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

[masernaut]

In comparison to the Park Avenue, AE owners report that the Dundee fits larger, wider and longer.
The Dundee is on the sale last as the Dalton. I've found that the 1-last fits my foot very, very well and is great for those who have a slightly higher instep.

Source: http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF3611_1_40000000001_-1
"Ratings Summary."

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

On the Mora discussion... I was just skimming through the AE CEO's blog and his most recent post just happens to mention it:

"Speaking of the MORA, it's back by popular demand as another of our new styles this fall. We discontinued the first Mora edition a few years ago because, frankly, we didn't think we had the fit just right. After quite a bit of pattern work and "fit trials" on a lot of feet, we felt the style was ready for an overdue comeback. The MORA 2.0 is the result -- a very classy and unique statement shoe for the office or special nights out."

http://allenedmondsblog.blogspot.com/2013/09/sole-with-capital-s.html

 

[cincikid]

Though they don't always seem to discontinue shoes based solely on their sales. They seem to have at least a little bit of the "take it away to increase the appetite and reintroduce it later" approach at times. Sort of like Disney putting their classic movies in "The Vault" only to be released every decade or so. Granted, some of this is conjecture, but every now and then, a shoe that seems to be quite popular will be eliminated.

Take the Sanford as an example. When it was reintroduced after being discontinued, their webpage said the following:


"Believe it or not, once and a while even we make mistakes - like discontinuing this shoe after offering it for more than 15 years. But thanks to our loyal customers, who asked for its return more than any other shoe, we brought back this classic in 2010 and now it is more popular than ever.

"The high demand is no doubt a result of combining its more versatile blucher style with the business-ready brogue detail and a dressed up cap-toe. Comfort also plays a big role in its success given that we designed this model to fit a little bit wider through the ball of the foot - meaning the Sanford ideally suits broader feet or ones with higher insteps or arches.

And yet, less than 3 years later it is discontinued again.

What happened to Sanford is a shame. According to Paul, this was the shoe most requested by the old-time customers and store managers alike. Yet, after just a few years it has been discontinued once again.

 

[tifosi]



Can anyone give some advice on the Dundee fit vs. the 5 last? There may be a seconds for me depending on the answer, thanks for any help. 

For me, personally. I am the same size in 5 and the Dundee. I am in between sizes, though. I am about an 8.25. The only 5 last I have is a balmoral and considering my high instep I probably should have gone with the 8E. But as far as length and width, the 1 and 5 fit the same for me. The only issue I have with the fit of my 5 last is the lacing gap, although that is subjective.

 

[MacktasticGDogg]

Wearing my cappuccino Dundees from the original WebGem today. These now look pretty close to the color of my walnut shell Kenilworths:

I take the same size (9D) in the Dundee as the 5-lasted shoes, but the Dundee feels a little bit roomier around the ball and heel area.

 

[jmza2]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or not (1st post) but given the theme of this thread I figured I would elicit some opinions. I purchased my first pair of AEs (McAlllister in Walnut) a few weeks back. I love the fit and have been receiving compliments on them virtually everywhere I go.

With that being said I am looking to make two other purchases: one bourbon and one black. I'm leaning towards the Larchmont in both and the Shoe Factory has them in my size at $179 each.

I love the design of the shoe and view them as both versatile and a design that toes the line between traditional and fashion forward.

Who has experience with this style?

 

[ScottyBoy920]

Does anyone know if AE employees work on commission? I got my first pair of AE (Rutledge in walnut) a couple weeks ago and now with the sale I want to pick up a second (Stands in black I think, maybe Mcallister). I was pleased with the guy helping me out and if they are going to be the same price whether I order them online or through the store I see no reason why not to help him earn a commission.

Second question; Strands or Mcallisters (in black)? hmmm....For use with suits.

Was hoping someone with a more definite answer could assist you but they are all caught up in a conversation about AE's value and if it is depreciating with the constant sales.

On that topic, I know that retailers and manufacturers bake in sales and defectives into the costs of their products. There for there is a strict equation used by AE to factor in such events and is in no way hurting their bottom line. Of course like any business, you want to make the most money possible but being able to hit margin goals is the first requirement. I frequent different AE locations in NYC and see people buying full price all the time... if you have the money than spend it!!

Now back to your question- I dont believe they are on commision. But again, I dont truly know.

 

[SBear]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or not (1st post) but given the theme of this thread I figured I would elicit some opinions. I purchased my first pair of AEs (McAlllister in Walnut) a few weeks back. I love the fit and have been receiving compliments on them virtually everywhere I go.

With that being said I am looking to make two other purchases: one bourbon and one black. I'm leaning towards the Larchmont in both and the Shoe Factory has them in my size at $179 each.

I love the design of the shoe and view them as both versatile and a design that toes the line between traditional and fashion forward.

Who has experience with this style?

Apologies for responding without experience to answer your specific question but: 1) I do like the style and 2) are you sure you would want all three shoes to be full brogue wings? I'd suggest introducing more variety...cap toe...PTB...monk...

 

[rc121]



I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or not (1st post) but given the theme of this thread I figured I would elicit some opinions.  I purchased my first pair of AEs (McAlllister in Walnut) a few weeks back.  I love the fit and have been receiving compliments on them virtually everywhere I go.

With that being said I am looking to make two other purchases: one bourbon and one black.  I'm leaning towards the Larchmont in both and the Shoe Factory has them in my size at $179 each. 

I love the design of the shoe and view them as both versatile and a design that toes the line between traditional and fashion forward.

Who has experience with this style?

in my experience owning both the larchmont and strand, the larchmont definitely runs bigger. its on an elongated last and is also more forgiving in width because its a blucher. I kept the same size in both, but definitely could have gone a half size down.

 

[cincikid]

Was hoping someone with a more definite answer could assist you but they are all caught up in a conversation about AE's value and if it is depreciating with the constant sales.

On that topic, I know that retailers and manufacturers bake in sales and defectives into the costs of their products. There for there is a strict equation used by AE to factor in such events and is in no way hurting their bottom line. Of course like any business, you want to make the most money possible but being able to hit margin goals is the first requirement. I frequent different AE locations in NYC and see people buying full price all the time... if you have the money than spend it!!

Now back to your question- I dont believe they are on commision. But again, I dont truly know.

I was told that AE SA do get commission on sales that they make, but not when the AE has sales.

 

[OptoDoc]

I agree that the information is readily available, but that doesn't mean that it is caught or noticed by the masses. Everyone on earth wears shoes. The average joe doesn't think to research them the way we do, because they don't care. They are strictly a necessity. If you work in a professional environment where you need dress shoes, then the average joe goes to his local department store and buys what he thinks is appropriate. No real research takes place. The internet is so full of information on every topic known to man, that if you don't filter out the things that aren't important to you, you'll never get anywhere. Tires are a necessity too, everyone with a car has to have them, and the internet is chock full of information on why some tires are better than others. However, that doesn't stop most people from ignoring their tires until they are either showing their belts, or the mechanic says that they need to be replaced. Most people take the mechanic's word for which tires to put on their car and choose which quality level to buy based on the prices presented to them in the waiting room, and what they can afford in the moment. I don't think the information on the internet has changed this habit with most of the world. Rather, it has helped those who actually care to learn more get better deals.

Excellent comparison, MWS.

 

[wdahab]

So, Allison says they are definitely all out of cappuccino for new orders (at least for my request yesterday) with the remaining stock all promised out. So brown shell it is, which is a gorgeous color anyway, and at 15% off this is still a huge steal. Some people had been bouncing around the (apparently incorrect) thought that cappuccino and brown shell were the same, but Allison said that it's the *truffle* and cappuccino that are the same. The brown in a different, though similar, color.

Anyway, so my order is brown shell Neumoks with a double JR sole, reverse split and chili edging. Hard inner sole, not padded. Basically these are going to be unlined, unconstructed, patina machines, with components that should last a long, long time. No non-replaceable components on these (the inner lining is always the week point in a pair of shells, it can give out decades before the shell would have).

 

[Beardo]

Thoughts? Light or dark sole better looking?

Thanks,

 

[Beardo]

Sorry about the multiple posts, I'm doing it from my phone...

Talking about this comparison.

 

[random-adam]



So, Allison says they are definitely all out of cappuccino for new orders (at least for my request yesterday) with the remaining stock all promised out.

And there we have it. Thanks, everyone, for saving me from myself.