I think this white board explanation should be a part of all the future boot reviews to help explain the fit. It wouldn't be perfect but it might help.
Shocked at the way the sole is wearing in just a month of wear. I'd be raging if it happened to a pair of boots I purchased at that price, or any price to be honest!
Came to say this. That outsole and heel separation after just a month or so of wear is very disappointing! Even worse, I've got a pair on order from Leffots with the same outsole. At least I'll be getting a leather mid. I guess that's something...
I have several pairs on the commando sole. My oldest at ~6 years just started to show heel separation on the original sole. As long as you aren’t kicking rocks all day every day and take care of your stuff you should be fine.
As an Alden fanboy, I completely agree with all the complaints. I hope they change there ways. My 30 year old Alden’s look better than my new ones. I now buy Vibergs instead.
I have two Grant Stone boots. They are nice boots. They don’t fit me well. If you try to call them they say they are too busy to answer questions. I don’t buy Grant Stone. Viberg is expensive. If you don’t want to spend the money buy an Iron Ranger. I like my Iron Ranger.
How disappointing......the heel coming loose and the sole separation at the toe after just one month is something I would expect on an $60 pair of no name kmart boots....$900 US....go get your head read mate...seriously Alden is having a laugh!
When I was looking for a pair of cordovan longwings, I immediately looked to Alden. But after some research, I ended up buying a pair of vintage Florsheim and having them professionally restored and resoled. Quality was just way better back in the day
@@V0rTeX45 Yeah but the clicking is going to be better plus Florsheim's longwing last was better than anything Alden makes today. Not only for me is much more comfy but it looks a lot nicer. The only American longwing with a nicer looking last was the Allen Edmonds McNeil, and I'm not convinced that the 7 last is a comfy as barrie and I'm know it's not as nice as the florsheim longwing last. I think Tricker's makes the nicest longwing today, except they rarely do shell cordovan, and the last time they did shell it wasn't horween nor did they disclose what tannery they got it from. If it has to be new carmina makes one but the detroit last is hit or miss for most people. Vass and Crockett and Jones make some killer short wing derbies.
@@claytonberg721 I have had good experiences with Alden clicking but I only buy the special make-ups. Usually the qc is better on them as well. I’ve never had luck finding a Florsheim lwb in a size that I find comfortable so I cannot comment on their lasts.
I bought mine a few years ago now and have to agree. They are nice and I did get them for a fraction of what they run for now, but will probably not get another pair until they change a few things.
Weston, I've experienced the same issues with my speacial-make-up, barrie-lasted Alden Indy shell cordovan boots. Alden is well aware of these issues because I found blogs and videos showcasing these issues from a decade ago. Alden refuses to correct known issues...
Holy cow, I had the same issue!!!! I got a pair of these in snuff suede for my birthday at the beginning of October, have been wearing them 3 days a week or so to the office, and the heel is already peeling away on the edges. Took them to a cobbler last week to get them re-glued and re-nailed properly.
Great video! $900 is a custom boot territory, way too much to have blatant leather blemishes and sloppy sewing. I don’t think you should wear them for the full six months, there are other boots that would be cool for you to do full wear tests, especially if at one month those boots are already coming apart. I have a pair of Thursdays that have over 1000 miles on them of hard manual labor that aren’t coming apart like that.
@@noone-pg4lr industrial refrigeration so climbing access ladders, kicking equipment into alignment, and chemical exposure (from caustic soda to 15% sulfuric acid to >45psu saltwater solutions). The tread is bare and needs a resole, the leather has pits, chemical burns, and gashs, but nothing is floppy, worn through, nor coming apart.
@@spudzookawhich model are you running? Are you wearing them every day or switching them out? Are you planning on going with Thursday again after these wear out completely?
@@willieclark2256 The first pair was storm king captains, worn between 5 and 7 days a week for coming up on two years. i bought a pair of the thursday american made loggers to replace them. Somewhere between 1 and 2 years i wore through the vamp lining and the heel counter so they are finally coming up on retirement. I dont do a lot of concrete pavement walking and never had to resole them (they are right there though).
I fell in love with the Alden Indy a few years ago while searching forums for shoes/boots to fit my hard to size feet. This last is clearly well developed as befitting a company this old. But I'm so glad I did research before trying to buy a pair. All the data I gathered on my own indicated Aldens wood generally look great and fit great. But also that I risked spending a lot of money on a boot likely to come with defects and subpar materials that my feet would likely destroy. It was also clear that Alden as a company is in desperate need of an overhaul in customer service, marketing and manufacturing processes. Their footwear has so much potential so it would be nice to see the company turn over a new leaf.
Thank you for this complete honest review, and yes it is your opinion but the fact the price is where it's at, i will not waste my hard earned money on a boot that is not well built. No fake anything, no issues with quality. Untill that boot gets better, with no price increase, then hell yeah. I really do want this boot.
Great video: your honesty is commendable! I came to the Alden side after many years of window shopping and lusting from afar. I’m on my forth pair and that nostalgia I once had in joining the Alden Army as begun to wear down (pun intended). Although I’ve only owned Barrie and True-balance lasted shoes/boots, I must say my plain blucher boots on the Truebalance lasts are definitely my most comfortable Alden boots. Putting all that aside, the three videos in the Alden series thus far have put a damper on my love affair with Aldens. Given the extensive amount of other offerings from other brands these days, I’m no longer sure I will evolve into an “Alden boy”. Much like you perfectly stated: Yes, they’re beautifully styled and comfortable boots, but may no longer justify their price…for [me].
I was pretty neutral on this debate, but honestly I was shocked by the amount of wear these boots have after only 30 days! This would be ridiculous for any boot at any price. When you got them there was a huge mark on the inner lining, now the sole is coming off the toe, the heel is coming off, the stitching for the sole is worn through. This is basically a defective boot and I think you should get Alden involved here and see if they can comment on the boot or maybe give you a new pair so that you can try again.
I took my Army issue dress shoes on my Mormon mission for two years and had less problems that these Alden's did for 30 days. This is a crap boot just based on the sole alone .
I have a pair of the 403's purchased off of Ebay and then sent them to Aaron at Revive Shoe repair for a resole. they are now worth the price someone paid for them new... But I will say, I have not seen any flaws in my uppers and the leather is so much nicer than any of my other boots. (Iron Rangers, 1000 miles and Thursday)
I have owned a pair of Alden Indys as part of my work boot rotation (essentially a finish carpenter). Bought them off eBay ($250)about 10 years ago practically new condition, re-soled twice so far. Very comfy workbook, no end-of-day fatigue, and I like the older style (they’ve been around since 1930s, I think). They are falling apart internally and hopefully can have my cobbler replace the heel-counter with real leather, and all the other leatherboard parts on the next re-sole. However I would never pay current full retail price, but rather spend that $$$ on some PNW boots (JK, Nick’s, White’s, et. al.).
You mention the supination/pronation problem that you had. I encountered that as well on diferent shoes. I had this on boots where it was just on one shoe, sometimes on both and so on. Its sloppy manufacturing and not aligning the last and soles correctly. Its just like giving the boots/shoes a correct stand. A shoe/boot should have contact with the ground under the ball area and the heel should be on one plain with the forefoot and be completely flat on the ground. Oftentimes that is not correctly done and the shoe will rock back and forth on the front edge of the heelblock. That is in most cases quite uncomfortable for the wearer at the front of your heel. In german that is called the "stand" of the shoe. When the shoes missalign your foot it will also misallign your knees and waist area, which will in time give you knee pain most certainly or in the worst case fuck up the gristle in your knees prematurely on one or the other side.
In before the Alden fanboys try to take over the comments. ..Not that I'm really expecting a wave of comments. For the most part Weston has a really supportive community, especially on this channel.
@@not-a-raccoon I keep reading comments like yours and I have a question. Who the hell buys Alden Indy boots for the name! The world has no idea what an Alden Indy boot even is. So why would anyone drop serious cash on boots just for a name no one has any idea even exist? No one cares!
I've made a couple pairs of boots using only premium materials: full grain leathers, high-quality brass eyelets, ritza thread, vibram rubber, etc.; with tradition hand-welted Norwegian construction, and the material cost per pair was around $135; paying retail prices. I don't see why Alden would cut corners when it comes to materials, since that's the cheapest part of making a boot, right? I wonder how much money they actually save by using lesser materials. I hope the savings are going toward better wages for their employees, at least. It's such a shame to pair cordovan leather with junky eyelets, split leather insoles, compressed cardboard, low quality control standards, etc. It's almost a waste. And the fake Norwegian welt strikes me as such an absurd thing to do. I'll never understand why people like fake stuff only for the looks.
@@kevinomalley1145 No, I got a side of oil tan leather. If I used shell cordovan, and I was making a 6 inch service boot with a pattern similar to the Indy boots, in a size 12, I think my total materials cost would be around $300. If I did a nice calfskin liner, it might be around $30 more. I would save a lot of money if I could buy in bulk though, like buying a sole bend instead of full sole pairs; that'd cut costs of those materials in half. Alden sells their cordovan boots for around $800, right? I'd be interested to see what they pay, per square foot, for their shell. A company like that would get huge wholesale and bulk discounts on all materials. And I think people would gladly pay a hundred dollars more if the boots were made with full grain leather throughout, instead of split leather and compressed cardboard.
I really appreciate this perspective as I was so curious as to what their costs would be. Pointing the things you did (and in your reply about wholesale prices) gives a great ballpark, so thank you for that.
I have had numerous Alden Indy boots in my collection for 20 years and agree with you on your assessment. I am a "D" width in all my boots from various makers. Indy boots after the leather breaks in stretches to the point the laces are almost touching when laced. I end up using tongue pads, thick boot socks and some type of thin inserts to keep some separation. Even buying a "C" width is the same situation but just takes a little longer to happen. Got rid of all my shell Aldens as they just were too dressy for casual wear but still have a few pairs of the 403 and 405 boots. I have a big collection now and rotate which means I should be good in keeping the ones I have due to low wear time. Prices are crazy for the boots now and were kind of high when cheaper. The Indy is fine for an office setting or casual wear if in a rotation. Not a serious outside boot but more of a city boot. Also, the tongue sliding around is another issue on a boot. Still like the look and will keep what I have already bought but will not buy more.
I really liked this video. The comparison of the footprint between the Alden's, the Jim Green's, and the dress shoes was great and really helped your explanation. I would actually be considering the Alden's from that, if it wasn't for the longevity worries you brought up later in the video. Please do make more videos like this. I loved the personal talk about your opinions on the boot design.
I've had these boots for over 10 years, worn every so often, and they are in excellent condition. Someday I will send them in for refurbishment and have brand new boots. Nice review.
they are gorgeous boots!! i feel like yes, they are on the dressier side but they look extremely nice and its not a silly dressy. some things look silly when too formal but they are gorgeous and it shows. could make almost any outfit immediately nicer. edit: for the price?? nah 😭 especially for the build quality oh my god like just for the aesthetics yeah but damn nahhh
As someone with an 8.5 EEE I envy all y’all that have narrow feet. I can’t find a damn thing that fits properly. I can pretty much only wear Ecco brand.
I think Weston's frustration stems from the fact that Alden charges a premium for its boots, $900, but then uses C+ - B level materials and workmanship. Whereas with Redwing, it charges on average of $300 for its boots, but has A level materials and craftsmanship across the board.
@@mattgabriel8646 The point is that, IF Red Wing made a boot in shell cordovan it would cost far more than $300 from the cost of materials alone. Rancourt and Allen Edmonds, both MiUSA companies, sell their shell shoes for $700. Now, comparing a $300 Iron Ranger to a $600 CXL Indy, you'll have a much better case.
@@stephenathon We already educated you that Red Wing does not sell shell cordovan and that the median price of $300-350 of Red Wing shoes/boots stands. No one's talking about Allen Edmonds or Rancourt, which you just brought up now to lessen the fact that your initial statement got eviscerated.
@@mattgabriel8646 "We educated you?" Excuse me? I know plenty on the subject. The one who has eviscerated his own argument is you, when you compared shell Alden to non-shell Red Wing. It's a ludicrous apples-to-oranges comparison. I am introducing the other two makers as a real-world pricing comparison to Alden, which is admittedly higher priced but not by your exaggerated margin.
It isn't unfair for people to have a high expectation of something they're paying $900 for. It seems like Alden is using people's natural response to justify such an expensive purchase to their advantage, even if they don't market their boots that way. I've had flip flops that held their form better after a month of heavy use.
Not an excuse but the reason these are $900 is because of the leather. The regular version is like 600, so you’re basically paying 300 extra for the same quality boot, with the exception of the leather (even tho the boot shouldn’t be $600 to begin with)
From what I gather, they are built like a Thursday boot at double the price of Thursdays made in USA boots. It shows that you’re really paying for the name and legacy. Hopefully they can make a better boot at the same price but probably not. I hope you do Viberg for next years Patina ThunderDome since they are built like a stitchdown Red Wing at thrice the price. I guess they have to pay for all those machines.
To your point about the width - my Brannock width is a D, but because of my foot shape I'm actually closer to EE if you measure my foot with a measuring tape. I'd wager that a lot more people have much wider feet than they think they do, so going from a super narrow last like a Thursday or a dressier boot or a sneaker to something with more room in the vamp and toe box is naturally going to feel a lot more comfortable.
Several points. One, there is no disputing that this boot is overpriced in any version unless you get a deal or pre-owned. There are boots better constructed with better materials for less cost, plain and simple. That being said, if you just want to own them to say you own Aldens, you love Harrison Ford, or like the look, no worries, enjoy. Just don't clap back like what Weston is saying isn't true. Just say in spite of it you like/love the boot and own/want or will own some. Your call. Secondly, fanboys and Alden lovers need to listen carefully. Weston isn't trashing the boot, just stating it is overpriced and not the value some others are. If that matters to you, fine - if not, that is fine also, it won't change the facts. Own what you like and wear what you please based on what matters to you. If the prestige of owning an Alden matters more than what is presented here, just go with that flow. If it keeps you from owning the boot, buying it only at less cost or not at all, that works as well. No need to trash the messenger.
You're heart's in the right place; I can tell you really didn't want to hate these but again, at that price point the quality should most definitely reflect that. Understandably Alden's not going to be a happy with the negative feedback, but hopefully that will force them to reconsider their pricing model, go back to the drawing board and make appropriate changes.
I've become more and more aware of just how tight shoes tend to be these days, so its an interesting observation how these shoes manage to be wide yet still appear sleek.
i was looking on jcrew the other day and saw a boot called the "kenton pacer boot". it caught my attention as i feel like it's very very similar to the indy boots, for half of the price. When i did some more research, it seems that alden makes boots for jcrew, and have done lots of collaborations with them. they even have a limited edition chromexel one, but the standard ones leather seems to be tanned by horween. Would you be interested in cutting it in half, and seeing if it's a close alternative to the indy boot, for under 300?
I would love to see Rose Anvil do a deconstruction of a JCrew boot. I have a pair of these Kenton Pacer boots and they seem pretty damn solid. Got them on clearance a couple years ago for way less than $300 too.
Despite the marketing claims regarding this 'corrective' Trubalance last, I believe it's only the asymmetrical shape of the Thomas heel - which extends longer on the medial sides of your feet - that could possibly address over-pronation on these boots. Both from personal wearing experience and your excellent dissection videos, I've seen no signs of any other measures built in to keep the wearer's ankles from rolling in. Oddly, I have flat feet and do sometimes roll shoes in, but have had good luck with my 2005 405 Indys, which have stayed straight vertically. When I was recently researching the unavailability of replacement Thomas Heels, the general consensus was they were a crude early attempt to address over pronation and flat arches. Apparently the phasing out of Thomas heels is directly related to much better modern footwear with more advanced anti-pronation measures (including simply addressing it with special insoles with firmer medial areas and higher arches).
The toe part wears quicker for some people so It’s to be replaced instead of the whole sole. Some brands will do a metal tip in the toe sole area for it to wear out slower.
One thing you failed to mention was the wide variety of widths and sizes that Alden offers, many people purchase Aldens simply because no other companies make decent shoes/boots in those sizes. Not even Allen Edmonds offers such a variety.
That wear after a short time is inexcusable. I know they're less dressy but I've worm my Red Wing Blacksmiths for what must be 1000 miles now, I've walked up mountains in them when I've forgotten my hiking boots. The stitching on the sole has worn through but the sole is still on their tight and they certainly don't have the heel issues like these, and they're half the price.
1. The dye. Alden puts their own finishing on shell cordovan. It looks like nothing else, if you care for it and if they put it on right. Obviously it's coming off of Weston's boots, as it will on any boots/shoes. That said a little acetone and that finishing comes off and you're left with standard horween shell. 2. foam toe thing. It's to protect the edges from wear. As you bump your toes into things the edges get scuffed, this is there to prevent that. I have mixed feelings. as it ages, it doesn't age all that well. 3. I'm not gonna pick nits with semantics, but in no way are these boots compatible with suits/formal wear. You can get away with them in bad weather or with tweed but not in a formal setting. I get it, it's not Weston's thing so he's far a field on this one. They are smart casual. To argue that you need to baby them, or can't take them hiking or something and that's why they are falling apart is wrong. Nobody should be making this argument. Good dress shoes actually don't need to be babied to the level alden fan boys are saying. I easily put 12-14k steps on my dress shoes. I have never had issues with things like heel stacks coming loose or glued on commando lugs coming off after a mere 28 days of wear. That this has happened proves that this pair anyways is very poorly made. And I've certainly never seen an upper come off the welt. I've had stitching issues with a few allen edmonds shoes but none with my vintage florsheim, crockett and jones, trickers, carmina, TLB shoes/boots. 4. Trubalance... yeah I guess. I actually like Barrie better. If you want a pair of smart casual extremely well made shoes on an exceptional last try vintage florsheim longwings. Florsheim 93602. 5. Your assertion that dress shoes won't be comfy because of the lack of room, well fitting dress shoes aren't going to rub your toes. I have wider feet than Weston and on proper fitting shoes I don't have that issue. With a company like Allen Edmonds they make sizes from AAA to EEE. I would actually suggest because alden offers combo lasts he should have sized down in the heel. I don't really like AE's philosophy that every model and last should fit every foot, I like what tricker's does, they make like 4 versions of the same shoe, on different lasts. But again, if you tried the florsheim 93602 you'd agree that it's superior to modern alden, and for my foot the last is a lot better.
I have always wanted a pair of Indy's. Now, after seeing this video, I am not so sure. At $900, they should not look this bad after 1 month or so. Reguardless, if they are a city or country boot, they should not look this bad after the this small time of usage. I guess Alden thinks their reputation should make up for their lack of using better material. Nice review Weston..I will be curious to see the 6 month review.
The best last ever created is "Munson last" by senior officer of the United States Army Medical Corps Edward Lyman Munson. Corcoran boots still use it. Check out Munson very informative book "The soldier's foot and the military shoe; a handbook for officers and non-commissioned officers of the line", Fort Leavenworth, 1912
I got Munson lasts from Sorrrell Notions and Findings, Weston showed same last in couple videos. I'm planning to make moccasin construction boots based on Russel moccasins Thula Thula model.
I do a lot of urban trekking around cities when I go on holiday (10-25km per day) and Indys are the only boots that don't give me blisters.... plus they are dressy enough to go into nice bars and restaurants. I supinate badly so all my boots (numerous brands) heels need to be replaced regularly. I think all my stress points go to the heel so I don't seem to wear boots out in other areas
The over pronation could be the sole. The raised lugs without a true sidewall allows the arch to collapse more and flatten out more on each step. Mixed with the loose ankle fit of the upper it allows the foot to move a lot on each step. Most boots do not have true arch support. My 475$ Dalton's from ae don't have arch support. I put my inserts in everything. Nick's and whites and others arch support is super light, very similar to keen, Cobb hill, born and others. Birkenstock has more arch support than all those combined. Brands like Nick's and whites I respect because it is something but side by side and putting an insert in it's a major difference. Alden just fails in everything. Sad to see.
I think you're too forgiving on these. Considering- the sole is already about to fall off after a month. I've got $250 Fryes that are years old, heavily used, and still perfectly solid in one piece.
Im someone with outrageously wide feet, and the Alden boots are the only boots that feel like they fit me without having to size up. My Alden Indy size is 8.5 EEE, and my Redwing Iron Ranger size is 10 EE. Wearing both boots, the redwings feel better constructed, but the Aldens simply fit, which for me is difficult to find off the rack. I will continue to buy Alden because they fit wide, someone with a more narrow foot might not be the target demographic for a product like this. Just an opinion.
Great video. I’m looking for a casual/ dressier boot. I’m a true 12C but wear an 11.5 sneaker (Hoka). I love the look and supposed comfort of the boot. However, the quality control seems terrible. For $600-$900 I expect the quality to be perfect. The problems you’ve identified are a total no-go for me. For all Alden’s claims of quality, their boots just aren’t showing it. Another point is that I don’t care where the boots/shoes are made as long as the comfort and quality is there. Personally, I prefer Scandinavian shoes/boots over others. Their last is more a “V” shape. Their comfort and quality control are superb. I wear Mephisto shoes, among other Scandinavian companies, and their expensive. But I’m getting the comfort and quality I expect. The only problem I have purchasing shoes/boots is the I will not buy on-line. I’ve found that trying on shoes/boots before purchasing them is extremely important to me.
Buying on line is challenging especially when it comes to shoes only for the 1st pair in a particular last. Right now online shoppers have 2 options: 1. Buy multiple pairs at once and send back the rest. (Best for fit comparison). Also helpful if a friend of similar size or 1 size up/down are interested in the style. 2. Buy 1 pair and keep exchanging until best fit. (Slow process). At some point brands will become more like Meermin in that they only have 3-4 brick and mortar stores globally for in store try on, but primarily for ease of mailing returns. The next phase would be to send 2-3 factory 2nds, or 3rds in the same last to 1st time buyers for any particular last then buyer pays for return and receives 1st quality pair. No shipping or return fee for unworn 1st.
Own the same boot but w speed hooks and within first week of wear, same thing happened w mine, the commando sole at the toe started to peel back… had to purchase boot glue to seal back up. If only this were posted 6 months ago!! 😭
Dont feel bad about your critique. Alden has no right to charge so much for a mediocre boot just based on the novelty. They’re taking advantage of their customers. I really hope this motivates them to at least increase the quality or even lower the price.
I do like a boot price bracket and teardown to show the materials. It would be a very interesting topic to talk about on both ends of the spectrum. I feel like if someone found a fairly old indy boot. Just some TLC and then a resole for more leather would be fine
I have a solution to this situation. If Alden promises to replace the “leather-board” with actual leather, I’ll buy a pair. If Alden does their part to save a famous American brand I’ll do mine. Who’s with me?
@@PumpUptheJam81 Yeah a component of it is “leather” but from my experience it doesn’t hold up. It’s ground up fibers held together by glue. It cracks and splits much faster than real leather.
I work in an office and the toe and heal were an issue for me too. It's so disappointing at that price point. I ended up putting JR soles on them after about a year. I love them now.
the problem with this boots probably is with the great design, its a shame that they chose such bad materials and structure, while selling them in such a ridiculous price. great video
I've owned many brands and have spent a lot of money of a pair of boots but I just can't seem to convince myself about a pair of Aldens. As time goes videos like these just solidify my decision. I will still with other brands.
I have skinny ankles and a low instep, so I use an insole in most of my boots. I also have a pair of Rose Anvil kilties to help take up a little space. The Red Wing Merchant is the only heritage boot that feels like it was made for my foot. No insole, kiltie, or thick socks required.
I totally respect your approach on the analysis of these boots. I own three pair of Indys in various leathers and wear them in rotation with five other boots. The qc issues I’ve seen mostly involve loose threads. Like yours, the threads around the toes of the soles are wearing down quickly, but the soles have not come loose. Neither have the heels. But I, too, am finding that the speed hooks are shredding my laces. I also own some Vibergs (2030 last), a pair of Trickers stow boots, and a pair of White’s (55 last), and I like the fit better than the Indys. My ankles aren’t as skinny as yours, but the leather touches when I lace the final two or three eyelets. Not a fan of that. I bought the Indys after some Red Wings as I was falling deeper down the boot rabbit hole. I won’t buy either brand again. I can totally see why you believe Aldens are overpriced, but I guess buying American sometimes has its drawbacks. I wish that were not true. Maybe your videos will help them get their shit together.
I'm really surprised at the amount of damage and deterioration after only a month. Harrison Ford used em in the film because they were what he worked in as a carpenter, so I can only imagine the loss in quality over that time frame. That's really disappointing. Great Vid!
I don’t understand how you can say that a 900 dollar boot that is falling apart after one month isn’t a bad boot. Any boot that falls apart after one month is not just bad it’s a garbage product. I own 4 pairs of red wings I’ve beat the hell out of all of them for years and they’re still going strong. Is that a common story with Alden? It’s kind of hard to believe.
A lot of what you said about the last reminds me of what I like about my Viberg Service Boots: in short, they very smartly made a wide last look dressy by keeping the toe longer and pointier than what the width would suggest. But for someone who also has skinny feet and ankles, they don’t have the same problem of being so wide that they don’t fit around the heel. And, of course, they’re insanely more well-built (and still cheaper) than these.
I don't understand why "very wide toebox, too wide at heel, upper is too big" is any different from "the size is wrong". How can a boot be too big in pretty much every dimension, yet still be "correct"? Wouldn't a smaller size fix these issues?
I think Alden‘s silence is more telling. Look at the Thursday boots leader dude in comparison. I don‘t particularly like the dainite sole copy they produce and asked Thursday about it on Facebook a while ago, he replied and broke down fairly why he used the materials, the resistance of the material used, why he chose it and so on, completely transparent. I’m not a Thursday fan, but look at it this way - you have a company that are selling to make a reputation from a product that didn’t exist so in my opinion, even though I’m not a fan of the boots per se, the guys there are busting ass to make it work. In opposite, Alden is a company that is living off a reputation. The silence is deafening, and if anything I would never touch, recommend or even consider Alden, purely through videos like this. They have to respond, or it remains true, they are ripping customers off an unjustified reputation… maybe they pay their workers really well?
