Dale, I think that the GS Ottawa's are the same thing as the Alden Tanker's. I think that GS is on par with Alden boots. I think that GS takes a lot of their inspiration from Alden which is not a bad thing but I would like to see them come out with something more unique and that stands out!
The Diesels are practically pure leather as rose anvil demonstrated, while the Indy’s have paper rands and heel stacks. Grants stones are impressive I want to try the baddalasie leather ones per your highlights! Thank you for your thorough review and opinion.
and thank you for your kind words as well as your insights into rose anvil, i didn't realize he compared the grantstones to aldens, i'll have to look that up!! so happy i was able to help bring badalassi into your life, as it was introduced to me. gotta pass these things forward :-)
this is such a great compliment thank you so much! yes there's a lot of images of good boots out there but not a whole lot of discussion/ video blogging, which is why i'm trying to fill that void a little bit, glad you like the content!!!
Thank you for your impartial and unbiased assessment of these boots/ shoes. We do have a number of shoe factories here in China that have been constructing / manufacturing high-quality boots (stitch-down, Goodyear welted) for decades. The problem is that shoe stores based in the US seem to take excessive interest in those low-end cheap shoes churned out by my our sweat shops so American consumers don't usually have a chance to try those high end handcrafted made in China boots. Thanks a lot again. By the way, I am a proud owner of America-branded boots, like Alden, redwing, oak street boot maker to name but a few.
i'm glad you appreciate my review, thanks so much for your insights!! and yes you're so right about American consumerism, there are too many examples to even list, but yes the majority of consumers here want quantity over quality. those very few consumers who do value good boots tend to be very extreme about having them made in the US. there's definitely no happy medium!! i'm sure though that as the trend of goodyearwelted footwear grows in popularity over the years, many truths will come to light, we just get to watch it all unfold! thanks again for the kind words my friend :-D
My Grant Stone boots are made well. The problem is the tongue slips to the side which is very annoying. Plus mine are to big. I went down a half size and they still are to big. You need to go down a whole size from your sneaker size. $300 waste of money for me.
I was recently trying to decide between the Alden (dark brown) vs Grant Stone(brown chromexcel) long wings. After a lot of scrutiny, I chose the Aldens. The Aldens just look better IMO. The leather on the Aldens seems like it is finished better and they are more appealing to the eye. Also, the welt is thinner and darker on the Aldens, so it just doesn't stick out at you like the Grant Stones. I also have owned many pairs of Aldens and have never been disappointed in a purchase and I seem to get emotionally attached to their shoes and boots. I don't think I could do that with a Grant Stone shoe, so I don't mind paying the extra money for the Aldens. The Aldens are just not as loud as the Grant Stones and have a higher level of sophistication. IMHO. Great video, by the way. Even though it is 3 yrs. old, it is still informative today
I may be wrong, but the reason for the lack of Alden’s engagement is a function of how the work through their distributor network. If Alden participates too much then they are taking the focus on the distributor. The distributor should be the face of Alden as they are the people designated to do that job. While I absolutely agree with your assessment, but I do understand why Alden backs off on customer interface.
Great video! Thanks for the comparison, i've always wondered what were the differences. I bought my GS shoes on Black Friday and I paid just under $300 so I'd say they are great value for their workmanship!
The only boot I care about from Alden is the Indy. Some have gotten really close like Sutro, but there's just a charming quality about the Alden Indy. For other plain/cap toe boots, I'm happy to buy elsewhere like from Grant Stone or Thursday. Maybe even Alden factory seconds.
eI used to think that owning a luxury bag was an unattainable dream, until D U P B A G Y told me that this dream is actually very close. The sense of fashion comes not only from the brand, but also from personal matching and attitude.
Grant Stones, worth the money and personally I think the construction and refinement is better than Alden... The fact that they are made in China has no bearing because the construction is impeccable... Great artisans all over the world, even though I prefer US goods because I'm American... I just purchased a pair of green Kudu cap toe boots and they are perfect, awesome in every way.... Also you are correct, they are in touch as Wyatt answered a few questions for me before the purchase...! 5 STARS + Great video's...GG
@@DalesLeatherworks No problem... You deserve it...! When it comes to boots I'd say you're on top of it, especially Grant Stones...! Also, nice video with Nick at Stridewise... You guys are boot aficionados... Hey, I'm an old timer now but still love my boots and shoes...! Great to listen to you and Nick...!
Nope Nope haha yes they’re very nice! I’m not sure that jcrew would do a repeat of them but I would keep my eye on other stores like the shoe mart and Alden of Carmel I know do some runs in tan country calf
thanks so much!! yes I really tried to emphasize the company engagement toward the millennial/social media-based consumer versus the traditional consumer, glad you liked it!!
About the consumer facing aspect of Grantstone, while it is great, we also need to keep in mind that Alden is an established brand as opposed to Grantstone, the new kid on the block. Alden knows they are a well known brand and probably also trusts the word of mouth to give them required publicity. Additionally, given their price band, they don't expect just about anyone to be able to buy their products.
yes you are right about that my friend!! one thing I dislike about alden are the annual price increases, to me it just doesn't seem necessary, and to be honest if the prices keep going up, i'm going to be less and less inclined to buy them
thanks dude!! that's a tough one. the old me would have said to go first for their crimson Chromexcel, but nowadays I'm more inclined to recommend natural CXL first and foremost. of course it depends on what's already in your current rotation!!
@@DalesLeatherworks Agree on the color, I am going to pull the trigger on natural CXL diesel boot. but now waiting for the black friday deal if they offer.
aerosurferlv thanks. Alden’s TB last feels like butter. But I’m still can’t get myself buying non USA. We need to support our American workers at the likes of Alden so they can keep making good footwear. I only buy made in the USA New Balance and almost all of my clothing is made in the USA as well as our 2 cars.
Marc Possoff I can’t object to that at all! I fully support buying American. If it’s any consolation, Grantstone is an American owned company, they just source their production overseas. Still, I understand the argument and empower people to buy American as often as possible 🤙
Older comments, but I agree with the buy-American sentiment. It's the only thing really keeping me from buying a pair of Grant Stone boots. I do know and understand that China has some top notch stuff, but I like the idea of Americans keeping production over here, which in turn leads to more skilled workers in very valuable trades. Trades that can be taught to the next generation and carried on. And with something like bootmaking, it's always going to be a valuable skill to have, no matter where in the world you go.
Have you checked out Thursday Boots yet? I realize the price point is even lower but I'd love to see a comparison between Grant Stone and Thursday Boots.
@@DalesLeatherworks that is completely fair, I happen to have a very narrow foot, and they fit and look great on me. I wear a 10D in my iron rangers and an 11B in my 2206 work boots by Red Wing. Here's to hoping Thursday will at some point send you a pair!
i'm not entirely sure! I don't have any of their boots with the rubber sole, but I trust the grantstone brand for their quality and would assume that they're legit!
Very good comment about Chinese goods. We just tend to generalise and consider everything coming out of that place is cheap. It shouldn't be all that hard to believe that at least some Chinese could have learned the skills required to good at what they are doing.
right exactly, china is an industrial country which produces countless products for worldwide consumers. i'm glad there are people out there willing to do the research and explore the possibilities of manufacturing quality goods at the best price, it's called entrepreneurship and I think the future will yield similar business models to grantstone
aerosurferlv I don’t have a problem with Chinese goods being inferior quality. The issue I have is being able to support USA jobs. I try to buy USA whenever possible.
i'd love to! unfortunately though I've never owned or seen Thursday boots in person. I've heard them compared to wolverine 1000 mile boots as far as quality of the materials goes. with that said, I can say judging by the pictures that the Thursday boot's last looks a bit more narrow than the GS. Since I have a wide foot, I almost always prefer the more generous fit! The GS Leo last is one of my favorite fits among all the brands I've collected
There's a good review \ comparison of Thursday's vs Grant Stone vs AE on the stride wise channel as well as individual reviews of theses 3 and several other boots. Also at the boot guy's channel. Btwn theses 3 channels you're covered.
Been going thru your grant stone videos, not many on yt. Finally gave in after the china hesitation. With all the QC issues I have had with AE, and Aldens just increasing in price, I'm perfectly fine with a chinese made boot that is cheaper and arguably better. Heck I'm the only one that'll know its made it China.
I’ve had ariat made in America boots and grant stone loafers and derby’s . The grant stone is by far 5x higher quality for same price . I’ve learned it does not matter what country it is from. What matters is the companies perspective on quality control vs profit and the craftsman them selves. Just because it says made in America does not mean it’s higher quality . If you don’t buy the GS because you don’t want to support chinas economy and high end manufacturing then that’s a different story.
Please remember that Alden works primarily through a distribution system. As such, it is appropriate to stay away from the primary consumer as that is the responsibility of the distributor. While I understand the positives that you discuss of Grant/Stone, I find the finish of the Alden shoe and boot far superior to the Grant/Stone. Using the back heel strip of the Alden boots shows a higher level of shoe making than the Grant/Stone. It is simply easier to have the patchwork method of the Chinese brand when compared to Alden. I have a multitude of Alden products and I can vouch that they do last a lifetime and prove their value over and over (over forty years of owning the Alden’s). There is no doubt in my mind that Alden is the winner, but I do appreciate your thoughts and evaluation.
yes that's true, grantstones are very clunky! I like that look, and that's mostly why I've stayed away from AE is because they do tend to be a lot sleeker
Dale, I think that the GS Ottawa's are the same thing as the Alden Tanker's. I think that GS is on par with Alden boots. I think that GS takes a lot of their inspiration from Alden which is not a bad thing but I would like to see them come out with something more unique and that stands out!
The Diesels are practically pure leather as rose anvil demonstrated, while the Indy’s have paper rands and heel stacks. Grants stones are impressive I want to try the baddalasie leather ones per your highlights! Thank you for your thorough review and opinion.
and thank you for your kind words as well as your insights into rose anvil, i didn't realize he compared the grantstones to aldens, i'll have to look that up!! so happy i was able to help bring badalassi into your life, as it was introduced to me. gotta pass these things forward :-)
The badalassi looks amazing, it is stiff so be ready for that lol
You are doing a great service to boot enthusiasts.
You are striking while the iron is hot, theirs not a lot out their in UA-cam land.
this is such a great compliment thank you so much! yes there's a lot of images of good boots out there but not a whole lot of discussion/ video blogging, which is why i'm trying to fill that void a little bit, glad you like the content!!!
Thank you for your impartial and unbiased assessment of these boots/ shoes. We do have a number of shoe factories here in China that have been constructing / manufacturing high-quality boots (stitch-down, Goodyear welted) for decades. The problem is that shoe stores based in the US seem to take excessive interest in those low-end cheap shoes churned out by my our sweat shops so American consumers don't usually have a chance to try those high end handcrafted made in China boots. Thanks a lot again. By the way, I am a proud owner of America-branded boots, like Alden, redwing, oak street boot maker to name but a few.
i'm glad you appreciate my review, thanks so much for your insights!! and yes you're so right about American consumerism, there are too many examples to even list, but yes the majority of consumers here want quantity over quality. those very few consumers who do value good boots tend to be very extreme about having them made in the US. there's definitely no happy medium!! i'm sure though that as the trend of goodyearwelted footwear grows in popularity over the years, many truths will come to light, we just get to watch it all unfold! thanks again for the kind words my friend :-D
My Grant Stone boots are made well. The problem is the tongue slips to the side which is very annoying. Plus mine are to big. I went down a half size and they still are to big. You need to go down a whole size from your sneaker size. $300 waste of money for me.
I was recently trying to decide between the Alden (dark brown) vs Grant Stone(brown chromexcel) long wings. After a lot of scrutiny, I chose the Aldens. The Aldens just look better IMO. The leather on the Aldens seems like it is finished better and they are more appealing to the eye. Also, the welt is thinner and darker on the Aldens, so it just doesn't stick out at you like the Grant Stones. I also have owned many pairs of Aldens and have never been disappointed in a purchase and I seem to get emotionally attached to their shoes and boots. I don't think I could do that with a Grant Stone shoe, so I don't mind paying the extra money for the Aldens. The Aldens are just not as loud as the Grant Stones and have a higher level of sophistication. IMHO.
Great video, by the way. Even though it is 3 yrs. old, it is still informative today
What I do you mean by Horween leather when revering to the Aldens ?
both makers source leather from the Horween tannery
I may be wrong, but the reason for the lack of Alden’s engagement is a function of how the work through their distributor network. If Alden participates too much then they are taking the focus on the distributor. The distributor should be the face of Alden as they are the people designated to do that job. While I absolutely agree with your assessment, but I do understand why Alden backs off on customer interface.
Great video! Thanks for the comparison, i've always wondered what were the differences. I bought my GS shoes on Black Friday and I paid just under $300 so I'd say they are great value for their workmanship!
Thank you for this review! Very helpful and informative.
glad you liked it my friend!!!
Excellent points- I think I will go for grant stones for derbies and snuff Indies. And savor both...
that sounds like a solid strategy my friend!!!!
Collection grown since this video lol
Considerably!
@@DalesLeatherworks 😂
The only boot I care about from Alden is the Indy. Some have gotten really close like Sutro, but there's just a charming quality about the Alden Indy. For other plain/cap toe boots, I'm happy to buy elsewhere like from Grant Stone or Thursday. Maybe even Alden factory seconds.
Buy the Allen Edmonds boot with Chromexcel leather
I’d go with Parkhurst. American and just better
While I'm going to try some Grant Stones soon, I need a pair of those Alden rough outs.
eI used to think that owning a luxury bag was an unattainable dream, until D U P B A G Y told me that this dream is actually very close. The sense of fashion comes not only from the brand, but also from personal matching and attitude.
Love your reviews man, keep em coming
thanks so much!! i'm glad you like them!! :-D
Grant Stones, worth the money and personally I think the construction and refinement is better than Alden... The fact that they are made in China has no bearing because the construction is impeccable... Great artisans all over the world, even though I prefer US goods because I'm American... I just purchased a pair of green Kudu cap toe boots and they are perfect, awesome in every way.... Also you are correct, they are in touch as Wyatt answered a few questions for me before the purchase...! 5 STARS + Great video's...GG
thanks so much for your feedback and your kind words sir!!!!
@@DalesLeatherworks No problem... You deserve it...! When it comes to boots I'd say you're on top of it, especially Grant Stones...! Also, nice video with Nick at Stridewise... You guys are boot aficionados... Hey, I'm an old timer now but still love my boots and shoes...! Great to listen to you and Nick...!
Those tan country calf boots haunt my dreams. Do you know if Alden X J.Crew ever plan on doing another run of those?
Nope Nope haha yes they’re very nice! I’m not sure that jcrew would do a repeat of them but I would keep my eye on other stores like the shoe mart and Alden of Carmel I know do some runs in tan country calf
great review! particularly with the way you compared the customer service!
thanks so much!! yes I really tried to emphasize the company engagement toward the millennial/social media-based consumer versus the traditional consumer, glad you liked it!!
About the consumer facing aspect of Grantstone, while it is great, we also need to keep in mind that Alden is an established brand as opposed to Grantstone, the new kid on the block. Alden knows they are a well known brand and probably also trusts the word of mouth to give them required publicity. Additionally, given their price band, they don't expect just about anyone to be able to buy their products.
yes you are right about that my friend!! one thing I dislike about alden are the annual price increases, to me it just doesn't seem necessary, and to be honest if the prices keep going up, i'm going to be less and less inclined to buy them
Agree with you on the price increase. Beyond a certain point it ceases to be worth it.
Awesome reviews, btw diesel and ottawa, which do you recommend as a first purchase, color wise? Thanks man!
thanks dude!! that's a tough one. the old me would have said to go first for their crimson Chromexcel, but nowadays I'm more inclined to recommend natural CXL first and foremost. of course it depends on what's already in your current rotation!!
@@DalesLeatherworks Agree on the color, I am going to pull the trigger on natural CXL diesel boot. but now waiting for the black friday deal if they offer.
Do the Grant Stones have the arch support like the Alden’s?
yes they do! they're extraordinarily comfortable
aerosurferlv thanks. Alden’s TB last feels like butter. But I’m still can’t get myself buying non USA. We need to support our American workers at the likes of Alden so they can keep making good footwear. I only buy made in the USA New Balance and almost all of my clothing is made in the USA as well as our 2 cars.
Marc Possoff I can’t object to that at all! I fully support buying American. If it’s any consolation, Grantstone is an American owned company, they just source their production overseas. Still, I understand the argument and empower people to buy American as often as possible 🤙
Older comments, but I agree with the buy-American sentiment. It's the only thing really keeping me from buying a pair of Grant Stone boots. I do know and understand that China has some top notch stuff, but I like the idea of Americans keeping production over here, which in turn leads to more skilled workers in very valuable trades. Trades that can be taught to the next generation and carried on. And with something like bootmaking, it's always going to be a valuable skill to have, no matter where in the world you go.
Where is the best place to buy Alden Boots
online theshoemart.com is really good but it's probably best to go to a physical store to get fitted
Love the giant chunky welt on the grantstones
that's a great way of describing it!! I agree, it gives off a really masculine appearance
is it true that grant stone creases very fast and starts to look like worn for long time?thats what stridewise says
max ivanov yes that’s absolutely been my experience, they don’t look new for long! I personally like how quickly they evolve
Yes alden is hard to communicate with GS I’m really starting to like them!
You really didn't say anything about comfort, inner/mid sole construction, etc...
Have you checked out Thursday Boots yet? I realize the price point is even lower but I'd love to see a comparison between Grant Stone and Thursday Boots.
i've seen thursday! their last doesn't look like it would be ideal for my foot type, but i would gladly do a comparison if they sent me a pair :-D
@@DalesLeatherworks that is completely fair, I happen to have a very narrow foot, and they fit and look great on me. I wear a 10D in my iron rangers and an 11B in my 2206 work boots by Red Wing. Here's to hoping Thursday will at some point send you a pair!
How is the rubber sole on the Grant Stone boots? Does their Dainite knock-off hold up over time?
i'm not entirely sure! I don't have any of their boots with the rubber sole, but I trust the grantstone brand for their quality and would assume that they're legit!
Excellent video, commentary and review! See my comments after your “Part Two” review.
thank you kind sir!! glad you liked it!! :-D
Very good comment about Chinese goods. We just tend to generalise and consider everything coming out of that place is cheap. It shouldn't be all that hard to believe that at least some Chinese could have learned the skills required to good at what they are doing.
right exactly, china is an industrial country which produces countless products for worldwide consumers. i'm glad there are people out there willing to do the research and explore the possibilities of manufacturing quality goods at the best price, it's called entrepreneurship and I think the future will yield similar business models to grantstone
aerosurferlv I don’t have a problem with Chinese goods being inferior quality. The issue I have is being able to support USA jobs. I try to buy USA whenever possible.
I will probably not buy aldens ever
Could you compare the Grant Stone Diesel to the Thursday President?
i'd love to! unfortunately though I've never owned or seen Thursday boots in person. I've heard them compared to wolverine 1000 mile boots as far as quality of the materials goes. with that said, I can say judging by the pictures that the Thursday boot's last looks a bit more narrow than the GS. Since I have a wide foot, I almost always prefer the more generous fit! The GS Leo last is one of my favorite fits among all the brands I've collected
There's a good review \ comparison of Thursday's vs Grant Stone vs AE on the stride wise channel as well as individual reviews of theses 3 and several other boots. Also at the boot guy's channel. Btwn theses 3 channels you're covered.
DEXVD also check this : ua-cam.com/video/Ty5QJmxxXdM/v-deo.html
yes so true I've watched several of the stridewise and boot guy's videos and they're very informative :-D
Been going thru your grant stone videos, not many on yt. Finally gave in after the china hesitation. With all the QC issues I have had with AE, and Aldens just increasing in price, I'm perfectly fine with a chinese made boot that is cheaper and arguably better. Heck I'm the only one that'll know its made it China.
thanks for sharing your experiences and happy to hear we are on the same page!!! i love my GS!!
Shamwah?
Why do the Grantstones look a lot better especially in the sunlight?
that's a great question! my guess is that the granstones have a bolder, slightly chunkier appearance, whereas the aldens tend to be a bit more subdued
I’ve had ariat made in America boots and grant stone loafers and derby’s . The grant stone is by far 5x higher quality for same price . I’ve learned it does not matter what country it is from. What matters is the companies perspective on quality control vs profit and the craftsman them selves. Just because it says made in America does not mean it’s higher quality . If you don’t buy the GS because you don’t want to support chinas economy and high end manufacturing then that’s a different story.
Please remember that Alden works primarily through a distribution system. As such, it is appropriate to stay away from the primary consumer as that is the responsibility of the distributor. While I understand the positives that you discuss of Grant/Stone, I find the finish of the Alden shoe and boot far superior to the Grant/Stone. Using the back heel strip of the Alden boots shows a higher level of shoe making than the Grant/Stone. It is simply easier to have the patchwork method of the Chinese brand when compared to Alden. I have a multitude of Alden products and I can vouch that they do last a lifetime and prove their value over and over (over forty years of owning the Alden’s). There is no doubt in my mind that Alden is the winner, but I do appreciate your thoughts and evaluation.
I just cant get over how far the welt sticks out from the Grant Stones...and people have the nerve to call AE "clunky"/"blobby"..
yes that's true, grantstones are very clunky! I like that look, and that's mostly why I've stayed away from AE is because they do tend to be a lot sleeker
If Grant Stones are made in Japan, I'll buy all their products