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

[random-adam]



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.

Maybe I've been spending too much time on these boards, but I believe that for funerals and interviews a fairly plain black balmoral is the right tool for the job. You might consider the Rutledge or Harrison if the Park Avenue doesn't do it for you. The price is higher, but they're both (especially the Harrison) elegant options.

 

[OptoDoc]

Burgundy Shell Dundees

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this picture. I have to get a pair of these one day. You're killing me, ColdIron...but it is the sweetest of deaths.

 

[Pastor]



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......

Stay away from Carmina. I bought one pair this time last year and now I have 5 pair (including a MTO navy shell cordovan directly through Carmina). Carmina's will suck the money straight out of your wallet.

 

[Pastor]



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!

Those Burgundy Dundees are awesome. I have them in cappuccino and they are one of my favorites but I may have to spring for the burgundy shell model soon.

 

[MacktasticGDogg]

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......

Stay away from Carmina. I bought one pair this time last year and now I have 5 pair (including a MTO navy shell cordovan directly through Carmina). Carmina's will suck the money straight out of your wallet.

You ain't kidding! I too bought my first pair of Carminas a year ago (I believe the same pair as you bought, the suede Austerity Brogue), and now have my 5th pair enroute this week. It's a dangerous thing to get into indeed...

The thing is, even though I think Carmina is clearly in a different league than AE, it has not caused me to turn away from AE because AE still represent a good quality-to-price proposition. Carmina has more or less turned me away from Alden though.

 

[Pastor]



You ain't kidding! I too bought my first pair of Carminas a year ago (I believe the same pair as you bought, the suede Austerity Brogue), and now have my 5th pair enroute this week. It's a dangerous thing to get into indeed...

The thing is, even though I think Carmina is clearly in a different league than AE, it has not caused me to turn away from AE because AE still represent a good quality-to-price proposition. Carmina has more or less turned me away from Alden though.

That is exactly how I feel as well. Since that first pair of Carmina I have not bought one pair of Aldens but i've purchased multiple pair of AE's. I like my Alden shoes and i'm even wearing a pair today but the ratio of quality compared to price does not compare to Carmina. Likewise, I think AE represents a good ratio of quality and price. Even at full price I think AE shell is a good value. When you find it cheaper like at the recent 20% off seconds sale there is really no comparison. I was playing around with some numbers after I read your post and I came to the conclusion that AE represents 48% of all my shoes.

 

[Pastor]



Maybe I've been spending too much time on these boards, but I believe that for funerals and interviews a fairly plain black balmoral is the right tool for the job. You might consider the Rutledge or Harrison if the Park Avenue doesn't do it for you. The price is higher, but they're both (especially the Harrison) elegant options.

I'm a minister by occupation so i'm in a black suit fairly often. I have two pair of black shoes. One is a AE Weybridge which is what I wear most of the time when i'm in a black suit and the other is a pair of Mezlan Lizard Skin loafers which also get a fair amount of wear. I've been contemplating getting a pair of Black Shell Park Avenues or Leeds but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[New Shoes1]

You ain't kidding! I too bought my first pair of Carminas a year ago (I believe the same pair as you bought, the suede Austerity Brogue), and now have my 5th pair enroute this week. It's a dangerous thing to get into indeed...

The thing is, even though I think Carmina is clearly in a different league than AE, it has not caused me to turn away from AE because AE still represent a good quality-to-price proposition. Carmina has more or less turned me away from Alden though.

That is exactly how I feel as well. Since that first pair of Carmina I have not bought one pair of Aldens but i've purchased multiple pair of AE's. I like my Alden shoes and i'm even wearing a pair today but the ratio of quality compared to price does not compare to Carmina. Likewise, I think AE represents a good ratio of quality and price. Even at full price I think AE shell is a good value. When you find it cheaper like at the recent 20% off seconds sale there is really no comparison. I was playing around with some numbers after I read your post and I came to the conclusion that AE represents 48% of all my shoes.

Agree completely. My love for my Carmina brown shell short wing bluchers did nothing to dissuade me from picking up a pair of Patriot shell loafers last week from AE.

 

[Pastor]



Agree completely.  My love for my Carmina brown shell short wing bluchers did nothing to dissuade me from picking up a pair of Patriot shell loafers last week from AE.

I know I picked up two pair of the patriots (in brown shell and in burgundy shell). I have not told my wife about either yet...I'll wear them around the office first so they don't look brand new the first time she sees them.

 

[Scottyb06]

SeanP - also keep in mind that the 'slope' of your instep plays a factor in sizing as well. For example, on the Brannock device I'm sized at an 11/5 D/E (in-between a D and E width). However, I also have a fairly high instep. So, on the #5 last I wear an 11E (half size down in length and size up in width). In an 11.5E the shoe is simply too wide all around despite the laces closing more tightly. Many people seem to think you simply go wider to get the laces to close 'properly', however, they often seem to be forgetting that the slope of your instep plays a role as well. Good luck!

 

[ScottyBoy920]

Stay away from Carmina. I bought one pair this time last year and now I have 5 pair (including a MTO navy shell cordovan directly through Carmina). Carmina's will suck the money straight out of your wallet.

MTO navy shell?! Can you post an image?

 

[sazon]



Yes . . . but more comfortable than the Shell version in the same style?  

Just wondering why you switched back - and I thought you mentioned comfort.

I really went back to the walnut calf strands because I loved the color. Can't beat it, IMO.

 

[sazon]



Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Snuff suede Neumoks today.

Solid !

 

[sazon]

I was asked for a Strand family picture. As you can tell, I love this model.

From L to R : Dark brown Shell Strand, Walnut Calf Strand, Walnut Shell Strand. (The shell models need some brushing. The Walnut Shell has some water marks from its last wearing)

These are all indoor shots. In natural light the difference between the two shell models is more noticeable.
The only improvement I could see making to this model would be adding a double leather sole, akin to the Cambridge model.

 

[Cold Iron]

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

I couldn't help but smile when I saw this picture. I have to get a pair of these one day. You're killing me, ColdIron...but it is the sweetest of deaths.

Those Burgundy Dundees are awesome. I have them in cappuccino and they are one of my favorites but I may have to spring for the burgundy shell model soon.

Thank You! No wax or polish since I got them last summer. They are the "new" finish and arrived loaded with cream. Could hardly see the burnishing that was under the cream so spent 4 or 5 evenings when new Reno and brushing them till they were clean:


Since then just the Mac method.