Allen Edmonds Dalton - shell cordovan in walnut - Page 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWSH 

These criticisms of A&E seem misplaced to me; A&E occupies a venerable spot in the American marketplace, long since abandoned by the others in their peer group, like Cole Haan, J&M and Florsheim.  They represent accessible, USA-made, high-quality shoes made for the professional man who may not earn the wage that allows him easy access to George Cleverley.  That A&E is now lumped together with -- and critiqued against -- bespoke makers or upper-tier shoemakers like Lobb, E. Green or even Alden, is more a mark of its success than its lapses. 

 

As late as the 1990s, one could still choose among a gamut of American shoemakers get a quality American-made product, and even chose among a range of styles in shell cordovan from makers like J&M, Florsheim and Hanover.  Now we have only A&E left.  Every time I take out my J&M Aldrichs from fifteen years ago and realize I can't replace them because J& M now makes only crap, I thank God for A&E.  A&E stuck to their guns when the others capitulated to the sterile cyniscms of profit margins over loyalty to the American shoemaking tradition.  They deserve praise for that, not flyspecking over aesthetic considerations more appropriate to a significantly different market niche. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patek 

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiego 

Patek, what is your experience with AE shells?

My limited experience is that they are quite good and seemed to be finished to a substantially higher standard than the calf shoes. My current pair is easily the match of my C&J hand grade in terms of detailing, construction, finish, and being shell, the AE "blob" look actually works out well since most shell cordovan shoes struggle with sleekness anyway.

I agree with your comments on the AE calf shoes, but those are half the price of these, or less.

Outside of the rare Ralph Lauren 4 hour sale, how often do shell cordovan boots appear at this price point?

I just picked up the C&J for BB shell boots for $533 or something like that. I am bothered by the finishing of my Alden shell boots, but have to admit that I have never seen AE shells, just figured they would be below Alden.

Agree with first post above 100%.   I have AE shells, Alden shells and two pairs of 14 year old Hanover shell wingtips.  I feel the AEs are easily as nice if not nicer than the Alden's. 

Just received last week a pair of the C&J for BB Captoe Shell boots. I was surprised by what I felt was their poor quality out of the box.   First off the color on each boot does not match.  The left boot is a shade lighter in the bend area. The welt stitching is sloppy at places on each boot, the tongue on the left boot arrived unattached to the sidewall as it should be and finally the right boot is about 1/6 of an inch wider than the left. Unfortunately I was so excited to get them for $575 that I disregarded the tongue issue and wore them right away without a thorough exam so I assume I can't return them.  I am new here but have read a lot of rave reviews about these boots and C&J in particular.  I must say I am a bit dissapointed with them. My AE shell Randolphs are perfect and I also have two paie of AE calfs that are perfect, very nice quality and very comfortable. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by swiego 

OP here. Well, my second (replacement) pair came in. . In other words, it's much better, but if this weren't shell cordovan, it would be a bad value at the price given the attention that was given to detail.
It is shell though, so I am keeping it!
I'm told that a walnut cordovan cream is coming from AE in the near future.
I'm looking forward to wearing these tomorrow!

Glad to hear it turned out well for you! Your second pair sounds a lot like mine. The space in the heel area is still bothering me and I will make it to the cobbler sooner than later to have him fill the area in with veg tan leather. I put Vibram half soles on but they are still slick on ice so will end up sending them to Nick in NYC for Commando soles this spring. Last week got my order from Kirby (Hanger Project) and treated mine with Reno and it really brought out the black on the edges and else where dramatically. You had mentioned elsewhere the thought of using wax to help with water welts and I agree. Got the MDO Cognac (#10) and after a couple of coats they look like glass. I put many hours into the brushing before hand though. And after the Reno, resting and waxing. Happy to hear that things have turned out well for you, and hope you get as much enjoyment out of them as I do mine which I wore once again today with Khaki dress pants. The looks and compliments were worth every penny.

I plan to just use a damp rag and horsehair brush for daily clean-up, and put a little saphir renovateur 2x per year to re-moisturize.  I'm also toying with the idea of some brown paste wax on certain parts, if I want to get creative.