Alden Shoes and the Indy Boot, With Celebrity Claims Checked and Five Ways to Wear Them

A Note on Celebrity Brand Claims

Celebrity shoes, on screen and off, are often credited to a maker without confirmation from the maker, the wearer or a film’s costume department.

We name a man on this page only when a dated report links him to Alden shoes.

One link is widely repeated: Alden’s model 405, a moc-toe boot, is often called the “Indy boot” because of its association with Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones costume.

Alden’s model 405 is widely reported, for example by The Rake in November 2018, as the boot Harrison Ford wore as Indiana Jones, which is why it is called the “Indy boot”; neither Alden nor the films’ costume team has published a dated confirmation that we found.

1. The Moc-Toe Boot

A moc-toe boot has a stitched seam around the front, like a moccasin, and a sturdy sole, which makes it a casual, outdoor-friendly boot.

Wear: a brown leather or waxed cotton jacket, a chambray or flannel shirt, mid-blue straight jeans and brown leather moc-toe boots.

2. The Suede Chukka Boot

An unlined suede chukka is a soft ankle boot with two or three eyelets, light enough for spring and autumn.

Wear: a white T-shirt or Oxford shirt, a navy crew-neck jumper, khaki chinos and tan or brown suede chukka boots.

3. The Tassel Loafer

A tassel loafer is a dressier slip-on, and in dark burgundy shell cordovan it is a common choice for business-casual offices.

It sits easily in a preppy wardrobe.

Wear: a navy blazer, a light blue Oxford button-down shirt, grey wool or khaki cotton trousers and burgundy tassel loafers.

4. The Penny Loafer

A penny loafer, with a strap across the front, is the most versatile slip-on and works with casual and smart casual outfits.

Wear: a light grey or cream fine-knit jumper, navy or grey trousers with a single turn-up, and brown or burgundy leather penny loafers.

5. The Plain-Toe Boot

A plain-toe lace-up boot in dark leather or shell cordovan looks tidy enough for a smart casual day and handles winter weather better than shoes.

Wear: a charcoal wool overcoat, a navy roll-neck jumper, dark grey flannel trousers or dark jeans, and dark burgundy or brown plain-toe boots.

How to Wear Alden Shoes

Alden’s shoes are mostly classic American designs, so they look most at home with simple, well-fitting clothes.

Match the shoe to the outfit’s formality: boots and chukkas with jeans and chinos, loafers with chinos, flannels and blazers.

Keep colours simple: brown, burgundy and tan leather go with navy, grey, khaki and denim.

Check the fit carefully, because Alden uses several lasts (the foot-shaped forms shoes are built on), and the same size can fit differently between them.

This plain, logo-free way of dressing overlaps with the idea of quiet luxury, though well-made shoes from many makers can play the same role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Styling Beyond Alden Footwear

Knowing how a brand is worn is a useful start, but your own wardrobe works best when it suits your build, your colouring and your plans.

For other makers in a similar price range, see our list of luxury brands favoured by very wealthy buyers.

Our guide to styling by occasion, location, season and time of day explains how to adapt outfits to each setting.

Further reading: dressing for your body type, seasonal colour palettes, garments, accessories and the old money style guide.