Project Allen Edmond

Originally Posted by Coldsnap 

One of my best finds this year thrifting was a pair of Allen Edmonds for $4. I've worn them a few times and there's a few things that need to be fixed on them, to return them to their former glory. I don't usually post in the MC section and could use some advice. I appreciate it.


1) As you can see they were well loved by their previous owner and the leather has become dry / crinkly in some areas. What product and method will restore these?
2)The previous owners foot is imprinted into the soft leather insole which makes them fairly uncomfortable to stand in for long periods of time. I can either solve this two ways I'm guessing; pick up a Dr. Scholl's or something insert to cover the original sole (which might actually work out because they are 1/2 size too big). What is a good insole for dress shoes? I don't like ones that have high elevated heels because it then throws off the fit of the shoe. OR I could take it to a cobbler and have a completely new leather insole put in, how much does that usually run?
3)At the thrift store I got them from they pop off all the heels and replace them with some cheap goodyear heels, as seen in the second picture. I'm def going to have to have a cobbler take a look at this, how much will it cost to bring back the leather heel?
4)The shoe laces are beat up in some areas, where can nice replacements be purchased at that will look exactly like the originals?

Originally Posted by Unregistered 

The imprint of the previous owner's foot isn't on the leather insole, but rather in the cork placed under the insole. It cannot be replaced, and thus will never truly fit you as the shoe was designed to. With time it will improve, but the imprint from the previous owner will still be there.

Originally Posted by Coldsnap 

One of my best finds this year thrifting was a pair of Allen Edmonds for $4. I've worn them a few times and there's a few things that need to be fixed on them, to return them to their former glory. I don't usually post in the MC section and could use some advice. I appreciate it.


1) As you can see they were well loved by their previous owner and the leather has become dry / crinkly in some areas. What product and method will restore these?
2)The previous owners foot is imprinted into the soft leather insole which makes them fairly uncomfortable to stand in for long periods of time. I can either solve this two ways I'm guessing; pick up a Dr. Scholl's or something insert to cover the original sole (which might actually work out because they are 1/2 size too big). What is a good insole for dress shoes? I don't like ones that have high elevated heels because it then throws off the fit of the shoe. OR I could take it to a cobbler and have a completely new leather insole put in, how much does that usually run?
3)At the thrift store I got them from they pop off all the heels and replace them with some cheap goodyear heels, as seen in the second picture. I'm def going to have to have a cobbler take a look at this, how much will it cost to bring back the leather heel?
4)The shoe laces are beat up in some areas, where can nice replacements be purchased at that will look exactly like the originals?
It looks like Allen Edmond can completely rebuild the shoe for $99, after watching the video I think this might be the way. Anyone done this?
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/RecraftingView?storeId=1&langId=-1&catalogId=40000000001
Also if anyone can identify these shoes i would appreciate it.

Originally Posted by cptjeff 

2. Wear them longer until your foot changes the imprint. The insole cannot be changed, it's integral to the construction of the shoe. An insert could help if they're too large, but they'll never fit quite right.

Originally Posted by fritzl 

you think so? it's hard to imagine for me, that you can imprint an insole. probably the corkbed underneath at best. i can imagine you can imprint a sockliner, but bengal says AE don't uses sockliners in their shoes. is this true???
sorry for ot. ty

Originally Posted by Coldsnap 

One of my best finds this year thrifting was a pair of Allen Edmonds for $4. I've worn them a few times and there's a few things that need to be fixed on them, to return them to their former glory. I don't usually post in the MC section and could use some advice. I appreciate it.


1) As you can see they were well loved by their previous owner and the leather has become dry / crinkly in some areas. What product and method will restore these?
2)The previous owners foot is imprinted into the soft leather insole which makes them fairly uncomfortable to stand in for long periods of time. I can either solve this two ways I'm guessing; pick up a Dr. Scholl's or something insert to cover the original sole (which might actually work out because they are 1/2 size too big). What is a good insole for dress shoes? I don't like ones that have high elevated heels because it then throws off the fit of the shoe. OR I could take it to a cobbler and have a completely new leather insole put in, how much does that usually run?
3)At the thrift store I got them from they pop off all the heels and replace them with some cheap goodyear heels, as seen in the second picture. I'm def going to have to have a cobbler take a look at this, how much will it cost to bring back the leather heel?
4)The shoe laces are beat up in some areas, where can nice replacements be purchased at that will look exactly like the originals?
It looks like Allen Edmond can completely rebuild the shoe for $99, after watching the video I think this might be the way. Anyone done this?
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/RecraftingView?storeId=1&langId=-1&catalogId=40000000001
Also if anyone can identify these shoes i would appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Coldsnap 

Hmmm. I think there can be valid arguments to refinish them or not. On one hand for $103 it is def not a bad deal, on the other the shoe doesnt fit me that great and I could put that $103 into my Alden Toe Cap boot savings.