The official Alden thread Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

mediahound · Feb 16, 2011

Hi folks,

I just got some Indy 403s (Chromexcel) and notice that I can sorta scratch the finish off with just my fingernail. Is the finish supposed to be this fragile??

If so, when I start wearing them, won't they starting looking sorta beat up right away?

I notice little nicks where the actual finish is totally gone. Seems like the finish is really fragile even if the leather itself is durable. I guess it will look all scratched up in due time and this is pretty normal for these?

I also can indent this leather by pressing in with my fingernail (on the heel or toe for example) and the indentation does not seem to bounce back, kinda like putty.

Does this sound normal for the 403s?

ChrisGold · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by mediahound

Hi folks,

I just got some Indy 403s (Chromexcel) and notice that I can sorta scratch the finish off with just my fingernail. Is the finish supposed to be this fragile??

If so, when I start wearing them, won't they starting looking sorta beat up right away?

I notice little nicks where the actual finish is totally gone. Seems like the finish is really fragile even if the leather itself is durable. I guess it will look all scratched up in due time and this is pretty normal for these?

I also can indent this leather by pressing in with my fingernail (on the heel or toe for example) and the indentation does not seem to bounce back, kinda like putty.

Does this sound normal for the 403s?

If you rub over the small scratches, the color will move back into the scratch. The color is very fluid, and rubbing and / or brushing will usually allow if to flow back into the scuff.

Ritchee · Feb 16, 2011

I like these suede shoes. Any one have a pair? I'd get flat waxed laces to replace the ones on now.

imatlas · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by Ritchee

I like these suede shoes. Any one have a pair? I'd get flat waxed laces to replace the ones on now.

Good call. The standard laces move the shoe someways into Grandad territory. I'd also prefer if that horizontal seam didn't continue past the laces, but otherwise it's a nice looking shoe.

mediahound · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by ChrisGold

If you rub over the small scratches, the color will move back into the scratch. The color is very fluid, and rubbing and / or brushing will usually allow if to flow back into the scuff.

Thanks. I guess I won't worry about it then.

poly800rock · Feb 16, 2011

gonna get in on these. http://allplaidout.com/2009/09/ryan-...ext-roy-boots/ don't know why it took me so long to consider them, maybe the crepe turned me off. but these look awesome.

makewayhomer · Feb 16, 2011

Those look awful for 30 day old boots

mediahound · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

Those look awful for 30 day old boots

Not that bad considering he says he wore them every single day and biked and motorcyled in them every day.

Who the heck bicycles in leather boots though?

glimmertwins · Feb 16, 2011

I too am not a fan of crepe soles but otherwise that's a nice basic, versatile boot.

tylerjbritt · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by trunks206

^ amazing!

Where are they from?

Alden DC. Almost same makeup as the Unionmade captoe"”Grant last, 360 welt, commando, speedhooks"”but in Cigar and with lighter edge trim.

WhoKnewI · Feb 16, 2011

Hey guys. I just got these indys and I noticed this. Should I be concerned?

mediahound · Feb 16, 2011

I don't think so, mine are sorta like that too.

SLAB · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by tylerjbritt

Alden DC. Almost same makeup as the Unionmade captoe"”Grant last, 360 welt, commando, speedhooks"”but in Cigar and with lighter edge trim.

very lovely boot but if it had the barrie or trubalance last it would have been my ideal boot

any retailer that has similar makeup but with barrie/trubalance last?

theuglylover · Feb 16, 2011

I had that issue with my pair of Roy boots and they actually got worse over time. Luckily the dudes at Context were nice enough to replace my pair.

HorseHide · Feb 16, 2011

Originally Posted by SLAB

very lovely boot but if it had the barrie or trubalance last it would have been my ideal boot

any retailer that has similar makeup but with barrie/trubalance last?

I agree - the Grant last cap toe boot is not slick enough to be a "dress" boot but it is a little too fancy to be a "work" boot - having said that I have a pair in ravello (from Leffot) and cigar (from Alden DC).

I did just pick up a pair of Barrie cap toes in #8 from Alden SF - great boot but with a double leather sole (Alden restoration will be getting these boots for a retro-fit to commando soles this summer).

***The official Alden thread *** Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Saucy White Boy

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Well-Known Member

Active Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON:

The official Alden thread Share enthusiasm, reviews, sizing, advice, and photos.