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

green garden · Feb 4, 2014

WICaniac said:
I was already leaning toward B, but it's now moot, as the Dundees (which I did not put on hold) are gone.

So the current (nearly final) makeup of the the Shaker Heights:

All brown Chromexcel (no offsetting panels).

Mini-lug rubber tap sole

Brown edging and matching split-reverse welt.

Dark brown stitching.

Independence lining.

Haven't yet decided on eyelets (other than ruling out speed hooks).

I'm hoping for a dressier and more comfortable (yet cheaper) version of the Alden Indy.

I think blind will look dressier.

jch1 · Feb 4, 2014

All,

I cannot for the life of me get anything resembling a shine on my brown shell patriots. I have VSC, Saphir Renovateur, Leather Defender, and AE's cordovan polish. No matter what I do, it creates a flat, dull shine. I've tried the mac method. I've stripped off what I believe is all the polish to the point the sides of the shoes visibly look 'dry'. I'd appreciate any insights.

I also have a pair of Cambridges which I have almost no problem getting a high shine out of.

SeanP · Feb 4, 2014

masernaut said:
It kind of looks like the laces are doing their best to keep the shoe fastened on your foot. So yes, they are too narrow. Going down half a size and increasing the width can help- you could also try a 10 EE/EEE.

So the time has come to replace my shoes! I have heard going from the Blucher into the Balmoral style will also affect width. Should I attempt a 10EE and 10E Mcallister for comparison? unfortunately I do not have an AE location locally to try these width/size combos.

Thanks Much!

bkotsko · Feb 4, 2014

jch1 said:
All,

I cannot for the life of me get anything resembling a shine on my brown shell patriots. I have VSC, Saphir Renovateur, Leather Defender, and AE's cordovan polish. No matter what I do, it creates a flat, dull shine. I've tried the mac method. I've stripped off what I believe is all the polish to the point the sides of the shoes visibly look 'dry'. I'd appreciate any insights.

I also have a pair of Cambridges which I have almost no problem getting a high shine out of.

Sorry you are having trouble.
I wish you lived close, I would take a stab at shining them.
I love the challenge.
What kind of brush are you using?
Have you tried a soft cotton flannel cloth for final polishing?

WICaniac · Feb 4, 2014

Does anyone know how long the Broadstreet has been in AE's rotation? Are spectators of some sort (if not by this name) a staple, or do they come and go?

bl@ster · Feb 4, 2014

WICaniac said:
Does anyone know how long the Broadstreet has been in AE's rotation? Are spectators of some sort (if not by this name) a staple, or do they come and go?

Oh, since the 1920's or so...

jch1 · Feb 4, 2014

Sorry for not including that info. I have 5-6 AE horsehair brushes, one of which is designated for my brown shell. I've been reading a great deal about different brushes having a profound effect on the shine, so I may need to look into that.

I picked up one of those 36-packs of micofiber towels on Amazon some time ago, so I use one for cleaning/wiping down, and one for applying product (separate corners for each product).

WICaniac · Feb 4, 2014

jch1 said:
All,

I cannot for the life of me get anything resembling a shine on my brown shell patriots. I have VSC, Saphir Renovateur, Leather Defender, and AE's cordovan polish. No matter what I do, it creates a flat, dull shine. I've tried the mac method. I've stripped off what I believe is all the polish to the point the sides of the shoes visibly look 'dry'. I'd appreciate any insights.

I also have a pair of Cambridges which I have almost no problem getting a high shine out of.

The head of AE's recrafting department recommends an old-fashion carnauba wax spit shine--even on shell. I've never tried it, but it appears you have exhausted the connoisseur's remedies.

MacktasticGDogg · Feb 4, 2014

jch1 said:
All, I cannot for the life of me get anything resembling a shine on my brown shell patriots. I have VSC, Saphir Renovateur, Leather Defender, and AE's cordovan polish. No matter what I do, it creates a flat, dull shine. I've tried the mac method. I've stripped off what I believe is all the polish to the point the sides of the shoes visibly look 'dry'. I'd appreciate any insights. I also have a pair of Cambridges which I have almost no problem getting a high shine out of.

It sounds like you've tried everything. How about Alden's paste wax? Although if you can't get it to shine up with the other products you've used, Alden paste wax probably wouldn't do it either. If you haven't tried it though, you might as well give it a shot.

bkotsko · Feb 4, 2014

jch1 said:
Sorry for not including that info. I have 5-6 AE horsehair brushes, one of which is designated for my brown shell. I've been reading a great deal about different brushes having a profound effect on the shine, so I may need to look into that.

I picked up one of those 36-packs of micofiber towels on Amazon some time ago, so I use one for cleaning/wiping down, and one for applying product (separate corners for each product).

I wonder what the consensus is on microfiber versus cotton flannel for final polishing.
(natural fibers versus man made)
The analogy (in my overthinking mind) would be similar to that of a brush that was not natural fibers versus a good horsehair brush.

I know that I have a pair of AE shell shoes that just don't pop, and there isn't much I can do about it.
The shell is not dry, it just stays slightly more matte.
In the past brushing has helped this, but it is only after many wears and many brushings.

fitchottie · Feb 4, 2014

Bout to go visit the Outlet in Mebane NC. Wish me Luck, I only own Aldens, and one pair of RL sanderson.

anrobit · Feb 4, 2014

fitchottie said:
Bout to go visit the Outlet in Mebane NC. Wish me Luck, I only own Aldens, and one pair of RL sanderson.

May AE have mercy on your wallet.

Cold Iron · Feb 4, 2014

green garden said:
@Cold Iron how old are the Leeds? Just wanted to know how long I'd have to wait until my #8 turn brownish. I love this color.

I agree, it is a great color! They started and then completed the change toward brown ~ at the end of the 4 year mark. My understanding is it depends on how much UV exposure they get, which isn't very much where I live. The more you wear them the faster they get exposure and the first couple of years I usually wore them 3 or so times a week.

rydenfan · Feb 4, 2014

Cold Iron said:
I agree, it is a great color! They started and then completed the change toward brown ~ at the end of the 4 year mark. My understanding is it depends on how much UV exposure they get, which isn't very much where I live. The more you wear them the faster they get exposure and the first couple of years I usually wore them 3 or so times a week.

What we really want to know is if you finally bought your first pair of gunboats????

chinngiskhaan · Feb 4, 2014

SeanP said:
So the time has come to replace my shoes! I have heard going from the Blucher into the Balmoral style will also affect width. Should I attempt a 10EE and 10E Mcallister for comparison? unfortunately I do not have an AE location locally to try these width/size combos.

Thanks Much!

FWIW I think you win the award for widest lacing gap of any picture on this thread!

However, the creasing looks normal to me so I wouldn't go up in length. I'm not expert though, so if someone other than me has an opinion on this you are better of going with their opinion over mine...

Good luck with finding your true size!

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

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