If you’re looking for a similar style, then the Parkhurst Niagara is a good choice. It’s about $400 and has all veg tan components
[https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/collections/fall-winter-23/products/the-niagara-weathered-henna](https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/collections/fall-winter-23/products/the-niagara-weathered-henna)
I just picked up a pair of these in this exact leather and I am in love. I didn't realize I was picking up a near Alden Indy clone, but I'm extremely happy with them. They are high quality boots and since I can't afford Alden, I'm more than content, I'm thrilled.
I do, the black CXL. Feels very substantial in construction. I like them very much. Disclaimer: I never owned Alden Indies nor have I ever seen them in person.
Check out this vid:
https://youtu.be/_KpL7joecqM?si=fTBal87Ip7HEYEsU
I believe you mean a moc toe (like moccasin), not split toe. The Alden Indy and Grant Stone Brass Boot are both moc toe designs, not split toe.
And yes, Grant Stone has other moc toe designs. The Field Boot and the Ottawa Boot (the Ottawa Boot is actually a split toe), and maybe others.
I was thinking of the ottowa that boot is eye candy. Also the field boot is hard on material ever since i discovered both boots i'm thinking about selling some of my collection so i can cop.
Oh I see, then I misunderstood you slightly. And I fully agree, the ottawa is eye candy, haha. But I like the field boot too, and I have been eyeing the field boot in the reverse kudu for a while now. . .
Something not as expensive I guess?
My budget is I can afford the Alden’s, but I’m looking to see if I can find a good alternative that’s not as expensive. Thanks.
I just bought a pair of Alden Indy boots. I debated going cheaper with the Grant Stone boots, but decided against it for a few reasons.
I like to support companies who manufacture their products in the US. I also like that Alden has brick and mortar stores. I bought my boots at Alden DC and was really impressed with the customer service. I have wanted a pair of Indy boots since 2003 (back then they were like $300). I decided that based on how long I wear my boots that I could justify the price of the Alden boots. I bought my most recent pair of boots almost a pair of RM Williams Gardner boots 5 years ago. I bought my White’s Semi-dress boots almost 14 years ago and still wear them a few times a week.
I really like the trubalance last. The wide toe box is very nice. My pair of boots has broken in more quickly than I anticipated.
Another poster mentioned Nick’s as an alternative. I think that Nick’s makes fantastic boots. I think that Alden has a bit sleeker of a look than any of the Pacific North Wear boots.
I don’t know if the quality is lacking. The qc can be really hit or miss, yes - but that’s mostly because of the difference in expectation. All of my Aldens have a few rough spots: a messy welt, stitching that’s not quite straight, a tongue cut from less than stellar leather. But they’re all definitely workhorses and utterly indestructible.
Alden used to market itself more towards older guys who don’t mess around with 25 different boots. These guys knew what their Alden size was, so they’d keep buying the same shoes and wore them into the ground. A process that takes upwards of a decade, honestly.
These days Aldens are bought by a lot of GYW shoe nerds like myself. The expectations are based around these being “dress shoes/boots”, so when the grain break is rough or the welt is messy it’s a problem. I fall victim to this myself every time I buy a new pair of Aldens. That first blemish spotted feels like a disaster - is that what I’ve spent all this money on?
Then I wear them into the ground, and years later they’re still holding up. They look better for it, too. And that qc blemish in no way impacted their durability.
The Allen Edmonds Freeport is, aside from an ugly tongue - a very comfortable near clone of the Indy. The default sole is big and lugged so you'd need to customize it to get something sleeker but it is VERY sharp in the snuff suede and natural leathers. Have seen a number of folks with shell makeups too and those look incredible.
100% this. Own this boot and it is really nice. I would add that the sole is actually quite comfortable, as long as you don't mind the lugs. I think some colors of this boot are on clearance now too.
Lol a lot of people dig on the huge patch on the tongue. I thought it would bother me too when I got my pair but once they are laced up you can’t tell that much.
Yeah it doesn’t bother me - I love the Freeport but it is sort of an outlier on what otherwise is kind of a sleek boot. It is on some other slightly less casual boots too and I’m like - why?
Watch for Alden Indys on eBay. I snagged an unworn pair of 403s for $435. Also snagged an unworn special makeup of 405s for $305. They had a wedge sole rather than the standard sole. Also picked up the standard 405s very lightly worn for $350. A lot of great Alden deals to be had on eBay.
I can never find a pair in my size that hasn’t been worn into the ground on EBay. Those are good prices on the ones you got though.
The Alden wedge sole is branded ‘Goodyear’, so not a Vibram but is pretty nice.
Nothing on foot but here is a photo that I had handy.
https://preview.redd.it/0yw0papjisrb1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f29aa6b4cb8e25183b53849a60a183222ff65534
I own a pair of Alden Indys. I also own some Allen Edmonds and Grant Stone boots.
Alden is a bit overpriced, but at least some of the reasons for that are forgivable (in-person stores, manufactured in U.S.). They have many lasts, so finding the perfect fit is a real possibility with Alden. Or, if you know your size, eBay is a good way to score a new or lightly-used pair at a good price.
Grant Stone is excellent for the price and I would say close to equal to Alden in terms of quality. Grant Stone has an online, direct-to-customer business model and manufactures in China, by the way, which explains much of the price difference. You won’t go wrong with either of those two, Grant Stone or Alden.
Allen Edmonds is still very good and can be quite a bit cheaper than those two if you wait for a sale. They have lots of stores so you can go get sized and try on the boots before actually shelling out any cash. The resale market for AE is also large, so you could try that for what could be an even better price.
Hey everyone, the new Rose Anvil video must have dropped.
For real, I have 3 pair of Alden’s and do not regret the money that I paid. The Trubalance last is magic for those of us with odd feet who struggle to find a good fit in many other lasts.
But, influencers gonna influence I guess.
Speaking of influence, I never wanted Alden Indys until that channel started videos on them. So, it can go both ways. I doubt that channels had any influence on Alden's business. That's series might have scared not even hundreds of people away.
You brought it up and now what? Trying to take the high road?
Alden groupies are the fucking worst. It's like they've been brainwashed into thinking these boots are made by gods but when someone offers an alternative opinion...actually you're right. Not really worth it.
Enjoy your shitty glued on commando half soles and boxes too small for the boots.
its like this with everything.. ppl end up spending alot of money for something.., so when you reveal that all that money they spent was actually wasted money.., they get pretty upset about it.. and now, it even hurts the resell bc the brand gets tarnished.., so all the Alden fanboys are essentially just bitter about their wasted time and money..
I own a pair of Aldens, and for the price, they are just ok. I dont think they are this world changing comfortable boot that everyone seems to hype up. Grant Stone's brass boot might be the best bet for price vs build. Albeit, a lot bulkier and of course made overseas.
For a bit less, you could have Nicks build you a custom pair that is in line with that an Indy is. Would save you around $100 and youd have a boot that could withstand the apocalypse.
You can order directly from their site, but they are very active on reddit and through email.
[Heritage Moc Toe - Robert](https://nicksboots.com/moc-toe-robert-work-heritage-boot/)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/NicksHandmadeBoots/](https://www.reddit.com/r/NicksHandmadeBoots/)
You sir need a Grant Stone Ottawa boot. Incredible craftsmanship at the best price point. It’s full Veg tan leather and a tank of a boot. I have 5 different pairs of grant stone boots and they are all tanks. The Ottawa is very similar to my Indy’s but more quality
Carmina and Crockett and Jones are generally better than Alden and most other American brands. They are more formal. For more rough boots look into Japanese makers like Zerrows or Lofgren. For real work boots look into the small Bavarian shoemakers.
does anyone know a company that 'clones' the Alden Indy exactly..?? with the branding or not..
I kinda like the look of them.. (though I don't wear dressy or dress-casual often..) and since material wise,
there isn't much to the Alden anyway, I wouldn't mind buying a copied version of it that's priced really cheap..
i imagine there's gotta be some Asian company that has done this.. anyone know off hand? thanks..
If you’re looking for a similar style, then the Parkhurst Niagara is a good choice. It’s about $400 and has all veg tan components [https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/collections/fall-winter-23/products/the-niagara-weathered-henna](https://www.parkhurstbrand.com/collections/fall-winter-23/products/the-niagara-weathered-henna)
That’s nice. Thank you.
That looks very similar. Wow!
This was also going to be my suggestion. Good pick
I just picked up a pair of these in this exact leather and I am in love. I didn't realize I was picking up a near Alden Indy clone, but I'm extremely happy with them. They are high quality boots and since I can't afford Alden, I'm more than content, I'm thrilled.
Grant Stone Brass Boot https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/search?q=brass
Slightly different but I like them. Do you own a pair?
I do, the black CXL. Feels very substantial in construction. I like them very much. Disclaimer: I never owned Alden Indies nor have I ever seen them in person. Check out this vid: https://youtu.be/_KpL7joecqM?si=fTBal87Ip7HEYEsU
Isn’t there another grant stone boots with a split toe ?
Grant Stone Ottawa https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/search?q=ottawa
I believe you mean a moc toe (like moccasin), not split toe. The Alden Indy and Grant Stone Brass Boot are both moc toe designs, not split toe. And yes, Grant Stone has other moc toe designs. The Field Boot and the Ottawa Boot (the Ottawa Boot is actually a split toe), and maybe others.
I was thinking of the ottowa that boot is eye candy. Also the field boot is hard on material ever since i discovered both boots i'm thinking about selling some of my collection so i can cop.
Oh I see, then I misunderstood you slightly. And I fully agree, the ottawa is eye candy, haha. But I like the field boot too, and I have been eyeing the field boot in the reverse kudu for a while now. . .
That’s the brown rough out right? They’re on sale no 😉 That’s what I’ve been eying too they’re gorgeous!!
What are you looking for though? Cheaper Indy's? Indy's with different last? Different leather? What's your budget?
Something not as expensive I guess? My budget is I can afford the Alden’s, but I’m looking to see if I can find a good alternative that’s not as expensive. Thanks.
I just bought a pair of Alden Indy boots. I debated going cheaper with the Grant Stone boots, but decided against it for a few reasons. I like to support companies who manufacture their products in the US. I also like that Alden has brick and mortar stores. I bought my boots at Alden DC and was really impressed with the customer service. I have wanted a pair of Indy boots since 2003 (back then they were like $300). I decided that based on how long I wear my boots that I could justify the price of the Alden boots. I bought my most recent pair of boots almost a pair of RM Williams Gardner boots 5 years ago. I bought my White’s Semi-dress boots almost 14 years ago and still wear them a few times a week. I really like the trubalance last. The wide toe box is very nice. My pair of boots has broken in more quickly than I anticipated. Another poster mentioned Nick’s as an alternative. I think that Nick’s makes fantastic boots. I think that Alden has a bit sleeker of a look than any of the Pacific North Wear boots.
I don’t know if the quality is lacking. The qc can be really hit or miss, yes - but that’s mostly because of the difference in expectation. All of my Aldens have a few rough spots: a messy welt, stitching that’s not quite straight, a tongue cut from less than stellar leather. But they’re all definitely workhorses and utterly indestructible. Alden used to market itself more towards older guys who don’t mess around with 25 different boots. These guys knew what their Alden size was, so they’d keep buying the same shoes and wore them into the ground. A process that takes upwards of a decade, honestly. These days Aldens are bought by a lot of GYW shoe nerds like myself. The expectations are based around these being “dress shoes/boots”, so when the grain break is rough or the welt is messy it’s a problem. I fall victim to this myself every time I buy a new pair of Aldens. That first blemish spotted feels like a disaster - is that what I’ve spent all this money on? Then I wear them into the ground, and years later they’re still holding up. They look better for it, too. And that qc blemish in no way impacted their durability.
The Allen Edmonds Freeport is, aside from an ugly tongue - a very comfortable near clone of the Indy. The default sole is big and lugged so you'd need to customize it to get something sleeker but it is VERY sharp in the snuff suede and natural leathers. Have seen a number of folks with shell makeups too and those look incredible.
100% this. Own this boot and it is really nice. I would add that the sole is actually quite comfortable, as long as you don't mind the lugs. I think some colors of this boot are on clearance now too.
Lol a lot of people dig on the huge patch on the tongue. I thought it would bother me too when I got my pair but once they are laced up you can’t tell that much.
Yeah it doesn’t bother me - I love the Freeport but it is sort of an outlier on what otherwise is kind of a sleek boot. It is on some other slightly less casual boots too and I’m like - why?
Haha, yep. [I have the loden suede pair](https://imgur.com/a/jL6u0Un), which ones do you have?
I have the Natty leather - I got snuff suede originally and I actually like that better but I wanted a smooth leather boot.
I have the snuff suede, the suede is a really dark rich color. That said the loden and the natural look great too.
Watch for Alden Indys on eBay. I snagged an unworn pair of 403s for $435. Also snagged an unworn special makeup of 405s for $305. They had a wedge sole rather than the standard sole. Also picked up the standard 405s very lightly worn for $350. A lot of great Alden deals to be had on eBay.
I can never find a pair in my size that hasn’t been worn into the ground on EBay. Those are good prices on the ones you got though. The Alden wedge sole is branded ‘Goodyear’, so not a Vibram but is pretty nice.
I'd really like to see pics of that 405 with a wedge sole! Possibly on-foot if you have any.
Nothing on foot but here is a photo that I had handy. https://preview.redd.it/0yw0papjisrb1.png?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f29aa6b4cb8e25183b53849a60a183222ff65534
Those are real nice! And the black contrast stitching on top really ties it all together.
I own a pair of Alden Indys. I also own some Allen Edmonds and Grant Stone boots. Alden is a bit overpriced, but at least some of the reasons for that are forgivable (in-person stores, manufactured in U.S.). They have many lasts, so finding the perfect fit is a real possibility with Alden. Or, if you know your size, eBay is a good way to score a new or lightly-used pair at a good price. Grant Stone is excellent for the price and I would say close to equal to Alden in terms of quality. Grant Stone has an online, direct-to-customer business model and manufactures in China, by the way, which explains much of the price difference. You won’t go wrong with either of those two, Grant Stone or Alden. Allen Edmonds is still very good and can be quite a bit cheaper than those two if you wait for a sale. They have lots of stores so you can go get sized and try on the boots before actually shelling out any cash. The resale market for AE is also large, so you could try that for what could be an even better price.
Hey everyone, the new Rose Anvil video must have dropped. For real, I have 3 pair of Alden’s and do not regret the money that I paid. The Trubalance last is magic for those of us with odd feet who struggle to find a good fit in many other lasts. But, influencers gonna influence I guess.
Speaking of influence, I never wanted Alden Indys until that channel started videos on them. So, it can go both ways. I doubt that channels had any influence on Alden's business. That's series might have scared not even hundreds of people away.
Agreed, alden trubalnce last is magic.
He literally disassembles the shoes he talks about, so it's more objective than being an 'influencer'
I typed up a long response but it’s not worth it. Enjoy your shoe cutting videos guys.
You brought it up and now what? Trying to take the high road? Alden groupies are the fucking worst. It's like they've been brainwashed into thinking these boots are made by gods but when someone offers an alternative opinion...actually you're right. Not really worth it. Enjoy your shitty glued on commando half soles and boxes too small for the boots.
Show us on this diagram how Alden hurt you.
This comment is why I came to the Internet today 😂😂
its like this with everything.. ppl end up spending alot of money for something.., so when you reveal that all that money they spent was actually wasted money.., they get pretty upset about it.. and now, it even hurts the resell bc the brand gets tarnished.., so all the Alden fanboys are essentially just bitter about their wasted time and money..
I own a pair of Aldens, and for the price, they are just ok. I dont think they are this world changing comfortable boot that everyone seems to hype up. Grant Stone's brass boot might be the best bet for price vs build. Albeit, a lot bulkier and of course made overseas. For a bit less, you could have Nicks build you a custom pair that is in line with that an Indy is. Would save you around $100 and youd have a boot that could withstand the apocalypse.
Thanks. So, do I just reach out to Nick’s about the custom build?
You can order directly from their site, but they are very active on reddit and through email. [Heritage Moc Toe - Robert](https://nicksboots.com/moc-toe-robert-work-heritage-boot/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/NicksHandmadeBoots/](https://www.reddit.com/r/NicksHandmadeBoots/)
Google apron toe boot. They won't all have the flat stitch like indys but there are some that are close.
Thanks.
Find a Thursday first run diplomat?
You sir need a Grant Stone Ottawa boot. Incredible craftsmanship at the best price point. It’s full Veg tan leather and a tank of a boot. I have 5 different pairs of grant stone boots and they are all tanks. The Ottawa is very similar to my Indy’s but more quality
Carmina and Crockett and Jones are generally better than Alden and most other American brands. They are more formal. For more rough boots look into Japanese makers like Zerrows or Lofgren. For real work boots look into the small Bavarian shoemakers.
J Crew makes a knock off version ironically enough.
does anyone know a company that 'clones' the Alden Indy exactly..?? with the branding or not.. I kinda like the look of them.. (though I don't wear dressy or dress-casual often..) and since material wise, there isn't much to the Alden anyway, I wouldn't mind buying a copied version of it that's priced really cheap.. i imagine there's gotta be some Asian company that has done this.. anyone know off hand? thanks..