Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - Page 900

I work for the Allen Edmonds outlet in Charleston, SC and just wanted to reassure you that the horsehair brush you purchased is the same quality as the brushes sold online. A slight amount of shedding is expected. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I work for the Allen Edmonds outlet in Charleston, SC and just wanted to reassure you that the horsehair brushes sold at our outlets are the same quality as those sold online. A slight amount of shedding is expected. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I'm a miss, actually.   You're quite welcome.

I'm a miss, actually.  You're quite welcome.

How do the Brooks Brothers AEs differ from the regular Allen Edmonds? I remember this being discussed in this thread but did not fully understand the answer. I know they have the dovetail heel and the combination sole, but is that it? Also, do people generally like the combination sole compared to a full leather one? Also, is the inside of the shoe more padded for comfort?

I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of BB Walnut Strand seconds and wanted your guys' input. Thanks in advance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011Six 

How do the Brooks Brothers AEs differ from the regular Allen Edmonds? I remember this being discussed in this thread but did not fully understand the answer. I know they have the dovetail heel and the combination sole, but is that it? Also, do people generally like the combination sole compared to a full leather one? Also, is the inside of the shoe more padded for comfort?

 

I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of BB Walnut Strand seconds and wanted your guys' input. Thanks in advance.

Here is my post (below in bold) from several weeks ago talking about the differences between the Brooks Brothers vs. regular AE's. The poron insole is the difference in addition to the combination sole you already talked about. Let me know if you still have questions concerning the insole difference. I'll let others address their preferences on the combination sole. I like the look of the traditional leather, but recognize the value of the combination sole. I'm not opposed to it, and nearly bought a shoe with it a couple of weeks ago. The general opinion seems to be positive on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyWellSpent

 

The BB Strands are definitely on the same last, so no worries there. As for the Poron insole, there are implications. In the end it likely comes down to personal preference. The Poron is a high-density foam that was actually developed by NASA. The shoe still has the cork filling just like the natural leather insoled versions do. They will still form to your foot, etc. They still have AE's exemplary customer service and recrafting standing behind them.

 

I think the implications of using Poron rather than the natural leather insole come down to potential implications in the long term durability of the shoe. Don't take this as gospel, because it is hard to find anything online that is definitive. That said, in goodyear-welting, the canvas rib (gemming) is bonded to the underside of a natural leather insole, to which the welt and upper are stitched. The natural leather insole and the cork underneath form to your foot. Leather is a very durable and resilient material, and if your shoes get wet during a downpour one day, they will dry, and if properly cared for they should be good to go a few days later. With the Poron insoles, they are not using the natural leather insole. The canvas gemming is bonded to the bottom of a fiberboard insole, and the Poron insole is glued on top. Therefore, the foundation of the shoe is fiberboard rather than a nice thick piece of natural leather. This may never matter, but bear in mind that fiberboard is a composite of paper and fiberglass that is formed into a thin, stiff, but flexible board. Paper isn't exactly made to get wet, so the consequences of the shoes getting wet could be worse than the consequences of a shoe with a natural leather insole getting wet. Take that for what it is worth, and don't read too much into it. I'm not saying that an AE with a natural leather insole will last you X amount of time and an AE with a Poron insole with last you X amount of time. I just think that if you like to buy shoes with as few "weak links" as possible then the natural leather insole is better.

Thank you for the very indepth breakdown. I am with you in the fact that I like the appearance of leather soles better but I'm a big fan of the dovetail heel and I wear through my soles so quickly that maybe the rubber top would be a good move. Thanks again.

^^^The editing came through wierd on my post above, so I just edited it.  I bolded my old post referring to your original question.

I'm a miss, actually.  You're quite welcome.