AE Park Avenue - Major Heel Problems

I bought my first pair of AE Park Avenue's about a month ago. I am now on my third pair because on each pair, the heel begins to split from the sole within 1 wearing. Now that I'm on my third pair and the same problem has happened, I'm really at a loss as to what's going on. Nordstrom has been great about replacing each pair, but I am tired of going though the return process, which inevitably means waiting for them to ship me a new pair. I thought that AE represented top quality? Has anyone else experienced the issue of heels splitting off from the sole with barely any wear?

I own several pairs of AE, and I don't have any where the heel is splitting from the sole. On a few, the sole has started to separate, but not the heel. Do you have any pictures?

Curbed Enthusiasm said:

I bought my first pair of AE Park Avenue's about a month ago. I am now on my third pair because on each pair, the heel begins to split from the sole within 1 wearing. Now that I'm on my third pair and the same problem has happened, I'm really at a loss as to what's going on. Nordstrom has been great about replacing each pair, but I am tired of going though the return process, which inevitably means waiting for them to ship me a new pair. I thought that AE represented top quality? Has anyone else experienced the issue of heels splitting off from the sole with barely any wear?

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I find it a touch hard to believe that the heel is separating on all three pairs. One, sure, two, less likely, but ok, three, doubtful.

You got pics?

They had issues with this on shoes manufactured this summer (something regarding the glue they got from a supplier...or something). Bring them to the store and they will exchange them, no questions asked. I had to do this with a pair of Fifth Aves purchased in June.



Quadcammer said:

I find it a touch hard to believe that the heel is separating on all three pairs. One, sure, two, less likely, but ok, three, doubtful.

You got pics?

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Oh ok, you've got me - just making up this random story for the hell of it. Are you really serious? I have better things to do with my time than to make up a shoe defect fantasy.


Thank you ElDave for bringing up that there was a supplier issue. I'll take them to my local AE store.



Curbed Enthusiasm said:

Oh ok, you've got me - just making up this random story for the hell of it. Are you really serious? I have better things to do with my time than to make up a shoe defect fantasy.


Thank you ElDave for bringing up that there was a supplier issue. I'll take them to my local AE store.

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Its simply unusual. Considering AEs are some of the most controversial shoes on here, it wouldn't surprise me if some stories were told that were not based in fact.

That said, AE has some of the best customer service in the biz. Call them up and tell them of your troubles. You may get a credit out of them or something.



Quadcammer said:

Its simply unusual. Considering AEs are some of the most controversial shoes on here, it wouldn't surprise me if some stories were told that were not based in fact.

That said, AE has some of the best customer service in the biz. Call them up and tell them of your troubles. You may get a credit out of them or something.

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What makes AE "controversial?"

I bought a pair of AE Strands this July from Nordstrom and already have the exact same issue with the heel splitting. I called AE and the customer service representative immediately knew what I was talking about. She said my options were to: (i) exchange them for a new pair; or (ii) have a local cobbler put a little glue in the crack. I'm going to take the second option because it is so minor, so easily fixable and I do not want to have to break them in again.

I brought my strands at Nordstom a couple months back. Heels started to split from sole as well, but I returned them for a new pair in the mail. I thought it might have also been because I hold them by the heel when I polished them. So I stopped doing that, good so far.



Curbed Enthusiasm said:

What makes AE "controversial?"

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There ares some people who think they are built so crappy and are so ugly that they'd rather go barefoot in 5" of snow than have AEs touch their feet, and then there are others that think they are well built, attractive, and long lasting shoes.

Many polar opinions.

Quadcammer said:

Curbed Enthusiasm said:

What makes AE "controversial?"

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There ares some people who think they are built so crappy and are so ugly that they'd rather go barefoot in 5" of snow than have AEs touch their feet, and then there are others that think they are well built, attractive, and long lasting shoes.
Many polar opinions.

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[Cue patriotic music]
[Begin Rant]

I am a very happy owner of 30 pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes.
Never once have I experienced a single issue with any of them.
I receive endless compliments on my Allen Edmonds shoes though I never purchased them for that reason.
I purchased them because in North America you simply cannot find an equivalent at the same retail price point, pure and simple.
They are comfortable and durable and there are no shortage of very decent looking models to choose from.
They can take a pounding on concrete, which is what 98% of North American men walk on, to and from work every day.
They are the entry level to high end dress shoes, regardless of what some spoiled brats on here proclaim otherwise.
I do not have millions of dollars to my name. I did not inherit millions. I work for a living.
I take public transit and have to walk through a minefield of crap on the ground on a daily basis.
I want in a shoe, reliability, comfort and enough style that makes myself and others happy at the sight of me.
I do not own my own company nor am I a C.E.O. of a company.
Though I am not of the upper echelon, I can, will and do show respect for myself and the way I dress. I proudly wear Allen Edmonds shoes.
They have and continue to serve my every need. I have not been paid to type this.
I do so to fiercely support and defend one of the last remaining great American manufacturers of Mens footwear.
Those who hate only hate themselves. What concern have I toward any self-loathing individual who thinks less of my shoes? Let those who hate, hate.
Yet I will go on wearing Allen Edmonds shoes with a quiet surge of pride, confident with the knowledge that I am not alone; that the Allen Edmonds owners of my country and continent also wear their Allen Edmonds shoes, knowing that by our conviction, loyalty and legion to this wonderful product, a well-deserving company will not only survive, but flourish into the next century and beyond; ensuring that generation after generation will go on, sharing in the legacy that is Allen Edmonds, a maker of fine shoes, made in the United States Of America



Thank you.
[/Rant]

^^^ Nice!

wait, MOL, aren't you Canadian?



Master-Classter said:

wait, MOL, aren't you Canadian?

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I am Canadian and live in Toronto, but it was the thought that counted.
Geographically, Canada is in North America, just as is the U.S.A. As you well know, North, Central and South Americans are all 'Americans' though our friends directly south of us have unwittingly claimed the title as their own. I was a staunch supporter of Canadian made shoes. I still own my Canadian made Dack's, Florsheims and Hartt's though I donated my McHale's. I even have some Made in Canada ROOTS but now as most of our Canadian shoe companies have closed their manufacturing doors I fully support our 'American' companies, where possible.

Man of Lint, good post.

Personally, I'm indifferent to AE shoes. I bought a pair a ways back and disliked them (not comfortable). Soon after I donated them. Not sure how they are today.

One little thing about your post. Yes the shoes are stamped Made in the USA, but the uppers are stiched in the Dominican Republic. Just like Gucci, LV, Burberry and many others who craft parts or the majority of their products in a foreign country then stamp them Made in Italy / France / etc... due to a 30% labor loophole in both Italy and France. AE in particular claims to stitch their uppers in the DR due to a lack of specialized labor.

I tend not to support these companies or their products.

Edit mistyped Man of Lint's name.