GRAIL Vintage Alden Indy 405 Moc Toe Work Boots Marbled Calf Patina 11 Narrow

Description: GRAIL Vintage Alden Indy 405 Moc Toe Work Boots Marbled Calf Patina Mens 11 Narrow. For your consideration is, perhaps one of the most rare and desirable Alden boots (aside from Harrison Fords Personal Pair), a pair of vintage Alden 405 boots. What sets these apart, from many other pre-2000s 405s floating around, is that these are likely a 1980s, 70s, or earlier make; before these were The Alden Indy. Many of the material used, especially internally, differ sharply from 2000s Alden Indys, and even Foot Balance System Aldens of the 80s and 90s. I reached out to Alden directly about my suspicions: I recently acquired a pair of vintage Alden Boots - appear to 405's, though much of the markings are worn off. I suspect this is an older pair, based on most of the vintage boots appearing online having either the Alden Crest logo, or Alden Foot Balance System logo. This has the "ALDEN Since 1884" with 4 A's logo. I have only seen this (in person) one other time, on a pair of vintage Alden Longwings in Shell. From my research thus far, I suspect they are from the early 70s or 80s (since the AAAA logo appears to have been first used in '72), and were probably made in a year ending in 3, in the first month of a sequence (November, going by Fiscal Year, as it states on Alden of San Diego's Website). It's also interesting that these shoes lack a similar cotton drill backing on the tongue (it's a felt-like fabric I've only seen on 1940s/50s era dress shoes), nor do they have markings on the leather insoles (even 90s pre-crest Indy's seem to have a leather stamp on the insoles). After some back and forth, Alden was unable to find a definitive year or decade of manufacturer, but confirmed: While they were made no later than the 1980s, we cannot tell whether they were made in that or an earlier decade. These shoes feature a captivating patina (almost mirrors that of a Museum Marbled Calfskin Leather) of rich high and low pumpkin brown tones, brought about by years of dedicated but authentic working-wear, the classic Alden Indy 405 boot style, 5 eyelets and 4 speed hooks for easy lacing, an added leather loop cut into the tongue (to prevent the notorious tongue-sliding issue Aldens have), leather and cotton drill lining (appears notably different than the cotton lining of late 80s/early 90s Alden boots), unique felt backing on tongue (usually seen on antique boots and shoes), rare vintage ALDEN Since 1884 4A Logo leather sockliner, rare unmarked leather insole, leather midsole, rubber (or synthetic?) outsole, Rubber Cats Paw Orthopedic Heel, and Goodyear Welted Construction. It is tough to make out the markings on the lining of these boots, but the size appears to a Mens 11 AAAA/AA. For more approximate reference, here are the measurements taken along the outsole: Length 12.25 Width (at the ball of foot) 4.375 These boots have seen a fair amount of wear and taken on a rich patina. While still fully serviceable, there are multiple signs of wear including (but not limited to): scuffing throughout, chips/scratches/scuffs/cuts in leather, some minor instances of cracking (especially along vamp), worn out stitches along the faux moc toe, and loose stitching on the quarters of the boots. What I found so fascinating about this pair was the sloppy resole job. Whether the cobbler was drunk or just careless, it looks like a rubber sole blank was taken, roughly trimmed/sanded to size, and then haphazardly stitched (without a channel), with the stitching running right off the sole in a few places. No worries though; the cobbler went around a second time. The Cats Paw Orthopedic Heel was put on and trimmed nicely; a quality addition to these boots given their heels superior grip, and elevated aesthetic. While some may scoff at the laughable job done on the resole of these boots, I find it a true uniquity. More likely than not, and given the condition I found these boots, these were a real working mans boot. And when they were worn down, perhaps more than once, he went to his dependable cobbler not for a pair of JRs or Hand-Stained Soles, but for something hard wearing, that will perform and get the job done. Even the tongue loop was likely added by the original owner or his cobbler by cutting a small dual hole in the tongue leather, after prolonged frustration of the tongue sliding off-center during wear. Authenticity of this degree cant be purchased/bought, and very rarely is it properly imitated. From the fact that these boots are still in serviceable condition today, Id say the cobbler succeeded. The Cats Paw Heel toplifts are a bit worn down, though still serviceable. To extend the life, and decidedly midcentury charm of these boots, I hunted down a near identical pair of Deadstock Cats Paw Orthopedic Heels, in another country (Canada). Doing so was not easy, as Cats Paw Heels themselves are now defunct, and deadstock pairs are a hot commodity. Adding to that the need for a pair of Orthopedic Heels specifically, in a Size 11-12, and you are after a real unicorn. More on these heels below (in items included with purchase). I cut no corners, whether cost or time, in carefully and dutifully restoring the boots (to the best of a non-cobblers/cordwainers ability, and limitations). I began by first carefully cleaning off surface dust with a horsehair brush, then carefully cleaned and conditioned the leather upper, lining (leather panels), sockliner, and insole with Weimans Leather Wipes. Giving some time for the conditioner to absorb and give the shoes a workable flexibility, I added shoe trees and rested them for a day. The following day, to more aggressively remove accumulated dirt/grime/cheap darkening polish, I judiciously but thoroughly deep cleaned these boots with Saphir Renomat. After doing so, I promptly wiped down the boots with wet towels to remove the Renomat, and then immediately followed up with a more deep cleaning and conditioning, applying Lexol Cleaner and Conditioner. I then allowed the boots to rest for another day. As Lexol is a competent but light conditioner, I wanted to more thoroughly recondition the leather (given their age/wear/accumulated grime); I did so by applying multiple coats of Saphir Medaille dOr Renovateur to the upper, lining leather panels, sockliner, and leather insole. After another day of rest and buffing with a horsehair brush, the boots were now sufficiently pliable and supple. As a finishing touch, but not to overdo it, I applied a final coat of neutral Saphir Beaute du Cuir Shoe Cream (to maintain the distinctive, weathered but dignified, look of these boots). As a finishing touch, I procured the most expensive shoe brush money could buy The Kirby Allison Wellington Yak Hair Shoe Shine Brush and christened said brush by giving these boots a final buffing. (I did not apply Saphir Medaille dOr Pate De Luxe Wax {neutral} or Saphir Medaille dOr Super Invulner, but if you would like me to do so, before shipping out {either product or both}, let me know). To protect your investment, and offer a variety of stylistic choices to wear or display these boots, I am including the following with your purchase: (Kirby Allison) New Kirby Allison Deluxe Wellington Shoe Storage Box (TheShoeMart) Alden Shoe Bags (TheShoeMart) Alden Waxed Boot Laces 54 Brown (TheShoeMart) Alden Cloth Indy Boot Laces 54 Brown (TheShoeMart) Round Braided Cord Waxed Boot Laces 48 Rust (Red Wing) Leather Laces 80 Chestnut Leather (Deadstock) Rare Vintage Cats Paw Orthopedic Heels Neutral Orthopedic Half 11-12 *Note: I will ship the boots (laced with the wax laces) in the shoe box, and include the additional laces/heels/accessories inside the shipping box, carefully wrapped. If you would prefer these shipped another way, please specify when purchasing, and I will accommodate. *Note: I will also include the original laces that came with this boot, though they are worn (one is missing half its length) and are probably not serviceable now. Researching these shoes has truly been an exciting, yet exhausting, multi-month process for me. I consider this part of my business one of the more enjoyable aspects, and deeply educational for someone into the history of Mens footwear and shoes. These are probably one of my greatest finds, and yet today, a lot of questions about them remain unanswered. If you know anything more about them, or have vintage Alden 405s yourself, please pass on the info! In my protracted internet market research, the only comparably aged shoes Ive seen have been a few grainy examples. In short, if youre a boot (or Indiana Jones) enthusiast, youll probably be the only person to own a pair of Aldens history like this. And should you decide to wear them, it is certain you will get ribbed by other boot enthusiast, That belongs in a museum! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Also, feel free to check out our account for other quality offerings! (Including multiple other luxurious shoes!). The package will be shipped carefully wrapped and insured. It comes from a pet and smoke-free home. Shoe trees are not included. *Note: My interactions on eBay have been overwhelmingly positive, and virtually all my buyers have acted in good faith. However, please be advised that any acts of fraud, abuse, and theft will be formally reported to and documented with the police.

Price: 1999.99 USD

Location: Southampton, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2023-11-10T23:15:16.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD