I love Alden Boots.... I'm an old timer now and retired, wore boots for my job for years (Engineer on the RR) Just 4 months ago I finally bought a pair of Indy's in earth reverse chamois, got a great deal on a brand new pair with the commando sole like you have in your video..... Loved the boots so much, I just bought another pair of special Indy's made for Ealdwine in NC in matte gray suede with commando sole.... No boot has ever been as comfortable for me than these Aldens... Love that true balance last because it fits me like a glove... The construction of both of my pairs is excellent.....You're spot on about these boots my favorites and I would recommend them... If I had known they would fit and feel this good, I would have bought them years ago...! Nice video....Greg....Horween chromexcell usually is cowhide but those are interesting in Kudu.......Gorgeous boots.... I have a pair of Grant Stone green Kudu's but not heavily oiled like that...
@@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw Here is the response from J.Crew "Third-party items are normally always excluded from any discounts, including the 15% off and the 20% off if using the J.Crew Card for the first time."
I love my Indy boots, I will always love them. Before the Rose Anvyl video, I didn’t know and never EVER noticed the lack of some leather internal components, so, I still don’t mind how they are built. They fit me well, they make me happy, that’s all I care about. Now, the price increase hurts, but it is what it is. Cheers!
Same boat! You know, one thing about the leatherboard stuff is that I don't really know Alden's side of the argument. So for example something like a Danner Mountain Light has gradually subbed in synthetic materials over the years, and that's a brand that did actually have reasons, mostly technical afaik. Is leatherboard chosen because it's lighter? Is it chosen because it doesn't squeak? Is it because it really is inconsequential? Or is there something else going on? I suppose it's even possible that they're in the process of changing that aspect of the build. It also could legitimately be cutting corners. Idk, I wouldn't pretend to know. But what I would say is that I'm saying is I'd be interested in the other perspective
@@Theheritagetribute thanks dude. So about once a year JCrew will include Aldens on a discount code, this was especially good because it stacked with the email sign-up for an additional 15% off. If you want, I could make a note to tag you the next time I see it.
Dude! Great job. Thanks for the review. I snagged these off of eBay a few years ago for a steal and didn’t see one review of them anywhere. I own the true 405, 404, and 403 as well and these are my favorites. I totally agree with you : most wearable, great leather that you don’t have to baby, and a clean, 360 welt. I always want to break out the 403’s but usually end up going with these to go out. Keep it up.
@@alexanderarduini You know what man, I just wore them to work/errands yesterday and was thinking to myself "I gotta do an update on these". They're doing awesome, the chromexel broke in and molded reallly well to my foot and I can do really long distances without discomfort. I think you made a good call, wear em in good health.
If you want to try an Alden alternative, you should look into Grant Stone's Ottawa's. Some are 1/2 the price and they look better than the Tankers. I have 6 pairs and the moc toe stitching color changing would really bother me. lol. I much rather stick with my Grant Stone Ottawa's and Diesel's. Good video though.
I dont think these are actually kudu, which is an antelope leather and has scars and veins that naturally form. Maybe Alden decided to call these kudu for some unknown reason. I own a couple of kudu leather boots.
I don't think what is arguably the best tannery in the world is trying to trick people. I imagine the name came about before Kudu leather was particularly common in the states and was called that by Horween for the sake of comparison, like most craft goods. Once you have a name for something you don't want to switch it for marketing reasons unless you really have to.
Alden Indy is massively overpriced for its level of build. It’s built like a $200 boot. Companies like parkhurst and grant stone are building far better boots for way less money.
Alden's boots are clearly built better than something like Thursday's, especially on the quality of the leather. Obviously it also has a higher mark up [and much higher overhead given American labor] than something like Grant Stone or Parkhurst [which only have to pay Chinese and Spanish labor respectively], but they all have design choices that people can dislike. Personally I far prefer the leatherboard heel stacks, and I've never understood what the problem with these are, to the very thin shitty tongues on grant stones. No doubt Parkhurst and Grant Stone are better value for your buck, but they aren't blowing Alden out of the park in terms of quality at all. If you like the Alden patterns, you like the Alden patterns. Alden has the best looking Indy pattern to me, Grant Stone has the best looking NST. They're different things.
@@Cuthloch you must own a pair of Indy boots lol. I can’t even think of a reason why someone would actually prefer leatherboard over real leather. Furthermore, it’s totally unacceptable to have leatherboard in a $600+ boot. Price aside, if you don’t think both parkhurst and grant stone are both building a far better boot than Alden, then you’re simply just ignorant. Alden won’t be around too many more years. That’s unfortunate, considering that they are a historic American brand. At the end one the day though, quality matters.
@whereRbearsTeeth I didn't say I prefered the leather board heels to leather heels. I said I prefer that, implicitly as a cost cutting measure, to the sorts of tongues Grant Stone uses. I'd like to think I know a fair bit about boots too, but I guess I'm ignorant since I disagree with you. Frankly, I have no clue how GS is far better than Alden's build quality. Surely it's nothing so minor as a material choice no one cared about before 2022. GS is clearly a better value proposition, but that's a different issue.
@@Cuthloch not sure which Grant stones you have, but mine definitely don’t have thin tongues. In fact, I actually think the leather on the tongues is a little too unnecessarily thick on mine. We can go back and forth all day long, but the fact of the matter is Alden cuts corners by using cheaper materials to build their boots. And if you don’t understand the problem with leatherboard midsoles and heel stacks, then ask any cobbler or do a little research of your own. Aesthetics is subjective, but there is no doubt that Aldens are WAY overpriced for what they are.
I love Alden Boots.... I'm an old timer now and retired, wore boots for my job for years (Engineer on the RR) Just 4 months ago I finally bought a pair of Indy's in earth reverse chamois, got a great deal on a brand new pair with the commando sole like you have in your video..... Loved the boots so much, I just bought another pair of special Indy's made for Ealdwine in NC in matte gray suede with commando sole.... No boot has ever been as comfortable for me than these Aldens... Love that true balance last because it fits me like a glove... The construction of both of my pairs is excellent.....You're spot on about these boots my favorites and I would recommend them... If I had known they would fit and feel this good, I would have bought them years ago...! Nice video....Greg....Horween chromexcell usually is cowhide but those are interesting in Kudu.......Gorgeous boots.... I have a pair of Grant Stone green Kudu's but not heavily oiled like that...
Thank you for the review! I will be very keen to buy these at a 30% discount! The online store has my size on preorder
Sure thing man, thanks for watching. If I see the 30% off up again I'll let you know.
@@MasterOfFits you are the man
Great video! It looks like JCrew is now blocking people from being able to use coupons when purchasing these boots.
@@rchurc01 which is a shame. I would purchase these if i could
@@JonathanRodriguez-nz9nw Here is the response from J.Crew "Third-party items are normally always excluded from any discounts, including the 15% off and the 20% off if using the J.Crew Card for the first time."
I love my Indy boots, I will always love them. Before the Rose Anvyl video, I didn’t know and never EVER noticed the lack of some leather internal components, so, I still don’t mind how they are built. They fit me well, they make me happy, that’s all I care about. Now, the price increase hurts, but it is what it is. Cheers!
Same boat! You know, one thing about the leatherboard stuff is that I don't really know Alden's side of the argument. So for example something like a Danner Mountain Light has gradually subbed in synthetic materials over the years, and that's a brand that did actually have reasons, mostly technical afaik. Is leatherboard chosen because it's lighter? Is it chosen because it doesn't squeak? Is it because it really is inconsequential? Or is there something else going on? I suppose it's even possible that they're in the process of changing that aspect of the build. It also could legitimately be cutting corners. Idk, I wouldn't pretend to know. But what I would say is that I'm saying is I'd be interested in the other perspective
How did you get the 30% off? That was a great cop!!
@@Theheritagetribute thanks dude. So about once a year JCrew will include Aldens on a discount code, this was especially good because it stacked with the email sign-up for an additional 15% off. If you want, I could make a note to tag you the next time I see it.
Dude! Great job. Thanks for the review. I snagged these off of eBay a few years ago for a steal and didn’t see one review of them anywhere. I own the true 405, 404, and 403 as well and these are my favorites. I totally agree with you : most wearable, great leather that you don’t have to baby, and a clean, 360 welt. I always want to break out the 403’s but usually end up going with these to go out. Keep it up.
Thanks man, really appreciate the comment and glad you dig the video. Enjoy them in good health.
They do look good
Thanks dude, been puttin a lot of miles on em
@@MasterOfFitshow are they holding up long term? I just ordered them and can’t wait to try them out!
@@alexanderarduini You know what man, I just wore them to work/errands yesterday and was thinking to myself "I gotta do an update on these". They're doing awesome, the chromexel broke in and molded reallly well to my foot and I can do really long distances without discomfort. I think you made a good call, wear em in good health.
Thanks for this video.
Np man, thanks for watching!
look good, look comfortable.
the only thing i don't like about aldens is that they use compressed paper heelstack. would have loved if they were real leather.
For the price their margins wouldnt come down much. Maybe $1-3 per boot?
eveh the shell cordovan ones have paper heel stacks@@saucyg6371
Kudu chromexcel?? Didn't know horween used kudu for that sometimes, or was it an exclusive for jcrew?
It's calfskin treated to look/behave like kudu. It isn't actual kudu leather. The Alden 404 is a rugged kudu indy boot, same leather
@@exvan3571it is kudu
I wanted to buy these boots but JCrew is sold out. Very nice pickup.
Thanks dude. If you like this makeup, I saw Leffot has something pretty similar on pre-order right now... leffot.com/products/alden-d2912h-preorder
@@MasterOfFits Man those are nice. I like the commando soles on them too.
How are these aging?
Really nice, maybe I should do an update, the CXL molds really well to accomodate, going to wear them today actually.
Check out the Luosjiet Indiana Jones Boots... with leather-insole
Man these look pretty nice, never heard of them before, you own a pair?
@@MasterOfFits Not yet,
I can't decide between the olive and a brown version
If you want to try an Alden alternative, you should look into Grant Stone's Ottawa's. Some are 1/2 the price and they look better than the Tankers. I have 6 pairs and the moc toe stitching color changing would really bother me. lol. I much rather stick with my Grant Stone Ottawa's and Diesel's. Good video though.
Thanks! And thanks for the rec, maybe one day I'll check em out
Don't overlook Parkhurst!
Not only is the Ottawa half the price, it’s a far better built boot as well.
I thought Kudu was some sort of antelope from Africa
I dont think these are actually kudu, which is an antelope leather and has scars and veins that naturally form. Maybe Alden decided to call these kudu for some unknown reason. I own a couple of kudu leather boots.
It is an antelope
Sold all my 6 pairs of Aldens and now own 17 pairs of grant stones and 2 parkhurst. Far far superior to crappy Alden quality. There is no comparison
definitely disagree, all three grant stones I have bought have been sold, they are just not comfortable compared to the indy on the trubalance
Ef that not for $700
It’s built like a $200 boot. Massively overpriced at this pint and only selling off of the history /heritage of the brand. Pathetic
These are sold out...
Seems dishonest to call it kudu if it’s not kudu
I don't think what is arguably the best tannery in the world is trying to trick people. I imagine the name came about before Kudu leather was particularly common in the states and was called that by Horween for the sake of comparison, like most craft goods. Once you have a name for something you don't want to switch it for marketing reasons unless you really have to.
Alden Indy is massively overpriced for its level of build. It’s built like a $200 boot. Companies like parkhurst and grant stone are building far better boots for way less money.
Alden's boots are clearly built better than something like Thursday's, especially on the quality of the leather. Obviously it also has a higher mark up [and much higher overhead given American labor] than something like Grant Stone or Parkhurst [which only have to pay Chinese and Spanish labor respectively], but they all have design choices that people can dislike. Personally I far prefer the leatherboard heel stacks, and I've never understood what the problem with these are, to the very thin shitty tongues on grant stones. No doubt Parkhurst and Grant Stone are better value for your buck, but they aren't blowing Alden out of the park in terms of quality at all. If you like the Alden patterns, you like the Alden patterns. Alden has the best looking Indy pattern to me, Grant Stone has the best looking NST. They're different things.
@@Cuthloch you must own a pair of Indy boots lol. I can’t even think of a reason why someone would actually prefer leatherboard over real leather. Furthermore, it’s totally unacceptable to have leatherboard in a $600+ boot. Price aside, if you don’t think both parkhurst and grant stone are both building a far better boot than Alden, then you’re simply just ignorant. Alden won’t be around too many more years. That’s unfortunate, considering that they are a historic American brand. At the end one the day though, quality matters.
@whereRbearsTeeth I didn't say I prefered the leather board heels to leather heels. I said I prefer that, implicitly as a cost cutting measure, to the sorts of tongues Grant Stone uses. I'd like to think I know a fair bit about boots too, but I guess I'm ignorant since I disagree with you. Frankly, I have no clue how GS is far better than Alden's build quality. Surely it's nothing so minor as a material choice no one cared about before 2022.
GS is clearly a better value proposition, but that's a different issue.
@whereRbearsTeeth also of course I have a pair of Indies. How else would I be able to compare them to my grant stones, lol
@@Cuthloch not sure which Grant stones you have, but mine definitely don’t have thin tongues. In fact, I actually think the leather on the tongues is a little too unnecessarily thick on mine. We can go back and forth all day long, but the fact of the matter is Alden cuts corners by using cheaper materials to build their boots. And if you don’t understand the problem with leatherboard midsoles and heel stacks, then ask any cobbler or do a little research of your own. Aesthetics is subjective, but there is no doubt that Aldens are WAY overpriced for what they are.