Post by shakin on Apr 25, 2011 14:20:40 GMT -5
Alright guys. Now, this is coming from a LARGER GUY. I am 6' at about 250lbs.
We all have been searching for anything on anything in regards to "The Perfect Boot". There are many alternatives, many looks and I'm sure MANY of you feel that nothing comes close to the Alden-403 or Alden-405.
Now, I'm sure some or many have found this shoe:
-------- www.aldoshoes.com/us/sale/men/sale-shoes/81480252-diangelo/22
Perfect right? But then you get to thinking. Will it last? does it hold up to Aldens or even Coyle's Outdoorsman? And then you think.. It's too dressy. I don't want it. But you keep going back to look at it.
Now, I have read MANY mixed reviews as far as Aldo Shoes are concerned. And frankly, it's a toss up. A 50/50 as to whether or not you get a good shoe or one that you just absolutely hate. Their quality IS inconsistent.
I wrote a brief review of the shoe on the website when I FIRST got the shoes(Not sure if it is there now).
Either way.
Here is a link to my PHOTOBUCKET GALLERY of my current Aldo Shoes @ 4 days old.
--------- smg.photobucket.com/albums/v308/Lifeless_King/Shoes/
The shoes themselves are comfortable. But I am a man with big feet. At 6' 250lbs, the leather hugs my feet just too much. Not to mention, rubbing on the back of my heel. I have blisters now just from wearing them. Ah-- It should also be noted that I know nothing of the soles. I did buy heel plates for them to extend the life (walmart).
I was very demotivated; having spent $70 on a pair of boots, but I am a bit more motivated now that I am working these boots like no other.
WHAT I DID:
1.) I Did what many say you should NOT do. Which is soak the boots in water and then wear them. Bending the boots in every way possible to stretch the leather. Due to Drama at a recent event, I allotted them a good 12 hours to dry.
2.) Dry bending. Wearing them for brief amounts of time. Walking around the room until my feet just could not take it. And then let the boots rest.
3.) Bought MINK OIL and SHOE BRUSH from WALMART. Heel Plates too. Treating the leather because I know I am working them a bit too hard for 4 days old.
4.) Water in a bag, and into the freezer. I was a bit "HRHSH" about this one, but I found online that the water in the bag will expand, thus helping the boot expand. I didn't have good results. My boots tipped over and the bags fell out in the spare freezer.
5.) Simple Hair dryer: I saw this on Rachel Ray and then took the time to try it .. a bit more extreme. I stuck my hair dryer in the boot on Max Heat and LOW SPEED and let it sit for 10 minutes. I think I Stressed my right boot a bit, as one of the eyelets want to come out now. But I want to install speedhooks soon.
The Hair Dryer method seems to work the best. You might have to go at it a few times and then slip your boot on while wearing a sock. My left boot is getting much more comfortable. The right boot is still a bit tight. And it should ALSO BE NOTED: That the Hair Dryer Method, though it DOES WORK, Dries out the leather. So DO take care of your shoes.
ALL IN ALL:
1.) The boots do run I want to say 1 1/2 sizes too small. So if you're a 12 (As I am) you want a 14. Which they DO NOT HAVE. So I'm having fun stretching these.
2.) The In-step IS A KILLER-- so you will have to unlace them quite a bit.
3.) Stretching them are NOT that bad.
4.) AS FAR AS COMFORT IS CONCERNED. I stand on my feet all day long; as I am a chef. I have experienced many types of shoes. The Diangelo are comfortable as far as the BOTTOMS OF MY FEET are concerned these boots are comfortable. But the leather squeezes really really good. Especially around my pinky toe, and the back of my heel. HOWEVER, stretching the boots, they are getting much more comfortable.
Comments, input, anything is welcome.
Ah- Also, I will report here every so often to update you guys on the condition of my boots, and my feet!
Thanks for reading!
