Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - Page 1028

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbtaylor 

Lasalle in chili

 

These look really nice. Thanks for sharing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmdsimpson 
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Since there seemed to be interest in and tolerance for non-AE boots here, I thought I'd share my most recent purchase and provide some information on a comparable alternative to AE boots.

As I posted earlier, I've been shopping for a winter boot. I was considering the Long Branch, but I ended up going with a pair of Cheaney from England. Just got them today:



I decided my requirements were:

- For use in "urban" snow, slush and rain. i.e.: not looking for a serious hiking boot here
- Commando sole (tired of Dainite and wanted to try something different for snow)
- Goodyear welted
- Easy to get on and off
- Roomy last. This is really important to me, because I want to wear midweight wool socks with them, not dress socks

I'd actually starting thinking about this based on a Tricker's MTO boot that showed up in the Tricker's thread. I ended up browsing the Shoehealer website (Shoehealer is a Tricker's a supplier and is often mentioned on the Tricker's board), as well as a few other English shoe sellers. I ended up purchasing from Shoehealer.

First, on the boots. I was not thinking of getting a boot this tall, but after seeing and talking to Richard at Shoehealer, it seemed like an OK proposition. The speed hooks at the top really make the boot easy to get on and off. The leather is very nice, but thin. There is something about the leather used in British shoes that is different from US shoes, and I've found this to be fairly consistent. The leather is much softer and smoother, particularly the lining. However, while I think it is fine for what I will use these for, I don't think these would have enough support and heft for serious hiking, hunting, sports, etc.

They have a nice, wide toebox, so that in my "normal" size, they are big enough to wear with boot socks. I'm very pleased with the fit. Construction is Goodyear welted, with Veldshoen-type construction forward of the heels. Also very well finished.

I've not taken these out for a spin yet, but looking forward to the next snow!

BTW, these came in just under $400, including shipping. So these are very comparable in price to the AE Dalton, and a little more than the Long Branch. I think the Long Branch, in particular, uses slightly heavier and stiffer leather than these.

 

Here are a couple more pics, including the goodies that came with the boots. I cannot say enough about Richard at Shoehealer should anyone be interested in English boots or shoes.
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

 

Agreed. A great experience for my purchase as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentyman 

 

I love the 5 last. Even though AE describes it as the "longest in length", I think it has a nice not-too-long, not-too-stubby look. Strangely, I tried on a McClain at the Nordstrom Rack yesterday, and even though it's on the 8 last, it felt much longer and pointier. The 0 and the 3 lasts just don't do it for me.

I would say that the 8 fits .5 size smaller than the 5 last, but the shape is definitely pointier. The 3 last, by far is the longest last... no experience with the 0 though

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitshine123 

The 3 last, by far is the longest last... no experience with the 0 though

I have the parkway (3 last) and the strand (5 last), both in size 10D and the parkway is definitely longer.  Not a huge difference, but maybe a quarter inch or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8ter 

 

I have the parkway (3 last) and the strand (5 last), both in size 10D and the parkway is definitely longer.  Not a huge difference, but maybe a quarter inch or so.

I agree- I also own the strand and parkways in the same size. The parkways also offer more instep space and more width, so overall it feels much bigger. The difference (for me, at least) is pretty substantial- the Parkway is comfortable for me while my strands are near unwearable

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitshine123 

I agree- I also own the strand and parkways in the same size. The parkways also offer more instep space and more width, so overall it feels much bigger. The difference (for me, at least) is pretty substantial- the Parkway is comfortable for me while my strands are near unwearable

Also agree with your comments that the Parkway feels roomier width wise in the toe box and are more comfortable.  My Strands are not unwearable, but the right shoe was rubbing my little toe raw on my first wear.  On my 4th wear today and they are loosening up and aren't hurting anything, but my toes do feel constrained.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitshine123 

I agree- I also own the strand and parkways in the same size. The parkways also offer more instep space and more width, so overall it feels much bigger. The difference (for me, at least) is pretty substantial- the Parkway is comfortable for me while my strands are near unwearable

What do you mean by this? The sizing is bad in the #5 finish in your opinion?

Quote:

Originally Posted by donjuan17 

What do you mean by this? The sizing is bad in the #5 finish in your opinion?

Every foot is different. For me, I am a 8.5E or 9D. I was not aware of this a few years ago when an AE associate measured me at 8.5D when purchasing my strands. 8.5D in the 3 last parkways is comfortable for me because it is slightly wider at the ball of the foot, is longer and has more instep space. In the 5 last 8.5D, the length is perfect but it is way too narrow for me. I would say for me, 8.5D in the parkways fits similar to a 8.5E in the 5 last.

Again, every foot is different and you should try what works for you

Quote:

Originally Posted by spitshine123 

Every foot is different. For me, I am a 8.5E or 9D. I was not aware of this a few years ago when an AE associate measured me at 8.5D when purchasing my strands. 8.5D in the 3 last parkways is comfortable for me because it is slightly wider at the ball of the foot, is longer and has more instep space. In the 5 last 8.5D, the length is perfect but it is way too narrow for me. I would say for me, 8.5D in the parkways fits similar to a 8.5E in the 5 last.

 

Again, every foot is different and you should try what works for you

It's just that I'm a 8.5D like yourself but in the strand #5 last. It fits like a glove.
However I am not very experienced with different lasts. (I need to start paying more attention)
I just wanted to know how much sizing changes with different lasts for future reference.

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Originally Posted by MarioImpemba 

 

These look really nice. Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks

Today, Navy Suede Players

Oh so nice 

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Originally Posted by cbtaylor 

Today, Navy Suede Players

Those are definitely some sweet kicks, sir.

I can't wait for some of my most recent AE orders to show up, but, in the meantime, at least I can enjoy my bourbon Strands.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSizzle 

 

Those are definitely some sweet kicks, sir.

 

I can't wait for some of my most recent AE orders to show up, but, in the meantime, at least I can enjoy my bourbon Strands.

 

 

 

I really like the shoes. Did you pick these up in the seconds sale?
Mine should get here by Friday.

That being said, do you think the boot cut jeans was the best option here?

Quote:

Originally Posted by donjuan17 

Oooh nice. How did you score the Leno tickets? (Only part that really interested me)
Just caught a Craig Ferguson show. The man is a genius.

Haha most people are asking me how I got Grammy tickets.  Honestly, the person we are going with (my brother and the realtor he uses) has a ton of hookups out there, so Grammy tickets are given to him every year, and I guess he has the same pull with the Leno tickets, however I think those are relatively easy to come by.  Looking forward to it, however I hope this snow holds off on Friday morning.  New England is not looking very promising right now...

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Originally Posted by Beach Bum 

Honest inquiry. Do people who swear by AEs and own several believe they are superior in looks and quality to other competing makers, particularly Euro makers?

Or is it the value, or Patriotism, or what? I have a nice Independence Rush loafer, the second AE I've owned.

And must say I much prefer Italian makers to these, and British shoes that I've tried. No comparison in my mind on looks.

Quality moreso than "Patriotism" but it does feel nice knowing that these shoes are made in the USA and done pretty damn well.  The way I see it.  $330 on a pair of shoes that will last much much longer than a shoe that costs $100.  The leather alone, plus the ability to recraft, will give you 5-10 years out of a shoe.  With that being said, it will cost you roughly $500 (figure 1-2 recrafts plus the shoes themselves) over the course of up to 10 years, costing you about $50/year for the shoes potentially.  The $100 I spend on (embarrassingly, however I was young) Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, KC Reaction, Aldo, etc... don't even last a year, or mabye a year.   Even if it comes out to the same cost per year, you are getting much higher quality leather, a timeless design that isn't gaudy like Cole Haans current lineup, and a 360 goodyear welted shoe.  On top of that, the customer service is the cherry on top.  AE treats you like you are buying $1000 shoes, and thats why I have no reason besides sheer curiousity to move up to Alden, Lobb, G&G, etc...

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Originally Posted by khe86 

People buy AE because they are the best shoes you can get at this price point, especially with AE seconds going for $130-200. The comparison shouldn't be between AE and John Lobb/EG/CJ, which one would you buy. It should be between AE and Bostonian/Cole Haan/Florsheim/etc. which one would you buy.

Even at that rate, I still think AE is much better than your "well" made $150 shoes.  Especially Cole Haan... once they started up with Nike, their shoes are blah.  The italian made ones are really nice, but for the same price point, I think I would still stick with AE. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by donjuan17 

I really like the shoes. Did you pick these up in the seconds sale?
Mine should get here by Friday.

That being said, do you think the boot cut jeans was the best option here?

Thanks. They're pretty sweet, I must say.

I actually picked them up full price as a birthday present to myself last month.

Most of the AEs I've ever bought are firsts, mainly because I never really knew about seconds, and there isn't as much in my size as other, more common, ones (I wear a 7D).

As far as the jeans, they aren't bootcut. They're just straight Levi 514s, but I'm not very big (see shoe size above).