Ravello

View attachment 1674877

To bar lace LWB or not? Are bluchers not a shoe that you want to bar lace unlike oxfords? Curious what you fine gentlemen have to say on this.

 

[audog]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

That is something only you can decide Personally, I would just wear the stuff out of them as they are, but that's just me. Have a great weekend.

 

[audog]

Color 8 goodness for a Saturday afternoon

 

[audog]

Granddaughter's soccer game early this morning

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

I have a couple pairs that I would have preferred a different sole, but when buying, it's always the question, do I wait for perfection or do I buy what's available? I got a pair of Brooks Brothers Alfred Sargent suede chukkas when they were the last of their kind for less than half price. I wish they were on leather soles, but alas I they were on the dreaded dainite instead. I bought them. When the heel wears out - I've never worn out the sole of dainite, I will have them replaced with leather soles and they will be the light and travel friendly chukkas I was looking for all along.

My thought is always wear it as is, unless it negatively affects the purpose of the boot/shoe. Then, when it's ready for repair, change as much as you want. The only thing I'd consider changing immediately are eyelets/speedhooks to a different metal because those will never need replacing on their own, but soles always will.

 

[chipshot]

I’ve worn this exact BB #8 model for many decades., hate to let on how many., a bunch. American Classic. Yes I have them in Black Shell as well.. staple tassels,

 

[barutanseijin]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

Not sure why a 360 welt would be better. I doubt i’d notice if some elves switched out the heel stack either.

I would just wear them. If you can’t live with them, sell ‘em. It should be easy enough.

 

[Vocans]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

The only realistic benefit you're going to gain from going from fiberboard to leather heels is being able to tell yourself that your heels are leather. I've never had a comfort or a durability issue with an Alden heel. Steve does great work and he's usually my go-to but he's the only cobbler I'm aware of who even brings fiberboard up.

 

[lcdx22]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

You've waited 3.5 years to get them and now you want to spend 2x to make those changes? To each their own but I'd rather get another pair of boots for the price it will cost you to do that work. Not worth it unless it means something to you to get this work done. Thousands of Indy boots have been worn and lasted decades as is.

Nothing against Steve or changing the welt as I've had Steve do a welt and full sole/heel for me. His work is phenomenal and is my go to guy. Just sent think this is necessary in brand new boots.

If you really want this done at east wait to do it in a few years when you need to do a resole.

 

[audog]

Just a question, but has anyone here worn through a pair of 405's soles??? I have a couple pair that are years old and the soles look almost new.

 

[Crizzlelovesyou]

Just a question, but has anyone here worn through a pair of 405's soles??? I have a couple pair that are years old and the soles look almost new.

This is coming from a place of love and respect, but I think you may have too many pairs to ever wear down some of the sturdier soles like the neocork.

 

[chrfi]

Just ordered a pair of Indy 405 boots that I've wanted for the past 3.5+ and finally just pulled the trigger.
I am debating just immediately sending them off to Bedo's Leatherworks to have Steve convert them to a 360 degree welt and replace the fiberboard heels with stacked leather. Such a great boot that could be so much better if Alden just tried a little harder

The 360 and a stormwent make the boots quite a bit different. Here are mine:

 

[Thrift Couture]

The next project… From Ealdwine.