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

[cincikid]

I have a pair and love them!

I grabbed a pair too

 

[PlaceboFX]

That Red/Brown Finch is tempting for under $150 firsts.... hmmmmm.

 

[tampatravel]

That Red/Brown Finch is tempting for under $150 firsts.... hmmmmm.

That is one awesome shoe. GET IT

I have the Brown/Blue/Brown version. Super easy upkeep on that shoe too - some saddle soap and that's about it.

 

[PlaceboFX]

Actually, I think I might pick up the navy Spiaggia. I could certainly use more casual, rubber-soled shoes. My only two are starting to wear out, and they're not resolable (one's an AE Eastport boat shoe, and the other's a leftover sneaker from before I discovered good shoes).

 

[bucksfan]

A few pages ago there was discussion about calf versus cordovan in the winter. I live in New England and am looking for some winter footwear. I work in the city so there are times when I need to navigate sidewalks that may have snow, slush, water and salt. What material generally handles this best - calf or shell?

I'm probably going to need to go the MTO route because I can't find any Bayfield in my size (Lands End only has D widths) and I'm also thinking about putting a different sole on some Daltons. Do I need to do that or will the leather sole be okay if it gets a little wet? I don't want to make them too casual with a thick rubber sole.

I'm also concerned about salt. What do you guys generally do once you get to the office and/or home if you think some salt got on the upper? "Move to a warmer climate" is a perfectly legitimate response.

Thanks!

Chromexcel (like the Bayfields you are eyeing) will be good, as will shell. Generally, I recommend rubber overshoes or boots if its going to be really bad, I generally keep a pair with me. Calf is ok, but you need to keep a nice coat of polish on them to provide protection.

As far as soles, I recommend overshoes or some sort of rubberized sole if you are going to be sloshing around. The leather soles will wear out more quickly if they get wet and won't provide much in the way of traction in snow.

 

[MacktasticGDogg]



Actually, I think I might pick up the navy Spiaggia. I could certainly use more casual, rubber-soled shoes. My only two are starting to wear out, and they're not resolable (one's an AE Eastport boat shoe, and the other's a leftover sneaker from before I discovered good shoes).

I grabbed a pair of the navy Spiaggias from the flash sale. I had planned to get a pair of these in 2nd quality at some point if the price gets to be close to $100 from one of the sales. This flash sale at $118 for firsts made it a no-brainer for me.

 

[mdubs]



Just called the store. Was told once they are gone from the site, they are gone for good. They didn't even bother locating them at the brick and mortar stores. 

That's a shame. Sorry to hear that.

-Mike

 

[cincikid]

I've talked to Allison earlier today concerning an MTO order and but I hope to get an input from the fellow members before I pull the trigger. I envision a pair of MacNeils or Leeds in a cappuccino shell, with chili or light brown welt, light brown trim, double butyl sole and brass eyelets.

This is how I see my Leeds (similar to the pair of Patrick B) but with the metal eyelets, similar to Frans Boone's Aldens.






This would be my version of MacNeils (these are Aldens pictured), albeit with the lighter welt.





Now, I am not sure which one I should get. The problem is that I already have Alden PTB in #8 (haven't worn them yet so, with a little luck, could sell for close to what AE's MTO price is) but I also have rough MacNeil in brown calf with natural welt, so it's 1:1. What you folks would recommend?

 

[BootSpell]

Maiden voyage today...feeling good

Congrats, d/d. The Daltons are one of my favorite boots so I have a few of them except for the choco ones. Lookin' good. Enjoy!

Edit: Wait, are those the burgundy shell? I think they are. My apologies. Still lookin' good (maybe even better now!).

 

[peppercorn78]

Is cappuccino shell lighter or darker than AE's brown cordovan?

 

[cincikid]

Is cappuccino shell lighter or darker than AE's brown cordovan?

Hard to say. Allison told me today it's darker than brown, but she also mentioned that YMMV, as no two shells are alike. I'd also like to get an input from those who have both. In the meantime, I am waiting for swatches from AE.

 

[mdubs]

Some of these are a cross post against the Alden thread, but there were recently questions about how Alden's Ravello compared against the Allen Edmond's Walnut Shell Cordovan. I just got a pair of Alden Ravello LWBs and wanted to share some pictures as Alden's Ravello is "darkening"...

Three-Quarters angle shot, Alden "New" Ravello LWB on the left next to a Allen Edmonds Walnut Shell Strand (from when they were a webgem nearly two years ago) on the right.


Top-down shot, Alden on the left next to a Allen Edmonds on the right.


-Mike

 

[850csi]

Am I the only one who vastly prefers Oxfords to Derbys?

 

[green garden]

I've talked to Allison earlier today concerning an MTO order and but I hope to get an input from the fellow members before I pull the trigger. I envision a pair of MacNeils or Leeds in a cappuccino shell, with chili or light brown welt, light brown trim, double butyl sole and brass eyelets.

This is how I see my Leeds (similar to the pair of Patrick B) but with the metal eyelets, similar to Frans Boone's Aldens.






This would be my version of MacNeils (these are Aldens pictured), albeit with the lighter welt.





Now, I am not sure which one I should get. The problem is that I already have Alden PTB in #8 (haven't worn them yet so, with a little luck, could sell for close to what AE's MTO price is) but I also have rough MacNeil in brown calf with natural welt, so it's 1:1. What you folks would recommend?

If you're going to sell your Alden, then I suggest getting the Leeds. IMHO, a PTB shows off the beauty of shell like no other. If you are keeping your Alden, then do the MacNeil.

 

[njruss]

You have to know the tax laws of your state as well. If AE doesn't have a store (and therefore no sales tax license) in a state, then there is no tax only because they do not have a license to collect it. Likewise, if you live in a state that doesn't charge tax on shoes, you wouldn't pay tax even if they have a store there. I had to educate one of the outlets on PA's exemption on shoes as they initially charged me tax. They did credit my card for the tax when I pointed out the PA law.