We're building a worldwide community of people wise enough to be obsessed with quality footwear. We also do the Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome, the world's greatest (only??) prize-laden, judged boot and shoe aging and patina contest. Check out our site: www.stitchdown.com/ More on the Thunderdome: www.stitchdown.com/patina-thunderdome-newsletter-signup/
I’m with the Rose Anvil guy, that if I’m paying a high price, I expect high quality. I don’t care about heritage, since I don’t care about brand names.
Not saying anyone is wrong, but I'm surprised by how many negative comments there are. I was thinking this boot would have been more of a hit with this crowd.
Base Alden Indy boot: $680. Russell Moccasin Weathered Oak PH: $675. Obviously they're very different style of boots but in terms of MITUSA, materials, manufacturing, finishing and durability Russell wins. The issue is Alden's manufacturing process and their reliance on their name.
I love Russell Moccasin more than anyone I know, and wear them over half the days in a year. One of the most unique and comfortable boots you can get anywhere (and there's absolutely nothing like it). Worth whatever they cost, pretty much whatever they cost. But to be citing their finishing prowess as a hallmark definitely cuts into the argument-I love/accept Russells for their notable LACK of aesthetic perfection/finishing, and I think it could set the wrong expectations for future customers that a pair of Russells should be "perfect" in terms of the way people want other dressier types of boots to be.
Love this example Boot. Yall should spin off a second channel and do some kids videos. Get some animators and make some live action & Anime educational videos. This is pretty cool. Gotta spark some interest in the next generation...
There's definitely a ton of sense to it-and some cobblers will tell you they prefer it on the resole front too. But yeah these things are rock solid no doubt.
would be interested to hear how an inner layer of poron holds up on a boot that is supposed to last decades. my understanding was that poron and any synthetic will always eventually break down. is the inner poron layer ever replacable during a recraft or is this something to be concerned about?
I hope they offer these garrison boots in dressier makeups that will be available for extra wide folks like me too. The brown Minerva sold out so quickly I didn’t even have time to buy a pair.
That number 10 boot should not have made the top 10 because it's a dress boot and that leather is thiner so wasn't to long to break in and patina where a real service and work boot has to work harder , so no dress boots allow.
Really? I've seen a ton of "work boots" with 3 oz or less for leather thickness. Caterpillar and Carhartt are both work brands with boots in that relm of upper thickness.
This is such a delusional conment, clearly he knows Oak St and Whites exist lmao. Made in the USA GYW for under $400 and a lot better constructed. White's need to expand their GYW line and get into dress options too, love everything theyre doing.
One could make an argument that no brand anywhere is more engineer-focused than Attractions when it comes down to it. And stylistically I think they're some of the most unique out there. Many great engineer boots are trying to perfect a form, while Attractions more than any other is saying; we're going to take this in our own very distinct direction. They have a bit more flair, more callbacks to very specific old engineer boots of certain eras. And they're certainly very well made!
Not just western, but everything American, the Japanese love to eat up and put their own Japanese take on. With their impeccable meticulousness, we in turn adore the quality of the work they do. Japanese Americana is a huge thing out there. And I hate to say it, they do Americana much better than American Americana lol. Well, at least in the mainstream. And yeah, the Japanese elders out there dress better than even middle aged Americans. They really are all about their aesthetics.
I´m sitting here, listening to this awesome episode of the shoescast, while I´m preparing the holdfast for my boots for this years edition of the Thunderdome and I can´t wait to see the upcoming videos of your trip. The whole stitchdown project, including the boot camp and the shoecast, just rechaed a completely new level. Concrats and thank you!!! It´s amazing what you´re doing for the boot and shoe community.
I walked the AT back in 86 and was caretaker in Huntingtons Ravine at the Harvard Cabin. My job required lots of hiking and walking on ice up and down the trails, the Ravine and up on Top of the Alpine garden with Hinged Crampons. I wore my Custom pair of limmer Boots! To this day I have my original pair that were custom handmade to my foot. They are broke in and holding together almost 40 years later.
So you mentioned a brand called “Zeros” that sounded amazing, but a google search on that spelling turned up zip. How do I find them online? Or do they not have an English language online presence?
It's hilarious I'm in my mid thirties when I was young only old people wore high socks and all of the young people wanted no shows or ankle socks hilarious how things come back around everything is cyclical
Though I grew up in New York City, somehow, I’ve always be an outdoorsy sort. On the persistent advice of my then new college friends, I bought a pair of custom Limmer boots in 1962. The visit to the shop was a delight. On completion of the measurement process I was told that my boots would be ready for as fitting in about a month. Those boots were a joy for the next four decades, through more resoling than I can remember. Somewhere around 2000, I decided to replace ‘em with a new pair. So, I went up to Intervale, and started getting measured up. While doing that, the elder Mr. Limmer said that my new boots would be ready for a fitting, in ten months. Our chat was then interrupted when the phone loudly rang rang. Mr. Limmer politely apologized explaining that he was the only person in the shop. On my own, I happened upon their bulletin board, loaded with messages of appreciation from some of their many customers. One of those happened to be from me, and it was a clipping of a note I had sent the Whole Earth Catalog many years prior… (Anyone old enough to remember the WEC?) My published letter said that my two favorite modes of transportation were my Limmer Boots, and my BMW R60US motorcycle. That was followed by information about the location of the Limmer shop. As I enjoyed the old memories that came on seeing that clipping, Mr. Limmer came up behind me, and on seeing my WEC clipping said that that my published note had a profound effect on the growth of the Limmer sales volume. I smiled, and told him that information made be happy because I sent the note to the Whole Earth Catalog. Mr. Limmer then completed my measurements, smiled, shook my hand, and said only, “Your boots will be ready for fitting in three weeks…!
My indy boots SUCKED. Maybe the company was good 40 years ago but ever since all you fan girls and cosplay nerds starting shelling out whatever money Alden could bilk you for, the boots went downhill fast. They’re not even $250 boots. Not even close. Oh well at least I could sell them on eBay for twice what I paid for them 20 years ago. Good riddance. There’s no shame or pride or quality anymore in this world. Enjoy.
I’ve owned several PNW boots ranging from Whites, Nicks, Drew’s and the were all great some lasting me 20 plus years. Then I got my hands on a pair of stock Limmer mid weights and they were equally great boots. I would love to have some customs built sometime but I question if I would need such a heavy duty boot. I don’t hike as much as I once did. My mid weights will be going in to Adam soon for a much needed overhaul and when I can justify the purchase I will be ordering the Limmer Standard. I suspect between the 2 pair of Limmer that’s all I should need for possibly a good portion of my days.
... huh. I hadn't watched videos from this channel before and now I definitely won't again. Clickbait trash title and promotion of"feelings" at literally any co$t. Garbage. Not a single refutation was given in the entire video -> "That's not how I think about it" (high cost being reserved for high quality materials) "that's how you think about it" is not a refutation. You are purely unable to argue about the price so you subtly beg to not be argued on the point... which worked apparently, since RoseAnvil didn't feel like cornering you on that as you evade by babbling about random other boot topics. "It's all worth it because you wear them and think about them and love them." No, it is not worth it. If the price were properly balanced against material quality, then it could be worth it. You really "think" about them? What, you daydream about the Alden Indy? Do you take them on dates and give them presents too? At least with the PNW brands you pay the high cost for the high quality materials and rugged construction. At least with Allen Edmonds and their perpetual half-off or more sales you spend less money for their lesser quality. But the Alden Indy? From the materials alone, you get the high monetary cost of PNW brands but the low quality material of lesser brands. Insanity, absolute insanity.
I’ve owned a custom pair since 1980. Best footwear I’ve ever owned. If you are cranking out the miles loaded or not…Limmer’s are worth the wait and coin.
I was fitted by Peter Limmer himself and waited years to get them. Now I never wear them anymore. Too heavy and stiff. And yes I hike all over the place.
You can't compare the prices of shoes that have a distribution network and brick and mortar shops with those that operate only or mostly on the online ordering model. People who want Aldens want Aldens, people who just want a well made boot will shop around the other brands. Rose Anvil is good at what he does but he is not good at understanding the market, costs, and branding. He universalises his own values and has trouble understanding how others feel, IMO.
Here are my technical reasons why the Alden Indy is a better Boot than others. First I'm in my 70s and have worn a lot of business shoes, casual shoes and boots throughout my life. Had my first pair of work boots when I was 8 yrs old... and many pairs since. A boot is a system. Each part has a function in context with the rest of the parts in order to achieve the goals of the boot. The Indy boot is an orthopedic boot built on a patented orthopedic last, designed to keep your foot in a healthy anatomical position. It has a wide toe box giving space for bunions or other deformities, and it narrows down at the instep and heel to produce a tall, long and firm heel cup. Other parts of the orthopedic system include the cork midsole, the well designed metal shank, and the Thomas heel. Cork, which seems to be missing from many boots, is buoyant, elastic, breathable and water resistant. It is also very durable. A cork footbed molds around your foot to give orthopedic support and comfort. It's one of the reasons Indy boots "break in" in a matter of days or a couple of weeks and stay comfortable over the life of the boot. The Indy boot metal shank is made of tempered steel, properly contoured and triple ribbed for strength. Too many boot makers use a thick piece of leather or wood for the shank. Simply cannot compete with a properly designed metal shank for arch support and long lasting comfort. The Thomas heel (the curved front of the heel) adds rear and midfoot medial support. Good for any foot, but especially for people with excessively pronated feet. This is why people love their Indy boots. Quick to break in, very supportive regardless of foot issues, and the orthopedic properties force you to walk correctly, making it possible to work all day in them very comfortably. And they are NOT overly heavy. Heavy boots are not good for your ankles, legs and lower back. That's why it's important for any boot maker to achieve the goals of the boot, at the LEAST possible weight. I have arthritis now, and no longer wear any shoes other than my two pair of Indy boots. They reduce significantly the pain in my feet, legs and back. Since I live in Portland, no one cares when I wear them to the Symphony. Alden Indy Boots are better engineered than any other boot. Period.
