Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - reviews, pictures, sizing, etc...

[bespoken pa]

Price isn't bad either, $195 for a shell belt, I'll take that all day.

 

[kwhitelaw]

Price isn't bad either, $195 for a shell belt, I'll take that all day.

definitely. I paid $150ish for my burgundy one, so I'm tempted to keep it cause it's a "good" deal

 

[lostron]

Awesome deals

 

[kentyman]

BTW, Brooks Brothers has 25% with FNFBB6, and this code works with AE shoes.

 

[masernaut]

Guys-
Need your thoughts. I was sized originally by Allen Edmonds at Biltmore Fashion park in Phoenix about 2yrs ago and got the same response last year when I was shopping at Nordstroms for some new dress shoes. This is a picture today of my black AE Lombard in 10D; is this not too narrow and should attempt a wider shoe? If I am a 10D now would I next try a 9.5EE? I am contemplating picking up two pairs of Strands and a Fifth Avenue, but have seen the lasts run narrow.

It kind of looks like the laces are doing their best to keep the shoe fastened on your foot. So yes, they are too narrow. Going down half a size and increasing the width can help- you could also try a 10 EE/EEE.

 

[SeanP]

Thanks for the reply. So the shoes in the picture are a 10D, should I try an 9.5EE or 9.5EEE next? First time going for wider width and do not have an AE local to visit. Appreciate the help

 

[bucksfan]



Just picked up a pair of strands, now want to go full bore and expand my collection. Few questions:

Is buying strictly factory seconds a good way of getting high quality AE's at a discount?

This Memorial Day sale for outlets, is this a good sale? How often do outlets have sales? Every major holiday?

Is having a Park Ave a must for a good collection?

Why I reading posts that undervalue the color black compared to different shades of browns?

I've tried the search function to find some answers to these questions but it sucks. Your feedback is appreciated.

Yes, buying seconds can be a cost-effective way to expand one's shoe collection. They usually are in the range of 30% off first quality prices, and frequently go on sale. Sometimes, the issue that made them "seconds" is minor (I have a pair of shell Leeds where the insole is turned upside down, so there is no "Allen Edmonds" when you look down on the empty shoe) and sometimes it can be fairly major. However, the good news is you can always return them and try again, if the first pair you try is no good.

Park Ave is a classic design, and the second-highest in formality, completely at home with a suit or even a tux in a pinch). It is also the quintessential business shoe. I have a pair I wear about 5 times per year, and have done so for the past 7 years. At this rate, they will likely need to be resoled in about a decade.

There is currently the thought that black is "boring" on this board and in men's fashion generally. However, this is purely personal preference, and fashion changes over time.

Sorry if this is a repeat question but while I saw it discussed on this thread I'm not sure I saw an answer (but I could have missed it). Is there a marking that indicates if an AE shoe is a first or second? There was talk of a "W" mark earlier in the thread. I ordered a pair in-store and it shipped "from somewhere in Illinois" I was told. I assume it's just another retail shop that had my size in stock but how would I know if it came from an outlet store and is a second? They look like a first but this is my first pair of AE. If I was scrutinizing, there are a few places that I might say "I see why it's a second" if I knew they were but otherwise I'm happy with them.

Anyway, how does one know? Thanks!

If it came from an outlet store, it is a second unless you specifically ordered a first from the outlet. The way to tell is on the bottom of the shoe, near where the heel meets the sole. If it is a second-quality shoe, there is a shoe-shaped "brand" near where it says "Allen Edmonds." If it is a pair that was worn then returned somewhere, there is a "W" in the same location. If it was worn then returned to Nordstrom, there are two drill holes somewhere in the sole.

Many times, it is tough to see what made them seconds, which is why many here enjoy getting them at a reduced price.

Guys-
Need your thoughts. I was sized originally by Allen Edmonds at Biltmore Fashion park in Phoenix about 2yrs ago and got the same response last year when I was shopping at Nordstroms for some new dress shoes. This is a picture today of my black AE Lombard in 10D; is this not too narrow and should attempt a wider shoe? If I am a 10D now would I next try a 9.5EE? I am contemplating picking up two pairs of Strands and a Fifth Avenue, but have seen the lasts run narrow.

The Lombard is on the 2-last and runs narrow. The Strand and Fifth Ave are on a very different last (#5 last). I would try 10D first, and potentially go to 9.5E or even 10E if necessary.

Hello friends. longtime lurker here.

I made my first foray into Allen Edmonton last year, buying a pair of chili Regent Streets, size 11EEE. They fit great, which is rare, since I have rather oddly shaped feet (left is an 11 EE, right is 10.5 EEE+).

So...I needed to replace my trusty black apron-toes and decided to go AE again, trying something different. I bought the MacAllisters in the same size (11 3E) during the anniversary sale. While the left foot fit like a glove, the right one was painfully narrow. I sent them back and exchanged for the Franciscans (same price during the sale). This pair of 11 3E was waaay too long and wide on both feet.

Since my schedule leaves me virtually no time to get to an AE store for a proper fitting, I'm pretty much reliant on mail order, but the trial and error of it all takes way too much time, leaving me without a much-needed black shoe. No, I can't seem to find Regent Street in my size (plus it's a little loud for what I need). Also not feeling the other 4-234 last options, style-wise.

So I ask ye humbly, which last should I try next that will get me somewhere in between the MacAllister and the Franciscan?

Thanks in advance,
--Goldilocks

You may need to contact AE to get custom sized shoes if you like the #5 last (McAllister, Park Ave, 5th Ave, Strand, etc (i.e. one in 11 3E on the left, 11.5 3E on the right). AE will do it, but there is a slight upcharge I believe. Alternatively, you can just get a 11.5 3E and use an aftermarket insole on the left shoe. Unfortunately, I don't have first-hand experience with the Regent Street nor the Fransciscan, so I can't comment on how those lasts fit relative to others.

Anyone have sizing advice for Macneils as compared to Park Aves?

I take the same size in both, but others sometimes go up .5 with the Macneil. It just depends on your foot.

 

[marmot8]



BTW, Brooks Brothers has 25% with FNFBB6, and this code works with AE shoes.

Thanks. I've been looking at the Medallion Perforated Captoe- look like the Strand to me. Can anyone compare the two for me?

If I went Strand I'd go brown burnished calf, brown for the BB.

 

[SeanP]



Thanks. I've been looking at the Medallion Perforated Captoe- look like the Strand to me. Can anyone compare the two for me?

If I went Strand I'd go brown burnished calf, brown for the BB.

Was at Brooks Brothers at Uptown in Dallas this weekend and saw a pair of BB Strands. The biggest difference (and only I could) see was the sole as it was not full leather but you couldn't readily see it was a rubber soled shoe. Of course the branding in the shoe was different but the sole was the only cosmetic difference.

-S

 

[Cold Iron]

The serrated edges can end up raised when you do some shoe conditioning or polish. I find you can just run your hand over the edges and they will go back down. The welt stitch looks perfectly fine, and it can probably be filled in with polish or edge dressing in the uncolored spot. The burnishing is all done by hand, you can tone down the burnishing by using a leather cleaner/conditioner. None of these items will be noticeable when viewed at a distance.


Cold Iron,

Thanks for the tips concerning the charcoal grill. I'm still a rookie in charcoal grilling, I have a 18.5 Weber, which I think is too small. I also attempted to use lump charcoal for the first time. I think it was poor quality lump charcoal and didn't light properly. I'm tempted to go gas grill because of the ease of temperature control. I will give charcoal a few more rounds to see if I can get better at it.



I also at this point don't even come up with excuses to shell out for shell. I've also like many others have started the great cordovan shoe hunt. The rumors of shell supply may also be feeding my current spree. Hopefully sanity kicks in after 2-3 more pairs, but I think once you cross over the shell cordovan threshold, all hope is lost for your wallet. Case in point, I am debating on shell Daltons, Dundee, or Strands through the MTO offer. Carmina shell is looking pretty good too......

Aye, there is no hope once you start down that slippery slope that is shell. The 3 choices that you are considering I have all 3 of them in walnut shell. My personal goal is to acquire a boot, chukka, and shoe all in each color of shell offered by AE. Be careful what you wish for!

 

[sungmineyo]

Walnut Cambridge Today. This pair was my first AE purchase from Amazon in 2010. I am not sure they discontinued this colour or it was just special make up.

 

[sungmineyo]



Aye, there is no hope once you start down that slippery slope that is shell. The 3 choices that you are considering I have all 3 of them in walnut shell. My personal goal is to acquire a boot, chukka, and shoe all in each color of shell offered by AE. Be careful what you wish for!

Wow fantastic shade on your dundee! Did you apply shoe polish other than burgundy?

 

[David Copeland]

Walnut Cambridge Today. This pair was my first AE purchase from Amazon in 2010. I am not sure they discontinued this colour or it was just special make up.

The edge and welt looks to be polished with "Natural". Am I correct?

(AE Customer Service has recommended "Natural" edge polish for many of my shoes too)

David

 

[rangen930]

Just bought my first pair of AEs (McTavish's in cognac). I am really happy with them. They have loosened up after a few days and fit pretty well and I didn't have to do the dance down a half size and increase the width, etc. They also provide more support than my old shoes. There is the slightest imperfection in the double sole but overall I am very happy with these shoes!

Of course now the problem is I feel like I need at least two more pairs. First, I feel like I need a second "daily" pair. I wear button downs and khakis almost religiously. I intend to broaden my dress pant collection but I don't see my colors expanding too much other than getting a nice pair of gray wools. Was thinking of a nice penny loafer (Rancourt, etc.)

Any recommenations for that second daily driver?

Lastly, I wear a suit about 5 times per year (usually to a wedding, a funeral, job interview or an evening social event). Based on searches it seems that some black park avenues would be a no brainer. My current suit is a navy window pane thing. Any suggestions regarding a dress shoe other than the PA that would work for this? I think walnut strands look amazing but would that be wierd in an evening situation.

 

[David Copeland]

Guys-
Need your thoughts. I was sized originally by Allen Edmonds at Biltmore Fashion park in Phoenix about 2yrs ago and got the same response last year when I was shopping at Nordstroms for some new dress shoes. This is a picture today of my black AE Lombard in 10D; is this not too narrow and should attempt a wider shoe? If I am a 10D now would I next try a 9.5EE? I am contemplating picking up two pairs of Strands and a Fifth Avenue, but have seen the lasts run narrow.

Sometimes you need to locate a "personal" sales professional (who knows what he is talking about) to help you make some long distance decisions when there are few resources in your area.

A well-selected personal sales professional for Allen Edmonds will listen to your past and present experiences, sizes, styles, and needs - before contemplating a good recommendation or course of action. And they will offer free shipping to you, and free return shipping if not satisfied - until it gets right.

I found one such professional - who is the Men's Shoe Department Manager at one of the Nordstrom Stores:


Brett Bohlman
FLS Sales Department Manager | Mens Shoes
Nordstrom | Spokane
828 W. Main Ave., Spokane WA 99201-0904
[email protected]
509.455.6111

Brett is a University Graduate from the State of Washington, and has been with Nordstroms for 19 Years with an impressive track record of taking care of customers as well as leading his subordinates.

Because Nordstrom's is a primary retailer of AE, he can also arrange to have shoes drop-shipped to you directly from AE (or sent from any Nordstrom Store).

I suggest you email Brett the photos you have, along with the comments - and then follow up with a phone call. I am confident you will be impressed.

My best,

David