Allen Edmonds makes me physically sick

I got one pair each of Fifth Ave. and Park Ave. a year or so ago. They've lasted well, though I don't wear them much, and they seem to be sturdy and comfortable. I've put toppys on them and everything is grand. HOWEVER...

A few months back I bought a pair of Berkshire, and a pair of Benton. The shoes look alright, minus some discoloration on the Benton at the brogued seam. I bought 9E, the same size I wear the comfortable Fifth Ave in. The Berkshire flops off the heel on the left foot, stays put on the right. The toe box on both the Berkshire and Benton are terrible... I buy wides for comfort, but these things hurt my feet and give me blisters. The rubber sole is detaching at the toe on the Benton, and I've only wore them a hand full of times.

So now when I see AE shoes online and their ridiculous prices I throw up a little in my mouth and wonder, "Why would anyone buy this when they can get some decent quality Aldens or something even better for a few hundred more?"

My point being: Is AE riding on a reputation? Have the decreased in quality while maintaining high prices? Why are the Fifth Aves so much better than these two pairs of garbage that I bought this Summer?

You're wearing the shoes the wrong way.

Thats usually what I think to myself when I see homeless people in McDonalds. Don't they know about the steak house down the street?

Originally Posted by chrisb0109

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Thats usually what I think to myself when I see homeless people in McDonalds. Don't they know about the steak house down the street?

Ouch!

OP: sorry you are having trouble. Contact AE customer service. They'll make things right.

Originally Posted by chrisb0109

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Thats usually what I think to myself when I see homeless people in McDonalds. Don't they know about the steak house down the street?

you rollin

I have a pair of Burtons and a pair of Belgiums and like both pair. No problems whatsoever.

Mike

Both the Park and 5th Avenue are made on the same last 5 (65) which works great for your feet and Benton and Berkshires are made on different lasts which don't. Call AE and they will get you the proper fit.

- B

Originally Posted by Bill Smith

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Both the Park and 5th Avenue are made on the same last 5 (65) which works great for your feet and Benton and Berkshires are made on different lasts which don't. Call AE and they will get you the proper fit.

thanks - I've wondered about AE lasts before and thought that there must be a universal last since I haven't noticed the last indicated on the shoe descriptions. Now that I know, this clears some stuff up. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Jay Gatsby

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thanks - I've wondered about AE lasts before and thought that there must be a universal last since I haven't noticed the last indicated on the shoe descriptions. Now that I know, this clears some stuff up. Thanks!

I thought you were going to get some Aldens. Its only a few hundred more.

Sorry to hear about your problems. I have a pair of Bentons that I have had for about 4-5 years - no problems whatsoever with mine.

I also have some pairs that are 10 years old and never been recrafted and have no problems.

As far as the fit, you have to check which last the shoe is on. AE offers several different lasts to accomodate a variety of foot shapes. If you look at their website, each shoe lists the last under "details". The website also shows the features/fit of each last.

Chris

Originally Posted by Jay Gatsby

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I bought 9E, the same size I wear the comfortable Fifth Ave in. The Berkshire flops off the heel on the left foot, stays put on the right. The toe box on both the Berkshire and Benton are terrible... I buy wides for comfort, but these things hurt my feet and give me blisters.

One particular shoe/last doesn't fit you well, so despite that you have other shoes of the same make which are sturdy and confortable you proclaim that the entire company makes you physically sick?

Right...

And the detaching sole serves you right for buying rubber-soled shoes.

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

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- B

+1

OP makes me physically sick.

Originally Posted by Jay Gatsby

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I got one pair each of Fifth Ave. and Park Ave. a year or so ago. They've lasted well, though I don't wear them much, and they seem to be sturdy and comfortable. I've put toppys on them and everything is grand. HOWEVER... A few months back ..blah blah blah blah blah blah blah