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

[David Copeland]

Quick question on fit for balmorals.

Are the uppers supposed to be laced completely shut so the edges are together? My insteps are way too prominent for this to happen with any semblance of comfort.

I have seen photos of both, for example:





versus



Clearly the first photo's fit looks a lot clearner, just wondering if the second photo's fit is a big no-no.

The second photo shows the shoes are criss-crossed laced instead of straight-bar laced as the first photo shows.

It has been said that most of us in the beginning use the tennis shoe approach to lacing our first sets of high quality dress shoes - which is a no-no among those who know (and generally will not tell us).

Here is a You Tube Video:


All my best,

David

 

[David Copeland]

For AE shoes in general and specifically shoes in the 5-65 last. Does a half size up in D width give you the same width as the same shoe half size down in E width?

In other words, does a 10D have the same width as the 9.5E?

TIA.

It can. But it varies from shoe company to shoe company, as well as from AE shoe model to AE shoe model.

The most assuring way to verify is to visit Nordstroms of another official AE retailer for a professional measurement or fitting. That is how I found out that my size 11.0 eee was a better fit than the actual measurement of my foot (which is 11.5).

If you are not near an official AE retailer, then you can call AE customer service, and they will send you what they think will fit you with a free return postage label to try another size - or refund.

All my best,

David

 

[hollyb]

Hi, I'm thinking of taking advantage of the AE sale on the McAllister. and I am trying to figure out which color will give me more mileage (Merlot or Bourbon). I figure a Merlot pair is the answer however wanted to see if anyone would care to share their opinion.

Thanks.
ps. I have a pair of Chili Fairfax and British tan Cole Haan Madison.

 

[hollyb]



For AE shoes in general and specifically shoes in the 5-65 last. Does a half size up in D width give you the same width as the same shoe half size down in E width?

In other words, does a 10D have the same width as the 9.5E?

TIA.

See if this helps any - according to the 2005 AE catalog: "Length increases 1/16" between half shoe sizes and girth increases by 1/4". The difference in girth between width increments in the same shoe size (C and D for example) is 3/16". Given the statement above it is pretty close - a difference of 1/16" - of course moving up or down sizes shifts the location of the widest part of shoe.

 

[WiredandTired]

Hi, I'm thinking of taking advantage of the AE sale on the McAllister. and I am trying to figure out which color will give me more mileage (Merlot or Bourbon). I figure a Merlot pair is the answer however wanted to see if anyone would care to share their opinion.

Thanks.
ps. I have a pair of Chili Fairfax and British tan Cole Haan Madison.

Either one is a good choice. Merlot I believe can be dressed up more easily as it has a rich dark color. Bourbon is quite dark and the burnishing is quite heavy, I think it works well as a more casual shoe. Bourbon looks great with denim. IMO depends on what you put more miles into in terms of casual or formal occasions.

 

[BackInTheJox]

Quick question on fit for balmorals.

Are the uppers supposed to be laced completely shut so the edges are together? My insteps are way too prominent for this to happen with any semblance of comfort.

I have seen photos of both, for example:





versus



Clearly the first photo's fit looks a lot clearner, just wondering if the second photo's fit is a big no-no.

I prefer (and would aim for something closer to) the first picture, but often times even if you have the width correct, a high instep will lead to the kind of separation seen in the second picture. It's not the end of the world, but I think the first picture looks cleaner.

 

[kentyman]

I hope those are not first quality. The spots are quite noticeable.

You bought them on EBay for pennies. Keep them or return them. Don't be that guy that tries to negotiate a lower price. Trying to remember, didn't you get them for only $300?

$375, actually. Not trying to be "that guy", but I believe the seller was likely dishonest when he said they were firsts. Does anyone know if AE marks the soles in any other conditions than seconds as he claimed?

Regarding the blotches, does anyone know what causes this? Were they improperly dyed in the first place, or did something get on them? Regardless of the origin, do you think there's any chance of removing them?

 

[ScottyBoy920]

Quote: Quote:
$375, actually. Not trying to be "that guy", but I believe the seller was likely dishonest when he said they were firsts. Does anyone know if AE marks the soles in any other conditions than seconds as he claimed?

Regarding the blotches, does anyone know what causes this? Were they improperly dyed in the first place, or did something get on them? Regardless of the origin, do you think there's any chance of removing them?

Looks like the seller purposely did not take a photo of the dye markings. I would say you have an argument for either a return or some sort of discount, raise hell… I would.

 

[Gauss17]



For AE shoes in general and specifically shoes in the 5-65 last. Does a half size up in D width give you the same width as the same shoe half size down in E width?

In other words, does a 10D have the same width as the 9.5E?

TIA.

My guess would be that the 9.5E is wider than the 10D. When I compared an 11.5D macneil to an 11E, the 11E was a bit wider.

 

[BackInTheJox]



My guess would be that the 9.5E is wider than the 10D. When I compared an 11.5D macneil to an 11E, the 11E was a bit wider.

Agreed.

 

[Roycru]

Dark Brown Grain Leather Flagstaffs, made in the Dominican Republic and that cost $30.00 less than the somewhat similar Kenwoods, that are made in the United States. Probably should have put dimes, rather than pennies in them, which would have made them

penny loafers adjusted for inflation.

 

[DerangedGoose]

Question: I found a pair of eagle county boots for a great price, but they are size 11.5 and I am size 11. Is there a way I would be able to fill them to size? Perhaps by adding an insole or replacing the stock one with a thicker one?

 

[throwbookatface]

A thick sock will get you there - look into outdoor apparel stores for some nice thick wool ones - but the question is whether you want to limit yourself to weather for which cold-weather socks are appropriate. Even the most effective wicking materials will make you sweat in the heat.

 

[calidist]

Does anyone have pictures of broken-in shell cordovan Bradleys? I'm thinking of picking up a pair and curious how they look with wear. Also, it seems like some pairs of Bradleys have a flat-stitched split toe, whereas others have a raised-stitched split toe. Is there any consistency to this?

 

[DerangedGoose]

A thick sock will get you there - look into outdoor apparel stores for some nice thick wool ones - but the question is whether you want to limit yourself to weather for which cold-weather socks are appropriate. Even the most effective wicking materials will make you sweat in the heat.

Thick socks are pretty much a non option here in California; I would be severely limiting myself. It has to be the insoles or bust :/