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

[MoneyWellSpent]

I was planning on taking up Paul's wonderful MTO offer on a brownish (walnut or Capp) shell Kenilworths. I normally wear 12E in the 5-Last but I have seen many a mention to size down on the Kenilworth so I first ordered some black Keniworth seconds in 11 1/2E to check these out first. When they arrived they were too tight, and as a side not--they bowed out at the ankles. I attributed the gaping to the incorrect fitment, as I have never experienced this before. So, I sent those back for for replacement with 12E and also confirmed my order for the Cappuccino Shell Kenilworth in 12E.

My replacement black Kenilworth arrived and while the fit and feel was great, these also bowed out, though not nearly as much as the 11 1/2's. I was now worried about my shells that I had just ordered and contacted Allison at AE. While I've never had any bowing in any of my other AE's, they are almost all balmorals or boots. Here's what Allison said: "If you have a low arch the 3 eyelet blucher style may not come high enough up on your foot and therefore doesn’t wrap as tightly around your foot/ankle area." I believe that this it exactly the cause. First off, when I was a child I had really flat feet, but as I got older and by curling my toes in while walking I eventually did develop arches, but they're definitely not high, or probably even normal arching. Also with the 12E Kenilworths now, if I curl my toes in and back, thereby raising my arch and the top center of my foot just a little bit higher, the gaping goes away!

While this doesn't exactly explain the bowing for those who get it with the PA's with more eyelets, it does confirm that it is related to the individual person's foot shape and therefore is a fitment issue and not a quality issue. It also explains why only some have a problem with it, while most do not.

As far as my shells go, Allison made the suggestion to try out the Black Hills, also a PTB, but with two more eyelets to hopefully make up for the deficit in my arches/foot shape. As an example of AE's exemplary customer service, she's sending me out a new pair of those, just to try on and see if i like them; and we'll go from there. While I'm disappointed not to be getting the Kenilworths and to have to wait longer, this is more than made up by the way the fine folks at AE go far above and above and beyond to make sure there customers are exceedingly happy!

Great to know! Hope the Black Hills work out for you.

 

[Septimus]

My shiny new PA seconds, on their second day out-and-about!

 

[AdamAdam]

Very nice. I also picked up some Brooks Brothers Walnut/Brown Shelton seconds and some Tan Finch seconds in my regular 5-65 last size of 8.5D. Interestingly, they were way too small. The Sheltons were especially small, likely due to the Poron insole; I could barely get them on my foot. I didn't expect these 1-511 last saddles to be so small considering my Dark Brown Shell Townley's fit pretty well (just a little tight on that right pinky toe; plan on trying to stretch them). Anyone else have a similar experience with Sheltons or Finches?

I'm considering going to Brooks Brothers to try on the Sheltons. If I find that 9D works, do you think it'll work for the non-Poron Finches? Maybe Nordstrom will have some 9D Finches I can try on? I'm concerned I have to try some higher widths to make this work, but without an AE store around, it might require quite a bit of back-and-forth.

My TTS is 8D. My normal 5-last size is 7.5E. I just ordered some Sheltons from Amazon (I had a coupon) in 8E and 8D to see which one fit. I went to my local AE store to try on a pair but they only had one size in stock (not mine). I'll report back when they arrive. Granted, these aren't BB versions so may not help with your BB Walnut/Brown but maybe with the Finches.

 

[DerangedGoose]

Considering a pair of suede Amok's;

What do I need to do in order to pretreat/protect and care for them thoroughly? I have avoided suede shoes up until now because I know it to be a nightmare to take care of and almost impossible to clean once stained. I have heard there is something I can treat them with so they absorb a protective barrier. Any advice?

 

[RogerP]

MacktasticGDogg - those look absolutely terrific - congrats!

 

[itsmejson]

Anyone purchase an amok 10D either snuff or tan during the sale that plans to return them?

 

[red81]

anyone swear by the fit guide on ae's website? i wear 10 in red wings, 10 in clarks db's, 10.5 in nikes/sneakers, and 10.5 in other dress shoes.

the fit guide measured me as 11 on one leg and 11.5 on another, so i went with a 11.5 as it recommends? or did i screw something up?

 

[cbtaylor]

anyone swear by the fit guide on ae's website? i wear 10 in red wings, 10 in clarks db's, 10.5 in nikes/sneakers, and 10.5 in other dress shoes.

the fit guide measured me as 11 on one leg and 11.5 on another, so i went with a 11.5 as it recommends? or did i screw something up?

That seems to big to me, should be smaller than sneaker size in my experience

 

[red81]

That seems to big to me, should be smaller than sneaker size in my experience

yep, mine too, luckily i got them through amazon so i can handle returns quickly and i won't need them til the end of june, so i'll nail the fit eventually hopefully.

 

[crosswound]

edit bought them could always exchange for different size

 

[Akeem]

Got my RL Saunders and BB strands from this sale. Some minor imperfections with some spots on the uppers and poor finishing on the soles. Nothing that can't be fixed with some polishing.

 

[kentyman]

Very nice. I also picked up some Brooks Brothers Walnut/Brown Shelton seconds and some Tan Finch seconds in my regular 5-65 last size of 8.5D.

I forgot to also mention that the Walnut/Brown Sheltons had some tiger striping on them. I had seen this before on Walnut Kenilworth seconds. Anyone know how correctable this is (in case my replacements have this, too)? Can you just polish over them with Walnut enough to blend them in? I'm unsure if this is due to inconsistent dyeing, or something more catastrophic akin to stretch marks on human skin.

 

[rollinsay]

Got my Bourbon McAllister firsts back and they are perfect. Now time to begin the break-in process!

 

[MrWN]

Got my Bourbon McAllister firsts back and they are perfect. Now time to begin the break-in process!

Sweet lookin. So, many colors to choose...

 

[DerangedGoose]

Grr amoks in tan suede all gone!!!


edit: nabbed a pair in snuff...well see if I keep them