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

[BackInTheJox]

I'm confused about all the different kinds of "seconds" (and on down the line) sole marks on Allen Edmonds. What do these two little round marks mean? I've heard of the soles being drilled through if the shoe is too bad even to sell as a second, is that what I'm looking at?

Good question . . . I've seen these marks on shoes on ebay all the time (and even own two pairs). The two I bought from ebay (Delrays and McAllisters) are in otherwise very good shape. They were "used" so any imperfections I may have just chalked up to normal wear and tear (although both were seemingly very lightly used at the time I purchased them). I do notice that on the Delrays, the right medial forefoot leather where it meets the leather of the outsole is a bit off (as you follow the contour where the upper leather meets the outsole stitching, rather than being 100% smooth contour, there's one small area where it looks like it was stitched slightly off line and the leather "bows" out just every so slightly). Hard to describe, and nothing that really detracts from the aesthetics of the shoe, but perhaps why it was marked as a second (or third or whatever).

 

[New Shoes1]

Regardless of the reason for the holes, I would never buy a pair of shoes (seconds or otherwise) that have holes drilled in the sole. In my experience, seconds frequently have a little stamp on the sole. I also once received a pair with a tiny hole punched in the upper, but I was not sure whether that was to mark them as seconds or the reason they were seconds.

 

[Patrologia]



Regardless of the reason for the holes, I would never buy a pair of shoes (seconds or otherwise) that have holes drilled in the sole.  In my experience, seconds frequently have a little stamp on the sole.  I also once received a pair with a tiny hole punched in the upper, but I was not sure whether that was to mark them as seconds or the reason they were seconds.

I have had a pair with the W branded on them (whatever exactly that means) and had no problems with them. I tend to agree, if the holes are truly holes, I'm leaning against getting them.

BackInTheJox, how deep do they go? Is it a surface thing, or are we in danger of getting into the mid?

 

[DaveB]

Looking to buy a couple pairs of Allen Edmonds before I start work from the outlets. After e-mailing the different outlets I think I'm going to buy a pair of dark brown park avenues. Prices are 199/259/299 for Brooks Brothers/Calf/Cordovan respectively. Are the Brooks Brothers a lot worse quality than the regular Allen Edmonds? Is the cordovan worth the extra 40/100 bucks?

Any suggestion for the second pair of shoes? I was thinking about walnut strands but I think the strands have a little to much going on for me, prefer shoes without the medallion at the front.

Thanks!

 

[otc]



I have had a pair with the W branded on them (whatever exactly that means) and had no problems with them. I tend to agree, if the holes are truly holes, I'm leaning against getting them.
BackInTheJox, how deep do they go? Is it a surface thing, or are we in danger of getting into the mid?

Those aren't holes..they are just some sort of mark that doesn't go very deep (and is on a part of the sole that never touches the ground)

I have seen them on pairs being sold at Nordstrom Rack...I assume they mean something different than the W but I don't know for sure.

 

[Patrologia]



Looking to buy a couple pairs of Allen Edmonds before I start work from the outlets. After e-mailing the different outlets I think I'm going to buy a pair of dark brown park avenues. Prices are 199/259/299 for Brooks Brothers/Calf/Cordovan respectively. Are the Brooks Brothers a lot worse quality than the regular Allen Edmonds? Is the cordovan worth the extra 40/100 bucks?
Any suggestion for the second pair of shoes? I was thinking about walnut strands but I think the strands have a little to much going on for me, prefer shoes without the medallion at the front.
Thanks!

Just my opinion, but I think shell is a bit clunky of a material for the PA, which is trying to look sleek. You can probably get away with it in brown or burg better than in black (do they do brown shell PA?). I say this as a shell lover. I just don't think the PA is the best place to display horse hide.

I know nothing about the Brooks question though.

 

[BackInTheJox]

I have had a pair with the W branded on them (whatever exactly that means) and had no problems with them. I tend to agree, if the holes are truly holes, I'm leaning against getting them.
BackInTheJox, how deep do they go? Is it a surface thing, or are we in danger of getting into the mid?

The holes in mine are very superficial.

 

[random-adam]



Is the cordovan worth the extra 40/100 bucks?

Had I began my collection with shell, anything in the future in calf would probably have been found wanting. I strongly suggest viewing shell shoes in person if possible before making your decision.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Just my opinion, but I think shell is a bit clunky of a material for the PA, which is trying to look sleek. You can probably get away with it in brown or burg better than in black (do they do brown shell PA?). I say this as a shell lover. I just don't think the PA is the best place to display horse hide.
I know nothing about the Brooks question though.

From what I understand, the BB ones are nearly identical (same quality leather, etc) but have an extra padded insole of some sort, and a topy on the forefoot for better durability.

Also, had a quick question. I tend to be sort of "between" a 9EEE and a 9.5E on the 5 last. I think the 9EEE tends to fit a little bit better, if I had to choose. I'm planning on getting a pair of Walnut strands; however, I understand they are sort of meant to be a "sleek" streamlined shoe. I'm a little hesitant to go for the extra wide EEE width, which I feel might detract from the shoe's overall aesthetics (vs. a slightly longer but less wide shoe). Is this a stupid thing to worry about? Does anyone have any good input, or better yet some pictures of Strands in EEE width?

 

[elbastardocalvo]

I had the same debate last year, but my decision was made for me when Amazon had a Black Friday sale where Malverns were $190. I don't regret the decision for a second as I wear my brown leather Malverns with everything from jeans through chinos and even with wool slacks. Very versatile.

Starting to feel like this is the way to go, especially since my recrafting gift card will expire soon. So, I'm looking at the Dalton, Bayfield, _and_ the Malvern in my closet. I think I will need to find some Fifth Streets on sale to round out the AE boot collection.

 

[kmdsimpson]



Had I began my collection with shell, anything in the future in calf would probably have been found wanting. I strongly suggest viewing shell shoes in person if possible before making your decision.

I agree, with the exception that I think you need at least one pair of calf (maybe two, one in black and on in a shade of brown or burgundy) for dress shoes. The shell does not shine as you'd like for formal occasions with a suit.

 

[random-adam]



I agree, with the exception that I think you need at least one pair of calf (maybe two, one in black and on in a shade of brown or burgundy) for dress shoes. The shell does not shine as you'd like for formal occasions with a suit.

I have been giving that some thought. My pair of black calf PAs doesn't shine up as well as I'd like for use with a tuxedo, which is probably the fault of my technique as much as anything else. I can't help but think, however, that a silk-laced pair of black shell wholecuts might make for some pretty dang stunning formal shoes (inspired by how liquid the material appears in this here post).

 

[MarioImpemba]

Where does one buy $300 shell AE's? Please direct me, can not pass that up, lol.

 

[DaveB]

Thanks for the input! E-mailing back and forth with an associate I think I'll just get the Brooks Brothers Park Avenue in Dark Brown for 199. I'm not able to see the shell in person and if the Brooks Brothers are very similar to the regular shoes I'd rather just save the money. Undecided on the second pair, the sales person suggested Clifton in Walnut as an option for 199.

 

[brokencycle]



I'll have to take a look, but I am pretty against fashion watches in general. I did notice quite a lot of non shoe items in their 6th ave store, but not enough to be distracting. There were actually a couple ties that I was really interested in. Anyone know who makes their ties??
-J
edit: looked at the watches - it isn't as bad as i thought. they're not "Allen Edmonds" branded watches. Perhaps they own Luminox? Maybe they have some kind of deal making their leather straps? Crap - now i'm thinking about looking for Allen Edmonds watch straps for some of my classier pieces!!

A shoemaker company must do only shoes.
watches are an other world.
For which reason a man could decide to buy that watch?

I mean I understand why they might do it, but I am surprised they wouldn't move into other leather goods before clothing and watches. Why not briefcases or other bags?

I agree, at least they aren't AE branded.