Aldens Vs Carolinas - Photo Shootout!

[Kt. Templar]

Well thanks to a bit of good fortune and Indiana Janice, (she no longer wanted them and we are the same size!) I now have myself a pair of nicely broken in Aldens for a very reasonable price.

These Carolina Huskers are US6.5EE, and the Aldens are marked US6.5D.











You'll notice the Aldens are flatter at the toe because of not having the steel toe but they also seem slightly longer. This is partly due to the sole extending further out than the sole on the Huskers.

The "Inside space" of the 2 shoes is very similar, I must say both are very comfortable, but the Aldens feel like a shoe when you put them on, very comfortable. You do notice the rigidity of the shank in these boots.

The Aldens are also noticably heavier than the Huskers, perhaps 30% more so.

What would I buy given a chance again and new at full retail and exact fit a shop? I'd go for the Huskers, they are darn good value and good strong boots.

I'd only get the Aldens if money was no object and you really have to be screen accurate, currently, for me at least, they have priced themselves as too much of a luxury. Under US$150 I'd think about it. (as they are $290 right now, that's never going to happen!)

[pitfallharry]

The problem with the Huskers is that there not available in every shoe size and I've only found them on Ebay. They did have a 13 but they were only available in EE and EEE! Another thing is that your not guaranteed to get them very cheap. Yeah, they're cheaper than the Alden's but some have gotten them at $24 rather than the "Buy Now" price of $58 or whatever it is.

I also don't care for the steel toe in the boot. I've owned a few like that before in the past for work and they're not very comfortable, especially in the winter! Try walking around with steel toe boots in minus 4 degree weather.

I've noticed the boots I just bought seem to be closer in pattern and heel size to the Alden's. Yeah, mine have the padded "collar" at the top, the extra stitching and the lighter sole but I'm surprised at how close they are. They almost look a like a modern version of an Indy boot.

[GCR]

Very cool, KT! Thanks for the side by side "shootout". I'd been considering some of the Carolinas recently, but I keep getting scared off by the EE or EEE or whatever it is. I've always dreamed of owning Aldens, but can't justify the high price for new ones and can never find a decent pair used. So those used to belong to Indiana Janice, eh? That's funny, she was the one who bought my old Wested!

I think I'll swing by the Alden factory next friday (it's only about 15 minutes from where I live) and see if there is anything in the way of a factory outlet store. I'll be sure to report my findings. Otherwise, I think it'll be the Carolinas!

Thanks again, KT!

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

GCR, what shoe size do you wear? Just curious because I'd also like to know the difference between D, EE and EEE. I've never seen that on any of the shoes or boots I've owned. Once you get them you'll have to let us know.

[indianatone]

KT, I'm glad someone finally did a side-by-side between the Carolinas and the Aldens. Thank you. I'd seen a bunch of Aldens at summits but never bothered to ask someone to remove their boots for a photo session. ;D

Even with the side-by-side differences there is something that makes the Carolina a great modern day Indy boot. Very good to hear how these things (Aldens) actually size, too. (You wonder how people order their shoes sometimes.) Guess they look more like a boot than they do a hybrid day-hiker, for starters.

Interesting to see how close the heights of the boots are. Just enough extra material above the top lace without being too tall or too short; the nice curve in the heel arch on the profile. A bit more snub-nose visually on the toe length as you've shown but still, I'm seeing why these stood out over the others.

Congrats on getting yourself a pair of Aldens, btw. But thanks for running a side-by-side between these two. Seems the Caroliinas always get left out in the "Look how close" comparisons. Maybe it's the dark brown or the steel-toe thing, but anyone who owns a pair can tell you they love 'em. They are a real, working boot that has not been so fancied up with angles, padding and wide tread, etc.

[pitfallharry]

So what "classification" would the Aldens fall under? Are they considered a "work boot"?

As far as the sole of the Huskers go they are wider than the Aldens but any modern boot is going to have that and I have yet to see one off the rack that doesn't. I've looked at a lot of boots too. I don't think I'd want a sole like the ones on the Aldens either, especially around my neck of the woods.

Just because the Huskers are comfortable for some doesn't mean that they're going to be comfortable to everyone.

Until someone's bought these and worn them in all sorts of climates and over long distances I have a hard time believing a steel toed boot would feel good in minus 4 degree weather or feel good after a long hike. The ones I had, and they were good ones , never did.

[molaram]

It's pretty easy to get them resoled with Vibram soles.
It only about 25$ for a pair.

[pitfallharry]

Your talking about the Aldens, correct?

I saw Magnoli was offering his version now with the option of having that type of sole. Which is great but the main point of the Huskers or any "Close-Enough" is to get the same sort of look without spending a fortune. That would push the price to near $300 for a Magnoli boot. I'm not sure what the Aldens are running.

I also wouldn't want to spend that type of money on a shoe or boot that I couldn't wear all of the time. The Aldens are cool because they're Indy's boot but they also look "dated" in my opinion. I want something a little more modern.

Of course IF your really into having everything screen accurate then I'd buy the other soles and have them put on the Aldens.

[molaram]

"dated"?!

hahaha....

So pretty much you don't like shoes with good style? You would rather have mass produced boots with thick heavy soles, and cheap looking stitching on the bottom that cant be resoled? Maybe you should buy a sean john hat while your at it? And maybe some bling? I'm just kidding with you harry. It's just the first time I've heard anyone say that.

I bought the aldens because they are much more comfortable than any shoe I've ever worn, they have also gotten rid of the pain I used to feel daily in my feet. And I was tired of wearing through the soles and heels of boots that can't be resoled. That and the picture of the 20 year old lee keppler aldens, had my mind made up. Thats why I saved up for 2 years and bought them. If my laces break, I just have to call up alden and ask for a new pair, then send them out for free. They even do minor repairs for free.

When you calculate the cost of resoles vs buying new shoes ever couple years, Its much cheaper to own a pair of boots that will last you possibly 20 years like the aldens.

[Kt. Templar]

I just popped over to the Alden site, they are US$290 at the moment.

Funny that I don't mind paying that for a jacket but cannot get my head around paying that for a pair of boots isn't it?

[molaram]

Do you find the aldens more comfortable kt?

[Kt. Templar]

Hard to be sure, they certainly slip on more like a shoe. But I've worn the Carolinas more so they mught feel more like they're mine right now.

There's not doubt that the Aldens are a lot more of a quality shoe.

[pitfallharry]

kttemplar said:

I just popped over to the Alden site, they are US$290 at the moment.

Funny that I don't mind paying that for a jacket but cannot get my head around paying that for a pair of boots isn't it?

Maybe it's because the boots are going to see a lot more wear and tear because your walking on them. At least with the jackets you can kind of protect them from getting messed up. With the boots your more likely to get stuck having to walk thru slop or mud of some kind.

I know I'd be constantly watching where I was walking if I spent $300 on a shoe or boot and what's the fun in that? ;D

It's easier to find a cheaper durable boot you can go out and replace right away if something happens. That's why I try and look for something that's going to look close-enough but is still pretty common and isn't going to disappear on you.

[molaram]

Thats understandable.

If I was not in high school, I would not own any IndyGear, I'd have to many other things to pay for. Thinking in that way, aldens are ridiculously expensive, and other things do come first. Then add to that the cost of shoe trees, which are really necessary to keep them from smelling like rotting pig entrails, and the final cost is around 340$. Shoe trees are very nice though, I actually use them in my sneakers now, and haven't made one pair smell badly since.

As much as people seem to think that aldens get destroyed after walking in the mud and such, they really don't. You just need to give them proper care after getting them dirtied up, and they look as good as new. I was taping a short film in the middle of the woods a few months ago, and got stuck in the middle of a "island" ( it was surrounded by 4 streams intersecting, the only way to cross is by shimming across a log) and it started to downpour. My boots were covered with mud, and pretty badly soaked, but you would never be able to tell that happened looking at them now. They are strong boots, just not work boots.

[GCR]

pitfallharry said:

GCR, what shoe size do you wear? Just curious because I'd also like to know the difference between D, EE and EEE. I've never seen that on any of the shoes or boots I've owned. Once you get them you'll have to let us know.

It depends on the brand, but my shoe size is usually around 12.5 in most sizes. Yet, in some brands, I can squeaze into a 12 or even an 11.5, in others, I have to go up a size to a 13. I have no idea what my foot width is. It's sort of normal, I guess, not narrow or wide. I've honestly never had much of an issue with the width of my shoes or boots, regardless of what size they were.

-GCR

[pitfallharry]

molaram said:

Thats understandable.

If I was not in high school, I would not own any IndyGear, I'd have to many other things to pay for. Thinking in that way, aldens are ridiculously expensive, and other things do come first. Then add to that the cost of shoe trees, which are really necessary to keep them from smelling like rotting pig entrails, and the final cost is around 340$. Shoe trees are very nice though, I actually use them in my sneakers now, and haven't made one pair smell badly since.

As much as people seem to think that aldens get destroyed after walking in the mud and such, they really don't. You just need to give them proper care after getting them dirtied up, and they look as good as new. I was taping a short film in the middle of the woods a few months ago, and got stuck in the middle of a "island" ( it was surrounded by 4 streams intersecting, the only way to cross is by shimming across a log) and it started to downpour. My boots were covered with mud, and pretty badly soaked, but you would never be able to tell that happened looking at them now. They are strong boots, just not work boots.

Well, if your still living at home and in school now is the best time to get stuff like this because you don't have to worry about paying for rent and all that other stuff that tends to get in the way.

If the Aldens have helped with a problem you had with your feet I think that's great. I think for you then it was worth the price. I never thought they weren't well constructed and for that price I would expect them to be bullet proof. I personally don't want to spend that type of money on shoes. It's not just these either. I would never buy a pair of $150 Nike's either. It's not worth it.

I have heard the term "dated" used before in regards to the look of the Aldens. My comment and the others I've heard aren't meant to be a slam against the boots. They have a different classic era look about them. It's not something I would wear with everything. I'm afraid they'd just sit there along with most of my other stuff and for $300 it's not worth it to me.

I'm sure the Aldens would last you 20 years but do you really expect to be wearing the same boots 20 years from now?

For the money I have spent on all of my gear I still don't think I've gotten my money's worth out of it. I get use out of the jacket and some of the shirts but that's it. I do wear my hat on occasion. So to me spending gobs of cash on something just to have some other Indy fan say "Hey, that's screen accurate" really isn't worth it in the long run. I've got other things I would rather spend the money on like my kids and stuff for my house and car......Oh, yeah and food! ;D

For now I'll stick with my mass produced, fancy stitching amd off the rack boots. They're "close-enough".

[pitfallharry]

gcr said:

pitfallharry said:

GCR, what shoe size do you wear? Just curious because I'd also like to know the difference between D, EE and EEE. I've never seen that on any of the shoes or boots I've owned. Once you get them you'll have to let us know.

It depends on the brand, but my shoe size is usually around 12.5 in most sizes. Yet, in some brands, I can squeaze into a 12 or even an 11.5, in others, I have to go up a size to a 13. I have no idea what my foot width is. It's sort of normal, I guess, not narrow or wide. I've honestly never had much of an issue with the width of my shoes or boots, regardless of what size they were.

-GCR

Yeah, that's the same with me. My other pair of Skechers are a size 12 but they aren't boots. Which is odd because I tried on several pairs of other shoes that were 12's and they were to short.

I guess if you get these in the 13 EE let me know if you notice any difference. It very well could be that you won't notice a thing.

[GCR]

pitfallharry said:

gcr said:

It depends on the brand, but my shoe size is usually around 12.5 in most sizes. Yet, in some brands, I can squeaze into a 12 or even an 11.5, in others, I have to go up a size to a 13. I have no idea what my foot width is. It's sort of normal, I guess, not narrow or wide. I've honestly never had much of an issue with the width of my shoes or boots, regardless of what size they were.

-GCR

Yeah, that's the same with me. My other pair of Skechers are a size 12 but they aren't boots. Which is odd because I tried on several pairs of other shoes that were 12's and they were to short.

I guess if you get these in the 13 EE let me know if you notice any difference. It very well could be that you won't notice a thing.

I certainly will let you know how the 13EE Carolinas fit if I decide to pull the trigger on getting a pair...I'm planning on scoping out the Alden factory to see if they have any retail outlets first...probably this coming Friday...stay tuned.

-GCR

[molaram]

pitfallharry said:

molaram said:

Thats understandable.

If I was not in high school, I would not own any IndyGear, I'd have to many other things to pay for. Thinking in that way, aldens are ridiculously expensive, and other things do come first. Then add to that the cost of shoe trees, which are really necessary to keep them from smelling like rotting pig entrails, and the final cost is around 340$. Shoe trees are very nice though, I actually use them in my sneakers now, and haven't made one pair smell badly since.

As much as people seem to think that aldens get destroyed after walking in the mud and such, they really don't. You just need to give them proper care after getting them dirtied up, and they look as good as new. I was taping a short film in the middle of the woods a few months ago, and got stuck in the middle of a "island" ( it was surrounded by 4 streams intersecting, the only way to cross is by shimming across a log) and it started to downpour. My boots were covered with mud, and pretty badly soaked, but you would never be able to tell that happened looking at them now. They are strong boots, just not work boots.

Well, if your still living at home and in school now is the best time to get stuff like this because you don't have to worry about paying for rent and all that other stuff that tends to get in the way.

If the Aldens have helped with a problem you had with your feet I think that's great. I think for you then it was worth the price. I never thought they weren't well constructed and for that price I would expect them to be bullet proof. I personally don't want to spend that type of money on shoes. It's not just these either. I would never buy a pair of $150 Nike's either. It's not worth it.

I have heard the term "dated" used before in regards to the look of the Aldens. My comment and the others I've heard aren't meant to be a slam against the boots. They have a different classic era look about them. It's not something I would wear with everything. I'm afraid they'd just sit there along with most of my other stuff and for $300 it's not worth it to me.

I'm sure the Aldens would last you 20 years but do you really expect to be wearing the same boots 20 years from now?

For the money I have spent on all of my gear I still don't think I've gotten my money's worth out of it. I get use out of the jacket and some of the shirts but that's it. I do wear my hat on occasion. So to me spending gobs of cash on something just to have some other Indy fan say "Hey, that's screen accurate" really isn't worth it in the long run. I've got other things I would rather spend the money on like my kids and stuff for my house and car......Oh, yeah and food! ;D

For now I'll stick with my mass produced, fancy stitching amd off the rack boots. They're "close-enough".

there you go.
If it does not fit your needs don't buy them.
100% understandable.

I agree aldens DON'T go with everything. In fact, I find myself wearing the same jeans with them over and over. They don't go with shorts. ;D

Honestly, if these boots don't get destroyed during high school, It's very possible that I may be wearing these boots for a very long time. I wear things till they wear out, then buy something new. I only own a wested jacket, and no other jacket. It has not worn out on me yet, so I don't think I will be buying a new jacket any time soon. Its been my one and only jacket for 4 years. I got it as a Christmas gift in 2004 I think, and I've worn it every day since then.

The first pair of look alike boots I bought, in 2001, lasted me a good 5 years, but the heel counter wore through, so they have been retired. I wanted a pair of boots that would not do that.

[pitfallharry]

gcr said:

pitfallharry said:

Yeah, that's the same with me. My other pair of Skechers are a size 12 but they aren't boots. Which is odd because I tried on several pairs of other shoes that were 12's and they were to short.

I guess if you get these in the 13 EE let me know if you notice any difference. It very well could be that you won't notice a thing.

I certainly will let you know how the 13EE Carolinas fit if I decide to pull the trigger on getting a pair...I'm planning on scoping out the Alden factory to see if they have any retail outlets first...probably this coming Friday...stay tuned.

-GCR

Yeah, that's a good idea. Wouldn't it be funny if you did find an outlet store and got Aldens for half the cost of what they are now. ;D Now I can't even say I wouldn't be tempted over something like that.

Good luck!

[pitfallharry]

molaram said:

pitfallharry said:

Well, if your still living at home and in school now is the best time to get stuff like this because you don't have to worry about paying for rent and all that other stuff that tends to get in the way.

If the Aldens have helped with a problem you had with your feet I think that's great. I think for you then it was worth the price. I never thought they weren't well constructed and for that price I would expect them to be bullet proof. I personally don't want to spend that type of money on shoes. It's not just these either. I would never buy a pair of $150 Nike's either. It's not worth it.

I have heard the term "dated" used before in regards to the look of the Aldens. My comment and the others I've heard aren't meant to be a slam against the boots. They have a different classic era look about them. It's not something I would wear with everything. I'm afraid they'd just sit there along with most of my other stuff and for $300 it's not worth it to me.

I'm sure the Aldens would last you 20 years but do you really expect to be wearing the same boots 20 years from now?

For the money I have spent on all of my gear I still don't think I've gotten my money's worth out of it. I get use out of the jacket and some of the shirts but that's it. I do wear my hat on occasion. So to me spending gobs of cash on something just to have some other Indy fan say "Hey, that's screen accurate" really isn't worth it in the long run. I've got other things I would rather spend the money on like my kids and stuff for my house and car......Oh, yeah and food! ;D

For now I'll stick with my mass produced, fancy stitching and off the rack boots. They're "close-enough".

there you go.
If it does not fit your needs don't buy them.
100% understandable.

I agree aldens DON'T go with everything. In fact, I find myself wearing the same jeans with them over and over. They don't go with shorts. ;D

Honestly, if these boots don't get destroyed during high school, It's very possible that I may be wearing these boots for a very long time. I wear things till they wear out, then buy something new. I only own a wested jacket, and no other jacket. It has not worn out on me yet, so I don't think I will be buying a new jacket any time soon. Its been my one and only jacket for 4 years. I got it as a Christmas gift in 2004 I think, and I've worn it every day since then.

The first pair of look alike boots I bought, in 2001, lasted me a good 5 years, but the heel counter wore through, so they have been retired. I wanted a pair of boots that would not do that.

I've only been wearing my Wested as well. The jacket is tough as nails as far as I'm concerned. I don't go anywhere without it.

I don't think I've ever had any shoes that wore out. I usually end up getting something different before that ever happens. I actually have more shoes than I need. I really didn't have to buy the Skechers but my other boots weren't very comfortable and I gave up on the Huskers for various reasons and the Skechers looked close enough, felt great and were only $35. Why? I have no idea because everywhere else they're selling for about $65. I own other Skechers and they're very comfortable and durable so it was a deal I couldn't pass up.

I definitely don't have any real issues with either the Huskers or the Aldens. I just think we need to keep our eyes peeled for other options available.

Look at all of the choices we have for the rest of the gear. With the boots there seems to be very little and I haven't heard anything "new" brought up in a long time....Well, the last was the replacement for the Huskers and now they're gone as well.

[IndyBlues]

I'm really diggin' the look of the Carolinas. I plan on getting a pair of these. I used to own a pair of Aldens, and I loved them. But the Carolinas look like they will go with jeans, khakis, whatever, as opposed to the Aldens. I love the color as well, they seem more "Indy", even though they aren't, lol.
I'll let you know if i score a pair, and I'll post pics and a review. I'm a contractor, so putting them through their paces won't be a problem.
'Blues

[IndyBlues]

WOOT! Won a pair of huskers on EvilBay for $25.00! That's a steal. I can't wait to try these babies out!
'Blues

[Ragingblues]

Congrats!

You will probably get much use out of the steel toe, in your line of work. We'll expect the obligatory "boot on foot" photo, when they arrive.

Ken

[IndyBlues]

I will definitely post some boot on foot photos. Can't wait to get them. I am completely Indy boot-less, at the moment. Sold my Aldens, sold my JCrews,....All I have are some sneakers, lol,....oh yeah, and some ood ol "peanut butter" colored work boots. They look terrible with Indy gear, lol.
'Blues