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

[BCer]



My first impression is that the shoe is too long.  I have experience with several pairs of that exact shoe. My first pair was 9D and it fit pretty well, and it barely creased anywhere after about one year. I thought I later figured out that 9.5C was my better fit in 5 last shoes, so I sold that one and bought 9.5C during Nordstrom sale.  Wore that for a few months, but it started creasing above the cap (ie toward the toe), and it fit loosely. I called Nordstrom, and even after months of wear, they replaced with a different 9.5C strand (I own many 9.5C 5 last shoes and they all fit better than the first one from Nordstrom).  That pair fits better, like most others I own, and I have had no above cap creasing thus far. I figured that first pair from Nordstrom was just an anomaly and wasn't fitted as tightly during the lasting process (as if I know what I'm talking about).

However, the width on your pair looks pretty good to me.  I wonder if sizing down 1/2 size on length but keeping same width might work?

Warning: I am no expert, but I did stay at a Holday Inn Express last night, and I do have a ridiculously large collection of AE shoes at this point.

 

[BCer]

You know, I appreciate everyone's input on this forum, and thank you very much. But to let you know, there's no way in hell that these shoes are too long. I've worn 12's most of my life, in Rockports, Eccos and every athletic shoe on earth. In AE, I seem to be a 11.5. Width & length seem right. I wish I'd have thought to maybe force a crease before it created itself. But I still love the shoe. And THANK YOU for replying to my question. Part of the reason I'm addicted to AE is this forum.

 

[frogwash]

And you know what? While I can't exactly put my thumb on it, there is something about the Black Hills that appeals to me quite a bit more so than the Leeds. So again, thank you very much. AE should put you on the payroll, you're doing a fantastic job marketing the MTO's for many of us here!

The Black Hills is on the 5-last while the Leeds is on the 1-last. Perhaps that's why the Black Hills appeals to you more? The standard Black Hills is basically a 5-eyelet version of the Kenilworth with a rubber sole. I think a shell cordovan Black Hills with a Rendenbach sole would make a great MTO shoe.

That could very well be a big part of it. Also, the smaller eyelet area on the Black Hills and hence larger throat/vamp make for more sleekness, IMO. I'm liking this idea more and more and really hope I don't have any fitment/gaping issues when my samples arrive. Thank you for the validation, MGD.

I'm also seriously considering some MTO Burgundy Shell Amoks--either as a back up--in case the BH don't fit me well, but more likely as a budget stretching second Paul special. I have two pairs of the Amoks now and they're absolutely the most comfortable AE I own. Other than 2 eyelets, instead of 3, I know that that this will be somewhat similar in appearance to the shell Leeds, but the Amoks are also unlined. Does anyone here have any experience with unlined shell shoes? I don't have any doubts regarding comfort, but I'm curious if durability/shoe life is affected when there isn't a lining. Any thoughts?

 

[robby]

I have bought and loved the Blue Neumok but the leather sole is just too firm for me for an everyday shoe (rehabbing a herniated disc) and had to return it. Has anyone seen or own the Neumok with the Clare rubber sole?

Have you considered a superfeet insole or some other supportive orthotics? I also have a herniated disc and have found that superfeet blacks and 3/4 inserts help quite a bit. I use them in all my shoes -- dress, casual and athletic. It's a little counter-intuitive to opt for a support insole over a gel insole if your goal is to absorb shock, but the reason that proper support can help so much for back pain is that it spreads the impact over a much larger surface area.

Every back problem is unique, so I don't preach this as gospel, but I think it's worth trying if you haven't already.

 

[Kroaker]

Trying to justify getting some strands in bourbon. Do most think this can be a solid dark brown dress shoe choice in banking?

 

[rickrone]

looking to get another pair of shoes.
i currently have:

BB fifth ave - black
AE fifth ave - dark brown
AE mccallister - walnut
Cole Haan loafers brown
Sperry boat shoes - brown
J crew desert boots - suede brown
burberry tennis sneakers - white

what do you recommend i purchase before the sale is done?

 

[paperfire]

One quick question; how does the 5 last match against the Allen Edmond self measure guide? According to the fit guide, I measure a 9.5E and am about to order the Strand in a 9.5E.

 

[AdamAdam]



One quick question; how does the 5 last match against the Allen Edmond self measure guide? According to the fit guide, I measure a 9.5E and am about to order the Strand in a 9.5E.

I can't speak specifically for the AE fit guide but typically on the 5 last you'll need to go down a .5 size and up a width. On the Brannock I'm an 8D but my size in the McAllister is 7.5E. You may want to consider 9EE. Others who have used the fit guide should comment however because the SA at the AE store mentioned that the Brannock isn't always the best at measuring width because of things like the height of ones arch (3rd dimension that it can't measure). In conclusion, it seems that most go down .5 size and up a width from their TTS on the 5 last. For instance in the Shelton (1 last) I'm an 8E.

 

[Cold Iron]

Oh- here is the aforementioned female AE associate wearing the Fifth Avenue boots- is this cute or what??

I had to go back and buy these- DAMN they are comfortable, just the softest leather you have ever felt, had to wear them out of the store...

One of the female SA at the AE store I have been to wears walnut Dalton boots. And yes there is something about a female wearing dress boots like that looks hot. Very much so!

I've got some more, with the matching belt...

I just took delivery of my first pair of Allen Emonds shoes a pair of Fiesole's that I bought on clearance. I have not really worn them as yet, I will do so when I return to the office on Tuesday but from what I have been able to see from trying them on in my den they seem to be everything that you all make them out to be, not to mention being the only pair of Italian leather shoes that I own or have ever owned.

Congrats on the new shoes gentlemen! Once you get started and used to wearing them it is hard to stop or go back to anything else. At least it was for me. Wear in good health!

DuckOB,

Keep in mind that shell is very versatile. I work in extremely casual startup company environments and I wear shell regularly with jeans and a button down. Obviously you need to do whatever works for your style but don't be afraid of shell

Thanks rydenfan, just afraid of the pricetag I hope to see some in person when I go down to Plano next month and visit an AE store. Have a great memorial day weekend.

Oh be afraid, very afraid

. I was too in the beginning. After awhile once your hooked you start to look for the next one even before the last one you ordered has come in! Hopefully your trip turns out well and you get to see some great shoes and boots in shell.

That could very well be a big part of it. Also, the smaller eyelet area on the Black Hills and hence larger throat/vamp make for more sleekness, IMO. I'm liking this idea more and more and really hope I don't have any fitment/gaping issues when my samples arrive. Thank you for the validation, MGD.

I'm also seriously considering some MTO Burgundy Shell Amoks--either as a back up--in case the BH don't fit me well, but more likely as a budget stretching second Paul special. I have two pairs of the Amoks now and they're absolutely the most comfortable AE I own. Other than 2 eyelets, instead of 3, I know that that this will be somewhat similar in appearance to the shell Leeds, but the Amoks are also unlined. Does anyone here have any experience with unlined shell shoes? I don't have any doubts regarding comfort, but I'm curious if durability/shoe life is affected when there isn't a lining. Any thoughts?

Have you considered a superfeet insole or some other supportive orthotics? I also have a herniated disc and have found that superfeet blacks and 3/4 inserts help quite a bit. I use them in all my shoes -- dress, casual and athletic. It's a little counter-intuitive to opt for a support insole over a gel insole if your goal is to absorb shock, but the reason that proper support can help so much for back pain is that it spreads the impact over a much larger surface area.

Every back problem is unique, so I don't preach this as gospel, but I think it's worth trying if you haven't already.

I am fortunate enough that I have had no real back problems so I can't speak directly to that. My left foot has been pretty jacked up from soft tissue damage for the last year and a half and both feet have no arches left. I also wear the black superfeet inserts in all my shoes and boots and agree with the above statement. They do help me a lot and at $20 worth a try IMO.

 

[AdamAdam]

Which last is the Clifton? Thanks.

 

[Busa]

Just for the comfort lovers out there- I tried these on side-by-side and had to go with the Chukkamok, as much as I love boots. They are unlined, and the Cronmok having that line across the instep just was not as comfortable as that smooth vamp on the Chukka- super soft leather and no seam, one awesomely comfortable piece of footwear...

Now what the hell belt am I gonna wear with them??

Okay, somebody help me- went back to the AE store (I have GOT to get out of Atlanta!!) and just fell in love with this-



I saw it on the website and thought yuch- saw it in person and against all rational thought it hit my "it's just so damn ugly it's cute" button, then I tried it on- footgasm!! Just SO comfortable... and looks great with jeans!

Should I get that, or this one?



Any input would be appreciated- I will probably go back tomorrow and get one of them... maybe someone has both, one is more more versatile than the other, more comfortable long term?

 

[SloopyNoob]

My webgem Dalton in Chili arrived yesterday. I LOVE the color, IMO, it looks better than walnut.

 

[BootSpell]



My webgem Dalton in Chili arrived yesterday. I LOVE the color, IMO, it looks better than walnut.

They look great. Color looks rich and deep. Mine arrive next week. Thanks for posting and enjoy them!

 

[charliebrown2]

wow, nice daltons!

 

[PhiPsi32]

Be very careful with the "1/2 down in length & one up in width" formula. There are a few lasts that are exceptionally large or narrow. The #5 last isn't one of them. TTS will be just fine for most people with "average" feet. Of course, anatomical differences (flat feet etc.) may necesitate some size adjustment. Just remember that the actual difference between say a 10.5D and a 10E is very small. However, everyone should wear what is comfortable whatever that size is. I always suggest trying on two or three sizes when possible.

I can't speak specifically for the AE fit guide but typically on the 5 last you'll need to go down a .5 size and up a width. On the Brannock I'm an 8D but my size in the McAllister is 7.5E. You may want to consider 9EE. Others who have used the fit guide should comment however because the SA at the AE store mentioned that the Brannock isn't always the best at measuring width because of things like the height of ones arch (3rd dimension that it can't measure). In conclusion, it seems that most go down .5 size and up a width from their TTS on the 5 last. For instance in the Shelton (1 last) I'm an 8E.