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

[GreenFrog]

Will AE accept refunds? I purchased the Norwich (monkstraps) and they unfortunately don't fit very well and are causing blisters on my heels. I went to an AE store and the rep put in some inserts that would minimize rubbing but they don't help that much. He also said that if these inserts don't work, we could 'try a different size,' indicating that they'll at least do exchanges. But I'm starting to doubt that monk straps will fit my feet in general, so I'd rather just get them refunded. Do you think they'll allow that even though my shoes have been worn for a couple hours?

 

[Joenobody0]



Will AE accept refunds? I purchased the Norwich (monkstraps) and they unfortunately don't fit very well and are causing blisters on my heels. I went to an AE store and the rep put in some inserts that would minimize rubbing but they don't help that much. He also said that if these inserts don't work, we could 'try a different size,' indicating that they'll at least do exchanges. But I'm starting to doubt that monk straps will fit my feet in general, so I'd rather just get them refunded. Do you think they'll allow that even though my shoes have been worn for a couple hours?

If you were sized by a salesperson who said "get this size", you could make an argument that they should take them back. If when you bought them they pulled out a few sizes and said "which fits best?", then it's harder to think they should take them back. With that said, AE has good CS so they might help you out even if they don't really have too.

 

[patrick_b]



Will AE accept refunds? I purchased the Norwich (monkstraps) and they unfortunately don't fit very well and are causing blisters on my heels. I went to an AE store and the rep put in some inserts that would minimize rubbing but they don't help that much. He also said that if these inserts don't work, we could 'try a different size,' indicating that they'll at least do exchanges. But I'm starting to doubt that monk straps will fit my feet in general, so I'd rather just get them refunded. Do you think they'll allow that even though my shoes have been worn for a couple hours?

I've always gone with the idea that once shoes are worn outside they are no longer returnable or exchangeable. If the fit is questionable, I wear them indoors, sometimes for an hour or more. On those occasions that I took a chance with an ill-fitting pair and wore them outdoors, I took the loss. In most cases like these, I'd agree that loss should be taken by the consumer, not the shoe manufacturer. And sadly, I have shoes that I really *wanted* to fit well but never did. it's always a pair that's on sale. In retrospect, I ended up saving nothing! That may be why we see so many slightly used shoes here at the B&S forum.

 

[GreenFrog]

Yeah.. maybe they just need to be broken in more.. I'll wear them again tomorrow and hope for the best. If I still get blisters, I'll try to get an exchange if possible. If not, I might just sell the pair here then.

Shucks.

 

[otc]

Is it just like a pressure point on the heel? In that case it will probably break in but the heel tends to be pretty solid leather so it can take a while. Maybe put some conditioner on the inside right before wearing?

The insert could even make it worse if it is a pressure thing since more material just means more pressure.

 

[GreenFrog]

It's not really a pressure thing.. It's just not as tight around the ankle area so when I walk, my heel rubs against the side, causing irritation. I think I just can't wear monk straps because they aren't 'lock' my feet in tight enough. I normally wear a size 11, but took a 10.5 in these. I might try out the 10... but we'll see.

 

[patrick_b]



It's not really a pressure thing.. It's just not as tight around the ankle area so when I walk, my heel rubs against the side, causing irritation. I think I just can't wear monk straps because they aren't 'lock' my feet in tight enough. I normally wear a size 11, but took a 10.5 in these. I might try out the 10... but we'll see.

I have a pair that rubbed the back of my ankle raw. Like you, it was almost as if my heel was moving slightly and the friction point was a bit higher. I installed these little sticky pads on the back-top edge of the shoe. It stopped the irritation for long enough that the leather softened a bit. Eventually, the pad lost its adhesive and came un-stuck. But by that time, it didn't cause blisters in that spot.

 

[GreenFrog]



I have a pair that rubbed the back of my ankle raw. Like you, it was almost as if my heel was moving slightly and the friction point was a bit higher. I installed these little sticky pads on the back-top edge of the shoe. It stopped the irritation for long enough that the leather softened a bit. Eventually, the pad lost its adhesive and came un-stuck. But by that time, it didn't cause blisters in that spot.

Yeah, that's what the rep at AE did for me -- he installed those sticky pads. They really don't help that much at all.. I think it's a problem that I'm avoiding wearing my new shoes because they're so uncomfortable.

 

[reidrothchild]

E's customer service is crazy awesome. They allowed me to exchange a pair of shoes that I'd worn outside for another model. If you don't think monkstraps will work for you, I'm sure they'll exchange the norwich for another model. Patrick_b is probably right about they refund, though.

 

[nurktwin]

Speaking of customer support, anyone have experience with ordering special sizes? A lot of AE shoes only come in D or B widths. I wear a C. Does AE allow special ordering of C widths and if so, what do they charge extra, if any?

 

[Joenobody0]



Speaking of customer support, anyone have experience with ordering special sizes? A lot of AE shoes only come in D or B widths. I wear a C. Does AE allow special ordering of C widths and if so, what do they charge extra, if any?

Last time I asked the available widths depends on your size (length), and the last. The charge quoted to me was $50.

 

[kmdsimpson]



Speaking of customer support, anyone have experience with ordering special sizes? A lot of AE shoes only come in D or B widths. I wear a C. Does AE allow special ordering of C widths and if so, what do they charge extra, if any?

I know this isn't always the best solution, because not all models are included and you can't take advantage of sale prices, but the custom shoe section of their website looks pretty good.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/cati_Custom+Shoes_1_40000000001_-1_1_image_0_Y_128657_

You could at the least see which widths are available for the models they show. And you can also order different widths/lengths for each foot.

Seems like you can create some crazy styles with all the different leather and color options, too.

 

[GHo]



hey GHo here's a few photos of my Strand in Burnished Brown:




Sorry for the poor lighting in some of the pictures :[

these are outstanding. I ordered the Brown Kenilworths for now. But this will be my next shoe.

 

[senoreme]

First I would like to thank you for the information. I also have had quality control issues with AE shoes that I purchased from their website. After reading so many comments regarding the high quality craftsmanship associated with Allen Edmonds Shoes, I expected more. I own several pair but do not believe that I will be purchasing more any time in the near future.

 

[GreenFrog]

The SA at my store was kind enough to exchange my Norwichs for a size 10 (from a size 10.5) and they do fit better in terms of snugness and heel rubbing. But now I've run into another issue: my left, outer ankle rubs against the leather edge severely and I'm convinced that the leather strip for the heel is cut improperly (i.e. too tall) because I don't have this issue with my right ankle. And I'm pretty damn sure that my left ankle is symmetrical to my right one.

Note how the leather is creasing against my ankle due to the pressure. It hurts when I walk, quite a bit.

I'd feel bad going in, asking for another exchange, but I exchanged these during work and thus had to walk around with them in public.