The 403 uses Chromexcel leather for its uppers. ![]() What’s the difference? The current version of the 405 uses a cowhide leather upper, which comes in that slightly reddish medium brown. If you’re looking at buying a pair of authentic Alden “Indy Boots” today, your main decision will be choosing between the 405 model and the 403 model. ![]() On the right: the Alden 403 in Brown Chromexcel. On the left: the Alden 405 in Brown Cowhide. However, the overall design of the boot remains virtually unchanged, from the white stitching that creates the “faux moc-toe” on the vamp to the natural welt to the Neoprene cork outsole. But they’ve also replaced the 100% cotton duck lining with a full glove leather lining and switched the types of leather they use for the uppers. The most notable difference is the color, which has gone from a darker shade of brown in the 1980s to a more medium brown with a reddish tone today. Of course all this discussion about the Alden 405s that Indy wore is purely academic since the company has made some significant changes to the model over the last few decades. Clockwise from top left: Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and The Last Crusade. Of course the costume department’s distressing of the boots, the build up of dust and dirt and the use of different lighting and filters during filming would also impact the color. While most of the authorities on costume, such as Indy Gear and The, claim the boots were a dark brown, there is an interesting discussion from 2013 on the Fortune and Glory forum that claims that they were actually a lighter shade of medium brown. ![]() However, there is still some discussion about the exact shade of brown of Indy’s boots, especially any changes in the color from film to film. The model 405 Trubalance page from an early 1980s Alden Catalog and Fit Guide, sourced from Stitchdown. The excellent website Stitchdown has shared an Alden catalog from the early 1980s that offers more details about the 405 model from that time period. They used a Goodyear welt construction and a Neoprene Cork outsole with a solid black rubber heel. The make up of the Alden 405s from the 1980s featured a full grain brown waxhide upper with a 100% cotton duck lining with leather facings. A production photo of Harrison Ford wearing the Alden 405 boots for 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Harrison Ford was a fan of the heritage American brand’s footwear and steered the film’s costume department to his favorite source for the boots, Frederick’s Shoes in Sherman Oaks, California, to acquire the pairs needed for the movie. According to this detailed post from Indy Gear, the boots Indiana wore in Raiders of the Lost Ark (and the sequels) are the Alden Shoe Company’s Model 405 on the Trubalance last (now known almost universally as the “Indy Boot”). Check out this article from BAMF Style for a full breakdown of the costume. Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in a production photo for Raiders of the Lost Ark. And, when it comes to our personal wardrobes, they may be the most versatile piece we can add to our closets. Jones’ boots are also a key component of his famous outfit. ![]() The fedora, leather jacket and whip have all achieved “icon” status. really need an introduction? Since 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, the adventures of everyone’s favorite professor of archaeology have captured the imaginations of literally millions of fans.
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