Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - Page 557

Where did you see it?

Couple questions, since as I have indicated before I am rather new at this finer footwear thing. For one, what is the general consensus on rubber sole guards for AE shoes? Are they worth it to prolong the life of leather soles? Is there a chance the shoe could be damaged by them. Will AE still service/recraft shoes that have had sole guards put on?

Also wanted to bump this question I posted earlier. Where is the best/cheapest place to buy Saphir Reno? Or is the Hanger Project website the only option?

Lots of debate on SF about sole guards; try a search. The quick answer is, if done by a competent cobbler they will most likely prolong the life of your leather soles. Hanger Project isn't the "only" option for Saphir Reno, but again . . . try a search . . . Google is your friend. For convenience, you can click through from SF to Hanger Project and be done with it.

A stock list from a while back. I emailed AE and haven't heard back yet.

I don't think AE will recraft the shoe if you put on a sole guard (Topy).  I haven't tried so I can't say for sure.  Even if they won't, you have some good options like B Nelson for refurbishment.

 

I bought my Saphir from the Hanger Project.  The price is competitive.  It's the shipping charge where they get you.  Try OnTheFly.

 

http://www.onthefly.com/product/saphir/renovateur-leather-cleaner-conditioner/30252

My experience in usig Topys: Before I started wearing AEs I used to wear Cole Haans and Florsheims and other leather soled brands. After the soles would wear down a little, I would get topys. Really cut down on the replacement expense of leather soles. So saved some $. However, after 2 or 3 topy replacements, I think that the leather innards started breaking down. I noticed that the insole was getting lumpy. As a result the shoes were not flat in the forefoot part of the foot. Not comfortable; i think blistery as well.

My theory is that the topys would not let your foot breathe so the midsole part broke down due to moisture. Hence, I no longer do topys.

I'm poor so I grabbed a pair of Del Ray's a few years ago at like an "Off 5th Ave" or something- I can't remember. They were chilli but I've been using a black shoe cream on them for the past couple of years. If you keep them in trees and treat them nice they look really good after time. Very versatile shoe. Paid $130 for them so I wasn't out much.

I haven't decided if I like the burnishing on the toebox of the Neumora yet. Opinions?

Is the Park Avenue a comfortable shoe for daily wear (4x per week)? If so, is $220 a good price? Thanks for any guidance.

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/allen-edmonds-park-avenue-oxford-men/3348219?origin=category&fashionColor=&resultback=415
 

 

Well here is my thoughts.  When you buy shoes, you should try to have at least 3 in rotation, that way you don't wear one pair of shoes every day of the week.  No, I'm not suggesting that you go out and drop a grand on AE's, however the intervals of usage will prolong the life of a shoe better than anything else.  Currently, I have 6 in rotation for work shoes, 3 of which are AE's.  With that being said, if I wear each pair once a week, I will get a couple years use out of them before I have to worry about replacing the soles.  3 years down the line, when I decide to drop $125 on the recraft, that will be well worth it in my opinion. 

 

I do believe Hanger Project is one of the very few (and easiest) websites to get Reno.  This is a kind of product that I am fairly certain you are not going to find for much cheaper, so rather than bending over backwards to save a few bucks, take the easy way out and spend the $30 on it (that included the ridiculous shipping price as well.) 

 

Also for sole guards... I have no idea why AE wouldn't recraft shoes with a topy, they are tearing the entire sole off anyways, so who cares of there is a hard rubber guard glued to the bottom of it.. but, i would check with them first before anything.

 

 

Have you seen them in person?  They are perfect... not too over the top and dramatic.  Just saw them again today... love them and will definitely get them at some point down the line.  Also tried the Daltons on... very nice boot, but they are pretty high above the ankle... definitely still leaning more towards getting Alden boots.

If the shoes fits you properly I believe they will. 4x a week may be excessive, consider buying another pair to let the shoes breath for a day. Make sure you use shoetrees and condition your shoes properly.

^^^ That

Thanks for the quick replies. I found this little gem on YouTube, I wonder if they still X-ray the shoes?

 

Allen Edmonds: The Shoe of Tomorrow! (circa 1940) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qoAXzhWw6M&feature=related

Glad we could help!

How do AE's compare to Salvatore Ferragamo?

I do not wear my dress shoes much (still in school) but with time does the leather soften? If so, how much?

Are you guy's familiar with Gravati? How do they compare to AE's?

Does a new pair of AE's come with shoe trees or are they purchased separately? If purchased separately, are the AE full toe trees preferred over Woodlore ultra?