Alden 405 with commando sole?

[Robert Conway]

I'm looking to purchase a pair of Alden 405 in standard brown or chromexcel leather with a commando sole.

I do not want to use Leathersole, since they just wasted 8 months of my time. Not only was their service poor, but ultimately they delivered the wrong boots (standard 405's), instead of a pair of the Ultimate Indy's (with commando sole) that I had ordered.

The only other company that I have been able to find, who sell 405's with a commando sole are Shoemart, but unfortunately their version only comes in a chamois finish.

I contacted Alden and they can not produce a pair on special order or resole an existing pair with anything but the type of sole the shoe was originally produced with. So, you can't have a pair with the rubber cork sole, refinished with commando soles.

If there is an alternate source out there I would appreciate any suggestions people can offer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Elmonteman]

You probably have to buy the standard 405's and have someone resole it with the commando. I'm surprised that so few shoe repair people are interested in the 'art form' of customizing shoes. Maybe there is a specialist in your neck of the woods. I'm in the greater LA area and I have yet to find someone who 'gets it' the way the Japanese do. I'm in the process of training someone because most repair people are asked to only do it the cheapest way possible.

 

[Robert Conway]

Thanks.

I solved the problem by getting a pair of Red Wing #9030. This appears to be a new model and they are almost identical to the Alden 405. They also come with a commando sole. The 9030's actually look like they may even wear harder than the Aldens. Time will tell.

Here is a picture:

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/RedWingShoeCompany/09030_trans_IS?$heritage_zoom_png$

 

[polocoat]

Red Wing 9030 Impressions

Now that you've had your Red Wing 9030 a little while, what are your impressions? Do you have pics? Thanks

 

[Fifty150]

I don't get it. Why not go to a cobbler, and tell him to put Vibram lug soles on your boots?