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

kmdsimpson · Mar 23, 2012

reidrothchild said:
I've had the non-flush, plastic toe taps put on two pairs of shoes. They do look cheap and definitely do not look as cool as the flush mounts, but I have to balance the cheapness of their looks when people can see the bottom of my shoes with the wear they save on the toe of my shoes, which is visible at all times. Might have to ask my cobbler if he does the flush kind.
As for Winston S's problems with his Strands, there are definitely some significant issues there that would certainly bug me for $300 shoes. However, I think the awesomeness of AE's 2nds program tends to cause us to forget that these shoes are designated as 2nds because they supposedly have significant defects that would prevent people from paying full price for them. Not saying Winston shouldn't return and hope for better luck next time, just that everyone should buy 2nds understanding that there's a reason that good-year welted, full-grain leather, American-made shoes are so cheap. So anyway, that's a long way of saying that I'd keep 'em if AE didn't have another pair of 2nds in my size.

You are absolutely correct, and it's a totally fair point.

For me, the medallion is something I could not live with. Little nicks and scratches, or a shoe that has shop wear, I can. Even some of the sloppiness in assembly, like when they chip the sole or the heel is not on right or something, would probably not bother me, as I'd be thinking about the next time I got them resoled anyway. But the medallion is just one those things that is too big to overlook.

But your point to keep things in perspective is a good one.

kmdsimpson · Mar 23, 2012

ElDave said:
I found the Neumok to be an incredibly poor fitting shoe. I tried on 4-5 different sizes and nothing fit right. Plus, I hate elongated toes.

i think that is another thing putting me off them. Now, the Player is also a long last, but for some reason it ends up looking classic to me.

SuitedDx · Mar 23, 2012

Been contemplating on picking up some Leeds... always hard purchasing shoes on a new last (at least for me). I'm so used to Alden's Barrie (LWB & PTB) but the 2nds price might be worth a look. If only I liked the MacNeils more than Alden's LWB... I'd actually get shoes on sale...

deveandepot1 · Mar 23, 2012

The problems with AEs seconds are typical with what you get with the firsts. My last 4 pairs (Bayfield, Malvern, Montecito, FA) came with the usual black scuffs. The heels never match up, one shoe is always a little longer than the other,...
I don't think the problems with the seconds are very significant.

bucksfan · Mar 23, 2012

dsmivtr said:
Been contemplating on picking up some Leeds... always hard purchasing shoes on a new last (at least for me). I'm so used to Alden's Barrie (LWB & PTB) but the 2nds price might be worth a look. If only I liked the MacNeils more than Alden's LWB... I'd actually get shoes on sale...

For what it's worth, I find the AE 1 last (Leeds) and 7 last (MacNeil) run tts for me, and I find I need to size down 1/2 for the Barrie.

knezz · Mar 23, 2012

Winston S. said:
Does anyone really NEED $300 - $600 cordovan shoes?
I'm going to sleep on it and decide what to do on Monday.
Thanks for the thoughts so far.

You won't sleep!

My humble opinion is to send them back. My reasoning is that the Strand is still in production and another (hopefully better copy) seconds will show up in your size. For me, the medallion is one of the most important visible parts of the shoe.

If were something you really liked and it was being retired then it may be different. Just me 1/2 cent...

Also, what size?

PhiPsi32 · Mar 23, 2012

ElDave said:
I found the Neumok to be an incredibly poor fitting shoe. I tried on 4-5 different sizes and nothing fit right. Plus, I hate elongated toes.

The Neumok is not available in as many sizes as say a PA or McAllister. I am going to try on a pair next week, but I expect that I will need to special order my size. I'm partial to the red Neumok. I haven't seen that color anywhere else yet. The blue Neumok is also striking but I've seen a similar color in Trickers.

SA also told me that the Neumok fits a little more snug than the usual #5.

Ayrton · Mar 23, 2012

ElDave said:
Off-center medallion would kill it for me.

I would have to agree...

If you can swap them, I would.

Winston S. · Mar 23, 2012

dsmivtr said:
That's what I usually do and (sometimes) I later decide to pass. I know it's not an option but I wonder if these shoes were re-lasted and have the re-attached if it could be re-aligned. Pragmatically I know this does not make sense but curious about the secret magic of cobblers.

I think if they were re-lasted, the part of the leather that was underneath the shoe might be a lighter color than the rest of the shoe and not as aged.

spicolli1976 · Mar 23, 2012

I have a question regarding the McAllister. I am a 10.5 c in the Hale (#8 last and fit perfectly) and have the opportunity to buy a barely used McAllister in 10D (#5 last). Can I please get your opinions on whether this will fit or be too tight.

Thanks!!!

PhiPsi32 · Mar 23, 2012

I haven't tried the #8, but the AE last guide likens it to the #2. I would think the 10D would be too short. Do you have a chance to try it on? If not you can order a 10D from Amazon or elsewhere and return it.

acousticfoodie · Mar 23, 2012

spicolli1976 said:
I have a question regarding the McAllister. I am a 10.5 c in the Hale (#8 last and fit perfectly) and have the opportunity to buy a barely used McAllister in 10D (#5 last). Can I please get your opinions on whether this will fit or be too tight.
Thanks!!!

I wear both the same size in 8 last and 5 last

mikeman · Mar 23, 2012

Hey guys, Im bringing my factory second Elgin back tomorrow, as one foot is too tonight-- the side of my foot feels like its falling off the insole. Id have to wait for a factory second 9E, and that might take ages...What are the chances that since its a second, that another 9D might fit better?

Also, I have been looking around for something else to get, in case the elgin don't work out. I found this picture and was wondering if you could tell me which AE shoe is closest in style and color.

Also, open to other recommendations for a nice all around, mostly casual wear shoe in lighter brown.

konoyaro · Mar 23, 2012

This picture again.
There are two different pairs of shoes shown. Which pair are you trying to match?

mikeman · Mar 23, 2012

Yeah, sorry. Trying to match the left.

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

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