(Business Insider/Sarah Jacobs)
They might not look like much, but they've got it where it counts.
I'm a pretty frugal person by nature, but every so often, a want comes along for an insanely lavish expensive item that seems impossible to justify.
Last year, that want was the Alden 405 Indy Boots, which retail for $525.
I know, I know. That's an insane amount of money to spend on a pair of boots at the tender age of 23, especially when I live in New York City and deal with all of the added expenses that brings. How could I possibly afford to drop that kind of cash on a product category that can easily be had for a fraction of the price?
Well, a better question is: With their awesome styling and superior quality, how could I afford not to?
It's an investment
A better way to look at a purchase like this is as an investment. And like with any investment, you're going to be looking for a return. What these boots return is a lifetime of happy, healthy feet.
You see, the Alden Indy boots are quite a few steps above cheaper boots in terms of quality and design. These aren't just any pair of boots. The Alden Shoe Co. has been making them the same way in their Massachusetts factory for more than 100 years.
(Business Insider/Sarah Jacobs)
The sole is made from neocork, and the leather is sourced from Horween Tannery in Chicago.
The reality is that good footwear is expensive. Complicated construction using quality leather and other materials demand a high price point.
The upshot: If taken care of properly with regular resoling, these shoes will last forever. And on my feet, they feel that way. It's an investment in myself, one that will continue to pay off for decades down the road — provided I still like the way they look.
It's all down to the boot
The 405 is one of Alden's more "workwear" styles, and it's considered a work boot. It's not your average Timberland, however. The boot gives off a much dressier vibe and, apart from the toe stitching, the entire boot just oozes refinement. Basically, it looks expensive.
Not too expensive, though. On my feet the shoes kind of fly under the radar. Only a few people "in the know" have commented on my wearing the boots, which I'm grateful for. It's not that I'm embarrassed, but I don't want to be known as "the guy with $500 boots" to my friends. So, hopefully, they don't read this.
The shoes are made with leather from Horween Chromexcel, a tannery in Chicago. The leather has a stellar reputation, and you can see why. It has a beautiful sheen to it, and it will age super well when given the proper love over the years. It's also super tough and durable, and it's hard to scratch.