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

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]



Shell is stiffer, takes longer to break in, and won't stretch as much as calf.  In other words, it should probably be better fitting to begin with.  There are numerous stories of people getting bunyans from shell shoes.  That being said, my pair of shell strands fit spectacularly and are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes that I own. 

I was surprised that my shell Daltons are lighter than the calf Daltons but this is obviously because the shell version is unlined.

The shell pair weight 2 lb 9.5 oz. The calf pair weighs 2 lb 13.5 oz.

I think that I may prefer the calf version.

Both are pretty awesome, though.

 

[Winston S.]



I think for seconds these are probably OK. I haven't tried them on yet, as I'm going to let them sit for few days while I decide.
Also, anyone know what the little shoe stamp means? Does it signify seconds?

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

My distressed brown MacNeil seconds also have the shoe stamp.

 

[knezz]



My experience exactly. I am one of those that got bunions from shell but also from the AE Shelton polished cobbler leather which is also very stiff with little give.

I purchased my 1st pair of cordovan (McNeils in burgundy) a couple of months ago. I also find the leather to be stiffer and heavier. To me, cordovan keeps my feet warmer (I will find out how hot it gets this summer). On first wear I banged them against a metal rack wich made a mark. I rubbed it with my finger and the scrap almost disappeared. Once I got home and brushed the shoe for 10 min the mark appears to be invisible. I have an old pair of Sheltons (now too beat to re-craft) and don't find them stiff at all. They are the softest AEs I have. I have a new pair on the way. I hope the leather isn't different or stiff as you mention above.

 

[bucksfan]

Got my burgundy shell MacNeil seconds today. Overall, pretty good. There looks to be a little bit of crooked stitching on one of the arches on the vamp; some minor surface abrasion on the vamps (which I think I can brush out; we'll see); and a barely visible "cut line" impression on both shoes. I'm not sure what this is, but it almost seems like an impression about an eight of an inch in from where the leather was cut. You can see it in the third photo.
Main shot. Minor toe creasing, although it appears the shoes have never been tried on and never laced:

Abrasion on vamp:

Odd "cut line" impression - see just below brogue stitching. Very faint, but seems to encircle the entire piece of leather on both shoes:

I think for seconds these are probably OK. I haven't tried them on yet, as I'm going to let them sit for few days while I decide.
Also, anyone know what the little shoe stamp means? Does it signify seconds?

Nice shoes and great choice! They look pretty good to my eye too. The abrasion on the vamp is probably the thing that made them "seconds" - and yes, that shoe mark on the sole is the mark indicating that they are seconds. I had a similar issue with the abrasion on my first-quality Macniels, and was able to work it out with a little Saphir Renovatuer (I probably butchered that spelling) and a lot of brush time.

The "cut line" as you describe it is the impression from the "clicking" machine that cuts out the shell pieces for the shoe or the sewing machine, which sews the pieces of shell together. All of my shell shoes have that - AE firsts, seconds, Aldens, C&Js... all of them. It eventually tends to fade or maybe I just notice it less. The only shoes that wouldn't have this are 100% handmade shoes, which are typically hand-clicked.

I think that I may prefer the calf version.

Blasphemy!

Seriously though, I will be getting my shell Daltons early next week, and will make my own determination. The calf are nice, for sure.

 

[patrick_b]

Thanks for the pictures kmdsimpson. I think they look fine and wouldn't find any of the issues you posted to be a problem, if they fit right. Considering the fact that I bought the same shoe a month ago for $200 more than you paid, they seem fantastic! Hoping to pick up my shell Leeds today. Congrats on the new Macneils, enjoy!

 

[kmdsimpson]



Nice shoes and great choice!  They look pretty good to my eye too.  The abrasion on the vamp is probably the thing that made them "seconds" - and yes, that shoe mark on the sole is the mark indicating that they are seconds.  I had a similar issue with the abrasion on my first-quality Macniels, and was able to work it out with a little Saphir Renovatuer (I probably butchered that spelling) and a lot of brush time. 

The "cut line" as you describe it is the impression from the "clicking" machine that cuts out the shell pieces for the shoe or the sewing machine, which sews the pieces of shell together.  All of my shell shoes have that - AE firsts, seconds, Aldens, C&Js... all of them.  It eventually tends to fade or maybe I just notice it less.  The only shoes that wouldn't have this are 100% handmade shoes, which are typically hand-clicked. 

Thanks for the pictures kmdsimpson. I think they look fine and wouldn't find any of the issues you posted to be a problem, if they fit right. Considering the fact that I bought the same shoe a month ago for $200 more than you paid, they seem fantastic! Hoping to pick up my shell Leeds today. Congrats on the new Macneils, enjoy!

Thanks guys,

Yes, I think they are fine. And the price was great. Just a little of the "do I REALLY need these" setting in!

 

[coinopcollector]

Got my burgundy shell MacNeil seconds today. Overall, pretty good. There looks to be a little bit of crooked stitching on one of the arches on the vamp; some minor surface abrasion on the vamps (which I think I can brush out; we'll see); and a barely visible "cut line" impression on both shoes. I'm not sure what this is, but it almost seems like an impression about an eight of an inch in from where the leather was cut. You can see it in the third photo.
Main shot. Minor toe creasing, although it appears the shoes have never been tried on and never laced:

Abrasion on vamp:

Odd "cut line" impression - see just below brogue stitching. Very faint, but seems to encircle the entire piece of leather on both shoes:

I think for seconds these are probably OK. I haven't tried them on yet, as I'm going to let them sit for few days while I decide.
Also, anyone know what the little shoe stamp means? Does it signify seconds?

I think what you got is a pair of first quality shoes that were tried on in a store, thus the creases in each vamp, and unable to be resold as brand new first quality. That's becuase guys like us are a bit crazy and when we spend big dollars for our shell shoes, we want them to be pristine. Inevitably the retailer has to let customers try them on. If they walk in them and don't buy, the vamp is creased and now the next guy (you, me or anyone else on this forum) won't buy them unless we can get a big discount. Your shoes otherwise look great and yes the shoe stamp means they are irregulars.

 

[Cold Iron]

I purchased my 1st pair of cordovan (McNeils in burgundy) a couple of months ago. I also find the leather to be stiffer and heavier. To me, cordovan keeps my feet warmer (I will find out how hot it gets this summer). On first wear I banged them against a metal rack wich made a mark. I rubbed it with my finger and the scrap almost disappeared. Once I got home and brushed the shoe for 10 min the mark appears to be invisible.
I have an old pair of Sheltons (now too beat to re-craft) and don't find them stiff at all. They are the softest AEs I have. I have a new pair on the way. I hope the leather isn't different or stiff as you mention above.

First maiden voyage out with my shell Dalton boots I slipped on the snow crossing railroad tracks and smacked the left one hard against a track. Scraped the upper pretty hard. Brushed a lot of it out then used Reno then brushed again for quite awhile. Put a very thin coat of Saphir cognac colored wax on the boot and now there is no evidence of any marks at all. I do not find my shell Leeds warm at all in the summer but apparently some people do find shell warmer than calf.

My Shelton's are only 3 years old. I have the burgundy\black and I consider them a "fun" shoe for dating, etc. The toe box area is very solid in form and firm. Doesn't interfere with anything and the rest of the shoe is softer but not the softest of my AE shoes. Still I like them a lot, I hope you like your new ones as much as the old.

 

[patrick_b]

Thanks guys,
Yes, I think they are fine. And the price was great. Just a little of the "do I REALLY need these" setting in!

I know that feeling well. I picked up my leeds today and surely didn't need them. However, the price was so damn good...

.

Edward also informed me that AE is going to offer shell cordovan as "MTO only" going forward (after the current sale/promotion). I noticed the spring catalog listed all the shell shoes as MTO. I find it surprising given how well the Alden shell models sell. Perhaps AE doesn't do as well in that market. AE's had its best year ever in 2011 and 2012 looks to be shaping up the same way.

 

[coinopcollector]

I know that feeling well. I picked up my leeds today and surely didn't need them. However, the price was so damn good...

.

Edward also informed me that AE is going to offer shell cordovan as "MTO only" going forward (after the current sale/promotion). I noticed the spring catalog listed all the shell shoes as MTO. I find it surprising given how well the Alden shell models sell. Perhaps AE doesn't do as well in that market. AE's had its best year ever in 2011 and 2012 looks to be shaping up the same way.

I wory that it is the first sign of AE's demise as we here would see it. Next step is they become nothing more than a brand name of a once great American made shoe company, to be made in India, Romania, Mexico etc. alla Johnston & Murphy, Bostonian, Flourshiem, etc. Management is thinking only of the here and now and bottom line. You can sell 100 pairs of $50 shoes 5 times over before you can sell 10 pairs of $500 shoes, and probably with a lot less hassle.
Further, I believe if they wish for their product to continue being considered a "high end" shoe, taking the shell line out of the regular lineup is a mistake as it diminishes the panache of the brand. Just my 2 cents.
Too bad.

 

[F. Corbera]

I refuse to believe that it is possible for Allen Edmonds to lower their quality.

 

[deveandepot1]

IMO AE overcharged for their shell options anyway. The difference between the calf and shell was about 40%. Shell cordovan never went on sale or clearance either.

 

[PhiPsi32]

IMO AE overcharged for their shell options anyway. The difference between the calf and shell was about 40%. Shell cordovan never went on sale or clearance either.

Nah, Alden shell is ~40% over their standard calf. So, the pricing seems right. It also depends on how much pricing power AE has with Horween.

 

[deveandepot1]



Nah, Alden shell is ~40% over their standard calf.  So, the pricing seems right. 

True.

It also depends on how much pricing power AE has with Horween.

I would think they have more power than anyone else. Allen Edmonds must be their biggest customer.

 

[acousticfoodie]

Can anyone here post pictures of their OLD OLD OLD AE calf skin shoes? I've found several on the web, and you can always find pictures of old ones on ebay...but I'm pretty sure those aren't taken care of with the same level of care as people on this forum do. I'm curious as to how the calf leather looks with time.