Why the Indiana Jones boot is stupidly overpriced - Alden Indy

Scratch & Dent sale is over, but you can still get Rose Anvil leather goods here - bit.ly/44jXLNu
Buy here to support the channel::
Alden 405 “Indy” - shoplostfound.com/products/al...
MOCTOBER PREP VIDEO HERE:
Everything you need to know about Moctoes - • Moc Toe Boots - Everyt...
VIDEOS MENTIONED:
Everything you need to know about moctoe boots (Rose Anvil 2) -
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Rose Anvil x Nicks Boots ND2 Review (Cut in Half) - • The ND2 is here! - Ros...
Rose Anvil x Whites Boots Drifter Review (Cut in Half) - • After 169 years are Wh...
Red Wing Moc Toe Review (Cut in Half) - • Why People Are OBSESSE...
Red Wing Iron Ranger Review (Cut in Half) - • I Cut The #1 American ...
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot Review (Cut in Half) - • Do Wolverine boots rea...
Thursday Logger Boot Review Review (Cut in Half) - • What’s inside Thursday...
Origin Coronado Boot Review Review (Cut in Half) - • Joe Rogan favorite boo...
Lucchese Collins Review (Cut in Half) - • Why the most luxury co...
Leather Board plant Parminder Technical Industry - • Sundry leather Board ...
Thanks to Stitchdown Podcast for the Alden footage, check out their podcast here - www.stitchdown.com
ROSE ANVIL LINKS:
WEBSITE - roseanvil.com/?aff=17
INSTAGRAM - / rose_anvil
PATREON - / roseanvil
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
2:09 3rd Annual Moctober
2:47 History of Alden
4:17 Upper Info
6:03 Leather Ranking
7:39 Midsole info
8:58 Outsole Info
10:42 Construction
11:21 Cut in Half
12:46 Analysis
#alden #indianajones

[@RoseAnvil]

Get a high quality wallet, belt or MORE in the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu

[@LaymensLameMan]

This video is worth it for long haired Weston alone

[@sirdouglas.2870]

So true

[@arthursoto4285]

😂

[@daniilpavlovich]

That was a shock I should say :)

[@xansmolinskyi9784]

where?

[@tomtheplummer7322]

😏😂

[@anthonyh9481]

It would be interesting to see like a 20 year old pairs of the indy boots cut in half to see if they did switch to cheaper materials or if they just increased the price as they got more popular and they were always made with more budget materials.

[@gnarl12]

They mostly were. The older ones (pre 2007 or so) were actually canvas lined

[@robformica5394]

If anything they were worse. They used super cheap leather at some point.

[@joshuaspencer1346]

I have a pair that's exactly 20 years old. Can't speak for the insides, cause I don't know what I'm looking at, but the upper leather is outstanding. Different color too.

[@gnarl12]

@@joshuaspencer1346 it's a different leather

[@oyster_3694]

@@joshuaspencer1346 they make Indys in many different leathers, including Shell Cordovan! A simple resole will take care of the leather board midsole issue!

[@gwlane5509]

I applaud you for holding boot makers to a standard. Far too long they have gotten away with cutting corners and over charging! You're doing good work sir!

[@muhammadaliclay8976]

i never knew alden had such shitty fanboys..alden indy is a 350dollar MiUSA boot...the rest is bad business model and greed..gonna buy grantstone or parkhurst from now on..

[@RAF71chingachgook]

@@muhammadaliclay8976 I really like my 2 pairs of Parkhurst. I'm iffy on Grantstone because they're a bit primitive in construction. See Stridewise review...

[@650tonyd]

I'll stick with Nick's boots

[@erichpryde5309]

@GW Lane What about the Origin boot, which has no shank, and isn't a goodyear welt, and still runs 300+? I strongly recommend you listen to the language that the reviewer here chooses to use when he reviews the origin boot- in that review he's practically an apologist for the boot- vs this one, where he's much more critical. Are you SURE he's "holding boot makers to a standard?" Absolutely ridiculous.

[@GrishyTheSad]

@@erichpryde5309 there is almost a $300 difference in price between those boots, how is that even a comparison?

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Despite these obvious flaws and that they are horribly overpriced, I’ve always appreciated that it was Harrison Ford himself that insisted on using the Alden’s for Raiders because that is what he wore as a carpenter, and that he insisted they purchase them from the man he used to buy them from when he was a carpenter, paying him back for all the times he had to buy them in installments.

[@wesdanakes8386]

They don't made things like they used to.. Beside Harrison Ford is just too old in 2022. Red Wing is the boots now with many younger stars wearing Red Wing footwear👍

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@wesdanakes8386 I don’t usually follow “what the stars wear.” Red Wings are overpriced and not what they used to be either. I’ll stick with my Nicks, thanks.

[@John-tj9to]

That sounds like a very Harrison Ford gesture, he's a good bloke

[@John-tj9to]

@@wesdanakes8386 what's Harrison Ford being too old for Indy got to do with the boots story? Nothing really apart from which the young Indiana Jones chronicles showed Indy as an old man in every Ep so its not like we've never seen Indy as an older man, we've seen every stage of his life infact.

[@earthknight60]

At the time they may have been better made.

[@r1verman]

I'm thinking the companies that sell inferior overpriced boots must really hate this channel. Hopefully, they use this to improve themselves. I on the other hand love this channel. I've already started a wishlist of boots I want to get. This channel really allows the buyer to make informed decisions before they buy. I just received my first pair of Thursday boots and so far love them.

[@MrStreetninja007]

I'm sure they do but it helps us the consumers make well educated buying decisions this channel was the whole entire reason I purchased a pair of Nick's boots after seeing how well built they were on the inside

[@johnsmith-dy8yb]

Rather than sully their reputation, they ought to just jack the price up enough to cover the cost of quality materials... it shouldn't be that much more, say $50-$100, as labor is likely the biggest expense.

[@geogi_bodies]

Somehow, I just have the horrifying idea that brands that make those overpriced boots would one day come to attack this channel or the other quality brands in some unimaginable ways. Of course, I hope this won't happen. I have been fancying a pair of Nicks like 4 years ago and am still looking forward to own a pair......

[@MrDXRamirez]

@@MrStreetninja007 As long as there are IJ fans willing to pay half a thousand dollars plus the boot manufacturers won’t care about this channel. Profit, profit, profit is their creed and the expense of the fans.

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@MrDXRamirez sadly true

[@BedosLeatherworksLLC]

Damn Weston don’t hold back now🤣🤣 I agree with your review. I’ve pointed out many issues Alden has with there Indys. But overall I’m still happy with my 8 year old indys, it’s by far one of my most comfortable boots I’ve owned(on my feet 12-15 hours a day) maybe it’s because I’ve upgraded to what they should be. Keep up the good work. Awesome channel.

[@USDAselect]

Your remade Alden is the best Indy there is Steve. I'm hoping the Niagara from Parkhurst comes close?

[@BedosLeatherworksLLC]

@@USDAselect I have a pair, close but My Indys are better. 🤣🤣

[@ProfessorCFK]

@@BedosLeatherworksLLC I was about to comment "But Bedo loves his!" Looks like the king has spoken already! We neeeeeeed a Bedos/Rose Anvil collab!

[@chicagoan6342]

Steve, I have been following your work for some time. I remember you weren't impressed with Indys long before this video. Weston just correctly called Indys a $200-$300 boot.

[@davidreyes323]

Your knowledge on the types of leather is remarkable. The build quality of boots really do make or break the product. I love how you break down the boot and show what really makes a boot worth the money. Thank you for showing us the things we can’t tell by simply looking at it. I’ve been a fan of your channel for a while now and really do feel like you make important content for the individuals that look for quality.

[@RobertBabnick]

Awesome! I love it when you reveal which brands are riding on their name alone and which brands are giving you truly great value. Thanks for another great tear down.

[@mattwarrensocal]

Had Alden 403 - undoubtedly the most comfortable boot I ever had. Easily go to trade shows or walk all day in them with no additional insoles needed. Sold those for stupid money and still have 1000 miles.

[@neilcomparetto5282]

I’ve been a tradesmen for the last 20 years and my favorite work boots, by far, are the Red Wing Exos Lite (style 985). I find them to be extremely comfortable and surprisingly durable (I’ve worn them almost everyday for 2+ years) I’m willing to donate the old pair if you’re interested in doing a cut-in-half comparison with some new ones. Either way, I really enjoy your channel, keep up the great work!

[@galvanizedgnome]

I find the look of the Redwing 985 is only surpassed by the Sketchers Diameter.

[@neilcomparetto5282]

@@galvanizedgnome I’ll have to check them out!

[@depaul7]

@@galvanizedgnome undeniably accurate

[@PrenticeBoy1688]

@@galvanizedgnome 🤣

[@brertt8350]

I have them and they feel more like shoes than boots, I bought them a couple months ago and they're my first "nice" pair of boots and they already disappoint me a bit. Some of the stitching has frayed already, and they make my feet sweat like crazy. Maybe I should go for a leather liner boot or no liner boot but idk that mesh made me assume they'd be breathable.

[@suzyc4112]

I was given one of your camera harnesses for Christmas two years ago and it’s so unbelievably good! Not a professional photographer but I love hikes and hated the pressure on my neck from the standard camera loops. I think my favourite part of your design is having the belt hook on the end, it’s great for securing the camera behind me for climbing over rocks etc.

[@mikeboone4425]

I had planned on buying a pair for the grand son for Christmas but this sure changed my mind, damn shame. I thank you for all you do in the foot world and really let us know what were getting for or hard earned bucks. Happy trails

[@jesusacovarrubias1390]

Buy him some Thursday boots. Well made, well priced, and got a very good review by Rose Anvil. I’ve purchase 4 different styles from Thursday and I absolutely enjoy them.

[@anonymousotter6455]

Some alternatives would be Parkhurst, Grant Stone, or Thursday Boots. Grant Stone isn't made in the USA though. The others are.

[@joeybaldarelli6620]

Grant stone has gotten much better reviews than thursday. Rose anvil has done videos on both.

[@adampilarski7083]

@@anonymousotter6455 You’re Right on track - Just to clarify that most Thursday’s are made in Mexico, but they do have some made in USA boots available.

[@bradlarrison191]

Might I suggest that your grandson probably won’t care. Just get him the Indy. I’m sure he will love them. I would! They’re Indiana Jones boots for Christ sake!

[@justinarnold4024]

Phew. I dodged a bullet. I’ve always wanted a pair of Indy’s, but I went with a Grant Stone Brass boot instead since it’s a little cheaper and think it was the right choice.

[@Xaluber]

I own both. The Grant Stones are better made and have higher quality materials for sure, but the Alden’s are more comfortable.

[@justinarnold4024]

@@Xaluber Yeah, I could see that. I had to put a Dr. Scholls heel pad in mine, but after that they’ve been awesome!

[@erichpryde5309]

@@justinarnold4024 if you buy a cheaper boot but it's uncomfortable to the point that you don't want to wear it after 6 months, or if you buy a more expensive boot that is so comfortable that you can wear it 12 hours a day for years- which is the better purchase? Because somehow... despite the cheaper quality of the materials used, Aldens do last for 5-10+ years and are still one of the most comfortable boots you can buy.

[@Sturnburn772]

Bro that hair was glorious back in the day lol. Great video btw, you're offering a lot of useful information to customers of these high end boots. I especially like the dynamic diagrams explaining the different aspects of leather. I always thought alden was super overpriced, glad my suspicions were justified

[@devereuxbirdzell]

The sound of the leather being cut it so soothing sounding. I just love it. This is the video that convinced me to buy the Grant Stone Brass Chromexcel. Thank you for this killer content.

[@cesarlozano8262]

Great video! I was stoked to hear about the scratch and dent sale! After the video I purchased the Clayton wallet in dark brown😎 can’t wait for it to arrive!

[@theodoretemir]

You know what would be super interesting to see? To do the same cut-in-half to the same boots from Wested from UK! They are the budget version of the Indy boots, and I for one would like to see how they stack up! Great video as always! Keep it up!

[@koobs4549]

I was lucky enough to get 2 Indy jackets before the legend himself, Mr Peter Botwright passed away. People are always blown away when I tell them how inexpensive they are for a really nice leather jacket.

[@theodoretemir]

You,sir...are one lucky beautiful bastard! May you enjoy them for many many many years!

[@ltsmash1200]

Seconded. I am a movie prop collector so I wanted to get a pair of the Alden’s to go with my Indy stuff and also be able to wear them but I was already leery at the price tag and after seeing this I definitely don’t want to drop that kind of money. For $150 if the Wested ones are just “fine” I’d probably rather go that route.

[@socalrandy]

I am so glad that you do what you do! I have always wanted a pair of Indy’s and this review has convinced me that Nick’s is definitely the way to go.

[@virtusleather]

Totally. By the look of those indys, any Nicks boot will last twice as long.

[@aptrendz1815]

Hi, thanks , keep up the good work! Thanks for making us informed! You made a storm on Reddit, you took a lot to of crap. Kudos to you, I’ll keep supporting this and all channels that keep us informed in a good way!

[@blueprismquivers4540]

Found your channel during covid. Love everything about it. I remember my dad wearing Moc Toe Red Wings forever. This review was your best! Thanks.

[@alexandcaroll3428]

Outstanding review!!! Thank You ! I will stay clear of these thanks to your review

[@danmac4132]

You really summed it up with the words "money-grab". Thanks for the video!

[@doorsfloyd1]

I was just looking thru the past videos yesterday looking for a cutting of this boot. amazing timing!

[@semperliberi]

Thanks Rose Anvil for sponsoring this awesome video!

[@carlosmontoya4528]

Thank you for your content. I bought my first pair of Thursdays after watching your video.

[@RoseAnvil]

No Alden was not the sponsor that dropped out. Head here: roseanvil.com/collections/scratch-and-dent-sale to get yourself some 25% off leather goods!

[@galvanizedgnome]

Alden didn't appreciate you calling out their sub-par leatherboard materials. Sponsorship drop-out confirmed!

[@nate2064]

You should cut into the far cheaper Wested Leather Co Indiana Jones boot, they made the leather jacket for raiders, should see if their 128 dollar leather boot is worth it.

[@nathanavilez1084]

hey im into flashy belts do you think you guys could release a good belt but with like a bb belt design

[@wpridgen4853]

Lmao

[@dtimm612]

@@nate2064 I wear both and actually prefer the Wested after adding an arch support wedge (they are very flat footed). One thing the Alden has is great arch support.

[@Thehennyshow]

I was about to pull the trigger on a pair. Glad I checked out your channel for a review before buying these 👏🏼

[@jesusacovarrubias1390]

Wow?! What a great review and eye opening critique as well. Never thought Alden would “slum it” and make you believe it’s the penthouse.

[@kennethm407]

There is nothing wrong with them using leather board, nor has Alden ever hidden the fact. It is only marginally cheaper than full leather and has the advantage of being lighter.

[@erichpryde5309]

it's the last that makes this boot the penthouse, not the leatherboard. as far as the finish on the boots is concerned, the 405 reviewed above is an office casual finish- the 403 in CXL leather is far superior. The review above ironically criticizes a leather specifically not meant to patina- for not being able to develop a patina.

[@LaymensLameMan]

I’ve been waiting my whole life for this video. Thank you Weston. As painful as this video may feel, thank you 🙏 ❤

[@randynovick7972]

I'm so, soooo glad you did this one. Thank you. May I vent? I gotta vent. Okay? Thanks... I've had three pairs of indys, and you're right. The best pair was the ones that I waited three months for - brown indys with a commando sole (the only sole that should be on them, IMHO)) - and they showed up at the shop with one boot having a very clear manufacturing defect were the upper is attached to the heel. I took em at a 65% discount. I asked Steve over at Bedo's Leatherworks (he does a lot of Indy rework) to fix the heel correctly, which cost a bit more than a hundy. Basically, it ended up I paid about 50% of retail. They are comfy, I wear them in the yard and out hunting and shooting and I pretty much don't care how beat up they look. I have a black pair with the same rubber-cork sole and they're fine for the office (it's actually a great boot for the office). They shine up nice. The worst was the pair of horween color 8 shell indys I got where the speed hooks ripped out when I was lacing them up on DAY ONE of having them... last year. They're currently making a new pair for me, and I do want them as an alternative to my shell vibergs and shell white's, but that the quality was so bad to start with, and it takes forever to get replacements, I'll never put another Alden product on my feet after these. The style is very nice, though, and I do like it for appearance and variety, but price is high, wait time is long for common sizes and quality issues may mean time or money spent on rework/remanufacture. They're just not worth it. Oh, and one other thing that isn't apparent until you try on a pair - when fully laced, there's precious little space between each side - it's like the shoelace is stitching holding the 2 sides together. Better hope your foot isn't smaller than that or you're SOL! You wanna know who makes the best Indy style boot? - Parkhurst! - and Beckett Simonon does a similar style that's also attractive and better-made. I think Alden is dead. I heard that a lot of their older workers retired or died and they've had hassles producing shoes & boots at quality or quantity over the past few years. My East coast Alden retailer tells me that they will improve, but I think everyone can count Alden out. When I'm done wearing mine, I can sell them on ebay and get all my money back (rarity!), so the money spent on them isn't so much a factor for me personally, but the quality of workmanship and materials should make them a non-starter for anyone that doesn't already have a pair... imho. Whew! That was cathartic! Thanks!

[@gnarl12]

Your rant is overblown.

[@jmarth523]

@@gnarl12 found Aldens YT account

[@sisleymichael]

All I can say is WOW! This is why I LOVE this channel. No BS and all the warts and wrinkles.

[@bearded4glory809]

This video is shocking. I would have never expected how cheaply Alden is building these iconic boots. Now I want to see how well their shoes are made.

[@Aggnog]

It's been know for a while. Any video with alden repair shows how crap they are. Nicks makes every other american manufacturer look like an embarrassment.

[@bearded4glory809]

@@Aggnog If I didn't have way too many pairs of shoes and boots already I would for sure buy some Nicks. I don't really need anything that burly but I still want them none the less.

[@Aggnog]

@@bearded4glory809 That's the thing, they have boots just like the indy, not only work boots. Moc toe heritage or falcon (not moc toe) are very similar, somehow CHEAPER and much higher quality. It really is a shame that people keep buying overpriced garbage, further incentivizing those practices.

[@gnarl12]

@@Aggnog show me where I can actually try a Nicks boot on before purchase and then get the boot in less than 2-6 months please.

[@jenkhemhuffersanonymous3990]

Never expected? Really? You yanks definitely are bright

[@lincoln9434]

I have two pairs. They are fairly new. I wish I saw this video before I dropped that much money. That being said, they are very comfortable. The arch is perfect for my foot and the heel block is made of a soft rubber that really absorbs shock. I do like them. When it is time to resole I may have a cobbler add a little extra love to them.

[@victoryveshinojosa]

I sourced an older canvas lined pair off of ebay a couple years back. From what I have read they stopped making the canvas lining in the mid 2000's. To me it has the same fiberboard construction in the heels & under the welt. They've held up pretty stoutly I would say. They are not a daily wear but I do wear them at least once a week. I own the Iron Ranger, Grenson's, Alfred Sargent, Church's, another pair of Alden wingtip boots & others. My Indy 405's are by far the most comfortable boot I own. The magic sauce is the last and they look damn good too. You can find worn but well cared for 405's often on ebay between $300-400 dollars. In that price range I would say definitely worth the money.

[@snuka123]

I've been waiting for this video for so long. Thank you Sir

[@danielirvine7468]

Love this channel love seeing you grow and well deserved thanks for doing this one

[@seths.8135]

I love that the Iron Ranger is still the example of a great boot for a great price. Love the content

[@map3384]

Absolutely

[@kartikchary]

Yup , the iconic iron ranger stays iconic!!

[@pepemontoya9634]

O you’ll be surprised, watch the latest video on redwings

[@anekey925]

I had both Iron Rangers and the Indy boot. Sold the Iron Rangers and do not regret it one bit.

[@anekey925]

@@Noodlepoke Didn't say they were bad. I'm saying I will take the indy boots all day every day over IR's. Look better and more comfortable. I've gotten almost 10 years out of my current pair and they have plenty more life in them

[@sus8e462]

On the white in the cross section, I've read numerous sources that this is due to cutting back on dyeing time to save money vs longer vat time for full "thru dye" cross section. I also have worked with many pull up leathers that chrome tanned & thru dyed... And many of both partial & thru dyed from SB Foot that is supplier for Red Wing... On Calf vs Cow--I'd expect calf to be used on dress shoes, but certainly not work boots! Always learn something on your videos & would love it if you'd do Johnny Fluevog Derby boots or shoes (with angelic soles).

[@Thelongmanable]

*_Great show keep up the good work!!!_*

[@dinnewjerseymark9240]

Great, great video. Important points on the leather board

[@BL-yj2wp]

I would argue that the Iron Ranger is a superior boot in terms of quality. For over 600$ the Indy is not a good value in any way, it would be acceptable for half that. There are other issues too. The outsole-stitch is not grooved in, it will wear down very quickly and the heel is not quite level although I've seen worse.

[@claytonberg721]

I prefer barrie last for fit but otherwise I agree. As for the lack of an open channel stitch... Dunno how much it matters. I've got allen edmonds shoes from the 80's that never had it and it makes no real difference. It's not like the sole is gonna come off. For what alden is charging should they have open channel stitching? I'd argue at that price point it should have hidden channel stitching on the soles but what do I know. Alden is priced somewhere between crockett and jones mainline and handgrade. CJ uses channel stitching on the mainline and hidden channel on the handgrade. Carmina is hidden channel. Meermin Linea Maestro hidden channel as well.

[@jake2011rt]

I would agree. The IRs still have genuine leather (not leather board) and full-grain leather in places where these Indys do not. The biggest advantage that the Aldens seem to have here is that they are fully leather lines rather than half-lined with canvas.

[@BL-yj2wp]

@@claytonberg721 I was thinking about the rubber, not the leather sole options. A rubber sole is harder wearing and would logically be used more on rougher terrain, the stitch should be channeld in. As far as leather soles go I agree, functionally there isn't much of a difference between open and closed channel, but at >600$ closed channel would be nice to see just for the sake of buying a luxury item.

[@claytonberg721]

@@jake2011rt Alden's real advantage is the variety of lasts, leathers and that they make more shell cordovan shoes than any other maker in the world, including allen edmonds. Alden's Shell #8 really is more special than anyone else's shell 8. That is until their acrylic coating wears off, in which case you remove the rest of it with acetone and it's the same shell 8 that everyone else offers. I get it. I don't wanna sound combative because I think you get it too. Alden fan boys are insufferable but the real reason to buy into the brand is if get along with one of their lasts really well. Some people love Trubalance. Whereas with the iron ranger you're stuck with that last and that last only. I've got what is essentially and Indy boot but it's on the Barrie last, which means it's a also a 360 welt. You can have CXL, you can have their house leather, you can order shell 8, or other variations (sort of). If I wanted an iron ranger in shell with a 360 welt and a last that was narrower with bigger instep (for example) I'm SOL. Alden does weird make ups with different style boots all the time. Good luck getting them, those special make ups, especially in shell cordovan cigar colour is next to impossible unless you're slapping down thousands at one of their retailers,

[@claytonberg721]

Also weston is obviously a craftsman and a leather expert, but by his own admission he is not a shoe expert. He sees leather board in places like heel stacks and heal counters and essentially marks the boot down, fair enough but in real world wear alot of times it just doesn't matter. How a heel counter wears doesn't really rely on leather board vs full grain, whether or not you use a shoe horn is the real question. I've got stuff from the 70's and 80's where the heel counter is leather board and it's fine, because the dude who owned them kept trees in them and used a shoe horn. Conversely I had to send a 10 year old pair away for recrafting and needed the heal counter replaced because dude obviously didn't use a shoe horn or trees, and those were full grain. That said at Alden's price yes they should be including this stuff. If grant stone can, so can alden.

[@Robert-ui6ot]

I have a large boot collection with some way more expensive than these. If I had to choose only one boot to keep it would be my Indys. Perhaps it’s the case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. They’re just so comfortable and work with everything

[@MasterofPlay7]

that's pure bs

[@jihigh482]

Everybody is allowed fo like a shitty product. It doesn't make the product any less shitty

[@BL-yj2wp]

The issue is that they used to be higher quality and cheaper.

[@GuitarDeke]

MITUSA and MOctober are both awesome series. And thanks for getting so many new reviews out. I’d like to see a logger boot series or more work boot reviews with the toe crushing and waterproof tests. Best to you and the whole crew.

[@johnlattanzio9859]

Watch his videos on the nicks handmade boots.

[@GuitarDeke]

I’ve seen those. But lots of brands make logger boots. Having different brands ranked and reviewed would be a great way to give people info on that type of boot like he has with moc toes, heritage boots, etc,

[@TheJohn8765]

Your moc toe deep dive in your second channel was great. It really helped me understand why moc toes are interesting.

[@lordofthemound3890]

I just checked my 405s that are about a year old: they have a smooth leather insole. The vendor I bought them from now has has them listed as “discontinued/rare,” so maybe Alden has made some recent changes to the line. EDIT: and like many have said, they are incredibly comfortable boots.

[@alijanozkiral6877]

Even if the quality seems decreased from the good ol days, I will say my year old 405's are still my favorite boot I own without a doubt

[@alijanozkiral6877]

Just to be clear about it, I own a decent amount of boots from diff makers and these are consistently my go-to as my most comfortable pair. The lining is really supple, and the arch support/orthopedic structure on these just fits my feet really well.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You are exactly they kind of customer Alden is looking for.

[@dyersnider5406]

Please keep making such fair and honest reviews. Thanks for another great one!

[@jimmccoys5778]

Great work brother!! You definitely convinced me to remove these from my “want list”. Too many better options quality wise to spend that kind of money for them!!! Thanks again

[@chesterdrawers9037]

So glad I never bought the Alden boot, and thanks to this video for confirming my thoughts on it being way over-priced. I think your 'Rose Anvil' channel is single handedly forcing boot makers to step up their game. Another very cool video and content delivery.

[@rsleepy255]

Same here

[@robformica5394]

It's twice the price it should be but it's *still* worth it. There's nothing that looks quite like it and there's nothing that fits and feels like the Trubalance last.

[@ClaytonWillisMusic]

@@robformica5394 "twice the price it should be but still worth it" lmao

[@nicholasmapes]

I was going to but some carhartt boots for work, figured its an American company most of their other stuff is decent quality... boy am i glad i watch this channel, saved me 200 bucks

[@albertxion513]

​@@robformica5394 Grant Stone Brass Boot

[@burritosupreme333]

In 2014, I purchased a pair of 403(Brown CXL) for $520.00. I never cared for the finish of the 405. It's crazy how much the quality has diminished in less than 10 years. My 403s still look amazing! The heel stack and midsole in mine look to be real leather, and don't seem to have any of that crap leather board found in this boot. Price goes up, quality goes down...Alden can go fly a kite! Thanks for sponsoring this one yourself and shedding some light on what used to be a really decent boot.

[@BL-yj2wp]

They used to be better and cheaper indeed. However the heel stack has been leather board for quite a few years, not sure about 10 years though.

[@danijel3227]

I think that your boots are the same like today's one. Leather board nobody wants to have, but in reality you can wear leather board boots for years and years. In reality there is no difference. Problem is price and perception of quality, and of course everybody wants leather.

[@srqsup]

@@danijel3227 sure you can drive a Dodge Dart forever and it’s a fine car but not at the price of a Mercedes then the curves or quality value and price are no longer aligned at their maximum radii.

[@gnarl12]

These are 405s

[@gnarl12]

It's been leatherboard for over a decade

[@thekylerush6982]

Thank you for the honesty you probably just saved me a bunch of money

[@GM57374]

I don't wear boot except for hiking , but if I needed a pair for work I would definitely be binge watching your videos because you give the best honest reviews that I've seen .

[@bond4177]

It would be great to see the inside of Meermin's boots! I have the waxed Kudu captoes.

[@jimchism6653]

Great video! It is a shame about the inferior materials but they still are my favorite. When I get a resole Ill get the heel stack and midsole replaced. It will be a $800 boot by them🤐.

[@anthonydegiusti8090]

Changed my mind about buying these! Thank you for the great dissection.

[@trickyferrell267]

just had to add a comment. love the new sponsor!!!! nice hair in that old clip BTW. look forward to seeing those long locks again

[@christopherkomer2982]

I had these on my list of boots to check out as I decided to finally make the plunge for some high end expensive boots(ended up going with Nick's) I am glad I didn't get these. Figured there was a lot of branding vs quality now its confirmed

[@ryanjoyner6853]

Smart move!!

[@thomass7140]

Alden is where boot collecting dies.. you start with Clarks or some such, graduate to redwings maybe some Allen Edmonds... You try whites or Vibergs and never wear them cause they weigh more than a bowling ball and ultimately end up uncomfortable... Then you buy Aldens... and you never buy anything else till you die. We will see down the road in your boot journey friend. Cheers.

[@adventurepromo]

Video maker has a lot of opinions about what makes them inferior. I own a pair that I was given and they're amazing and remarkably comfortable.

[@wmk29]

As an owner of these, the comfort is amaizng. They aren't really a work boot, but as a dress/casual boot, they are fantastic.

[@650tonyd]

@@wmk29 he's not talking about them being work boots though. He's talking about the overall quality and materials used. You could probably get a better boot from barebones workwear

[@gnarl12]

The 405 has a ridiculously fragile finish. Get the 403 and the 401 in CXL, Brown and Black, respectively.

[@aquaculture_383]

Really like the editing of your videos! 👍

[@loichansduskic6545]

Love this channel more and more!

[@Ray03595]

I have the chromexcel version of this boot and find the leather looks much more natural. And have to agree with you on the boot being overpriced. Even when mine came in there was random loose threads and it overall didn't exactly look and feel like a $600 boot. I do have to say though... this is by FAR my most comfortable boot. Takes no time at all to break in. Their last is nice and wide, and on the Alden website they have every width and size you can ask for. For someone with wide feet I have to pass on a lot of boots I might've considered because they only have D width available. Comfort is what matters to me greatly in the end so I'd say worth it for at the end of the day, but certainly can't argue with how they cheaped out on some of the materials and there isn't a good reason they go for so much. Also, getting a lug sole is essential for these, so the price goes even higher. I briefly got one with their original sole and exchanged it. There's simply no traction and it's true you'd slip everywhere if it rained or even if someone spilled water on the floor.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Same, though I have the regular sold and here in the desert it's fine, as we don't get much rain or snow. I love how conformable they are on my feet, though I have noticed that they aren't the best for just standing in ( as opposed to walking).

[@bubbaoriley7864]

While I agree Alden should include better materials for the price, there's a few things in the video I have a bit of a different take on. I also own a pair of Nick's and Whites, but still prefer my two pair of Indy boots simply because they are the most comfortable boots for the type of indoor wear I use them for. I own a lot of different boots with just about every sole type you can imagine, but I still prefer the cork nitrile soles. I do not find them slick on wet surfaces, they are extremely comfortable, yet highly wear resistant. While the painted leather does tend to wear through over time, when you have the boots restored by Alden I'm pretty sure they repaint them which isn't possible with other boots. My original pair has been worn once or twice a week for the past 5 years and no sign of them wearing out or even needing to be resoled. That being said I always rotate my shoes and boots daily not wearing them on continuous days and always wear high quality wool socks with them. I'm sure daily wear in harsher conditions would certainly wear them out sooner given the substandard materials inside. While you don't get the high arch support as you do with Nick's or Whites, they are still excellent for walking and standing all day. I've owned about half a dozen made in USA Red Wings over the years and none of them I'd compare to the Indy boots.

[@csbeverly1]

The comfort is from Alden's excellent last. The materials should sill be better.

[@DrewsTube209]

I agree, they are 10x more comfortable than my red wings. The outsole is perfect and I could care less about the “leather board”. I haven’t even had to resole my boots yet after 6 years. And I’m guessing the resole will happen before the leather board ever becomes an issue.

[@erichpryde5309]

@Andrew fifteen times more comfortable than red wings, of which I own 6 or 7 pairs vs 3 pairs of indies.

[@erichpryde5309]

I honestly cannot believe the part about hydroplaning.

[@miftahulkhairi5760]

Brilliant works, Man👏👏👏

[@Boy777USA]

great research and explanation - thank you!

[@nickwilson5379]

I got my Alden 403s from the shoe mart as factory seconds. They have a very minor cosmetic flaw on the leather. They were $400. I recommend buying there. Plus after a $175 resole when they wear out I can get a veg tanned mid sole and stacked heel black that won’t have to be replaced for 1-2 more resoles. I love them and do get a lot of support from them. However I wouldn’t pay $600 for them.

[@MrKudosx]

For some reason whenever I see people post pictures of their factory 2nd 403's the color is always darker than normal.

[@XiaNingTian]

Did you do the resole service with Alden or someone else?

[@nickwilson5379]

@@XiaNingTian I wouldn’t recommend using Alden’s resole services if you want true leather used to recraft the heel stack and midsole. Find a cobbler for that and quicker turnaround.

[@nickwilson5379]

@@MrKudosx mine didn’t differ really from the pics I saw. There were some markings but I just see it as free patina.

[@XiaNingTian]

@@nickwilson5379 That's what I plan on doing, but I'd also like to get the leather insole replaced on my pair of 405s. I kinda took a piece off by mistake at the edge of the heel when I was replacing the sock liner. Not sure how easy that is for cobblers to replace without the last.

[@EdAb]

Thank you for the fact-based review. Just because a brand is legendary, shouldn't mean they get a free ride. If anything they should be held to a higher standard... especially at that price!!!

[@01ai01]

Great video Weston, thanks!

[@zachlong100]

Keep up the great honest work! Saved me 600 dollars!

[@seth_5394]

I have two pairs of Indys and love them, but yes, overpriced when considering the materials used. I am currently rebuilding my OSB trench boots and they have pretty much apples to apples use of the same materials. But, I like them both, rebuild with better materials, and keep on smiling.

[@bassheadlife492]

Those OSB's are no joke

[@seth_5394]

@@bassheadlife492 I'm wearing them for the first time today since being rebuilt. I love my OSBs and recommend them.

[@bassheadlife492]

@@seth_5394 good man!

[@Aussiewhale]

I got some of these on sale several years ago and came to many of the same realizations. Even at the price I paid I couldn't justify keeping them and resold them. Mine were the chromexcel version and the finish was also not great. Simply brushing the boots with a horse hair brush took the pigment layer off of the chromexcel. Additionally, fitting these boots is not easy and they're tough to find to try on. Don't trust internet fit advice on a $600 product! Fit can change after the first several wears, particularly on the chromexcel

[@Aussiewhale]

@@watch_a_watch unfortunately that's not what I was experiencing. The top layer of the leather was literally flaking off from brushing - going from dark brown to the light brown underneath after horse hair brushing. I even bought a brand new brush in case mine was abrasive and same issue. Regarding fit, sizing down is questionable as mis-sizing the length or width of the footbed in this shoe can be extremely uncomfortable

[@joshwarriner7620]

My hiking boots I've been wearing for a couple of years now are the irish setter wingshooter 7inch waterproof style 893. For moctober i think doing the waterproof and regular wingshooter would be a great idea.

[@InventiveReality]

Thanks for the info. I've always wondered why these were so expensive.

[@Xaluber]

I would agree that in terms of materials they’re very over priced, but my Indy’s are by far the most comfortable boots I own, and I own a ton. The Alden Trubalance last is really unmatched. I also have a pair of shell cordovan Alden jumper boots on the Barrie last and they’re a close 2nd for comfort.

[@casuallyworked4698]

I don’t think Alden is value anymore, maybe their shell is. But the brand is just an icon, and so is the Indy boot, I love my pair, looks amazing and feels great. It would be nice if Alden made it with better materials though since they are so expensive.

[@TheGrzzi]

that is completely individual. The comfort depends on the last that fits your feet shape. Nothing to do with Aldens.

[@ricknieskes9492]

I do own a pair of Alden Indy boots and I must say they were exceedingly comfortable right out of the box with essentially no break in time. No other boot I have owned comes close in that regard and I have had Redwings and Thursdays. Are they worth the $550 I paid? We’ll probably not, based on the quality of materials used. But to me this is a case where the product itself is more than the sum of its parts. Lastly, they look so damn cool! I would not hesitate to buy again…because they really are that comfortable.

[@fortyeightfiend]

Thanks for another great video! I’d love to see you cut open some English boots at some point from Crockett and Jones or maybe a Trickers Stow boot.

[@cameronweir3403]

Oh man that throwback pic with the long hair threw me off for a sec haha just wasn't expecting that

[@jeffpamer1979]

Love the content! Two boot requests: The Corcoran Jump boot. I bought a pair years ago just for the historical aspect and I liked the look. Always wondered if they are as good as they were etc, and Tobacco Motowear’s new riding boot. Thinking about a pair, and would love their company to get a chance to shine. They make great rear. Thanks all!

[@moorshound3243]

Yes good call on the jump boot.

[@wecanjump7512]

They were crap back in the late 90's. We all had to keep a pair shined up to wear with our dress uniforms. My feet would hurt for days after wearing them, and that's after they were broken in.

[@jeffpamer1979]

@@wecanjump7512kind and f agree, but don’t you want to know why? Lol.

[@wecanjump7512]

@@jeffpamer1979 For sure, I'd love to see them cut in half. Anything to get another pair off the streets :)

[@CrimeVid]

I have a pair of Corcoran boots, I think they are field boots (no toe cap) they are great to wear in foul weather (they are seriously waterproof) I have worn them fishing at the sea’s edge a lot. Apart from being heavy they are really comfortable,and they don’t scuff badly on barnacle covered rocks. I think they will see me out !

[@d-vo5042]

I completely agree with this review. I have had four different pairs of Aldens, and the boots are price purely on the popularity of the Movie. Unfortunately, many of these companies, including Alden, are compromising on quality of the actual boot, and capitalizing on the fact that most people will not cut a pair in half to actually see what the heck is inside the boots they have paid $600 dollars for. Alden is now selling Indy Boots for almost $1000 dollars, and I bet you, they are not using the highest quality material to make those boots. It's a real shame.

[@ilg2012]

great video, thank u for the honesty

[@MTobin1000]

what a great review. thanks for doing this.

[@AntongiulioArmentano]

Please do some British shoemaker! Barker, Crockett and Jones, Tricker's etc

[@kevindmayfield]

Would love to see him cut open all three of these. The Barker Calder is one of my favorite pairs of boots and I’m very curious about Crockett and Jones and trickers as well.

[@Upholderr]

I have a few pairs of Alden Indy’s. My first pair was bought over 20 years ago. I feel it’s a totally different boot with a much higher quality than what’s being produced today.

[@XiaNingTian]

I'd take the leather lined Indys of today over the canvas lined Indys personally.

[@erichpryde5309]

@@XiaNingTian I don't think it matters- I have a fifteen year old pair of IRs with canvas lining I can still wear. It's like we've all forgotten that as long as the materials in use survive the test of time, they're good enough to be used. This mentality of "demand the best even when totally unnecessary" is sad. I say this as someone who owns 403s, 405s, and more pairs of Red Wings than I'd like to count. and I'll wear the 403s any day over any of the RWs.

[@yunusboy]

Thank you for awesome content! Please film J.M. Weston 180!!

[@metallicuda7701]

These are still my favorite boots ever in terms of style and comfort.

[@blethook]

I got mine over 20 years ago (probably around 2001/2002). They have been resoled once (not by Alden). I found them very comfortable but the tongue always moves/shifts around, which is annoying.

[@adrianflynn2828]

have a cobbler sew the inner side of the tongue with a single stitch to the upper. keeps it perfectly in place, and makes no difference putting them on/off.

[@charlesvoita2531]

I'd love to see a review of the Truman Boots 79 last -- I got some in the mail and was pleasantly surprised with their updated construction that is different from earlier reviews I've seen but would love to see the guts.

[@conductorcammon]

love your honesty

[@TheAlpineShepherdBoy]

Boot info seems to be incorrect. You're showing the information for the Thursday Logger.

[@awuza]

I bought my 405 back in 1997, and if I remember correctly, I think it was priced $295 back then.

[@christopherstewart6668]

My 2 bits. I have a few pairs of boots with a flat neoprene cork sole. And I have noticed this fall that they are quite good on wet and icy surfaces. But not on wet snow. I also noticed they wear very well

[@MobiuSphere]

I just realized I've been watching you for 3 years now. :-)

[@markopolo9936]

I was seriously looking into a black CXL pair last year, as they are stunning to look at. Pretty much everyone worth their salt reviews them and says their defects and QC are inexcusable given their price. Got some 877s from red wing instead, saved myself 300 quid and have some great boots 👌

[@Ray03595]

It’s unfortunate. I had two Indy’s, one exchanged, one kept. Both has imperfections throughout. Nothing too serious, but not what I would expect when paying $600+. I expect someone from Alden is aware of this video and will hopefully look at the comments and improve their QC. The comfort is great and the design is iconic but if they are gonna charge so much they need to do certain things much better

[@erichpryde5309]

the review above doesn't review the CXL though, which is something you should keep in mind. As someone who wore Red wings for around fifteen years prior to any experience with Alden, I can say that the Aldens are more comfortable- MUCH more- and they will last just as long.

[@aradoran]

Boot Info in the Intro is all the Thursday logger info?

[@beefcurtains6691]

I had no idea about this company and live like 30 min from Middleboro and and a lil farther away from Brockton. Thanks for the interesting content brother and keep up the good work 🤙👍

[@davejonze]

Would be great to see you do a review on the Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill boot.

[@amphibian200]

I have multiple aldens (though not an indy boot). I don't think your appraisal is unfair, but here are some of the things I think you are missing about Alden and the Indy boot: 1. Alden was a manufacturer of orthopedic shoes for decades (and still does it) and I will tell you that the Aldens I have owned are by far the most comfortable leather soled shoes I have ever owned. I don't know what accounts for it, maybe last construction, maybe the particular combination of materials they use but nothing else comes close. 2. The older Indy boots (including the ones Harrison Ford wore in the movies) had canvas lining rather than leather and were likely constructed very similarly to these boots. I would not be surprised if the reason the 405s use pigmented cowhide rather than something better is simply because this is how alden has made the 405 for decades. Alden 405s were not luxury objects back in the 1970s, they were work boots, but what has happened in the intervening years is that the low end of shoes has gotten much lower and cheaper and Alden is now competing in the luxury segment even though that isn't really what they were originally designed for. 403s which use Chromexcel and cost the same would likely have received better marks by you. 3. It is well known that Alden uses leather-board and the shoe community shits on them all the time for doing it. I will say that while I do wish they would use leather instead, it is not as if I see leather-board failing very often before a resole would be necessary anyway. It is a suboptimal material for them to use to be sure, but this again seems to me like a remnant of the way they have made shoes for decades. They were not ever really the Cadillac of shoes until basically all of the other american dress shoe manufacturers moved production overseas and they were the only ones left around doing domestic production. Overall, I certainly wouldn't call them a deal, but you generally do get what you pay for with them in terms of longevity and durability. I would like to remind everyone that obsesses about having "all leather everything" that literally no general customer gave a shit or understood how shoes were made or what cobblers were doing during resoles until very very recently. Harrison Ford didn't look up a youtube video to find out what the midsole of 405s were made of before buying them, he was a carpenter that wanted comfortable shoes and one of his friends told him these shoes were very comfortable and he bought them and liked them. The shoes Alden makes are still very comfortable today and really I think that's all they are aiming for. I too wish they would aim a little higher sometimes. PS: It's also worth noting that a former executive there was convicted of embezzlement of company funds so he could support his girlfirend's media career, wild story worth reading about.

[@smithwesson7765]

Bought a pair of 405s a decade ago. Cloth lining, cheap laces and the heel started to come apart after a few days walking in London. I sold them on ebay and then bought a pair of Vibergs, tobacco waxed, Kudu service boots. There is no comparison. The Vibergs are beasts, heavy, well made and the Kudu is tough as nails. The Dainite sole is nearly indestructable and the boots came with leather and waxed linen laces.

[@chbclark]

You're right. Mine from back in the 90s had cloth lining, I had forgotten about that. But the leather wasn't paint on and I am 99% sure the heel stack and midsole was leather.

[@smithwesson7765]

@@chbclark The leather uppers on mine appeared to be rather good calfskin and as you said not painted. They weren't bad boots per say but, not as good as they should have been. I picked up two pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers two years ago and the copper "rough and tough" is one durable boot. I'd say that the Iron Rangers are the "pickup truck" of boots. Nothing fancy but, they'll get you where you need to go and back.

[@raymondcausey3926]

Damn Weston!!! You tore that boots ass off brotha!! Thankyou! Appreciate your work!🙏🏼

[@chicagoan6342]

Man I love this video. I will never get tired of watching it 😂