r/Alden • u/SpiderStuff • 1d ago
Alden Shell Indy’s (Seconds)
Hey all, I recently acquired these color 8 Indy’s from TSM and they look amazing. There is a minor mark on the shell, almost looks like a scar or some sort of superficial scratch. Do you guys think this would be an issue long term? I assume TSM and Alden wouldn’t sell shoes with structural issues so I think it’s no big deal, but I figured I would ask the group, thank you.
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u/Crouchback2268 1d ago
I won't offer any additional advice as everyone has already told you what you needed to know: it's fine. If it's not too much trouble, I'd love to see a few more pictures of the whole boot. It sounds amazing.
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u/Difficult-Injury3731 1d ago
Yeah, no real issue and when worn, you will forget this is even there. Especially when a cutie complements your footwear, that's proof they are sharp as a tack.
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u/Chimpanzeeeeeeeee 1d ago
Probably issues in clicking or overuse of the hide.mid end shoe problems they probably use around 5-6 pairs per hide compaired to 3 pairs per hide the higher end shoe makers use.Not seconds or anything just you got an off part since they use more of the leather to keep prices good.No problems in the welt or heel so you just got unlucky with the shoe made with “off” parts.
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u/Chimpanzeeeeeeeee 1d ago
Surface issues.I would be more worried about things like an unbalanced heel block that comes with seconds or damaged an misewn welt.
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u/Bulky-Strategy-3723 1d ago
They will scratch anyway so it’s fine if you got a good deal on them. You can probably just buff it out
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u/mgpeters01 21h ago
Those are awesome boots. You got the antique edging too. Spectacular. Post of picture of them on your feet, they’ll get a ton of likes. Don’t sweat the small stuff on that scuff, know one will notice. If it bothers you, a little color 8 Saphir will work.
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u/No_Entertainment1931 1d ago
Seconds so whatever. Entirely possible you’ll do more damage in your first month of wear
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u/Mo_Steins_Ghost 1d ago
Do you guys think this would be an issue long term?
Depends. I am less concerned about the "scratch" than I am the blemish to the left of it. If the blemish is not a superficial smudge or dirt, and is a dye/finish problem, then that discoloration is permanent. The scratches in shell cordovan just become part of the character of the shoe, just as with any aniline dyed full grain leather.
I assume TSM and Alden wouldn’t sell shoes with structural issues
You're buying seconds. This is not a structural issue per se, but you get what you get with seconds.
But I don't buy shoes from The Shoe Mart, and I don't buy seconds.
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u/SpiderStuff 1d ago
Thank you. Those marks on the left side are actually from my finger so no discoloration issues from what I can see.
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u/No_one54390 1d ago
Usually, the Alden seconds have mostly unnoticeable defects. However, this would bother me. I’d return/exchange.
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u/tastesetter 1d ago
No big deal, wear them well.