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

Yes. I don't know how much, but yes. In fact, you may want to try sizing down 1/2 size, and then going up 1 width. A lot of guys need to do this, due to the length of the 5 last.

You also may want to try out different lasts, to see what works best for your foot, and then start building a collection around that last. Similar shoes are made on different lasts.

For example, if you are looking for a Park Ave, but would rather have it in the 7 last, check out the "Boardroom" - sold by Jos. A Banks. Seconds are available in the AE outlets, or you can of course check them out in person at a JAB.

While I'm posting away today... and since I saw a similar thread started on another forum... I'll post here as well.

There will be SHELL CORDOVAN PARK AVENUES available in April.

I don't know when exactly they'll be available, but if I remember correctly it will be early April (my money's on April 1). It's to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company.

I saw a picture and handled an early release pair, in black shell. I'm not sure if they will be available in burgundy shell as well... But the black shell looked really cool.

Pricing will be in the mid $400's (sale price upon first release) - price will probably increase to the regular $575 thereafter.



bucksfan said:

While I'm posting away today... and since I saw a similar thread started on another forum... I'll post here as well. 

There will be SHELL CORDOVAN PARK AVENUES available in April. 

I don't know when exactly they'll be available, but if I remember correctly it will be early April (my money's on April 1).  It's to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company. 


I saw a picture and handled an early release pair, in black shell.  I'm not sure if they will be available in burgundy shell as well...  But the black shell looked really cool. 

Pricing will be in the mid $400's (sale price upon first release) - price will probably increase to the regular $575 thereafter. 

Click to expand...

!! I already have all the colors.... Shoot me now.

bucksfan said:

While I'm posting away today... and since I saw a similar thread started on another forum... I'll post here as well.

There will be SHELL CORDOVAN PARK AVENUES available in April.

I don't know when exactly they'll be available, but if I remember correctly it will be early April (my money's on April 1). It's to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company.

I saw a picture and handled an early release pair, in black shell. I'm not sure if they will be available in burgundy shell as well... But the black shell looked really cool.

Pricing will be in the mid $400's (sale price upon first release) - price will probably increase to the regular $575 thereafter.

Click to expand...

bucksfan said:

Also, FYI - the proverbial "little birdie" told me that the Dundees may be back in the fall. (it was the top seller of the 3 cappuccino shoes, selling roughly 10x as many as each of the other two). Also, I bet a few seconds might pop up in about a month, after they do all the production runs...

...Thanks all for the kind comments. I am obviously really happy with them!

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Dude...I'm loving your inside info!! Especially the comment about the Dundee factory 2nds...that's great speculation .

andrew4h said:

I have a quick question regarding sizing. I know on the website it says the specific measurement increases for going up a half size and a width in length and wide respectively, but I am wondering if there is a width increase while going up a length size. for example, does the width increase going from a 9D to 9.5D, or just the length? Thanks for your help (from someone with serious 5 last sizing issues)

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Yes, changing sizes affects width and girth (volume of the shoe). If you download the AE fit guide, you will see that the 9.5D is very close to the ball width of the 10C but not exactly the same.

bucksfan said:

Yes. I don't know how much, but yes. In fact, you may want to try sizing down 1/2 size, and then going up 1 width. A lot of guys need to do this, due to the length of the 5 last.

Click to expand...

I tried that, going from an 11C to the 10.5D. The 10.5D destroyed my feet. The 11C (true to size) was OK but compressed my feet after a long day. I actually sized up to an 11.5C. After a few wears, I'm pretty happy with it. I do not have any heel slip problems after sizing up either. Best of luck.

Ya i have been trying a lot of different sizes in the black PA, as well as a couple of other lasts. I originally settled on a factory second in size 9E because a few different sales assistants said that the toe area would stretch/open up a bit. But after wearing it 2-3 times a week for 4 or 5 weeks, it still feels very tight and causes some pain by the end of the day along the pinky toe and big toe, as well as along the top of the foot towards the inside. Tried sizing up in store and the heel was too loose(both 9.5D and E).

However, have tried on the new 3 last in 9.5 D and waiting on the 9E, I am very hopeful that it may work out well for me, the 9.5D felt pretty confortable (if a tiny bit long).

May have to try the Alden modified last next time I am in NYC.

These shoes don't stretch, not for a long time anyway. Alden modified last is a generous last, but the shoe won't look as sleek if that is a problem for you. Otherwise, Aldens are made using a combination last meaning the heel is "B" while the toe is a "D" and so forth. It might work better for you in something like the Plaza or Hampton last. It took me numerous tries over several weeks to find a reasonable fit in the #5 AE last. Best of luck.

I"m looking for a sleek tan/brown loafer, Presidio is not offered in either of those colors, I'm thinking Westchester not sure if it has a narrow vamp and elongated toe. I like the C&J Merton but finding stock is a challenge. Anything else I should consider?



bucksfan said:

While I'm posting away today... and since I saw a similar thread started on another forum... I'll post here as well. 

There will be SHELL CORDOVAN PARK AVENUES available in April. 

I don't know when exactly they'll be available, but if I remember correctly it will be early April (my money's on April 1).  It's to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the company. 


I saw a picture and handled an early release pair, in black shell.  I'm not sure if they will be available in burgundy shell as well...  But the black shell looked really cool. 

Pricing will be in the mid $400's (sale price upon first release) - price will probably increase to the regular $575 thereafter. 

Click to expand...

Damn, if they'd just fix the length of the toe cap at the same time, I'd be sold.

kmdsimpson said:

Damn, if they'd just fix the length of the toe cap at the same time, I'd be sold.

Click to expand...

I hear ya - but I'll also tell you that I have seen many different pair of Park Avenues over the past couple years, and they are highly variable in that regard. Some have very short toe caps (such as the shell ones I saw in person) and others have toe caps almost as long as that on the Strand. I managed to get a pair in black calf with a longer toe cap... Still deciding whether I'm going to Ebay those and go for the shell.

Another comparison picture of my AE Combridge and Alden #8 PTB (posted how AE's brown compared to Alden's cigar a few responses back). Although both shell cordovan came from Horween, it is very clear that Alden's additional coat leads to a more eggplant color whereas AE is moer akin to oxblood.

bucksfan said:

I hear ya - but I'll also tell you that I have seen many different pair of Park Avenues over the past couple years, and they are highly variable in that regard. Some have very short toe caps (such as the shell ones I saw in person) and others have toe caps almost as long as that on the Strand. I managed to get a pair in black calf with a longer toe cap... Still deciding whether I'm going to Ebay those and go for the shell.

Click to expand...

Same here, the toe cap on my 11.5C is longer than the toe cap on my 11C. I did email AE using their feedback link and described this issue. Like anything, if they receive enough calls/emails they may address it.

"I"m looking for a sleek tan/brown loafer, Presidio is not offered in either of those colors, I'm thinking Westchester not sure if it has a narrow vamp and elongated toe. I like the C&J Merton but finding stock is a challenge. Anything else I should consider?"




Have you considered the Parkland? It's about the most sleek loafer AE offers IMO. I like the proportions of it better than the Presidio, and it comes in brown.

reidrothchild said:

"I"m looking for a sleek tan/brown loafer, Presidio is not offered in either of those colors, I'm thinking Westchester not sure if it has a narrow vamp and elongated toe. I like the C&J Merton but finding stock is a challenge. Anything else I should consider?"

Have you considered the Parkland? It's about the most sleek loafer AE offers IMO. I like the proportions of it better than the Presidio, and it comes in brown.

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Parkland is currently on clearance, too.

I saw it in the store and I thought the Parkland was quite nice looking.