@@spazmurdock I disagree, but you’re entitled to your opinion! Minus the split toe, I think the Ottawa is a better comparison. The last is similar (shape and volume) and most of the Ottawa makeups have a studded or leather sole. The Brass boot is a better comparison to something like a Red Wing Moc IMO.
100%. I don't know why Weston chose the Brass Boot for this comparison. Especially since his biggest downgrade of the Brass Boot was that it was too work-boot-like to be in the Alden league. I bought a pair of Ottowas in November. Best pair of shoes I've ever owned.
Great Video. The Ottawa Split Toe is a better match for the Indy boot from the Grantstone lineup. It does have the split stitch, but otherwise, the form is pretty similar.
The Ottawa is my preference from Grant stone “moc” lineup as well. Would probably take the Field boot over the Brass boot…just don’t care for the brass boots toe shape/stitching. But to each their own. I’m glad there’s something for everybody.
He cuts them open and talks about the quality of materials in an almost $700 pair of boots. Are people mad their purchase wasn't the best in terms of value? That just sounds like they should be mad at themselves for falling for the marketing, and at alden for providing lackluster value.
Got me a pair of the Grant Stone brass boots in chrome excel 8. They are absolutely fantastic. I've only worn them 3 times since having them and have gotten many positive comments.
Based on this, I would've chosen Parkhurst's Niagara boot as the best Alden Indy alternative. It looks as good if not better than Alden. It's built and priced the same as Grant Stone. I'm frankly shocked that it wasn't in this comparison. Or even Beckett Simonon boots.
Why do you refuse to review Parkhurst? Their Niagra boot is a fantastic Indy alternative. Does Parkhurst refuse to pay you so you won't have them on your channel?
He won’t review Truman or Oak Street either. Between the three of them, that’s pretty much the big three when it comes to newer heritage style boot makers, so it’s bizarre to not have seen any of them on this channel.
No Parkhurst Niagara is insane. It’s literally an Alden Indy with fewer eyelets and better materials. Also, the dude’s wondering why the Grant Stone doesn’t fit in the lineup while GS literally makes a dressier moc toe.
The Brass Boot is not a dress boot, but the Grant Stone Ottawa is (and is the best comparison with the Indy). Brass is a beast that, after two years of wear, STILL remains stiff in the upper.
Fully agree! I have a pair in the earth suede; I've had them for over a year and wear them 3-4 days a week. They still look great, are very supportive, and the suede is holding up well. Also, mine does have a leather heal stack -- interesting that the ones in this video don't.
Put me down as another vote for Parkhurst Niagaras. I got a pair in weathered henna specifically as an Alden Indy substitute and am more than pleased with them. Look damned near identical, very comfortable and I don't think there are any cardboard components.
I think the grant stone Ottawa boot would have been a much better comparison to the Indy. I have both boots and the Ottawa checks all the dress moc toe boxes.
Very clever. Thru the Alden lens, Alden wins. Loved the Alden hat! There were enough choices in the grid to help people see what functions dictate which looks. Thanks!
I’ve had a lot of boots and still do including some you have here but my Alden Indy’s without a doubt, for me, have been the most comfortable boots I own… The last they use (true balance) is perfect for me and the ones I have, have a 360 welt with the rubber commando outsoles…. They are expensive but I wear them more than any other of my boots… Love them!
Thanks for the comparison. I keep hoping to see a close look at the Thursday Diplomat with lug sole that came out recently. I wonder where it would fit on this list?
I love this series! I'm an American living in London. For the next round, I'd love to see a Moc Toe British Invasion. Joseph Cheaney & Sons Richmond II, Loake Anglesey (which would definitely be a good budget option), Crockett & Jones Indiana (which seems like it's just begging to be included), Grenson Donald, and if you want to cut open some crazy expensive shoes, Church's Havant and Edward Green Cranleigh. There are some great shoemakers here in the UK. They definitely veer more towards dress boots rather than work boots, so there could be a solid Alden alternative in this bunch. Definitely something much better than the Wested Indy.
Great comparison. Have you considered reviewing the GS Ottawa boot as a dress moc toe? I'd be curious to see how your ranking would turn out then (although that is more of an Alden Tanker rival)
Just forget the moctoe stitch on the vamp and get a Grant Stone Diesel boot. Or you can get a norwegian split toe (which looks almost the same as a moctoe) in a Grant Stone Ottawa boot. Like this you can get better quality than Alden but still get a sleek design. You could also go the Parkhurst Niagra boot that is a little bit less quality than a Grant Stone ( but still better than Alden), it looks more or less the same as a Indy boot, and out of the 3 it has the most comfortable last (IMH).
Can't speak for the other brands, but J Crew's Kenton Pacer is regularly discounted to around $205 and I was able to nab them for $150 before Christmas which makes them a huge value grab imo.
Well done, very cool video. I own a pair of cap toe Alden colour 8 cordovans that I absolutely love as a dress boot, it is just so achingly beautiful with jeans, chinos, dress pants, whatever, and almost every colour trouser matches well. But I've lusted over the Indy boot for years, though I know I'll probably never get a pair, unless I stumble across a steal on the used market. In the end, its one of the most handsome of all of the classic American boots, the design is absolute perfection from the 270° welt to the sweep of the mic oe stitching, the rake of the upper, the perfect stitch line, it's an unassumingly elegant and understated design that has few peers in the whole boot world. It0s also an incredibly versatile design that will never go out of style and that you can wear with just about any casual outfit. In the end, Alden's real USP are their designs, someone there in the heyday of that brand had an incredible eye.
Dude, you cannot possibly be unaware of Parkhurst or their Niagara boot at this point. Why haven't you added it into this mix? It has literally everything you would want style wise and build wise. Parkhurst is a highly regarded brand in the space and easily affordable enough for you to add to this mix. It has also been requested on every video in this series. Why haven't you reviewed it yet?
Because clearly Parkhurst hasn’t paid him to make a video about it yet. That’s how it works for his channel, pay to play. There were some good threads on Reddit discussing it and how much he charges to have a boot video made about their brands.
I agree with the other commenters who are saying that the Ottawa is the Grant Stone model you should have picked. Yes, they are split toes but apart from they are still much closer in style to the Aldens than the Brass. All the positives you mention about the Brass would apply to the Ottawa, and they would score better in terms of semi-dressiness and similarity to the Alden last.
Been following the whole series as been after the Aldens for a while. All things considered, I bought them yesterday. You cannot get the Crews in the UK, or Grant or Edmund and there is only one shop in the whole of the UK that have the Aldens. I’m a 10.5 UK in “expensive” boot lasts (11 is everything else, trainers etc) and the 11E Aldens fit like a glove. Super happy, if a little lighter in the wallet! See all the Pankhust comments. Looks great. Unavailable to buy anywhere. Agree that a shoe you cannot buy should not be on the list.
You absolutely can buy the Parkhurst, but they are made in small batches. So wait a month they’ll have a new batch out. They had numerous variations of the Niagara for sale over the course of the last two months.
Unfortunately all pages go to a 404 for me for Niagra, so if there are making batches they have not bothered to setup a coming soon page. The shoe is not on their site in any shape or form and post to the UK is a zillion pounds. So, still happy with my Aldens, even though I agree the Niagra's look great.
@@DavidParkinson As I already stated they are currently sold out, so no there won’t be any listed on their website. I regularly buy clothes from the UK, so I feel your pain on international shipping.
Buy your Allen Edmonds during the holidays and pay between 244-299….absolutely great fitting boots. I own several pairs, and a grant stone in burnt earth, which is a good boot as well.
First, great video and great breakdown of each boot! My only critic IMHO, if the idea was to pick an Alden alternative, I would have expected an alternative. We already know that Alden is the gold standard for the Indy look, otherwise why title the video: Indy Alternative Showdown. Ending on a positive note, I do appreciate what you do to showcase boots and their value on how they are constructed.
What about the Ottawa? (From Grant stone) That one looks more like the Indy than the Brass boot. & @ least on my pair the clicking is really good for being from a wild animal. I can only find one little scar from when the Kangaroo was alive.
Several of the Grant Stone Brass boots have full leather stacks. They provide options for different preferences. But i also agree with another poster that Ottowa boot would have done well here (and that Parkhurst's Niagra boot is another solid alternate).
I appreciate your objectiveness. Alden Indys are a rip off on the many levels you’ve shown us but, as you’ve shown us, they continue to be the best looking moctoe dress boot.
Westin, one other thing Alden should use a 360 welt on all their Indy boots… I agree that 3/4 welt looks bad…. And agree 100% that the GS’s are the best for the money…. Have two pair of them and they are excellent boots and really well put together…. Quality through and the through…
I'd love content on outdoor or hunting focused boots. I'm in Montana, very cold and lots of snow. Waterproof and insulation is important. Quality of leather is less of a concern...
I got the J. Crews shortly before your first video and the leather seems to have a corrected grain finish. There are a couple of spots where the finish has rubbed off, on the ankle and on the tongue where the eyelets rub. I don't know if it's just my pair or what, but I would not rate the leather that highly. I'd be happy to send some photos.
I’ll be trying the Allen Edmunds. The reason for this is simple for me. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit me and they are made only 30 minutes away from where I live so I can try them on. Also, they are on sale this time of year.
I was wearing my wested indy boot yesterday. I wear them when we have meetings. wait strike that I alternate my dress boots so this time it was the wested indy. Last time it was my old mula. I have 7 that I alternate. Old mula with leather sole, old mula with rubber sole, wested indy, Portland leather, A dress one that rock roster had for a short while forgot the style name but it has a leather welt and it is not the one you cut in half, Georgia boot, and Carolina boot
I personally have no problem with sponsored videos (his or any others) as long as it is mentioned upfront. The only people who benefit are us! We get to see what’s inside a boot. It’s the only way it happens. If he cuts a boot in half, then it is up to US to decide if it is worth it or not. Just ignore his “opinion” and make a decision for yourself what is important! As for “paying to play” it is unfortunate that a small maker like Parkhurst isn’t given the chance. That, I agree, is not right.
The one thing about Alden that is attractive about this boot is the last - I have boots from most all the brands you have reviewed from 200 - 1000 $$ and the Alden last is by far the most comfortable. Granted they cut corners but the feel on foot is one f the best. Plus you can get an Indy with an upgraded CXL. Do the same thing with the plain toe military style boot, Alden - Edmonds - grant stone -
Would you consider doing a rundown of the best boots for big narrow feet? So hard to find good quality, good looking, sturdy/functional boots that are actually available in size 15! Impossible for me to find them in stock to try on too so looking for boots has been a real challenge.
I think Thursday Boots recently threw their hat in the ring for an Alden alternative. It's not the type of boot I'd wear, but at a glance they look very similar.
John Doe has two different style of dress moc toes that could be worth looking at. Plus you can get them in black shark leather which would be cool to see cut in half.
I would love to see you do a mini series comparing the difference between chuck taylors & the star player 76, chuck 70's etc. I think you might find the difference between them surprising ✌️
Just finished this vid. Great vid as usual. I would have chosen the AEs. Grant Stone makes great stuff but I'm not interested in supporting Chinese goods at the expense of US goods.
Really had me going with the sponsor bit. I agree Alden makes the best Alden boot lololo Surprised you didnt include Thursday Diplomats instead of Grant Stone but it was your first Grant Stone review so you are forgiven. Still waiting for Parkhurst, Oak Street and Truman to be reviewed and disected. All hail the mid-tier boots
I just saw the video of the Danner Mountain boots, and thought it might be interesting to try and look at the paraboot avoriaz as a comparison to them.
Nice video, although in fairness to Grant Stone, you should have used their Ottawa boot in the Indy comparison because it is the most like the Alden boots. Better, even. Still, it was an interesting video.
Wish you had my Texture mock toe boots in your list. I genuinely think it would be on top of this list I'm most categories. Fantastic boots at a great priced..... Do come from Indonesia and takes 4-5 mths to deliver... Fantastic boots!!!
For people over in Europe, Yanko in collaboration with Skolyx(Online Retailer) make quite a nice moc-toe dress boot. Although its sold out in most sizes at the moment.
So satisfied and legit laughed out loud that you stuck to the "Thanks for our sponsor, Alden". Im sure Nick and Chris from FGP appreciated it! 😂 Nice wrap-up!
You should totally do a collaboration with a shoe maker to develop the actual Ultimate Alden Indy Alternative. Call it the UAIA or Ultimate AIA or AIA Ultimate. Anything to take Alden off first place.
My pics from the bunch would be Allen Edmons (best indy alternative of the list for me) and Grant Stone (best boot hands down). BTW, if wanted to throw a questionable brand to the list, you should have included Jonhston and Murphy, aparently their good year welted boots are decent but cheaped out and outsourced many things.
I busted my Alden's up. Took them through water, mud and walked miles in them through the Italian woods but they are still awesome and walk like gloves. But I have the older model
If you revisit this series, I'd love to see the Parkhurst Niagra, Luos Jiet, and Beckett Simonon Gallagher enter the fray
Yes and Thursday now has one.
You forgot to include what looks to be the closest Indy alternative in terms of aesthetics, which is the Parkhurst Niagara.
Yes, most of these don’t even come close to the Alden in style.
I think if you subbed out the Brass Boot for the Ottawa, Grant Stone would’ve blown this out of the water.
The split toe makes it different enough from the Indy that it would get dinged for the same reason.
@@spazmurdock I disagree, but you’re entitled to your opinion! Minus the split toe, I think the Ottawa is a better comparison. The last is similar (shape and volume) and most of the Ottawa makeups have a studded or leather sole. The Brass boot is a better comparison to something like a Red Wing Moc IMO.
Agree the Ottawa is almost identical to the Alden. The ONLY difference is one inch of stitching in the toe!
100%.
I don't know why Weston chose the Brass Boot for this comparison. Especially since his biggest downgrade of the Brass Boot was that it was too work-boot-like to be in the Alden league.
I bought a pair of Ottowas in November. Best pair of shoes I've ever owned.
this is what i was coming to say! I bought a Ottawa pair for my "indy" like boot
Great Video. The Ottawa Split Toe is a better match for the Indy boot from the Grantstone lineup. It does have the split stitch, but otherwise, the form is pretty similar.
split toebox is too different imo. as. a big fan of the indy style i would buy the brass boot
The Ottawa is my preference from Grant stone “moc” lineup as well. Would probably take the Field boot over the Brass boot…just don’t care for the brass boots toe shape/stitching. But to each their own. I’m glad there’s something for everybody.
Hats off for tripling down on the Alden being overpriced, despite the heat you’ve received. Great to see you standing up to what you believe 👌
looks like narcissism to me
Better than delusional patriotism
He cuts them open and talks about the quality of materials in an almost $700 pair of boots. Are people mad their purchase wasn't the best in terms of value? That just sounds like they should be mad at themselves for falling for the marketing, and at alden for providing lackluster value.
Not a fan of this particular style, but I do like the Grant Stones in both build quality & aesthetics as the best of the lot.
Got me a pair of the Grant Stone brass boots in chrome excel 8. They are absolutely fantastic. I've only worn them 3 times since having them and have gotten many positive comments.
Wearing the J Crew Pacer right now. Have had them for a year and they still look great and feel awesome on foot!
Based on this, I would've chosen Parkhurst's Niagara boot as the best Alden Indy alternative. It looks as good if not better than Alden. It's built and priced the same as Grant Stone. I'm frankly shocked that it wasn't in this comparison. Or even Beckett Simonon boots.
Id say Grant stone beats Alden comfortably
The Ottawa is the Grant Stone boot to compare to the Alden Indy. Brass is a different style boot.
Parkhurst Niagra. You should include it. Very sleek boot.
Why do you refuse to review Parkhurst? Their Niagra boot is a fantastic Indy alternative. Does Parkhurst refuse to pay you so you won't have them on your channel?
He won’t review Truman or Oak Street either. Between the three of them, that’s pretty much the big three when it comes to newer heritage style boot makers, so it’s bizarre to not have seen any of them on this channel.
Please Look At the Luos Jiet Indiana Jones Boot, It looks IDENTICAL to an alden Indy and is offered in more leathers for 259$
The best value by far is the Parkhurst Niagara. Twice the boot for half the money. And exclusive to boot (pun intended) 😂
No Parkhurst Niagara is insane. It’s literally an Alden Indy with fewer eyelets and better materials.
Also, the dude’s wondering why the Grant Stone doesn’t fit in the lineup while GS literally makes a dressier moc toe.
Thanks for mentioning sponsor, just tells us how we come to the conclusion
The Brass Boot is not a dress boot, but the Grant Stone Ottawa is (and is the best comparison with the Indy). Brass is a beast that, after two years of wear, STILL remains stiff in the upper.
Yeah Ottawa would have been better to compare here.
Fully agree! I have a pair in the earth suede; I've had them for over a year and wear them 3-4 days a week. They still look great, are very supportive, and the suede is holding up well. Also, mine does have a leather heal stack -- interesting that the ones in this video don't.
Split moc toes fall on a diferenty category. Beckett Simonon's Gallager should have been on the list.
Agree with other comments that Grant Stone Ottawa is the best comparison.
Also, as a left field choice you have the Loake Anglesey.
Put me down as another vote for Parkhurst Niagaras. I got a pair in weathered henna specifically as an Alden Indy substitute and am more than pleased with them. Look damned near identical, very comfortable and I don't think there are any cardboard components.
I’ve got the Allen’s and they are insanely well made. Honestly, I think they are higher quality than my Truman’s.
I think the grant stone Ottawa boot would have been a much better comparison to the Indy. I have both boots and the Ottawa checks all the dress moc toe boxes.
I guess the split-toe disqualified it..? But I agree: It’s more dressy. (I personally don’t love split-toe, though - but that’s just me.)
Very clever. Thru the Alden lens, Alden wins. Loved the Alden hat! There were enough choices in the grid to help people see what functions dictate which looks. Thanks!
No Parkhurst Niagara is f-ing insane
Agreed. It’s better than all of them, INDY included
True! i want that boot so bad
I have the blue calf Niagara… and I’d agree
Thats a beautiful boot congrats@@heesoo18
Would have absolutely loved to see one of these. Parkhurst is such a fantastic brand
I’ve had a lot of boots and still do including some you have here but my Alden Indy’s without a doubt, for me, have been the most comfortable boots I own… The last they use (true balance) is perfect for me and the ones I have, have a 360 welt with the rubber commando outsoles…. They are expensive but I wear them more than any other of my boots… Love them!
Thanks for the comparison. I keep hoping to see a close look at the Thursday Diplomat with lug sole that came out recently. I wonder where it would fit on this list?
Enter *Grant Stone Ottawa*
parkhurst would have been the most competitive.
I love this series! I'm an American living in London. For the next round, I'd love to see a Moc Toe British Invasion. Joseph Cheaney & Sons Richmond II, Loake Anglesey (which would definitely be a good budget option), Crockett & Jones Indiana (which seems like it's just begging to be included), Grenson Donald, and if you want to cut open some crazy expensive shoes, Church's Havant and Edward Green Cranleigh. There are some great shoemakers here in the UK. They definitely veer more towards dress boots rather than work boots, so there could be a solid Alden alternative in this bunch. Definitely something much better than the Wested Indy.
Another great video Weston!!! Another really good high quality contender is the Parkhurst Niagara boot.
idk why I watch these. I don't own any boots and I never will lmao but I like how you compare them and tare them apart.
Great comparison. Have you considered reviewing the GS Ottawa boot as a dress moc toe? I'd be curious to see how your ranking would turn out then (although that is more of an Alden Tanker rival)
Please do a review on the Luosjiet Indy boot. Looks very very close for 250$
Just forget the moctoe stitch on the vamp and get a Grant Stone Diesel boot. Or you can get a norwegian split toe (which looks almost the same as a moctoe) in a Grant Stone Ottawa boot. Like this you can get better quality than Alden but still get a sleek design. You could also go the Parkhurst Niagra boot that is a little bit less quality than a Grant Stone ( but still better than Alden), it looks more or less the same as a Indy boot, and out of the 3 it has the most comfortable last (IMH).
Can't speak for the other brands, but J Crew's Kenton Pacer is regularly discounted to around $205 and I was able to nab them for $150 before Christmas which makes them a huge value grab imo.
The Parkhurst Niagara would've probably beaten the Alden Indy at its own game.
definitely not. I agree with Weston depsite the cost and value, nobody does it better(looks) than the Alden Indy.
Well done, very cool video. I own a pair of cap toe Alden colour 8 cordovans that I absolutely love as a dress boot, it is just so achingly beautiful with jeans, chinos, dress pants, whatever, and almost every colour trouser matches well.
But I've lusted over the Indy boot for years, though I know I'll probably never get a pair, unless I stumble across a steal on the used market. In the end, its one of the most handsome of all of the classic American boots, the design is absolute perfection from the 270° welt to the sweep of the mic oe stitching, the rake of the upper, the perfect stitch line, it's an unassumingly elegant and understated design that has few peers in the whole boot world. It0s also an incredibly versatile design that will never go out of style and that you can wear with just about any casual outfit. In the end, Alden's real USP are their designs, someone there in the heyday of that brand had an incredible eye.
Dude, you cannot possibly be unaware of Parkhurst or their Niagara boot at this point. Why haven't you added it into this mix? It has literally everything you would want style wise and build wise. Parkhurst is a highly regarded brand in the space and easily affordable enough for you to add to this mix. It has also been requested on every video in this series. Why haven't you reviewed it yet?
Because clearly Parkhurst hasn’t paid him to make a video about it yet. That’s how it works for his channel, pay to play. There were some good threads on Reddit discussing it and how much he charges to have a boot video made about their brands.
How much did Alden pay for this obvious 180?
I don't think Alden paid him anything to do reviews.
@@_Stay_Curiousmy guy, he says in the video it’s a sponsored post by Alden lol
@@Acalllll704There really can’t be any other explanation at this point. He also hasn’t done Truman or Oak Street.
I agree with the other commenters who are saying that the Ottawa is the Grant Stone model you should have picked. Yes, they are split toes but apart from they are still much closer in style to the Aldens than the Brass. All the positives you mention about the Brass would apply to the Ottawa, and they would score better in terms of semi-dressiness and similarity to the Alden last.
This makes me feel really good about buying Grant Stone
Alden Indys are a really great boot. Only ones I'd put above them are probably Vibergs.
Been following the whole series as been after the Aldens for a while. All things considered, I bought them yesterday. You cannot get the Crews in the UK, or Grant or Edmund and there is only one shop in the whole of the UK that have the Aldens. I’m a 10.5 UK in “expensive” boot lasts (11 is everything else, trainers etc) and the 11E Aldens fit like a glove. Super happy, if a little lighter in the wallet! See all the Pankhust comments. Looks great. Unavailable to buy anywhere. Agree that a shoe you cannot buy should not be on the list.
You absolutely can buy the Parkhurst, but they are made in small batches. So wait a month they’ll have a new batch out. They had numerous variations of the Niagara for sale over the course of the last two months.
Unfortunately all pages go to a 404 for me for Niagra, so if there are making batches they have not bothered to setup a coming soon page. The shoe is not on their site in any shape or form and post to the UK is a zillion pounds. So, still happy with my Aldens, even though I agree the Niagra's look great.
@@DavidParkinson As I already stated they are currently sold out, so no there won’t be any listed on their website. I regularly buy clothes from the UK, so I feel your pain on international shipping.
Great review as always. I always look forward to the image and animated gifs overlays. Love that everytime!
I feel like the Ottowa is a better comparison...
Buy your Allen Edmonds during the holidays and pay between 244-299….absolutely great fitting boots. I own several pairs, and a grant stone in burnt earth, which is a good boot as well.
So wish I had those grant stones, I love how they offer wide sizes as well but just a bit too pricey for me now 😢
Buy second hand. You can get a really good pair for 150-200. I got my pair of Ottawas for that price and they were barely worn.
@@martinzendejas8423 do you mean the B-grades? I wanted to but wasn't sure of sizing and they are non-returnable and non-exchangeable
I just love the kenton with cxl leather the most. More than my brass boot, especially since it's regularly below $200
What about the Thursday brown diplomat? The original version is actually very similar because it doesn't have the big lug
damn grant stone be ballers. proven in their work that you so easily highlight. thx for the info!!
First, great video and great breakdown of each boot! My only critic IMHO, if the idea was to pick an Alden alternative, I would have expected an alternative. We already know that Alden is the gold standard for the Indy look, otherwise why title the video: Indy Alternative Showdown. Ending on a positive note, I do appreciate what you do to showcase boots and their value on how they are constructed.
What about the Ottawa? (From Grant stone) That one looks more like the Indy than the Brass boot. & @ least on my pair the clicking is really good for being from a wild animal. I can only find one little scar from when the Kangaroo was alive.
Several of the Grant Stone Brass boots have full leather stacks. They provide options for different preferences. But i also agree with another poster that Ottowa boot would have done well here (and that Parkhurst's Niagra boot is another solid alternate).
I do wonder where Parkhurst or Jakkrabbits would stack up compared to the Aldens.
HAHAHAHA you had me for a second on the sponsor
I appreciate your objectiveness. Alden Indys are a rip off on the many levels you’ve shown us but, as you’ve shown us, they continue to be the best looking moctoe dress boot.
I want the upgraded pair your cobbler made on RAB!
Westin, one other thing Alden should use a 360 welt on all their Indy boots… I agree that 3/4 welt looks bad…. And agree 100% that the GS’s are the best for the money…. Have two pair of them and they are excellent boots and really well put together…. Quality through and the through…
The Frye Walter is an Alden Indy look-a-like. Not high quality, but as high quality as the J. Crew boots, Thursday, Portland leather, etc.
This was such a fun series.
I'd love content on outdoor or hunting focused boots. I'm in Montana, very cold and lots of snow. Waterproof and insulation is important. Quality of leather is less of a concern...
I got the J. Crews shortly before your first video and the leather seems to have a corrected grain finish. There are a couple of spots where the finish has rubbed off, on the ankle and on the tongue where the eyelets rub. I don't know if it's just my pair or what, but I would not rate the leather that highly. I'd be happy to send some photos.
I’ll be trying the Allen Edmunds. The reason for this is simple for me. I have a very difficult time finding boots that fit me and they are made only 30 minutes away from where I live so I can try them on. Also, they are on sale this time of year.
Would of loved to see Parkhurst in this group
Right now, the Allen Edmonds Carters are on sale for $329, rather than $495.
I like the Alden 403
You had me goin real quick with the Alden sponsor 😂 I reallly like those Rhoads ones, might have to cop a pair!
I was wearing my wested indy boot yesterday. I wear them when we have meetings. wait strike that I alternate my dress boots so this time it was the wested indy. Last time it was my old mula. I have 7 that I alternate. Old mula with leather sole, old mula with rubber sole, wested indy, Portland leather, A dress one that rock roster had for a short while forgot the style name but it has a leather welt and it is not the one you cut in half, Georgia boot, and Carolina boot
Great comparison with an honest and seemingly "correct" conclusion!
The Carter has been on sale throughout fall and winter, as low as $249. Not a bad value.
Oh man Weston, you have to do a comparison on the Parkhurst Niagara boot.
I personally have no problem with sponsored videos (his or any others) as long as it is mentioned upfront. The only people who benefit are us! We get to see what’s inside a boot. It’s the only way it happens. If he cuts a boot in half, then it is up to US to decide if it is worth it or not. Just ignore his “opinion” and make a decision for yourself what is important!
As for “paying to play” it is unfortunate that a small maker like Parkhurst isn’t given the chance. That, I agree, is not right.
Should the Thursday Diplomat be included in the Alden Indy Alternatives now, since they have a lug sole available now?
No
The one thing about Alden that is attractive about this boot is the last - I have boots from most all the brands you have reviewed from 200 - 1000 $$ and the Alden last is by far the most comfortable. Granted they cut corners but the feel on foot is one f the best. Plus you can get an Indy with an upgraded CXL. Do the same thing with the plain toe military style boot, Alden - Edmonds - grant stone -
Cool hat I used to love that bands first album. Gonna check in on em now
Great video!! Thank you for making a video on such cool looking moc toe boots!!
Would you consider doing a rundown of the best boots for big narrow feet? So hard to find good quality, good looking, sturdy/functional boots that are actually available in size 15! Impossible for me to find them in stock to try on too so looking for boots has been a real challenge.
I think Thursday Boots recently threw their hat in the ring for an Alden alternative.
It's not the type of boot I'd wear, but at a glance they look very similar.
Happy New Year 🎉 to everyone on the Chanel
I love Grant Stone, they make high quality boots at a great price. The Brass boot isn’t comparable to the Alden Indy at all. Way different boots.
John Doe has two different style of dress moc toes that could be worth looking at. Plus you can get them in black shark leather which would be cool to see cut in half.
I would love to see you do a mini series comparing the difference between chuck taylors & the star player 76, chuck 70's etc. I think you might find the difference between them surprising ✌️
Damn I ain’t watched ur channel in minute. Sad to see you haven’t grown more, keep up the great content.
Just finished this vid. Great vid as usual. I would have chosen the AEs. Grant Stone makes great stuff but I'm not interested in supporting Chinese goods at the expense of US goods.
Really had me going with the sponsor bit.
I agree Alden makes the best Alden boot lololo
Surprised you didnt include Thursday Diplomats instead of Grant Stone but it was your first Grant Stone review so you are forgiven.
Still waiting for Parkhurst, Oak Street and Truman to be reviewed and disected.
All hail the mid-tier boots
Still left out the Parkhurst Niagara, sadly. Oh well.
this is great, would be keen to see a similar style comparison against the Danner Mountain Light boots with other similar hiking boots
Men get into boots through Indiana Jones, which leads us to moctoes, which ultimately leads us right back to Indy. It's beautiful.
You're wrong.
@@muchobaratodop okay.
Speak for yourself. Most of us don’t buy shoes because of a movie star like you do. Most of us buy based off of craftsmanship and quality.
Wow, this joke did NOT land well.
Great informative info, thanks.
You left out the Thursday diplomats and the GS Ottawa’s.
I just saw the video of the Danner Mountain boots, and thought it might be interesting to try and look at the paraboot avoriaz as a comparison to them.
Nice video, although in fairness to Grant Stone, you should have used their Ottawa boot in the Indy comparison because it is the most like the Alden boots. Better, even. Still, it was an interesting video.
Wish you had my Texture mock toe boots in your list. I genuinely think it would be on top of this list I'm most categories. Fantastic boots at a great priced..... Do come from Indonesia and takes 4-5 mths to deliver... Fantastic boots!!!
roseee were still waiting for the last air max video
For people over in Europe, Yanko in collaboration with Skolyx(Online Retailer) make quite a nice moc-toe dress boot. Although its sold out in most sizes at the moment.
The Barker Indiana is an English made alternative, would have been nice to see that in here.
I still love Alden because of my bad feet & their lasts. I also wear Viberg, Grant Stone, & Parkhurst
So satisfied and legit laughed out loud that you stuck to the "Thanks for our sponsor, Alden". Im sure Nick and Chris from FGP appreciated it! 😂 Nice wrap-up!
You should look into the Alden 404 I think you might like the leather and sole more than on the 403 or 405
You should totally do a collaboration with a shoe maker to develop the actual Ultimate Alden Indy Alternative. Call it the UAIA or Ultimate AIA or AIA Ultimate. Anything to take Alden off first place.
My pics from the bunch would be Allen Edmons (best indy alternative of the list for me) and Grant Stone (best boot hands down). BTW, if wanted to throw a questionable brand to the list, you should have included Jonhston and Murphy, aparently their good year welted boots are decent but cheaped out and outsourced many things.
I busted my Alden's up. Took them through water, mud and walked miles in them through the Italian woods but they are still awesome and walk like gloves. But I have the older model