Why does Allen Edmonds Make so Many Crappy Shoes?

deveandepot1 · Mar 8, 2010

Is there really a market for the Nashua, Burbank, Winhall, Maxfield, Urbino,...

I would only ever wear the Strand, PA, FA, MacNeil, McAllistar, and the Boston. I wouldn't touch the other 95%

upnorth · Mar 8, 2010

Shoes that you regard as crappy, are the same designs worn by 95% of the population, those same people whom we criticize for poor taste, but whose actions and purchases generate the income to sustain an American company.

Kurt N · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

Is there really a market for the Nashua, Burbank, Winhall, Maxfield, Urbino,...

I would only ever wear the Strand, PA, FA, MacNeil, McAllistar, and the Boston. I wouldn't touch the other 95%

Apparently you're no fan of loafers, and neither am I--but others are. I see the Maxfield, particularly, out there on a regular basis. Anyway, updating product lineup and taking a few risks with new models is SOP for any company that wants to be more than just a niche operation.

leebert · Mar 8, 2010

While I share your taste, what really impressess me about AE is that they constantly evolve their product portfolio and they aren't afraid to take risks. One of those risks - the "Seven" line which is now discontinued - provided two outstanding shoes that are now in my rotation. It's rare for a company that essentially positions in a conservative market segment to still innovate and refine it's offering.

onix · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

Is there really a market for the Nashua, Burbank, Winhall, Maxfield, Urbino,...

I would only ever wear the Strand, PA, FA, MacNeil, McAllistar, and the Boston. I wouldn't touch the other 95%

They just make a lot of models, those that sell will be kept and reproduced (Park Avenue, McAllister and the like), while those don't quite sell will be discontinued. Hence, over time the total amount of introduced ugly models are huge, but it's an experiment that is worth to take.

EZETHATSME · Mar 8, 2010

Hey, I'm wearing my Winhalls right now.

EZ

viator · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by EZETHATSME

Hey, I'm wearing my Winhalls right now.

EZ
Same with my Burbanks.

btinl · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by upnorth

Shoes that you regard as crappy, are the same designs worn by 95% of the population, those same people whom we criticize for poor taste, but whose actions and purchases generate the income to sustain an American company.

+1

Michael Ay329 · Mar 8, 2010

I do not own any Allen-Edmonds shoes and have no plans to do so because I find their designs and lasts to be unattractive

AAAC is a bastion for Allen-Edmond lovers...and their CEO posts their too

furo · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by deveandepot1

Is there really a market for the Nashua, Burbank, Winhall, Maxfield, Urbino,...

I would only ever wear the Strand, PA, FA, MacNeil, McAllistar, and the Boston. I wouldn't touch the other 95%

Well that's why. Because you'd still buy 5% of their products. So it's a win win.

bananananana · Mar 8, 2010

What's wrong with the Burbank and Urbino? They look like pretty standard bit loafers and tassel loafer to me.

niidawg3 · Mar 8, 2010

i like my AE Bergens ... the only AE's i own:

intfxdx · Mar 8, 2010

Yes i agree with you but look at the shoes people are wearing when you are in bus you will understand why they are doing this kind of shoes. They need to differentiate their products so that everybody will find his taste.
By the way what are you thinking about these

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...ategory=120552

i want to buy a suede shoe, can you suggest me sth like that one ? you think that CJ shoes are better than AE ? Because imo i can find some CJ at that price or Alfred Sargent. Thanks.

makewayhomer · Mar 8, 2010

Originally Posted by intfxdx

Yes i agree with you but look at the shoes people are wearing when you are in bus you will understand why they are doing this kind of shoes. They need to differentiate their products so that everybody will find his taste.
By the way what are you thinking about these

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...ategory=120552

i want to buy a suede shoe, can you suggest me sth like that one ? you think that CJ shoes are better than AE ? Because imo i can find some CJ at that price or Alfred Sargent. Thanks.

given current conversion rates, C&J (non handgrade) is about the same price as Alden. still a bit more than AE. also, AE can frequently be found on discount. most people don't pay $325 for a Cambridge, while most people do pay $400 or w/e for the Alden equivalent

embowafa · Mar 8, 2010

There are some models that when at the right price point (see: heavy discount) would almost be silly NOT to buy.

I own the McClain, Bel Air, Mora and Evanston (my only black shoes). All were purchased at <$200. I find them to be just as comfortable as my Tramezzas and C&J, and while not as elegant as other, more expensive, brands, get the job done.

Why does Allen Edmonds Make so Many Crappy Shoes?

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

In Time Out

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

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: