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

[bucksfan]

Anyone know if there is any difference between the Boardroom Shoe by AE for Jos. Bank and the Park Ave?

I could be wrong, but I believe I've heard that the Boardroom are on a different last, though I can't recall which one. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

Boardroom = 7 last, Park Ave = 5 last.

 

[Dugan]

I guess I should have searched this thread.

 

[Dugan]

I should have searched this thread! Looks like it's made on the 7 last.

 

[Dugan]

Boardroom = 7 last, Park Ave = 5 last.

I've not tried anything on the 7 last but I will definitely be looking into it! It might suit my EEE duck feet better.

 

[adsmith4]

Whoever Mark from New Jersey is just got a steal. I called my friend Mr. Earl at my AE to buy them myself and put them on Ebay and he said I was about 30 seconds too late. Congratulations sir, message me for my address for sending those Amoks as thanks haha.

 

[Dugan]

Whoever Mark from New Jersey is just got a steal. I called my friend Mr. Earl at my AE to buy them myself and put them on Ebay and he said I was about 30 seconds too late. Congratulations sir, message me for my address for sending those Amoks as thanks haha.

That'll teach ya!

 

[Fashion Fan]

Sorry for the newbie question, I'm not to knowledgeable on high end shoes, but what makes Allen Edmonds shoes so special and high quality when compared to others like Gucci, Prada etc.

 

[cbtaylor]

Sorry for the newbie question, I'm not to knowledgeable on high end shoes, but what makes Allen Edmonds shoes so special and high quality when compared to others like Gucci, Prada etc.

One major difference is, a lot of those designer shoes are not goodyear welted. AE for the most part are, which allows mulitple easy recrafting of the soles. And the styles of AE are often timeless, as opposed to many fashion forward designs from high end designers. And they are made in the US, which is a plus for me. I cannot speak on quality of the materials between those brands though, I am sure they use good leather and such.

 

[mexicutioner]

finally decided to wear my krause boots that i got via the crazy deal a few months back. I initially planned to return them since the color is quite a bit mismatched (left side is darker and has more of a black-ish tinge than the right) but eventually i figured they would start to converge over time as they darken/lighten due to wear. plus, THEY ARE WORKBOOTS WHO CARES.

 

[Deladonis]

Got my hands on some Manhattans in size 14D. GOD sent!

 

[spitshine123]

Got my hands on some Manhattans in size 14D. GOD sent!

Really cool shoes- catch them on the 'bay? I really hope AE considers bringing back some wholecuts... I have a pair of fairfaxes in my closet waiting for their maiden voyage

 

[Deladonis]

And there new never worn. Fresh for 2013! 14D's are like a rare fine wine. They cross your path seldom.

 

[Deladonis]



Really cool shoes- catch them on the 'bay? I really hope AE considers bringing back some wholecuts... I have a pair of fairfaxes in my closet waiting for their maiden voyage

I have fairfaxes as well. I wish they would bring the whole cut styles back also. I think we will be waiting a while. Weybridges, Westgate are styles along those lines I want to see also.

 

[cdmcallister]



Rather than quoting a bunch of other posts, it is probably easier to just say that I also agree with pretty much everything that is being said (even the stuff that is contrary to my original comment).  AE receives tons of respect from me, and I think Paul Grangaard is a fantastic CEO.  I can't say that I would definitely do anything different than what they are doing if I were in control.  I think those of us that are falling into the slightly annoyed camp with the current trends and offerings are just expressing the fact that the current trends aren't catering to our camp.  It's more of a selfish comment than a belief that AE is headed down the wrong road.  I'm not saying it's a bad business model, not saying he is a bad CEO, not saying that they are headed downstream as a company, etc.  For me, it simply boils down to the fact that I don't wear the types of shoes that represent almost all of their new releases.  There is simply some disappointment that you are hearing because I had been anticipating the spring line-up, hoping that I would have a reason to buy a new pair of shoes, but almost everything has been orthopedic or fashion forward.  So another season goes by and I just keep enjoying the shoes I already have...  That's not a bad thing, but for a shoe enthusiast it can start to seem kinda drab.  The buildup and anticipation to the release of a new season's line has become anticlimactic, and I'm stuck with saying "maybe next year." 

One of the points that I do think bears a lot of weight that was said above though, is the one regarding the fact that AE has several major "gaps" in their classic styles that could stand to be improved.  It is not unusual to hear someone say that "I'd buy more AE's instead of Alden's if only AE had..."  or "Alden just does such and such better."  Given that AE is a classic American dress shoe company first, those of us who fall into the classic camp simply wish that they would perfect their classic line-up before delving into the fashion forward business.  I know its all about balance, and not everyone will be satisfied though. 

I'm in perfect agreement with the idea that AE is trying to capitalize on the market. I'm new to AE but not new to buying quality products that last versus lesser products that need to be replaced more frequently. I liken the current AE lineup to my directv listings. Tons of stuff but I typically only watch a handful of shows. Likewise, I've developed a fondness for a handful of AE shoes, am ambivalent on most, and find a few downright ugly. I'm a brand loyal consumer so as long as AE continues to produce high quality products at fair prices, they'll hold my attention. Like $wellSpent, I've been hoping for some things in this spring lineup but I don't think I've been yearning for as long. Cappuccino shell McAllisters come to mind. I may end up with bourbon calf if they don't come out with those soon but I know I won't be disappointed in the shoe in that case; maybe just disappointed in the timing if the cappuccinos come out after I buy the Macs.
I didn't really say anything above. Rather, just chiming in to say that I think everyone gas expressed valid points, concerns, and hopes. I think the current CEO has his stuff together. I see them testing the market with some "flashier" offerings, but I think the will still hold the attention of the purist with their classic shoes.

 

[New Shoes1]

My meaning wasn't as clear as it should have been. I'm lamenting the fact that XXXL tall is no problem to find, but small tall (my size) straight-up doesn't exist.

Ah, gotcha. I have the exact same issue - a Regular is too short and a Long is too long. Samuelsohn is an option as they make a semi-tall that is perfect for those our height. I've also found a Long in Corneliani and other Italian jackets that are cut very short work pretty well for me.