In Praise of Allen-Edmonds

I just received, from AE's official ebay presence, a pair of Cambridge shell cordovan wingtips. Paid $200 shipped. I slipped them on and was immediately struck by a sensation I've experienced repeatedly upon putting on, for the first time, a pair of well-fitting AEs: They are remarkably comfortable shoes. As such, they represent amazing value. Shoes that cost 2-3 times as much are often not much more comfortable, if at all.

Yes, there are no channeled soles or beveled waists or any of the finer details on European shoes. Yes, the lasts and the style will not please everyone on this board. There's nothing to be done about these matters of taste (although these wingtips, on the same last as the Park Avenue, are a respectably sleek round-toed shape, IMHO).

But I return to my main point: AEs are delightfully comfortable, practical, hard-wearing shoes made from fine leathers. They are too easy to overlook, but they deserve a place in most men's closets.

I agree. Nice shoes. I used to like Alden much more, but I have found that AE actually fits me better. Although I don't like the 360 degree welt, the fact that they are more comfortable for my foot than Alden makes them worth it to me.

Are they dumping cordovans @ cost now

I forgot to mention the 360-degree welt in the minus column. It gives the heels a volume and a clunkiness that seem unnecessary.

Some split toes from a different seller for $180: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MENS-ALLEN-E...QQcmdZViewItem

Originally Posted by Christofuh

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Are they dumping cordovans @ cost now

I picked up the cordos cheap because they'd put the wrong sole on them--a full rubber top lift instead of a keystone combo on the heel and a sole that didn't say "Genuine Cordovan" on it, which I guess in their book made them unsaleable. Except, of course, to me.

Luckily, they fit fabulously. I wasn't even really in the market for full brogues, but I couldn't pass up the deal.

I particularly like AE for bluchers. Others may make sleeker bals, but AE's endearing clunkiness is a perfect match for casual clothes, in my book.

And a Ford F-150 is a hell of a truck, but it does not mean everyone needs one.

I thought everyone here already had an F-150. No?

Obviously my closing remark was somewhat hyperbolic, but if you consider the value-comfort tradeoff, a pair or two of knock-about AEs might indeed play a useful role. They're not as precious as the truly high-end stuff, but for that reason, they can be worn in situations that EGs might fear to tread.

F150? No, surely you meant Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, right? take the Escalade instead.

I'm with you grimslade... I just experienced the maiden voyage of some perfectly fitting Fairfaxes today, and they are remarkably comfortable and actually pretty slick for AEs. Not bad for about $125 from STP plus free shipping... You can't knock the hustle.

Originally Posted by grimslade

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I thought everyone here already had an F-150. No? Obviously my closing remark was somewhat hyperbolic, but if you consider the value-comfort tradeoff, a pair or two of knock-about AEs might indeed play a useful role. They're not as precious as the truly high-end stuff, but for that reason, they can be worn in situations that EGs might fear to tread.
I'm assembling a solid lineup of AE's to wear for my everyday (but not everyday) walking back and forth from the office (esp for rain/snow/ days) -- then switch into "higher-end" shoes at the office. Walking three miles everyday on the streets of NYC will do a number on your shoes. Anyways, I often find myself just leaving the AE's on at the office, due to convenience and the fact that the stylings still present a nice look with my suits.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

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I particularly like AE for bluchers. Others may make sleeker bals, but AE's endearing clunkiness is a perfect match for casual clothes, in my book.

Such as with the discontinued Brewster. I love AE, but why do they keep discontinuing some of their best modles and replacing them with less elegant versions that are cheaper to produce. Oh.........nevermind.

(The picture is from an Ebay auction. I clearly had to rescue these and give them shoe trees and nicer hardwood flooring).

I reach for my AEs (many pairs) more often than any other shoes I own, including those costing several times as much.

I am also happy with my AEs.