AE Strands vs. Cliftons

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post #1 of 4

3/8/13 at 7:52am

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gaetano01

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Hi all,

I need a new pair of shoes to wear to the office, and I'm looking for something that would go well with business casual (dress trousers) and chinos / jeans. I have the option of buying the Allen Edmonds Cliftons or Strands. My feeling is that the bluchers are easier to dress down, but the brogueing on the strands can almost achieve the same, albeit in a balmoral.

Also, does anybody have experience on the difference in fit between the lasts? (Clifton 8-108 and Strand 5-65)

I assumed I would buy either one in walnut. The bourbon is attractive but walnut seems more versatile.

Thanks folks, just looking to hear your opinions.

Cliftons:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/allen-edmonds-clifton-oxford/2892042?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=allen_edmonds_%27clifton%27_oxford:28432&cm_pla=shoes:men:oxfords&cm_ven=Google_Product_Ads&mr:referralID=6b2ccb59-8807-11e2-9389-001b2166c62d

Strands:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF6105_1_40000000001_-1

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post #2 of 4

3/8/13 at 8:56am

ckprax

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I would suggest the Clifton in brown or burgundy (assuming your shoe collection is small). As a blucher it is better suited for business casual and both brown and burgundy are more versatile than walnut. In general darker shoes are more versatile.

I like the walnut strand a lot, I own a pair but I do not find them to be nearly as versatile as they are made out to be on SF. I don't wear mine with jeans or chinos (McTavish in tan for that). The Clifton's work with denim, chinos and slacks so they get my vote.

post #3 of 4

3/8/13 at 9:38am

Quadcammer

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I like both (have a pair of cliftons for sale in walnut if you're a size 10).

That said, for versatility, you have to go darker brown. Dark brown strands don't work well casually. Cliftons, maybe a little bit better, but with dark jeans, i prefer lighter shoes.

As such, I'd say you should get brown strands and walnut cliftons.

8 last is a bit tighter in the toe box, but you'd generally wear the same size.

post #4 of 4

3/9/13 at 12:55pm

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gaetano01

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With regard to brown strands ... thoughts on versatility between bourbon calf vs. brown burnished calf? The bourbon seems like the bridge between walnut and brown ... the website says that they start with walnut and darken it from there.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF6105_1_40000000001_-1

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