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

[ESElrond]

Last night, I noticed the addition of a new (to me) model to the clearance section of AE's website: the Rawlins. It's a plain-toed blucher on the 8-last, available in black calf (only), and priced at just $247.

What seemed particularly odd: it's available in all lengths from 6.5 to 12, but only E width. On top of that, nearly all of the sizes listed are "in stock" without any shipment delay, so they must have stock on-hand already.


Can anybody imagine why this might be? Could Allen Edmonds have unearthed a secret cache of completed shoes from a disused corner of their warehouse, that by chance included only E widths?

If the Rawlins were available in my size, I'd almost definitely buy a pair -- I don't currently own any plain-toed bluchers with a standard welt, and my other 8-last shoes fit wonderfully. But since I'm a 10.5 D in the Delray and Clifton, I don't think the nearest alternatives in E width are likely to work out.


Any thoughts? This might be a lucky break for anyone who normally wears an E width in the 8-last.

 

[hollyb]



I do not have the Fairfax or Kenilworth but have a lot of other 5 lasted shoes including the Jefferson in dark brown. I do recall reading that the Fairfax and Kenilworth fit a bit differently. Looks like the Kenilworth fits half a size larger than other 5 lasted shoes. http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/...mber-5-Park-Avenue-(and-others)-vs-Kenilworth And the Fairfax is a bit shorter and wider than other 5 lasted shoes. http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/...ing-down-to-fit-into-the-Allen-Edmonds-5-last Most 5 lasted shoes fit me perfectly in TTS, I own the Shell Cambridge, Shell PA, Shell Strand, McAllister, McTavish, Black Hills, Elgin, Strawfut, Brooks 7 and Jefferson. The shell shoes fit just slightly larger than calf but not enough to size down, I'd say .025 size difference not a full half size larger. The Jefferson is somewhat in between, just a little more room than the calf but not as large as the shell. The difference is very slight but the leather is soft and has a little give to it is what I think is the reason. Certainly worth a try IMO and it is a great shoe. Good luck. Same here. For all 3 of my rough collection shoes I went down to a 9.5D from a 10D and they fit perfectly.

Thanks for the through response! Nice AE collection! I did stumble on one of the Ask Andy threads you referenced, one of these days I'll attempt the Kenilworth again and do the half size down....really like the look of it, seems pretty versatile. That said, the Jefferson is first on the list. I may just give it a try and send it back if it doesn't fit right. BTW I have one of the Rough Collections (Big Sur) in 9D as well, a bit loose in the ankle as mine are narrow but otherwise fits okay. Thanks again.

 

[hollyb]



I don't know if this helps but I have the Jefferson and Kenilworth but not the Strand,5th or Fairfax; the PAs are my only other 5 last shoe. I noticed that the Jefferson's were a little larger volume wise compared to my PA's such that I had a little bit of heel slippage; I ended up using tongue pads and that took care of the problem. I certainly wouldn't want to size down though, although going down in width may have helped.

Thanks for the response Facet! I gather your Jefferson, Kenilworth and PA are all the same size? I think I'll give the Jefferson a go in 9D.

I concur. My Kenilworth's are 7.5E. Other 5 last shoes are 8E. Coincidentally, I'm an 8.5D on the 8 last.

Thanks as well OptoDoc! The Kenilworth will be my next shoe after the Jefferson, I'll do the half size down and one width up.

 

[masernaut]

Can anyone comment on sizing for the Dalton? TTS or size down a half?

 

[BootSpell]

Can anyone comment on sizing for the Dalton? TTS or size down a half?

tts for me and many others. or, + 0.5 from Strand or 5-last shoes.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



HI, I've done a search on Google and in this forum and I haven't found a relevant post regarding the comparative fit of the AE Jefferson. I've got a a couple of pairs (Fairfax and 5th Avenue) on the #5 Last and they fit me great in a 9D, however I've had to return a couple of 9D on the same Last over the years. The Strand was too narrow and the Kenilworth was just too big overall.

I am thinking of getting the Jefferson in dark brown however I don't have access to a store that carries the particular style. I am hoping some of the forum members who have the Jefferson can comment on the fit in comparison to either the Strand, 5th Ave or Fairfax. Thanks in advance.

I own, or have owned, various 5 lasted shoes in shell and calf, all in 9D - Jefferson, PA, Strand, Strawfut, etc. I am TTS 9.5D.

The kenilworth in 9D was the exception. It was too small overall, and particularly too narrow. I ended up selling them.

 

[frogwash]

well, I do have a pony in this race and never have I heard of a single person with autism say they actually are an alien. It's one thing for someone with this affliction to describe how it sometimes feels trying to cope with this disability, but it's an entirely different matter for someone else to insinuate that someone with autism is sub-human or such or vice-versa. Stereotyping is based on prejudice, ignorance and hate. Would you think it ok to call a child non-human for having a birth defect that made them look or feel different? There's absolutely no difference.

I think you took his comments a little too seriously. I would be willing to bet that the OP is not prejudiced at all and was simply making a satirical comment regarding foo's trolling attempt.

Of course it would not be acceptable to call a child 'non-human'. That is not what he was doing.

Now...let's get back to the shoes! 

Using a disability as a slur is not satirical, it hateful and prejudicial. I would bet that if your child was autistic, you would not be taking this quite so lightly.

 

[Variatio]

Yeah, I thought so, too. But couldn't remember how it works. It certainly does not look like a 3, though.

Exactly my thoughts. However, it does look like a MacNeil to me, too. Pretty strange...

 

[Variatio]

Myself, I am still looking for a way to find out the correct size/width for Patriot Cordovans. Cambridge fits well at 11.5E, Strand and McTavish at 11.5D. The Patriots I could try today (However, no Cordovans but Football Grain ) at 11.0E seemed to fit well in width but were just a bit too short. My assumption would be that 11.5D therefore would probably do?

So what would you guys recommend?

May I add the remark that there is no (really not any) store in Germany which even carries the Patriot, not to mention any other width than E. I therefore have to get as close as I can to the correct size, since shipping costs U.S.<->Germany are really huge, so I would by all means try to avoid sending back a pair of shoes which do not fit. The bit of additional length I would need is only regarding the forefoot (toes) btw.

AE service recommended to go half up, i.e. take an 11.5E instead of an 11.0E. My concern however is that this would not only add length but as well cause a wider fit which then would probably be too wide for me, especially at the heels. Am I right? What do you suggest?

 

[Cold Iron]

May I add the remark that there is no (really not any) store in Germany which even carries the Patriot, not to mention any other width than E. I therefore have to get as close as I can to the correct size, since shipping costs U.S.<->Germany are really huge, so I would by all means try to avoid sending back a pair of shoes which do not fit. The bit of additional length I would need is only regarding the forefoot (toes) btw.

AE service recommended to go half up, i.e. take an 11.5E instead of an 11.0E. My concern however is that this would not only add length but as well cause a wider fit which then would probably be too wide for me, especially at the heels. Am I right? What do you suggest?

With AE recommending that you go to an 11.5E it makes it difficult as I would have said the same thing as you thought in your first post, that an 11.5D should work.

I am wearing my brown shell Patriots this morning although with so much snow on the ground yet I will switch to boots once I leave the house. They are the first loafer I have ever found that fit me, I have a very narrow heel but these work for me. I also have a fairly low volume foot and have black superfeet inserts in them. With that combination they fit just about perfectly, for my foot that is. Without the inserts they still work well though. Heel slip in a loafer can and usually is a deal breaker so I think much like you in that I would be concerned that the 11.5E heel might be too large. However the heel is fairly narrow on the Patriot so you might get away with it. Going up in width usually causes me much more heel slip problems than going up a half size in length but same width IME so the 11.5E may work as AE suggested. Because I fit the same in Cambridge and Strands but half a size down in the McTavish from you we do not have the same type of foot, so it is hard for me to say for sure, I wish I could. Good luck that is a tough situation you are in given the costs of returns.

 

[GOP Shoe Guy]

Quote:

That looks like Players in suede. Special makeup.

That is definitely not the Players. Like msulinski said, it looks like the Macneil.

 

[GOP Shoe Guy]

Anyone have the McAllister in Burnished Merlot? I'm thinking they might be the next piece to add to my collection, which currently includes the walnut Strand and the Players Shoe in navy suede.

Background info: I'm self-employed, work in the entertainment industry (lighting and media production) so I never have to wear a suit, or even dress particularly nice (though I am making a lot more of an effort.) I'm in the early stages of building my wardrobe, and trying to work in as much versatility as possible. I wear the Strand a lot, frequently two days in a row, so I'd like to have another shoe to rotate in there.

I have the McAllister in the burnished merlot/burgundy. It is a very versatile shoe. For the environment you are working, this would work to dress up blue jeans or a pair of chinos. Also, it works great with navy and various grays. I think this was one my 3rd or 4th pair of AEs when I started building my collection. Now I have 16 pairs. I still wear the burnished merlot McAllisters in my regular rotation. They are a must have for you.

Here are mine from the wild in an old pic.

 

[Variatio]

With AE recommending that you go to an 11.5E it makes it difficult as I would have said the same thing as you thought in your first post, that an 11.5D should work.

I am wearing my brown shell Patriots this morning although with so much snow on the ground yet I will switch to boots once I leave the house. They are the first loafer I have ever found that fit me, I have a very narrow heel but these work for me. I also have a fairly low volume foot and have black superfeet inserts in them. With that combination they fit just about perfectly, for my foot that is. Without the inserts they still work well though. Heel slip in a loafer can and usually is a deal breaker so I think much like you in that I would be concerned that the 11.5E heel might be too large. However the heel is fairly narrow on the Patriot so you might get away with it. Going up in width usually causes me much more heel slip problems than going up a half size in length but same width IME so the 11.5E may work as AE suggested. Because I fit the same in Cambridge and Strands but half a size down in the McTavish from you we do not have the same type of foot, so it is hard for me to say for sure, I wish I could. Good luck that is a tough situation you are in given the costs of returns.

First and foremost, thanks a bunch for sharing your thoughts.

It would probably help a lot if I would know the exact measurement differences (especially regarding the width) between 11.0E, 11.5D and 11.5E, unfortunately for whatever reason not even the Lady from AE had been able to provide me with this information.

 

[AdamAdam]

I've read a bunch about this on this thread but I'm still a bit unclear so can someone please help clarify? I understand that the AE outlet stores sell "seconds" at a reduced price. I'm unclear what Nordstrom Rack sells. There's a few located near me and I plan to stop in and see what they have. Will the AE's there be "seconds" or are they "firsts" that they need to move out for some reason (overstock, old style, odd size, etc.)? If they are in fact "seconds" how would I know? Are they labeled as such?

Thanks.
Adam

 

[OptoDoc]

Last night, I noticed the addition of a new (to me) model to the clearance section of AE's website: the Rawlins. It's a plain-toed blucher on the 8-last, available in black calf (only), and priced at just $247.

What seemed particularly odd: it's available in all lengths from 6.5 to 12, but only E width. On top of that, nearly all of the sizes listed are "in stock" without any shipment delay, so they must have stock on-hand already.


Can anybody imagine why this might be? Could Allen Edmonds have unearthed a secret cache of completed shoes from a disused corner of their warehouse, that by chance included only E widths?

If the Rawlins were available in my size, I'd almost definitely buy a pair -- I don't currently own any plain-toed bluchers with a standard welt, and my other 8-last shoes fit wonderfully. But since I'm a 10.5 D in the Delray and Clifton, I don't think the nearest alternatives in E width are likely to work out.


Any thoughts? This might be a lucky break for anyone who normally wears an E width in the 8-last.

I bought the Hale on AE's Clearance section last year. It is also on the 8-last, in which I wear an 8.5D. However, they only had an 8.5E. I bought it anyway and it fits great after I bought a Superfeet insert to take up some of the extra volume. I've had no problems with it at all.