Dappered | Win It: The Alden 405 Original Indy Boot

[Dappered | Win It: The Alden 405 Original Indy Boot]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Win It: The Alden 405 Original Indy Boot](#1) - [Style Scenario: Cold Weather Workouts – Early Morning Run](#2) - [Men’s Style Predictions for 2021](#3) [Win It: The Alden 405 Original Indy Boot](r/Dappered/~3/BItW7tJVhmM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 26 Jan 2021 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. In Review: [Alden 405 “Original” Indy Boots – $573]( About the Author: Adam Terry is a thirtysomething salesman in the HVAC and hydronics industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, raw denim, and working on his dad bod father figure. Today we’re checking out the Alden 405 “Original” Indy boots. It’s the iconic boot that most of us menswear and film fans know from the Indiana Jones films. Here’s Jim Pietryka, Director and Co-Founder of [Ealdwine Gentleman’s Shop]( in Raleigh, NC, giving just a bit of the backstory on these boots: Alden has been in business since 1884 and is well-known for making high quality, comfortable boots and shoes in various dress, semi-dress, and casual styles. I’m a huge, self-admitted Alden fan and have quite a few pairs of their Goodyear welted boots and shoes, including a handful of pairs of Indy boots, one of my favorite Alden patterns. Needless to say, when the opportunity arose to review a pair of their most classic Indy boots, I jumped at the chance almost as fast as Indiana Jones jumped into action. Read on! The Adam Review Scale of Excellence (A.R.S.E.) - 5 – Excellent! No issues and highly recommended. - 4 – Good. Above average, but not perfect. - 3 – Average. Minor issues, might be good at the right price. - 2 – Fair. Below average due to defects, flaws, or imperfections. - 1 – Poor. Significant issues, not worth purchasing at any price. Made in the USA, legendary boots. Details - Brand: Alden - Style: High top blucher workboot with moc toe - Size: 10 US (43 EU) - Last: Trubalance - Construction: 270° Goodyear Storm Welt - Upper: Full-grain “Legacy” cowhide from Horween - Sole: “Neo-Cork” oil resistant soles - Details: Foot Balance “Thomas” rubber heels, brown eyelets/speed hooks, natural welt - Extras: Two flannel shoe bags - Country of Origin: U.S.A. - Price: $573 USD Pairs great with… a fedora and a whip. Ordering/Delivery/Returns My pals at Ealdwine ordered this pair of 405 Indys in the “Original Brown Workboot Leather” in my size direct from the Alden factory in Middleborough, MA. FedEx dropped them off on my doorstep just four business days later, which was fairly surprising given this was all done during the Holiday shipping rush. FYI: Ealdwine has a simple 10-day return policy. If you’re unhappy with the size, fit, or color of your purchase, return them within 10 days for a full refund. You’re on the hook for return shipping, though. As with most shoe retailers, returns must be in mint resalable condition with no evidence of try-on or wear. Score: 5/5 Stars – Easy ordering, great service, fast shipping, and a dead simple return policy Better not be [snakes]( in there. Packaging/Unboxing Alden delivers your new shoes or boots in a lovely pine or forest green shoe box made of sturdy cardboard. One edge of the lid is hot stamped with the Alden crest and logo in gold foil, while the bottom half has the model number, size, and width stamped in legible white ink. While this box isn’t decorated as fancy as some of the other brands that I’ve reviewed in the past, they do hold up over time. Looking inside the box, my boots were individually wrapped in clear plastic bags with a cardboard divider that helps protect them during shipping. They arrived in mint condition with no obvious signs of damage. The included [pair of Alden boot storage bags]( are the golden standard that I judge other shoe bags against. These felted cotton cloth bags are soft, sturdy, and can double as a polishing cloth in a pinch! Score: 5/5 Stars – Simple, but very solid. I love these Alden branded shoe/boot bags. Extra care taken for shipment. First Impressions After taking the boots out of the box and unbagging them, the first thing that strikes you is the warm brick red color of this leather. It’s sometimes hard to determine color accuracy online – different monitors and cameras will display colors differently – but this is certainly a darker shade of red in between a mahogany brown and a burgundy. It’s quite striking, but not in a “What the hell am I going to wear these with?” kind of way. The natural leather storm welt, white welt stitching, and white moc toe stitching add a nice pop of contrasting color that compliments the matte full-grain cowhide leather upper, sourced from Chicago’s Horween tannery. According to an internet friend of mine that works for Alden, this particular leather tannage is called Legacy, a variant of Latigo and similar to the infamous and widely used Chromexcel. Brown eyelets, speed hooks, and flat cotton laces round out the package up top. Full grain Horween leather. White moc toe and welt stitching. Flipping the boots over, you’ll notice the reddish Neo-Cork soles, Foot Balance “Thomas” heels, and neatly finished Goodyear welted stitching. Neo-Cork outsoles aren’t unique to Alden, but they’re interesting nonetheless combining granulated bits of cork into flat slabs of nitrile rubber. They’re oil and water resistant while also being very durable; I’ve had one pair of the classic Indys in my own personal rotation for over five years and the soles are still kicking. I will note that they’re not the grippiest soles out there – be careful on slick grass, ice, or packed snow! If you need something with more grip, look for models with the Commando soles. The Foot Balance “Thomas” heels are pretty unique in that the inside medial edge extends a half-inch longer than the outside edge. This gives added support under the medial arch zone. These rubber heel tops are glued down and nailed in place, but can easily be replaced by a local cobbler. Goodyear Welted. Neo-Cork soles, Foot Balance “Thomas” heels. Peering inside, you’ll immediately notice the comfort amenities. The O.G. Indy boots used to have a 100% cotton duck canvas or Cambrelle nylon lining, but those have since been switched out for a soft and supple glove leather. There’s a small layer of foam underneath the gold foil stamped heel pad that helps cushion your heel. In my experience, this foam is very durable and doesn’t fade or break down easily. Finally, you’ll notice the natural vegetable-tanned leather used for insoles. Over time, the leather insoles will conform to your feet, kind of like how your couch has that one divot just for your backside. What you won’t immediately notice are the layers of natural cork and the tempered steel shanks underneath those leather insoles. The cork filler also conforms to your feet in time and adds additional resilience and insulation. The steel shank is ribbed for your pleasure extra strength, giving the shoe a literal “backbone” for some additional long term stability, support, and shape. Score: 5/5 Stars – Great! Top quality materials, craftsmanship, and design for durable comfort. Glove leather interiors. Insoles that will conform to your feet over time. Comfort, Fit, and Sizing Today’s Indy boots are made of premium materials: high quality cowhide uppers, glove leather lining, vegetable-tanned leather insoles, cork filled midsole, and the Alden signature ribbed, tempered steel shank to support the metatarsal area. Comfort is always subjective, but assuming you find a size and last that works for your feet, I promise you these are some of the most comfortable boots you’ll ever buy. The Trubalance combination last is Alden’s widest and most voluminous last. It was designed to fit a wide range of foot shapes, from normal to extremely pronated or heavy feet. It’s especially great for those that need orthotics. The Trubalance last features a wide forefoot zone, a straight inner border, and a smaller heel cup to lock the heel in so that the foot remains balanced and won’t slide around. It’s best for those with low arches and flatter feet, although I have no issues with my moderately tall arches. Roomy through the forefoot. On purpose. Due to the extra volume, the Trubalance last runs a half-size larger than standard US sizing. I suggest sizing down at least a half-size from your Brannock measurements. Knowing this, I choose a 10D in the Alden Indy boots made around the Trubalance last and tend to wear medium to thick socks with them. For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in most dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. Score: 5/5 Stars – Great! VERY comfortable and will get better in time. Size down at least a half-size. Designed to fit a wide range of foot shapes, and thus, runs half a size large.Size down a half size. Final Thoughts I find that Indy boots are best worn in “smart casual” outfits with sport shirts, flannel shirts, and chambray shirts paired with casual-leaning chinos, five-pocket pants, and dark denim. I could certainly see a tailored sport coat or a chunky cardigan thrown into the mix as well. The Indys are very versatile. Yes, Alden Indy boots are certainly an expensive investment, but given the top quality materials, American craftsmanship, and Goodyear welted recraftability, they’ll serve you well for many years to come. There have been many imitations and knock-offs over the years, but there’s nothing quite like the genuine thing. I highly recommend Alden and the Indy boots. Should you find yourself in Raleigh, NC, drop by Ealdwine and see my friends Jim Pietryke and Matt Gray to try some on for yourself! Avg. Score: 5/5 Stars – It’s a legend for a reason. The Indy is the quintessential heritage work boot. [Enter here to win]( a pair of Alden 405 “Original” Indy Boots from [Ealdwine Gentlemen’s shop](. One entry per person. Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET 1/27/21. Winner will be notified by email. Good luck, and a HUGE thanks to Ealdwine for loaning a pair to Adam for review, as well as providing a pair for giveaway! A big thanks to the folks at Ealdwine Gentlemen’s shop for providing a pair of Alden Indys for review and giveaway. As you can see in the shot above, they know what they’re talking about when it comes to all things Alden! ff/Dappered?a=BItW7tJVhmM:yCwJl7C5IfA:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=BItW7tJVhmM:yCwJl7C5IfA:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=BItW7tJVhmM:yCwJl7C5IfA:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Cold Weather Workouts – Early Morning Run](r/Dappered/~3/RPzBJFhPPqc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Jan 2021 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Don’t let cold weather be another excuse for not staying accountable to yourself. Get a head start by waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual for a jog before you’re sitting all day through zoom meetings. To help with that notion, here’s a style scenario geared toward running when the temperatures drop. If you live in bitterly cold temps, remember, layers are your friend. [As are yaktrax](. Now, if you live in true snow country and you’re balking at running outdoors (because it just snowed another foot), then fear not. You’re probably already getting a great workout in clearing the latest blizzard! It’s not shoveling. [It’s “winter cross training.”]( [Cold Weather Run Paul K.] The Jacket: [Under Armour ColdGear Sprint Hybrid Jacket – $100](. A wind resistant, insulated jacket with adjustable cinch hood. Zipper (non kangaroo) pockets keep everything secure. On the thin side for a reason, being that you don’t want to be overly stuffed which could limit your range of motion. Once you pass that warm up mark, your body heat will rise to keep you toasty. Rule of thumb is to layer up smartly, and adding 10-20 degrees to the outside temperature will help you figure out what it’ll feel like once your body heat kicks in. Unfortunately the color scheme I’m wearing is [no longer available through Amazon](, but there are a few different options still available directly through Under Armour. The “Pants”: [Nike Men’s Shield Tech Running Tights – $100](//www.nike.com/t/shield-tech-shield-mens-running-tights-XvJpdH/CU6077-010). Don’t confuse these for your S.O.’s yoga leggings that they cruise all day in. Spendy yes, but they’re wind and rain-resistant along with being a knit like fabric to keep you warm. Bracing the outdoor winter elements will be taken in stride with each step. For a much more budget friendly alternative? [Try these tights](. Joe recommends them, and he wears a large on his 5’10″/190 lb frame (although they are a bit long on him, but he says that doesn’t matter much). The Shorts: [Skora Unlined 7″ Running Shorts in Midnight $12.99+](. For those who choose to add an additional layer of protection and warmth that can also pull double duty in the summertime. The Shirt: [Amazon’s Peak Velocity Men’s Thermal Long Sleeve – $21.79](. Athletic fit throughout for those that choose more freedom of movement than a compression shirt offers. Yet it’s not so loose fitting that it won’t retain body heat to your core. The Shoes: [Brooks Men’s Divide – $99.95](. Rated as a road and trail-ready running shoe. The added grip and traction helps when the paved path is either slightly submerged or muddy. Take the side trail option with confidence.              The Gloves: [Terramar Body-Sensors Glove Liner – from $17](. Liner gloves offer a base protection to keep your hands warm in chilly conditions, yet are thin enough to slip into thicker, beefier winter gloves when conditions get rough. Such as when dealing with snow. Like shoveling out the driveway. The Socks: [Smartwool Men’s PhD Run Light Elite Crew – $22.95](. Staying warm and dry is the name of the game. Don’t let chafing, swampy socks be the Achilles heel of a good run. The Watch: [Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker – $139.99](. While not technically a watch nor even a smartwatch, it does all the basics of an activity tracker; heart rate monitor, run tracker with a built-in GPS, and water resistant to 50 meters. Bonuses include controls to play and change your Spotify playlists and Fitbit Pay. I honestly have yet to use Fitbit Pay, but personally use Samsung Pay on my phone. Two less things to reach for in this pandemic, my wallet and credit card. The Hat: [Meriwool Merino Wool Beanie – $20.99](. There’s nothing wrong with acrylic material beanies, but I find them itchier when my head starts to sweat a bit compared to actual wool. The problem of always running hot, even on cold days, makes wicking and breathable wearables a must. Machine washable. Tumble dry low. The Facemask: [Reebok Workout Face Mask 3 pack – $29.99](. A set of soft fabric face masks made of wicking material that resist getting soggy with sweat. Easily hand washable with some vinegar and detergent to maintain the rotation of usage. About the Author: Paul K., formally from Atlanta, lives and works as an IT administrator in Los Angeles. When he’s not busy freelancing as a photographer and videographer, you can find him getting his steps in on the many hiking trails of SoCal. ff/Dappered?a=RPzBJFhPPqc:bLtPrJkCbUQ:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=RPzBJFhPPqc:bLtPrJkCbUQ:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=RPzBJFhPPqc:bLtPrJkCbUQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Men’s Style Predictions for 2021](r/Dappered/~3/E13m-MX7xAA/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Prognosticating the ebb and flow of Men’s style is not easy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t throw a few mental darts at the board. Note that these aren’t necessarily endorsements/wishes. Just predictions. Nothing you own is gonna fit After a year in elastic waisted pants, nothing is gonna feel right. Because it probably won’t be right. Some of us gained a ton of weight via snacking and total sedentary shut down. Some of us lost a lot of weight because restaurants were closed, and the stress took its toll. You might want to take a stroll through your wardrobe, now, and try on things you haven’t worn in forever. Be prepared to make a call to your tailor once it’s safe to go visit her or him. Stuff is gonna have to be let out. Stuff is gonna have to be brought in. Speaking from personal experience on this one. Get ready to get reacquainted with your tailor. Social media usage slows down Whether it’s WIWT posts, Instagram flexing, or blasting away on men’s style message boards, I’m predicting (maybe hopefully) that this stuff is heading into a legitimate contraction phase. Its not fun anymore. Maybe it never was. But people are waking up to the fact that platforms have been weaponized. It’s also extraordinarily difficult to avoid the crazies. When a discussion about pants, or comments on a new wristwatch release devolves into crackpot conspiracy theories about lizard people and chemtrails, then screw it. Life is too short. Plus, after all the WFH and Zoom calls, haven’t we all had enough screen time for, I don’t know, a lifetime? J. Crew Stabilizes J. Crew [filed for bankruptcy back in May](//dappered.com/2020/05/j-crew-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy/). And since… doesn’t it seem like they’ve stabilized a bit? Sure they’ve been running what feels like fire-sale promos for, well, ever, but that was the state of retail as a whole in 2020. Maybe last year was the bottom. They’ve had some real style wins since. Can they start heading back towards the surface in 2021? Get back to doing what made them one of the biggest names in contemporary but still timeless style? “Well, everyone needs a hobby.” “So what’s yours?” “[Resurrection]( Brooks Brothers struggles to find new footing Yes [they brought in Michael Bastian]( to lead them into their post bankruptcy future. But Brooks Brothers has a LOT of history, and turning that ship around is going to take a lot of time, and a lot of effort. It is a big… boat. It’s [the QE2](. And like the QE2, no one under the age of 30 knows what it is. Good luck turning that thing on a dime. Parties. Lots of parties, in late 2021. Deep down, people want to be seen. And after more than a year of basically living in the psychological equivalent of a bird cage with a blanket thrown over it, [a lot of people are going to be ready to blow off steam, and be seen once again](. And many will think to themselves: “debt, bad decisions, and drunkenness be damned.” Get ready for the roar. This prediction is of course dependent on vaccine distribution, vaccine participation levels among the public, whether or not the vaccine prevents or reduces transmission by people who have been inoculated, and if the new strain (and/or potential strains) isn’t resistant to the vaccine. So. Yeah. Who knows. Live look at everyone once they get their final dose of the vaccine. Bonobos, Target, and Lululemon all look good in 2021 Bonobos is backed by Walmart. Target is Target. And Lululemon will ride both the athleisure wave (which they created) as well as the luxury purchase spending trend. Because while the stuff they make is SPENDY, it does feel, fit, and work better than the competition. And it kills me to say that. You try honestly and sincerely recommending [a $98 henley](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fmens-t-shirts%2FMetal-Vent-Tech-LS-Henley-Two%2F_%2Fprod4500365%3Fcolor%3D4080) on an “affordable men’s style” site. It’s weird. Square those two things. $98 is NOT affordable for a henley. I know that goes through your, the reader’s head. Even if they really are the best. Your local mall closes… and turns into an Amazon distribution center Malls were already on their last legs BEFORE a raging disease forced us all to reduce, reconsider, and reprioritize how we spend time outside of our homes. Good luck to mall owners trying to bait us back to fighting for a parking spot so we can browse the clearance racks at Macy’s. I can’t recall who said this and said this first, but years back someone said: “Right now, consumers go out and find products and services. In the future, products and services will find the consumer.” The future is now. If I sit here long enough, will my package get delivered by an Amazon Prime employee on roller skates? Casual and Tailored Wear continue to be blended together Sneakers with suits. Polos and tees with suits and sportcoats. Tracksuits made out of fancy fabrics like wool suiting material. These hybrids in both looks and items will continue as we emerge from the COVID cocoon. Luxury Purchases tick up (whether the buyer has the money or not) Very similar to the “lots of parties” prediction. People have had it. 2021 might just be [one big Pitbull song](. There’s a lot of pent up… pent-up-ness, and that might come spilling out in people saying “F-it, I’m gonna get [that stupid expensive thing I’ve always wanted](.” Revenue streams (or lack thereof) be damned. And with the proliferation of [all the “buy now pay later” schemes]( out there, there’s even less disincentives to not be reckless with your money. And that spells trouble, big trouble, down the line. Will 2021 be the year itches get scratched, until we bleed? Something really bad happens and brands will make a ham-fisted attempt to speak out about it on social media even though doing so is unavoidably part of their marketing strategy to try and sell you more stuff, thereby devaluing the seriousness of the situation while crowding out intelligent, experienced voices which should actually be heard. It sucks. [Welcome to Costco. I love you](. We’re all gonna feel super awkward getting dressed up I don’t care if you’re fluent in Sanskrit or you’re a concert pianist. If you spend a year not speaking Sanskrit, and/or never so much as touch a key on synthesizer, it’s going to feel weird the first time you get back at it. And that’s okay. But if you want to mitigate some of those feelings, [get some]( reps in [now](. This feels weird. Do I look weird? I hope no one notices I feel weird. January goes by in a flash! Where’d that month go? Got a prediction of your own for men’s style in 2021? Got some inside intel you’d like to share that proves one of these predictions wrong? Send those in to joe@dappered.com. (Top photo [credit]() ff/Dappered?a=E13m-MX7xAA:YXIo-yUzA9k:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=E13m-MX7xAA:YXIo-yUzA9k:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=E13m-MX7xAA:YXIo-yUzA9k:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States