   
Upper - Dark Brown oiled Chamois leather from Chicago's Horween Tannery
Lining - 100% leather kidskin lining
Outsole - Plantation Crepe rubber with leather tip.
Last - Alden's famous "Tru-balance" comfort last
Originally created in the 1930's as a work boot, the Alden "Indy" Boot has gone largely unchanged for the better part of 80 years. They are simply some of the most comfortable, most handsome, and most classic boots that you can own. It was famously worn by Harrison Ford in every Indiana Jones movie - hence the "Indy" moniker. This model is an exclusive special make-up for Epaulet. Called the "2-Stroke Indy," its rugged style was inspired by classic 2-stroke motorcycles and scooters. These are a great match for pieces like our Vanson for Epaulet Triton Jacket and our EP's Raw Selvedge Jeans.
The Chamois upper comes from Chicago's famous Horween tannery. Originally called "Oiled Nubuck," Chamois is a full-grain leather where the top layer is sanded down and given a full vegetable retannage and generous oiling. The finished product is soft and comfortable without sacrificing strength and durability. It breaks in immediately and maintains a handsome matte finish. It naturally resists dirt and stains, and the occassional brushing will easily keep it clean.
The Plantation Crepe sole is crafted of natural rubber with a leather cap at the front. Alden's Crepe sole is hands-down the most comfortable and long-lasting crepe sole that we've ever encountered. When this is paired with the Horween Chamois upper, the result is unreal for comfort.
SIZING
The "Tru-Balance" last runs approximately one-half size big. Order one half size smaller than your typical dress shoe size (e.g. order a 9.5D if you typically wear a 10D).
RECRAFTING
Alden shoes are Goodyear welted and handmade by union craftsmen. As such, they can be easily resoled and recrafted by the factory. When you've worn out the sole (which will take a LONG time), you can return them back to Alden for resoling and complete refurbishing of the upper. The cost is approximately $125. With this excellent program, you can easily get 5-10 years of regular wear out of Alden's quality shoes. Which is important - as you'll surely grow very attached to them.
ALDEN HISTORY
The Alden Shoe Company was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts - and it remains in that same town to this very day. Since its inception, the Alden Shoe Company has designed and manufactured classic gentlemen's footwear that represents America's tradition of old-school, custom shoemaking at its finest. They have the well-earned reputation of being the best shoe manufacturer in the United States, and one of the top shoemakers in the world.
Given a modern world that too often prizes the promotion rather than the product, you might well imagine these old-fashioned talents for craft and honest value to be irretrievably lost. Alden's footwear stands as clear, adamant proof to the contrary. Each of their classically designed shoes are handworked from the finest leathers, represent a century-old tradition of craftsmanship, and reflect in a quiet, sure way the solid values and timeless style of the man who wears them. Epaulet is honored to be one of their official dealers.
EPAULET PRESENTS ALDEN
In June 2009, Epaulet co-owner Michael Kuhle and documentary filmmaker/animation artist Tom Eaton visited the Alden Shoe Company in Massachusetts. During our stay, we were treated to a rundown of the entire shoe crafting process, a meet and greet with the Alden staff, and some seriously good cheeseburgers. We're thrilled to present a photo gallery by Michael Kuhle and a 12-minute documentary video by Tom Eaton. Please check them out, and see the dedicated people, intricate work, culture of excellence, and incredible attention to detail that makes an Alden Shoe possible.
Epaulet Presents Alden" 12-minute HD documentary by Tom Eaton (Hosted on Vimeo.com)
"Epaulet Presents Alden" Photo Gallery by Michael Kuhle
Return to last viewed page
|
Sign In
