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

[Costa]

Just a PSA: Nordstroms is having a sale, and I found these AE Players wingtip Oxfords 33% off while perusing around.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/allen-e...=category&fashionColor=Walnut&resultback=7545

 

[PhiPsi32]

I think they ordered my trees from the factory as well as the shoes, but they came from two different places.

Shoe trees probably came from the Woodlore plant.

 

[Winston S.]



Spoiler

Hey all,
I need some help deciding on 2 new pair of shoes.
Here's what I own:

^^^ click to enlarge ^^^
I've sorted them from most formal to least formal. I'm looking for 2 main solutions:
(1) I want a new brown pair of shoes to wear to work. I currently rotate in the J&M Aldrich's, but they don't fit me well, and they are also a burgundy color that feels too formal. I like the quarter brogue style (similar to the fifth avenue). The weird thing is, if I replace with with a fifth avenue in brown, then I end up having a very similar shoe to my strand. What would be a good light to medium brown colored shoe that would be a good workhorse shoe? ( business casual work environment - buttondown and slacks, no tie or suits ). The strand and mcallisters I own feel too flashy for my work environment. I'm thinking some kind of moc/apron toe here? Or another quarter brogue in a light to medium brown?
(2) For casual wear / dates, I have 2 nice options for dressier occasions (the strand and mcallister), but only the desert boots for more casual situations ( button down and jeans, etc ).

What would be a good option for something dressier than the desert boot but more casual than the mcallister/strand? Maybe some type of boot?
I'm finding it annoying that I spent the most amount of money on the two shoes that I wear the least.

It's too bad AE doesn't have an austerity wingtip like the C&J Drummond.

AE Delray, Kenliworth, Leeds?

Shoe trees probably came from the Woodlore plant.

They probably did. I don't see the version I ordered on the AE website. They are like the Woodlore Epic.

 

[reydogg23]

I dont think you should be so against wearing the Strands and McAllisters to work.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Is the Elgin really this light in color, or is that just an artifact of the flash? They're on sale right now for $219, which is pretty attractive.

I don't have an answer for you unfortunately, but I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for bringing that sale to my attention. I've been seriously considering getting the Elgin for a while now, and at that price I might just have to pull the trigger.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Hey all,
I need some help deciding on 2 new pair of shoes.
Here's what I own:

^^^ click to enlarge ^^^
I've sorted them from most formal to least formal. I'm looking for 2 main solutions:
(1) I want a new brown pair of shoes to wear to work. I currently rotate in the J&M Aldrich's, but they don't fit me well, and they are also a burgundy color that feels too formal. I like the quarter brogue style (similar to the fifth avenue). The weird thing is, if I replace with with a fifth avenue in brown, then I end up having a very similar shoe to my strand. What would be a good light to medium brown colored shoe that would be a good workhorse shoe? ( business casual work environment - buttondown and slacks, no tie or suits ). The strand and mcallisters I own feel too flashy for my work environment. I'm thinking some kind of moc/apron toe here? Or another quarter brogue in a light to medium brown?
(2) For casual wear / dates, I have 2 nice options for dressier occasions (the strand and mcallister), but only the desert boots for more casual situations ( button down and jeans, etc ). What would be a good option for something dressier than the desert boot but more casual than the mcallister/strand? Maybe some type of boot?
I'm finding it annoying that I spent the most amount of money on the two shoes that I wear the least.

1. I second the Delray suggestion, or even the Lasalle. I have the Delrays in chili and the Lasalle in brown, and wear both in the same capacity you mention (workhorse shoe for less formal work environment). Kenilworth is probably good if you like a plain toe shoe (not a huge fan personally).

2. Have you considered the McTavish or Elgin? Both are more "casual/rugged" versions of the Mcallister and Strand, respectively.

 

[PhiPsi32]

Hey all,
I need some help deciding on 2 new pair of shoes.


I've sorted them from most formal to least formal. I'm looking for 2 main solutions:
(1) I want a new brown pair of shoes to wear to work. I currently rotate in the J&M Aldrich's, but they don't fit me well, and they are also a burgundy color that feels too formal. I like the quarter brogue style (similar to the fifth avenue). The weird thing is, if I replace with with a fifth avenue in brown, then I end up having a very similar shoe to my strand. What would be a good light to medium brown colored shoe that would be a good workhorse shoe? ( business casual work environment - buttondown and slacks, no tie or suits ). The strand and mcallisters I own feel too flashy for my work environment. I'm thinking some kind of moc/apron toe here? Or another quarter brogue in a light to medium brown.
(2) For casual wear / dates, I have 2 nice options for dressier occasions (the strand and mcallister), but only the desert boots for more casual situations ( button down and jeans, etc ). What would be a good option for something dressier than the desert boot but more casual than the mcallister/strand? Maybe some type of boot?
I'm finding it annoying that I spent the most amount of money on the two shoes that I wear the least.

1) Don't forget the tassel loafer. The Jermyn and Naples are available in brown. Not everyone is comfortable with the tassel loafer; I get that. But it is the quintessential American business casual shoe.

2) You will find that the waxy leather Neumok is a great way to add a splash of color and dress down the more formal look of the McAllister wingtip. The suede Neumoks are also a good choice. Though also suede, the longer, sleeker lines of the #5 last gives it a dressier look without going overboard. The Ashbury pull on boot is also a favorite of mine and goes well with denim.

 

[in stitches]

i enjoy AE cedar shoe trees. just sayin.

 

[anonymouz]



Hey all,
I need some help deciding on 2 new pair of shoes.
Here's what I own:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

^^^ click to enlarge ^^^
I've sorted them from most formal to least formal. I'm looking for 2 main solutions:
(1) I want a new brown pair of shoes to wear to work. I currently rotate in the J&M Aldrich's, but they don't fit me well, and they are also a burgundy color that feels too formal. I like the quarter brogue style (similar to the fifth avenue). The weird thing is, if I replace with with a fifth avenue in brown, then I end up having a very similar shoe to my strand. What would be a good light to medium brown colored shoe that would be a good workhorse shoe? ( business casual work environment - buttondown and slacks, no tie or suits ). The strand and mcallisters I own feel too flashy for my work environment. I'm thinking some kind of moc/apron toe here? Or another quarter brogue in a light to medium brown?
(2) For casual wear / dates, I have 2 nice options for dressier occasions (the strand and mcallister), but only the desert boots for more casual situations ( button down and jeans, etc ). What would be a good option for something dressier than the desert boot but more casual than the mcallister/strand? Maybe some type of boot?
I'm finding it annoying that I spent the most amount of money on the two shoes that I wear the least.

Longwing blucher (MacNeil, etc), plain toe blucher (Kenilworth, Leeds, etc), loafers (Randolph, Grayson, etc), suede chukka (Amok, etc) all work for 1 & 2 IMO

 

[Cold Iron]

I've been going back and forth on what boots to get......the wife and I are going to Europe over late December/early January and I want a boot that could take some rain/sleet during the day yet still be able to wear them to dinner that night with a nice sweater or sport coat. I was thinking possibly the chocolate calf Dalton with the rubber sole. Any thoughts or recommendations? Thanks!

A pseudo bump......any recommendations from anyone?

I have the shell Dalton with leather soles, not sure you can get the calf with rubber soles as it is not under custom shoes. AE calf is not waterproof and it would take a lot of wax to make it so. As far as rubber soled AE boots I have the Bayfield in brown and black. The brown CXL leather I waterproofed with Obenhauf's HDLP and it works well. The black ones I spit shined with wax and they are water resistant. Both are great boots. The Yuma is bison leather and not dressy enough IMO. The Yuma was a big disappointment to me in general and the only AE shoe\boot that I feel that way about. The Katmai surprised me, it would work for your needs if waterproofed with suede protector. I am wearing them more and more this summer. But my first choice would be the Cascade in brown treated with HDLP. I purchased them to wear to and from work in the winter then change into dress shoes. First time I wore them my secretary said how stylish they were and she has never said anything about all the shoes I own. I have worn them with a jacket and tie since then and now don't give them a second thought. They would not work with a suit however. But are very comfortable, as they broke in they creased correctly despite me thinking they were too long at first. They have nice wheeling on the welt too. Worth checking out and they don't scream American. Although that never bothered me much overseas except in high risk terrorist attack locations.

 

[New Shoes1]

It's too bad AE doesn't have an austerity wingtip like the C&J Drummond.
AE Delray, Kenliworth, Leeds?
They probably did. I don't see the version I ordered on the AE website. They are like the Woodlore Epic.

+1 on the Delray and Kenilworth suggestions. Both are very good choices for a versatile shoe that runs from casual to slacks and a sport coat.

 

[wigglr]

I have the shell Dalton with leather soles, not sure you can get the calf with rubber soles as it is not under custom shoes. AE calf is not waterproof and it would take a lot of wax to make it so. As far as rubber soled AE boots I have the Bayfield in brown and black. The brown CXL leather I waterproofed with Obenhauf's HDLP and it works well. The black ones I spit shined with wax and they are water resistant. Both are great boots. The Yuma is bison leather and not dressy enough IMO. The Yuma was a big disappointment to me in general and the only AE shoe\boot that I feel that way about. The Katmai surprised me, it would work for your needs if waterproofed with suede protector. I am wearing them more and more this summer. But my first choice would be the Cascade in brown treated with HDLP. I purchased them to wear to and from work in the winter then change into dress shoes. First time I wore them my secretary said how stylish they were and she has never said anything about all the shoes I own. I have worn them with a jacket and tie since then and now don't give them a second thought. They would not work with a suit however. But are very comfortable, as they broke in they creased correctly despite me thinking they were too long at first. They have nice wheeling on the welt too. Worth checking out and they don't scream American. Although that never bothered me much overseas except in high risk terrorist attack locations.

What about using Obenauf's HDLP on Strands or the like?

 

[Cold Iron]

What about using Obenauf's HDLP on Strands or the like?

I'd highly recommend against it. For one it turns everything a reddish brown. Like Montana Pitch Blend it is made for rougher leather. But works well on my AE waxy leather Black Hills and brown CXL Bayfields. I use it on my hiking and hunting boots, that is what it is made for. My Grand Slam Sheep Hunters are not gore tex lined yet have never leaked with HDLP treatment even wearing them through muskegs and bogs. And moose and wolf chit. Dress shoe leather however I would not attempt it. I pretty much live to bird hunt and spend all my vacation time ruff grouse hunting between the North Shore of Lake Superior and Boundary Water Canoe Area and phez hunting in SD in the fall with the dog. And mulie and elk hunting in Co. depending on the year, it takes a few preference points to get a chance at a Royal Bull. Good footwear and staying dry can make the difference between life and death in those areas.

Here is a great article on treating leather from Russell Moccasin and HDLP. I use a heat gun to melt it in but do so at your own risk. Back in the 70's we used to put boots in the oven with mink oil. Same principal.
http://russellmoccasin.com/leather_care.html

 

[kmdsimpson]



Hey all,
I need some help deciding on 2 new pair of shoes.
Here's what I own:

^^^ click to enlarge ^^^
I've sorted them from most formal to least formal. I'm looking for 2 main solutions:
(1) I want a new brown pair of shoes to wear to work. I currently rotate in the J&M Aldrich's, but they don't fit me well, and they are also a burgundy color that feels too formal. I like the quarter brogue style (similar to the fifth avenue). The weird thing is, if I replace with with a fifth avenue in brown, then I end up having a very similar shoe to my strand. What would be a good light to medium brown colored shoe that would be a good workhorse shoe? ( business casual work environment - buttondown and slacks, no tie or suits ). The strand and mcallisters I own feel too flashy for my work environment. I'm thinking some kind of moc/apron toe here? Or another quarter brogue in a light to medium brown?
(2) For casual wear / dates, I have 2 nice options for dressier occasions (the strand and mcallister), but only the desert boots for more casual situations ( button down and jeans, etc ). What would be a good option for something dressier than the desert boot but more casual than the mcallister/strand? Maybe some type of boot?
I'm finding it annoying that I spent the most amount of money on the two shoes that I wear the least.

I noticed you don't have any bluchers, which might fit in nicely as less-than-formal-but-still-work-and-date-appropriate. Here are my suggested favorites:

- Clifton in brown (I think only Nordstrom carries these now): http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR?keyword=allen+edmonds&searchorigin=keywordsearch (scroll down - site wonky today)
- Leeds in black shell (if you want to spend this much): http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF9501_1_40000000001_-1
- MacNeil or Bradley in burgundy shell: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF9097_1_40000000001_-1 http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF2291_1_40000000001_-1

The shell ones might be more than you want to spend. But you can get the idea of the styles available from these examples.

 

[Cold Iron]

I noticed you don't have any bluchers, which might fit in nicely as less-than-formal-but-still-work-and-date-appropriate. Here are my suggested favorites:
- Clifton in brown (I think only Nordstrom carries these now): http://shop.nordstrom.com/SR?keyword=allen+edmonds&searchorigin=keywordsearch (scroll down - site wonky today)
- Leeds in black shell (if you want to spend this much): http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF9501_1_40000000001_-1
- MacNeil or Bradley in burgundy shell: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF9097_1_40000000001_-1 http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF2291_1_40000000001_-1
The shell ones might be more than you want to spend. But you can get the idea of the styles available from these examples.

Outstanding and pretty much my sentiment exactly although the Clifton did not work for me on that last and my foot. I have the Leeds in burgundy shell and can't stress enough that I never feel under dressed in them or overdressed. I purchased the black calf Leeds and wish they were black shell instead, and will likely order them. My vote would be for the burgundy Leeds in shell. It is not as "burgundy" as the calf Merlot but a mix of brownish red instead. I am still waiting for a pair of shell Bradley in burgundy that don't bow at the topline to be delivered. But I feel that the burgundy shell Leeds are the most universal of all the AE shoes that I own and always look good no matter what you are wearing. They can be worn with your best suit or jeans. And gain character with age and as the rolls develop in them. If you can spend the extra money for burgundy shell Leeds I highly recommend them, and doubt that you will regret it.