Allen Edmonds Balmoral Boot in the works

ld111134 · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I think this is my problem with it. Or, more specifically, AE's problem. They lack a core direction. It always seems like they're trying everything, without focusing on their strengths.

It's not that I object to AE making bal boots per se, and I don't begrudge bal boot fans this offering. But looking at the devastation of the American shoemaking industry, and knowing how hard it is for a company like AE to survive these days, it just seems like a shakey way of doing business.

The main difference between AE and Alden is that AE is a much bigger company that is owned by private equity investors and has a much bigger payroll to support. IIRC, Alden is still a family-owned company whose objectives may well differ from those of AE's investors. Such differences probably make it incumbent upon AE to produce a broader range of product that Alden.

NukeMeSlowly · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Point 1: Offer a plain captoe blucher boot, the sort of classic, rugged design that would work well with AE's trademark clunky heel.

There ends the list.

If you re-read my OP, before reference to the balmoral captoe, you will see reference to a "Titanic" movie inspired/created/something boot. Based on my hazy memory of that film and limited knowledge of the time period in question, I am assuming that this boot will be in line with your list of demands.

RIDER · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by Razele

^LOL @ J+M

Yup....here's hoping another doesn't bite the dust - or move production to India.

DocHolliday · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by NukeMeSlowly

If you re-read my OP, before reference to the balmoral captoe, you will see reference to a "Titanic" movie inspired/created/something boot. Based on my hazy memory of that film and limited knowledge of the time period in question, I am assuming that this boot will be in line with your list of demands.

Perhaps, but the combined offering of a balmoral boot and one specifically meant to recall a style from 1912 makes me rather skeptical.

NukeMeSlowly · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Perhaps, but the combined offering of a balmoral boot and one specifically meant to recall a style from 1912 makes me rather skeptical.

I guess I am seeing the glass half full. From my perspective, any movment towards an affordable, accessible balmoral dress boot is good news.

But, of course, the proof of the pudding will be in the tasting.

Steven Aver · Dec 9, 2009

The titanic mention is interesting as I know that Stacy Adams provided most of the shoes for the movie, and they still make shoes on the Madison last, which are completely different from the better known pimped out disasters they produce. They are actually still made with a goodyear construction. Not in anyway to trying to glorify Stacy Adams (hate them actually) , but at retail of $100 I dont think you can get another GY welted shoe @ full retail.

AnGeLiCbOrIs · Dec 9, 2009

Originally Posted by Steven Aver

I really wish AE would go back to the old sockliner they used to use, it was great.

The newer hard black liner is terrible IMO. I know they recently modified it to be a little more forgiving, but I still think its a miss.

Look forward to their new offerings..

AE salesperson told me that they are going back to the old insole.

NukeMeSlowly · Dec 13, 2009

It is official.

Originally Posted by AllenEdmondsCEO

Season's Greetings, Gents -

We're looking forward to the visit from some of our good AAAC friends on 12/22. They will get a full showing of the Spring and Fall additions for 2010, as well as a factory tour while a pair of custom brown cordovan Strands are being made. It'll be a good day.

Just this week we gave our new balmoral boot its name - The Fifth Street. It is indeed the Fifth Avenue pattern on the #5 last and will available in brown, black and cordovan. It's a fantastic looking boot.

It has some great companions in a boot line-up for next year. We'll also have blucher boot that was worn by the cast in the movie TITANIC, a rugged leather take on a chelsea boot with the tasteful rubber sole of our Executive Collection shoes, and a pebble grain rubber soled chukka on a thicker but still classy rubber sole known as a Titan sole. Lots to like there.

And yes, the catalyst for the inspiration definitely was input from you all. We're grateful because we're really excited about these boots! But 2010 is not going to be the year of the boot only -- wait until you see the shoes we've got coming....

Best,
Paul

I am now budgeting for one in each color.

Steven Aver · Dec 13, 2009

E is doing the Macneil in a few cool colors (like Navy) Spring 2010.

Rusty G. · Dec 13, 2009

When is the boot expected to be available?

NukeMeSlowly · Dec 14, 2009

The plot thickens...

Originally Posted by AllenEdmondsCEO

Everyone - The Fifth Street boot will be more of an ankle height boot, not as far above the ankle as the one in Matt's picture. For that height, we'll have the Bayfield (Titanic movie) blucher boot. The pricing on the Fifth Street will be $325 in black and brown calfskin and $525 in shell cordovan. The Bayfield, with its greater amount of leather and pattern design, will be $350. We haven't planned to bring the Bayfield back in shell cordovan at this point.

Best wishes,
Paul

I am somewhat bummed out that the Fifth Avenue will not be a full top boot.

On the other hand, the price will be in line with their regular offerings.

I am having a hard time visualizing a balmoral ankle boot. Anyone got any relevant photos?

NoVaguy · Dec 14, 2009

Originally Posted by NukeMeSlowly

The plot thickens...

I am somewhat bummed out that the Fifth Avenue will not be a full top boot.

On the other hand, the price will be in line with their regular offerings.

I am having a hard time visualizing a balmoral ankle boot. Anyone got any relevant photos?

Wasn't the AE Brantley also an ankle height boot? Google that model.

falconboy · Dec 14, 2009

The world screams for an eccentric balmoral bootlette that looks like an orthopedic special built on a last that fits 32% of the population.

NukeMeSlowly · Dec 14, 2009

Originally Posted by falconboy

The world screams for an eccentric balmoral bootlette that looks like an orthopedic special built on a last that fits 32% of the population.

32% of the pop? That doesn't compute when the Park Avenue (also on the #5 last) is their biggest seller.

I am still cautiously optimistic about the end product.

I googled the discontinued Brantley model and if it is that height I will be happy.

AlanC · Dec 14, 2009

The Fifth Avenue was exactly the right model for them to choose to base the boot on. I don't see how a punch cap boot could be called eccentric in any way.

But it's always SF-cool to bash anything AE does.

Allen Edmonds Balmoral Boot in the works

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Active Member

Senior Member

Minister of Trad

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: