Review of the Alden 403 Indy Boots | Indiana Jones' Choice

What's This Video About?
This is my review of the Indiana Jones boot, the Alden 403 in brown Chromexcel. Today it's a classic Alden workboot that can be worn less as a workboot and more in casual situations. Watch to see why it is legendary.
Links
Venetian Shoe Cream 3oz amzn.to/3uS1oLc
Bick 4 amzn.to/36gBdnd
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:26 The Alden 403 "Indy"
02:04 Moc Toe design
03:19 Versatile to wear with anything
04:32 History of Alden of New England
06:18 Construction, Chromexcel and QC
11:53 Leathercare
13:49 Sizing, Fit and Comfort
15:30 Cost, Value, and eBay
18:14 Conclusion
Who Am I?
I am a Management Consultant in real life but in my Bootlosophy channel, I make videos about boots and all things boot related. This channel posts reviews of boots, unboxing of new boots, and follow up reviews, and in doing so, may explore the philosophy of the brands from time to time!
I have owned boots for decades, but to be honest I have owned them as functional pieces of footwear. It wasn't until early 2020 when COVID struck that I started online shopping boots to an obsessive degree. I love the aesthetic of boots and I love finding out more about how they are made. I now own an insane number of boots, and one day I may sell some of them (just not right now).
Full Disclosure
If any video is sponsored, I will declare it clearly in the video and in the description. Even if a video is sponsored, I will review the product openly and honestly giving you my personal opinion, warts and all, of the product.
The following links (and any links I place above) to products I regularly use may be affiliate links - buying from any affiliate links will not cost you any more, but I may receive a small payment from the platform.
Care Products - conditioners and polishes
Bick 4 amzn.to/36gBdnd
Ecco suede conditioner amzn.to/3rOU9BN
Fiebings Liquid Mink Oil amzn.to/34FigtO
Leather Honey amzn.to/3uWepDH
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Saphir Greasy Leather Cream Polish amzn.to/368FlW9
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Saphir Renovateur leather balm amzn.to/3uS23wa
Smiths Leather Balm amzn.to/3oPcBbC
Tarrago shoe cream amzn.to/3sK2hCM
Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator Spray amzn.to/3oLLSgc
Venetian Shoe Cream 3oz amzn.to/3uS1oLc
Care Products - cleaners
Ecco foam cleaner amzn.to/3gM61hO
Ecco Nubuck and suede eraser kit amzn.to/3LCzf0L
Fiebings Saddle Soap amzn.to/3sFlNAo
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Timberland dry cleaning kit amzn.to/3GNXAwP
Timberland Renewbuck Foaming Cleaner amzn.to/3sJQAvN
Care Products - water repellents
Saphir Suede Protector Spray amzn.to/34FWAhi
Tarrago Nano Protector Spray amzn.to/3oLxPXF
Care Products - Brushes
Kiwi Horsehair Brush 3-pack for different colours amzn.to/3oPUvpL
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Care Products - shoe trees
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[@estern001]

Great job! With so many boot reviewers it's refreshing to find someone equal parts knowledgeable and passionate.

[@daimena.cianci2651]

Great video! Love the history, and I liked the pairings you came up with 😁

[@daresay8892]

Very inviting setting with an appealing presentation! Well done sir! I could listen to you talk all day!

[@ShubhraDebPaul]

Your indies looks gorgeous, mate! Great review, as usual. 😀

[@utubekebs]

Good to see a local Aussie doing boot reviews! keep it up!

[@dinnewjerseymark9240]

Excellent and so many important points.

[@surfingmoose]

I have a pair and they are my favourites. Very comfortable and quite stylish.

[@davel2734]

I’ve got the same boots. They are very comfortable . I reach for them more often than any other boots I have.

[@jasemac5391]

Awesome pair of boots 🥾 and thank you so much for all your knowledge on these boots 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@TheRiteStuff1932]

Love how thorough and well-said everything is in this video, in a world of clickbait it’s refreshing!

[@minnesota-hk1vp]

Awesome review and cool boots!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronadleta1541]

Good pick buddy I think that's my next logical step as a newish boot collector myself I have all the other boot bases covered with my Nick's boot showing up around Christmas time lol

[@tommyinoz2100]

great video, awesome presentation.

[@seanhenders]

Great video, as always! Those look really nice. They look like shell to me

[@solargoomba]

Finally got a pair. Yes there are "better" constructed boots using all leather (I own parkhurst, grant stone's, nicks, and red wings) but dang these are comfortable. The only boots that beat them are my Nick's urban loggers with about 200 hours of break in. I have very high arches and these are still somehow almost perfect. I just wish they would use a leather midsole and heel stack but.... I love em.

[@Will67267]

This is the most comfortable boots in my collection. I have both the 403 and 405. Expensive but my feet are very happy.

[@NoNameNo.5]

Great review buddy.

[@davidcallan7844]

I’d like to see a head to head with the Grant Stone Ottawa in Crimson CXL. Great review.👞👍😎

[@jurysdoyler]

Love your reviews

[@allen31951]

Love the hat. Looks like my Optimo hat from Optimo Hats in Chicago. Enjoy your reviews.

[@Bootlosophy]

It’s an Akubra

[@RichardGilbert2727]

Thank you-I just got these boots! A used pair in great condition. My confidence to buy used is partly because of you, as was my sense that I'd like they way they felt. I do. I have a sizing tip as well. I am 9.5M [D] on the Brannock, and per Alden's guide am 9D. That does fit me: the length seems right. But to get them on my feet and wear them comfortably takes thin socks. I asked Alden, and to wear my preferred midweight wool socks they recommend 9E. They thought my Brannock size might help on the width but would result in too much length.

[@1k1ngst0n]

yay!!!! Alden review! thank you!

[@Bootlosophy]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ccdriver100]

I have a pair of 403 I bought in 2006 at Alden San Franisco store. They were so comfortable I wore them out of the store. I don't wear them much anymore as I have other boots, I like more.

[@elyaquino2310]

As always, great review. I just got my first Alden 405 (Calfskin) I couldn't be happier! They are beautiful. I bought them from the online Alden Store in San Francisco, CA. Paid full price 🥴, very scared because this is a very expensive product, but definetely worth it. I usualy wear 8D in all my Goodyear Welt boots (Iron Ranger, Thursday Captain and Diplomat, and Wolverine 1000 mile), so I got the same size in my Indy boots. They feel great, but you should consider the Trubalance last is very wide and roomy. I even had initial doubts about going a half size down, due to a little heel slip, but after talking to the Alden Store sales reps, they explained that once the sole breaks in, this slip will desapear... After 3 days of use, it actually has reduced considerably. For me, the Indy boots give a different wearing experience than other heritage boots. The leather, structure, soles and last is exceptionally comfortable. I get why Dr. Jones used these boots in all he's adventures. I live in Panamá, so I understand the struggles of buying online! I did a lot of research before dropping this kind of money. Teik, I think you got a very good deal on those boots, congrats! I've seen a few good offers in Grailed, more that Ebay... Cheers mate 👏👍🙌

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you very much. What you say is very valuable information for the Indy buyer!

[@jakobdieckmann]

Did you try on a size 7.5D?

[@elyaquino2310]

@@jakobdieckmann I couldn't, but I suspect they might fit me too. This Trubalance last is so roomy and comfortable, that I am pretty sure even going down a half size would be ok. I think I will get a used 7.5 Indy boots on Ebay, if I get a good price, and confirm this.

[@daveeriksson]

Cobbler told me the heel stack isn't even leather. Incredible! Still love em.

[@Bootlosophy]

I know, right? What's with us? Hahaha!

[@johnpena200]

You got these at a great price, about 206.00 US. I can't seem to get any for under 400.00

[@caccialou2011]

Great review, one of the best. Are you sure the insole is a leather fiber? From what I read it is veg tanned leather. I hope its not a glued shredded product like fiberboard,like you said. I have 6 pairs of Aldens and would be disappointed if they are.Thanks,great video, I can understand every word and no echo.

[@caccialou2011]

Sorry, I listened again and misunderstood...

[@janerkenbrack3373]

Sorry to chime in so late, I just am watching this video in January 2023. The faux moc toe of the Indy does have a functional purpose. I don't own any myself, but simply looking at it one can see that by "puckering" and sewing through the leather on the toe, it gives the toe more structure and will thus be less likely to flatten out. The stitched area creates an arch, which will tend to hold its shape. I have no idea if this was intensionally done, or if it was an accident of design, but I suspect Alden understood what this feature would do.

[@jaslarue]

I have the Aiden plain toe, which seems very similar in construction. It holds the toe just fine without the moc toe stiching. So I think it is just cosmetic.

[@janerkenbrack3373]

@@jaslarue There is actually a cord inside that toe stitching. The fact that it adds support to the toe is evident from the construction. The sewn in cord acts like rebar. This does not mean that a plain toe would necessarily collapse, only that sewing the leather around that cord gives it dimensional stability. It has to. I don't know what Alden intended, but it does have a benefit besides appearance.

[@JamieLaRue]

@@janerkenbrack3373 I see. Thanks.

[@MarcP5267]

Who advised you to go true to size? I pretty much guarantee if you would have sized down 1/2 down from Brannock, you would have a different view. Out of all the boots I have the Trubalance last is without a doubt my most comfortable boots. It’s the boot I always want to wear.

[@randolphmullinofsky4761]

I live in America and try to purchase local or at least from my country ! However if another country makes a better product that is what I am buying!!!!

[@janerkenbrack3373]

Ooh! I get to make another comment. Leather seals are still used today. Why? Because they are superior for many uses. The CW Marsh Company (founded in 1900) of Muskegon, MI still makes them today.

[@marlonreal1185]

A very good informative review of the Alden Indy boots. This glentleman explains things very well!

[@bonecollector1968]

Alden says the use of leather board for a midsole increases the comfort factor. They are my most comfortable boot. I think they are just slightly overpriced. The demand increased so much for these after the Indy movies that Alden knew they could substantially increase the price and ppl would still buy. I'm not for sure but I believe the Indys had full leather mids in the beginning. I also got mine from Ebay at half cost and barely worn. These boots are frequently sold on Ebay because alot of ppl buy them and have sizing issues- usually too big because they are unaware of boots generally run a half to full size larger than brannock. There lose our gain I suppose lol. Keep up the good work 👏

[@MarcP5267]

I own a pair of 405’s. First without factoring in pricing they are without a doubt the most comfortable boots I own compared to my Parkhurst, Grant Stone, Red Wings, Allen Edmonds. Secondly pricing. They are overpriced. But I’m not sure by how much when you factor in the comfort. They are currently $620 new. If they are slightly over priced I think $520 would be a more reasonable price. I personally don’t think the materials Alden is using to save costs. There has to be something else to it.

[@bonecollector1968]

@Marc P yeah it's hard to say why they don't use a full leather midsole to be honest. It is what it is.👍

[@jondo9919]

Tell us about your handsome black leather jacket. Love the channel.

[@Bootlosophy]

Haha, thank you. Actually it’s very dark brown flight jacket from a Pakistan leather goods maker called MONT5. Artisan made. Good jacket and great service. I might do a review later.

[@deepstarsix]

Hi there, how would you compare the quality, craftsmanship, and materials of the Alden Indy to say a Grant Stone Diesel? Do you have a Viberg yet in your collection? And if not, do you plan on getting one eventually?

[@Bootlosophy]

Good question. I’ve been pondering that myself. I think the Alden’s are unquestionably more comfy under the arch. Quality and materials? I’d say GS give them a really good run for their money, but noting the nitrile cork sole versus rubber or leather on the GS is hard to compare that aspect. Craftsmanship as in care and attention to detail during manufacture? You know, I think GS do better there!

[@Bootlosophy]

Oh, Viberg? Not yet. I have recently acquired 2 pairs of Whites MP’s though - totally different kettle of fish, more rugged and handmade, but in sturdiness, MPs all the way!

[@christomccarthy1369]

Solid review! IMO, the value with Alden is the comfort. Compared to GS, the Alden QC I’ve found is inconsistent and sometimes subpar. That being said, the arch support and double width provide the best fit of any shoe or boot.

[@MrKinghuman]

Hope you see this soon, I'm looking to order a pair on ebay myself and I'm not sure about the size. I have a pair of red wings iron rangers and wolverines and timberland, I'm 10.5 in the rangers and wolverines, 11.5 in the timbs, what should I size with?

[@Bootlosophy]

I take the same size in Timbs, IR and Wolverine so I’m surprised you have a whole size difference! You didn’t mention your width but if you’re a D id go the same as the IR and Wolverine

[@MrKinghuman]

@@Bootlosophy thank you

[@tommyinoz2100]

my Aldens and RW are same size... us9

[@allenhenderson1193]

What product did you use to condition your 403’s? Great video!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thanks. Just Venetian Shoe Cream

[@MarcP5267]

You said the Indy’s aren’t rugged casual boots like Iron Ranger’s yet they were a bonafide work boot.

[@Bootlosophy]

True

[@jordanfournier4366]

The Indy's are a great boot but not for 600 USD. I happened to get mine slightly used on eBay for 250$. I wouldn't pay more than 400 for them as I don't think the finishing is on the same level as my Grant Stones and the materials used in the heel and midsole are not true leather.

[@jamessher6956]

I have the 405 and couldn’t care less about material used in heel or construction. All I know is how comfortable they are and how good they look. Had them a few years and they’re holding up great so Alden must have done something right.

[@MarcP5267]

The leather on the 405 is extremely durable. The Trubalance last is so comfy for me.

[@VF5]

I simply cannot justify a $700 pair of boots that you can easily find better alternatives with same quality construction for almost half the price.

[@PumpUptheJam81]

I felt the same way until I tried a pair on. You can’t find boot’s this comfortable anywhere.

[@StolenAlias]

Im so tired of people defending Alden. Even if you’re a sucker and don’t care if you get fiberboard in the soles and heel and a split leather insole, they still have horrible qc. You literally cannot defend that. The evidence has been shown.

[@RichardGilbert2727]

I don't see QC problems in my Aldens. I think you have to be careful where you buy. The major Alden stores may be sent a more closely vetted Indy, or do/have done the vetting themselves and trained Alden. I'm not sure but mine I got used, which supposedly came from the SF store, are flawless.

[@henryt9254]

Another Indiana Jones wannabe.

[@Bootlosophy]

Another brain cell wannabe