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@justinkase1360

8 ай бұрын

Compare the Crockett & Jones Indiana model. A bit more than the Aldens, but I think far more worth it. Would be the first Crockett & Jones for you. IDK how similar the last will be, probably different.

@TylerWardhaha

8 ай бұрын

Looks exactly like the v-link belts used for shop tools

@callumjones9427

8 ай бұрын

Please review the redwing supersole 2.0 work boots!! Very interested

The boots are fine, but don't pay full price for them. They regularly go on sale for anywhere from 25 to 50% off. Just wait for any major holiday sale.

@ajjdgj6tmgedvnmtmek

8 ай бұрын

Yeah, but nearly everything a major non-heritage brand is the same way. Either they'll sell direct with a discount, or you can find a shoe reseller who stocks them and does sales and issues coupons.

@leighfoulkes7297

8 ай бұрын

It feels like a lot of products are like this: cost 10 dollars to make, put a retail price of 100 dollars and then put it on sale for 50 dollars.

@Colorado_Native

8 ай бұрын

@@AverageReviewsYT You told him what to do. Please explain yourself. /s

@Colorado_Native

8 ай бұрын

@@AverageReviewsYT Only to God.

@OntarioBearHunter

8 ай бұрын

​@leighfoulkes7297 our house brand.. we get 60 percent off. Major brands we carry average 40. Probably the best discounts available to retail employees.. yeah markups are tall.

Always been curious about what’s inside JCrew boots. So thank you.

Alden should be shamed. The split leather insole doesn’t save them in my opinion. You can buy the kenton’s, wear them, and when needed have them resoled including a new full grain oak tanned insole for less than the cost of the alden’s. That probably goes for all the alden alternatives.

@MeToo-py1tq

8 ай бұрын

💯 agree! Don't understand why he said saving grace? Split leather not that big of a deal

@McP1mpin

8 ай бұрын

Yeah I thought it was weird to give it to them over a split leather insole. Can you not just buy a new insole? If you can buy a better quality one for less than the price difference then I think it should be a mark off it rather than a mark for it.

@MeToo-py1tq

8 ай бұрын

@@McP1mpin Exactly I have these root beer Kenton boots from JCrew and for the price i got them and everything about them the J Crew is the far and wide clear winner!

I got these boots six months ago for $152 on sale and with a coupon. For that price, I'm super happy with them. They're very comfortable and a solid, well constructed boot. There are better alternatives if you're buying these at full retail for $298, but worth it if you can pick them up on sale. I had been looking for Alden moc toe alternative to add to my 25+ pair boot collection and these fit the bill perfectly and at a fraction of the cost.

@michaelwood5185

8 ай бұрын

Where did you find this boot? TY

@moeck14

8 ай бұрын

​@@michaelwood5185only sold at Jcrew

@NogGonnaMakeIt

8 ай бұрын

​@@michaelwood5185j crew website

Pretty much exactly what I expected from the J Crew boot. I bought a pair of Kenton Cap Toe boots on a 40% off sale back in 2018 for the purpose of spending a month of walking in Sapporo Japan during the winter and I fell in love with it for the price. Even now that pair is still part of my regular rotation as I like how the leather has aged.

@vladislavengel448

8 ай бұрын

could you give some websites where I can catch them on sale?

@VF5

8 ай бұрын

​@@vladislavengel448they are in sales now at J.Crew (the non-chromexcel version)

I'm not buying, but these sure seem like a better boot only because they're not extremely overpriced.

@neonnoodle1169

8 ай бұрын

Not my style boot, so I'm not buying either, but if I was, the J Crew for 1/3 the price (actual selling price) would be a no brainer for me.

@Nathan-zw7nq

8 ай бұрын

@@neonnoodle1169even the full price is not terrible. I don’t own them but $300 is not the greatest deal in the world, but it is within reason. The Alden’s are way too overpriced for the materials they use. And the Truebalance last is not some mystical, uncommon thing. I’m convinced a lot of the guys who are older and complained about they’re feet hurting over time in their “old boots” is due to them not getting boots that properly fit. It’s a great last, but it isn’t some revolutionary thing, it was revolutionary in the 60’s. It’s been darn near 60 years since then. Last technology has come a looooong way.

I have these in chromexcel that i bought on sale for $125. I own red wings, grant stone and AE; but these are my nost complimented boot.

I bought my Kenton Pacer boot in early 2022, likely one of the last of the boots made with Chromexcel Leather. And yes, I caught it on sale, like most of you recommend. It has been a great buy. Very comfortable to wear casually and at work. Im glad to see it was Rose Anvil approved.

This is the funniest title I’ve ever read and it has amazing flow to it

I love this show. I have learned and continue to learn so much. It’s good to be an informed consumer.

Thank you for testing the JCrew boot. I’ve wondered about these for a long time.

I got 2 pairs of kentons for $80 a pair last year. 1 has waxy commander from cf stead and one is natural chromexcel. 10000% worth at that price

@SR-ob3wn

8 ай бұрын

They aren’t really my style, but that is a great value especially for someone dipping their toes into the higher quality boot pool.

good to know that my boots are essentially the same quality as the Aldens but with a couple upgrades in my opinion. i definitely prefer the outsole a lot more on the J Crew, also the pullup leather having a bit more color variation. definitely glad i got these boots for about the same price as the Wested boots instead of shelling out $700 for Aldens. the Aldens wouldn't fit my lifestyle so they'd just end up only being a costume boot rather than an everyday boot.

Thanks for another great review. I'd love to see you do an alpine hiking boot series!

I bought a pair for 40% off at the beginning of the year, after tax it was about $200, I really like them.

The leather neck strap you promoted made me want to go buy a camera.

Thank you for doing this one. I'm pleasantly surprised that it's that good. Looks like everyone's beat me to saying that these are almost always on sale.

I grabbed a pair of Kenton Pacers for $60 off FB marketplace. They're tanks! walked all around Barcelona with them and have no complaints.

Rose Anvil has done more to hurt the Alden brand than anything in the past 5 years. And good for it, I was dead set on eventually getting indy's for years, but after these videos, I will never buy a pair.

@R.J._Lewis

8 ай бұрын

Really seems like Alden were the ones doing the damage to Alden. Weston just made sure that everyone knew what was happening.

@celticbrew

8 ай бұрын

Alden are great.

@sethmullins8346

8 ай бұрын

@@celticbrewyou can keep your $600 boots. I’ll buy some red wings or something

@CaptainWillard830

8 ай бұрын

I went ahead and bought Alden Indys, after seeing these videos. I’m glad I did, they are beautiful boots, extremely comfortable. Been wearing them since April 2023. Get a pair, you won’t regret

@sethmullins8346

8 ай бұрын

@@CaptainWillard830 I somehow doubt I’ll not regret paying $600 for a pair of shoes that won’t last as long as any other $600 pair of shoes

this is crazy to me cuz if you showed me both boots without telling me the brand i would assume the j crew is the higher quality one just off looks lol

So glad you did this review! Thanks.

Please consider cutting the keen Cincinnati Moc toe for this month.

I've been wanting to buy my partner some quality boots, but haven't been able to decide which ones, these videos are so helpful! I'm addicted to watching all about shoes now.

Not only are these on sale frequently, but ebay is full of barely-used pairs for cheap. Someone gets them as a gift, tries them on once, they don't fit, they sell them. Just wait around a few weeks and they're bound to pop up in your size. I bought a pair for $100 and wear the heck out of them. Comfortable enough to chase my niece and nephew around the yard. Glad to see they are built well enough on the inside to survive a resole. And the leather has aged way better than most Alden boots I see on ebay.

Okay J. Crew, I see you. I thought this boot was going to be a junk, cemented boot with “J. Crew” slapped on it for $199. But it’s actually made well! Maybe I should try these on at my local J. Crew store…

The J. Crew sales are crazy though. I just missed out on them at $75 once and a few times they were in the $100-150 range, and the everyday sale price is like $200.

just bought the jcrews on sale for $209. thanks for the video. Comparing the last shape made it easy to size it.

I had a belt made the same way you make your camera strap. Indestructable.

Got to check out the Barker Indiana’s!! British Moc Toe

I own the Indy and another Alden boot with the tru balance last. I have also owned the Kenton Pacer. I know the lasts appear similar but there are more nuances to the Alden last that just makes them a superior wear in terms of comfort. I also paid around $200 bucks used for each of my Alden boots on ebay. Both in very good condition. That's the best option I feel to get into the Alden's because even I don't think they are worth full retail asking price.

Based on what you detailed... I would by the J. Crew and then get a good leather insole for them.

J Crew is my go to for dress shoes and boots- I love them!

I’ve been asking for this one for a while, thanks. I’ve had good luck with the JCrew Goodyear welted boots, if the last works for your foot. Aside from the tongue sliding over to the side, they are comfortable, look good (perfect copy), hold up well to normal use, and it’s funny how many people ask if I like my “Aldens”. It’s funny that I bought them because I didn’t want to drop $650 on Aldens, but some of the materials are actually better on the JCrew boots! Some of the colors have a better looking contrast stitching. Funny thing about the name: the Alden “Indy” and the JCrew Pacer must be from the Indiana Pacers basketball team… If you are patient, you can sometimes get them for $150-$175 around Black Friday or right before Xmas.

I’ve got the Kenyon Chelsea’s from jcrew but not these. Glad to see it’s a pretty well made boot. Also got them on sale, they are extremely comfortable and look great in the color 8.

Great comparison as always; when seeing these both side by side I just don't like the look of the toebox and vamp of the Alden's, maybe the 'moc stitching' has something to do with it. That's it...the J. Crew has brown stitching while the Alden has white...but the toebox is different. Also just checked their website and they're 30% with a code at checkout.

Watching you cut boots in half makes my northern vermont , boot loving "sole" bleed! Ohhh! I can't believe some of the boots boots you destroy! I'm a jk fan and watching you give them the chop makes me want to cry! Butt!! I love your work keep it going! Mike in N.Vermont

I know it's late in the month, but I'll suggest Parkhurst Niagara.

I was hoping you’d review the JCrew Kenton Moc toe & Chelsea. I’ve had them for a while (both on sale) and have been very impressed. Solid construction, decent leather, very comfortable.

Having owned a pair of these and a pair of Alden’s, I’m surprised at how good the finishing was on my pair, the finishing was better than my current pair of Alden’s.

I have a slightly different version of the jcrews. The heel isnt stacked. Its like one whole rubber sole w mini lugs and heel. But i also scored them on clearance for ~$120.

I love my Alden’s and I have the earth reverse chamois with a 360 welt and commando sole… Really a great looking pair of boots….I have many different boots, Grant stone, Wolverines, RedWings, Thursdays etc and they’re all good but my favorite are my Alden’s…. Only boots I put on and they fit great and needed no break in…. Maybe a bit pricey but they know how to make a comfortable boot with nice arch support and they look good too…. I admit though, I felt they were overpriced until I finally bought a pair….

I got a pair they did in CXL on sale (because everything is almost always on sale at J. Crew). And while they're not my highest end boots, they are one of my favorites because they're comfortable.

I was literally just looking at these like 5 minutes ago

@widespreadian

8 ай бұрын

The all powerful google knew.

@effu9375

8 ай бұрын

Snob😂😁

The 3 questions I have always wanted to ask, 1. can you buff the painted layer on a boot out to expose the leather underneath? 2. Are there any boots that would look good with shorts or is that crazy talk? and 3. Utah or BYU? And if it's BYU, why are you wrong? On an actual unrelated note, I shoot video for products quite often as my day gig, one thing you can do when shooting your beauty shots on the white background is to mount a small light directly above the shoe that's JUST bright enough to create some definition along the top of the shoe. It helps define the shape of the product, creates a big more contrast, and is a simply way to separate the subject from the background. Happy shooting! loving the editing these days as well!

I have three pair of these and excited to see you review them. Mine are all 3 years old or more, 2 shades of brown and one black. They have held up very well, look great with winter suits or even riding the motorcycle. Next up you should do a Rancourt (Brighton please) boot. Hand made in Maine. I met the owner at a local bike expo and i mentioned he needs to get his shoes cut in half by Rose Anvil!

@NogGonnaMakeIt

8 ай бұрын

How do the kentons perform in winter? Do you think they can be worn well in rain?

@hodgestryan

8 ай бұрын

@@NogGonnaMakeIt I’d say fine, but i wouldn’t wear in rain for long. i keep mine well cared for so plenty of protection on the leather but if it’s raining I’m wearing my waterproof Danners or Redwings

The JCrew look nicer and are at least comparable material and construction, if not slightly better IMO. Id buy them for ~$200, which seems to be the going price in store, over the Aldens every single day. I suspect you can get them even cheaper if you know what you're doing.

I have Alden Indys. Love ❤️ them!

I’ve had a pair of J Crew dress shoes that I’ve really liked, so glad to know their footwear is solid

Weston, huge fan, I've found your channel absolutely instrumental for choosing products. Moc toe boots have been a family tradition, I've owned them all. Recently I measured up and ordered a pair of Russell moccasin PH boots. They are US made, old school moccasin construction. Please get a pair to compare. Obviously these boots are not made like my perry's or red wings, but they are Moc toe boots! I think you'll find these interesting and worth the time.

Would you consider making a video probably on the second channel defining all the leather and boot types and comparing them all in one video like construction types and leather types soul types, counter types all compared and explained. I’ve learned so much watching all your videos the past few years you are truly an expert in your field and a consolidated video would be an invaluable resource for shoppers to use when looking at any footwear not just the ones you exam individually. Hope this is a useful idea. Love your videos

That camera strap would make an excellent guitar strap.

I'd like to see the Red Wing Sawmill boot on this list. It would be interesting to see how they stack up to the other Red Wings on the list.

I have two pairs, and I never paid more than $75 on eBay. Worth every penny at that price.

Been binging your channel(s) while working lately. Love your take and opinions. I love alden deeply, and have always felt the way you do about the brand. But they do have some design magic that is hard to replicate, i think that does add some "value" outside of the sum of its parts.. Cheers dude. Thanks for entertaining my day with nerdy content. 🤘

@theblackacre2560

8 ай бұрын

Cool camera strap BTW

I have a pair of JCrew dress shoes. Handful for years old. They are comfortable enough, and have lasted well. The leather still looks good, and the soles are about ready to be replaced.

I think it's time we saw an Italian boot on this channel. Have you ever checked out Velasca? Handmade Italian shoe company with several moc-toe boots ranging from $300-500. I own one pair of their dress shoes and they're the most comfortable shoes I own, but I'd love to see how their boots stand up to the American and Chinese made counterparts

I scored my J. Crew Kenton Pacers for $107 this year. Definitely felt like that was a great deal for the quality!

Can you do the Redwing Roughneck for Mocktober this year?

This is a different video but I’d just like to say thank you for doing the budget Amazon moctober reviews.

Sick shirt in the ad. Nice choice 🤘

You did a Field Boot, but very surprised you still haven't had a Grant Stone Brass Boot on yet. Just ordered me a pair last week, it's been shipped, and just waiting for it to come in middle of this week (Praying cause UPS shipping is horrendous)

Very happy to see my that these boots are in my hometown ballpark!

I've had my pair for over a year, and I've put several hundred miles on them, and they're pretty darn good. They're good for walking (used to walk about 15 miles a day on tile for work), I've taken them on light hikes (gravel trails and non-muddy temperate woodland), they're perfect with a sport jacket, chinos, and a tie for a business casual office. I can also confirm that the leather, stitching, and sole has held up well to a Chicago winter (iykyk). Leather is fine with just wiping off the salt with a damp cloth every week or so, and a good dose of VSC at the end of Dec. and mid Feb. My only complaint is the prominence of the moc toe stitch (it's raised quite a bit), and the overall height of the toe. Otherwise, I bought them for about $230, and consider that a heck of a bargain to get nearly Alden quality for a bit over 1/3 of the price. Thanks for a great video y'all, I've been waiting on this one!

I literally just saw the advert for the camera strap yesterday. I have been watching your channel for 3 years and never saw it so I immediately thought it was new. I gotta be honest, I busted out laughing. I thought you were taking the piss and wearing a wig for some reason. It felt like an SNL skit initially, but as I kept watching I realized that it was a real advert. I did my research and found out that yeah you used to have long hair and you made a camera strap. 😆 You do have great hair though.

I bet that laso link would make a REALLY GOOD shoulder rig for a blaster

Would love to see some of the Keen work moc toe boots cut up

Bro unrelated to these jcrew boots but please review any popular ROA HIKING BOOTS. Really curious on your opinion on them. Always love ur content!

I hope you got your hands on a Russell Boot this year.

The Red Wing “1930s Sport Boot” (8075/8076, especially the latter) was such a nice alternative, but it was an Asia-Pacific exclusive available only for F/W 2019…

It would be interesting to see Crockett and Jones going through the saw. That James Bond model....

Great topic. I wear Red Wing 9030 as Alden alternative. Curious if Red Wing cuts corners for boots sold outside US.

It would be interesting to see the CXL Kenton version of this boot.

Thanks for another informative video

can you do a ranking of the best heritage style hiking/hunting boots?

Is Parkhurst coming up? Would be interesting to see their construction and the quality of the materials coming out of their Spain factory.

Gotta get the Timberland Redwood Falls Moc in this race!

Recommendation: Russell Moccasin Co.- “Bird Shooter” or “Earl Shaffer 75th Anniversary Boot” You won’t be disappointed!

Kind of surprised, figured they’d be no different than any other generic cemented boot. I’d give them a shot, but like many footwear companies… they stop at a men’s 13. If you’re still looking for moctober ideas, I’d love to see a pair of russell moccasin boots given the ol’ bandsaw treatment. I can’t recall another moc toe that’s built bottom up. (Can you tell I watch the iron snail yet)

Interested in your strap. For a good comfy strap try the magpul ms3 sling for material inspiration. The nylon is tough but soft. Extremely comfortable for hanging 8 lbs. off your neck for hours.

Cant comment on why Indy is still on the top of the ranking. Its got nothing to justify that position in pricing as well as in quality. Well, its got a name and good old proudly "Made in USA" and a price tag to show for it.

I'd like to see how Kenetrek Mountain Extreme does in cut in half. Been waiting to see review of proper hunting boots for a long time.

The strap would make a cool belt

Parkhurst would be my Alden alternative choice.

Great overview but on the biggest gripes I have with this general series is the fact that RA keeps suggesting we buy boots from competitors that manufacture outside the US. This has always stricken me as difficult to reconcile because on the one hand manufacturing the way Alden does (union made with ideally living wages and benefits) in the US versus competitors that are possibly not made in factories with a unionized workforce accounts for increased costs. I’m all for supporting products made by unions because they tend to set the standard of middle class living in the US. It’s why I try to buy union products where possible, however it does become harder and harder when the level of quality does not keep on par with what competitors offer. Ultimately it’s a tough debate to engage with and all of us just have to review what I formation we can and make up our minds. Videos like these offer one of many perspectives we should consider.

Allen Edmonds Freeports are a more rugged alternative. Got mine for 175$ and they are super comfortable and well built.

Weston, thanks for all you do! Can you do the plain tennis shoe by Banana Republic, J Crew, and the shoes from places like BYLT, I'm just convinced they aren't worth their asking price.

Maybe this will inspire Thursday to reissue the original Diplomat with the Dainite knockoff sole.

@steviewanderer5109

4 ай бұрын

They actually just added their storm king sole on the Diplomat in the tobacco color

Please review Parkhurst boots for Moctober! I'm begging you!

I would love a review and a cutting in half of Red Wing's Supersole 2.0, specifically the 2406 or 2408

You should throw the Parkhurst Niagara in the mix! Upgrade vs. the Indy at a lower cost.

Could you look at some Mountaineering Boots please? Would be really interested to see what you think of some mountaineering boots from La Sportiva or Scarpa.

Maybe not an Alden alternative, but for price comfort and labor ready, you should probably cover the Redwing 202 Moc toe/Supersole. I have used them for years for work, farming, etc, and they do hold up.

Parkhurst Niagara is a great alternative

How about reviewing the Allen Edmonds Freeport for Moctoeber? I’d be interested in learning more about them. Good sale prices on some of them!

Once again, I will stick with Thursday if I want a good casual boot.

Try making a deerskin (buckskin) camera strap. Seriously. They feel fantastic.

I'd love to see what's inside the Allen Edmonds Freeport moc-toe boots. From the outside, they look like a pretty good deal at sale prices.

@hankhillsnrrwurethra

8 ай бұрын

Not moc but my Higgins Mill seconds are amazing (speaking of preppy posers)

A super popular boot in Minnesota is the sorel madsen moc toe. I really hope those get cut up this year. They are super comfy but definitely not a tru heritage boot.

Throwing shade on Alden! I have the Indy and love ‘em. AND I did not and would not pay full price for them. I bought seconds that were on sale. Fit me perfectly and the minor scuff was hard to spot.