• Hi, I am the owner and main administrator of Styleforum. If you find the forum useful and fun, please help support it by buying through the posted links on the forum. Our main, very popular sales thread, where the latest and best sales are listed, are posted HERE

    Purchases made through some of our links earns a commission for the forum and allows us to do the work of maintaining and improving it. Finally, thanks for being a part of this community. We realize that there are many choices today on the internet, and we have all of you to thank for making Styleforum the foremost destination for discussions of menswear.
  • This site contains affiliate links for which Styleforum may be compensated.
  • We would like to welcome House of Huntington as an official Affiliate Vendor. Shop past season Drake's, Nigel Cabourn, Private White V.C. and other menswear luxury brands at exceptional prices below retail. Please visit the Houise of Huntington thread and welcome them to the forum.

  • STYLE. COMMUNITY. GREAT CLOTHING.

    Bored of counting likes on social networks? At Styleforum, you’ll find rousing discussions that go beyond strings of emojis.

    Click Here to join Styleforum's thousands of style enthusiasts today!

    Styleforum is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Florsheim vs. Allen Edmond

Artem

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2012
Messages
90
Reaction score
4
Florshein Edgar ($115) vs Allen Edmond Park Avenue ($345)
Which one is a better value? They look almost identical.
 

jbcohen

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 20, 2013
Messages
96
Reaction score
5
I would think the quality difference would be what under the surface not whats on the surface. These two may look alike but they are not.
 
Last edited:

YRR92

Distinguished Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2012
Messages
2,345
Reaction score
1,838
Have you seen either shoe in real life? The Edgar (if that's the Florsheim captoe they sell at Macy's and the like) is made out of cheap-looking leather on an ugly last. The PA isn't my favorite captoe (I don't like the proportions or the thick welt), but it doesn't scream "cheap" the way the Edgar does.
 

MyOtherLife

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
522
Florsheim Edgar (My Rating: 2 out of 5)
  • Made in India
  • Thin and stiff 'Box Calf' leather uppers
  • Leather sole.
  • Leather & synthetic insole


In terms of quality, they are but a shadow of the Florsheim shoes of yesteryear.
These shoes generally serve a temporary need for a man who almost never wears a suit or dresses up for anything but the occasional interview, wedding, etc. They basically appeal to someone who wants the 'cheapest option' to fulfill minimum dress requirements and is unconcerned about lesser materials or out-sourced labour. They are also an acceptable option for someone who hasn't the funds for something more substantial. Their redeeming value is that they will pass muster at almost any function that isn't exclusive. Basically, they are clean and presentable looking. They are better than Bostonian, but still remain in the lower tier of mens dress shoes, albeit not the lowest of the low.
Be prepared to have sweaty feet at the end of a day's wearing. Because of the use of synthetics for the insoles, your feet may be offered little to no breathability. Carry an extra pair of socks with you in a zip-locked sandwich bag, and use them half way into your day or event to feel refreshed.
Aside from the breathability issue, they should be comfortable enough.
Your strategy here is to a) move quickly when walking b) keep your feet under the table during an interview, and c) at social functions, don't stand near men wearing Park Avenues (or better), for if you do, you'll understand why when you see their better shoes. You may even experience a dream-like state where you are the Incredible Shrinking Man. Another strategy is to gravitate towards men wearing total crap on their feet so you look like a million dollars.


Allen Edmonds Park Avenue (My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5)

  • Made in the United States Of America
  • Soft Calfskin Vegetable Tanned leather uppers
  • Leather sole (no steel shank = airport friendly)
  • Full leather insoles


Signifigantly more appealing visually, the Park Avenue is an instantaneously comfortable shoe that requires no 'break-in' period. They easily look more elegant (as is possible with a 360 GoodYear Welt) than the Florsheim Edgar. You will experience immediate and lasting comfort with the Park Avenue (as you would with all Allen Edmonds shoes). The all-leather insole and liners offer excellent breathability for all day or night comfort. Suitable for all semi-formal occasions, exclusive or otherwise. Your feet will enjoy comfort every minute of your outing. The Park Avenues are among the entry level options within the higher end shoe range. They will age well and stand the test of time. They are fully recraftable, which further extends their lifespan to, with care and conservative wear, even a lifetime. A shoe of this caliber is considered an investment and should be among the mainstays of every mans wardrobe. If you can at least find a pair of Factory Seconds, they will be well worth the extra money over the Florsheims.
Polishing Tip: Sparingly apply dark Marine Blue cream polish to the toebox only for a dynamic 'blacker-than-black' contrast effect.
 
Last edited:

OxxfordSJLINY

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
653
Reaction score
7

Florsheim Edgar (My Rating: 2 out of 5)
  • Made in India
  • Thin and stiff 'Box Calf' leather uppers
  • Leather sole.
  • Leather & synthetic insole


In terms of quality, they are but a shadow of the Florsheim shoes of yesteryear.
These shoes generally serve a temporary need for a man who almost never wears a suit or dresses up for anything but the occasional interview, wedding, etc. They basically appeal to someone who wants the 'cheapest option' to fulfill minimum dress requirements and is unconcerned about lesser materials or out-sourced labour. They are also an acceptable option for someone who hasn't the funds for something more substantial. Their redeeming value is that they will pass muster at almost any function that isn't exclusive. Basically, they are clean and presentable looking. They are better than Bostonian, but still remain in the lower tier of mens dress shoes, albeit not the lowest of the low.
Be prepared to have sweaty feet at the end of a day's wearing. Because of the use of synthetics for the insoles, your feet may be offered little to no breathability. Carry an extra pair of socks with you in a zip-locked sandwich bag, and use them half way into your day or event to feel refreshed.
Aside from the breathability issue, they should be comfortable enough.
Your strategy here is to a) move quickly when walking b) keep your feet under the table during an interview, and c) at social functions, don't stand near men wearing Park Avenues (or better), for if you do, you'll understand why when you see their better shoes. You may even experience a dream-like state where you are the Incredible Shrinking Man. Another strategy is to gravitate towards men wearing total crap on their feet so you look like a million dollars.


Allen Edmonds Park Avenue (My Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5)

  • Made in the United States Of America
  • Soft Calfskin Vegetable Tanned leather uppers
  • Leather sole (no steel shank = airport friendly)
  • Full leather insoles


Signifigantly more appealing visually, the Park Avenue is an instantaneously comfortable shoe that requires no 'break-in' period. They easily look more elegant (as is possible with a 360 GoodYear Welt) than the Florsheim Edgar. You will experience immediate and lasting comfort with the Park Avenue (as you would with all Allen Edmonds shoes). The all-leather insole and liners offer excellent breathability for all day or night comfort. Suitable for all semi-formal occasions, exclusive or otherwise. Your feet will enjoy comfort every minute of your outing. The Park Avenues are among the entry level options within the higher end shoe range. They will age well and stand the test of time. They are fully recraftable, which further extends their lifespan to, with care and conservative wear, even a lifetime. A shoe of this caliber is considered an investment and should be among the mainstays of every mans wardrobe. If you can at least find a pair of Factory Seconds, they will be well worth the extra money over the Florsheims.
Polishing Tip: Sparingly apply Marine Blue cream polish to the toebox only for a dynamic 'blacker-than-black' contrast effect.


In my experience, with little or no breathing, your feet will be just cold, dry, cracked and so on and so forth in the winter as they will be sweaty in the summer.
 
Last edited:

MyOtherLife

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
522

In my experience, with little or no breathing, your feet will be just cold, dry, cracked and so on and so forth in the winter as they will be sweaty in the summer.


For what its worth, I suffer from cracked skin on my feet and fingers in winter as well. It is attributed to dehydration. I simply don't drink enough water in winter. You may want to try applying a moisturizing lotion to your feet and hands to aid in preventing the cracks. Also, use one of those scrapers on the thickly callused skin areas whilst taking a shower. Thinner skin that is lotioned, at least in my experience, will be more flexible and be less prone to cracking than thicker skin. Hope this helps someone somewhere.
 
Last edited:

jbcohen

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 20, 2013
Messages
96
Reaction score
5
My understanding is some time ago a foreigin business bought the company and brought the production over to south east asia to take advantage of cheap labor. Problem here is the end result was not quite up to standards. Recently the original family that once owned the company has bought back the company and is in the process of fixing the quality problem. As a consequence some of the Floorshiems are good but you go to know which ones. You really got to know what you are talking about.
 
Last edited:

MyOtherLife

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
522
Correcting my earlier post..

WEYCO Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WEYS), designs and markets quality and innovative footwear for men, women and children under a portfolio of well-recognized brand names including; Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, Rafters and Umi. The company's products can be found in leading footwear, department, and specialty stores worldwide. Weyco Group also operates Florsheim concept stores in the United States and Australia, as well as in a variety of international markets.
http://www.weycogroup.com/investor.html

In 2002, the company was repurchased by members of the founding family. Thomas W. Florsheim, Jr. and John W. Florsheim of Weyco Group, based in Glendale, Wisconsin, repurchased the brand for $47 million from rival Florsheim Group, according to the Wall Street Journal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florsheim_Shoes

 
Last edited:

MyOtherLife

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
522

My understanding is some time ago a foreigin business bought hte company and brought the production over to south east asia to take advantage of cheap labor.  Problem here is the end result was not quite up to standards.  


The India chapter began in 1996. Quality was maintained for 2 years before the slide. In recent years, select models (example- Veblen, Duckie Brown line, etc.) are indicators of efforts to improve quality and I for one am very happy about this.
 
Last edited:

Kwaker

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
701
Reaction score
164
At clearance prices, I consider Florsheim LWBs to be of good value. I picked up a pair of new Veblens for $75 at STP and while I got my shell cordovan Duckie Browns pre-owned at significant cost savings, the original owner got them from GILT for only $250.

To be clear, one need not look too carefully to see that skill of the craftsmen in India do not match those in America ... the finishing and assembly of AE shoes are much better.
 

OxxfordSJLINY

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2007
Messages
653
Reaction score
7

For what its worth, I suffer from cracked skin on my feet and fingers in winter as well. It is attributed to dehydration. I simply don't drink enough water in winter. You may want to try applying a moisturizing lotion to your feet and hands to aid in preventing the cracks. Also, use one of those scrapers on the thickly callused skin areas whilst taking a shower. Thinner skin that is lotioned, at least in my experience, will be more flexible and be less prone to cracking than thicker skin. Hope this helps someone somewhere.


Yes, skin moisturizer will absolutely keep anybody's feet from having cracked skin in the winter. However, my feet will still be cold and uncomfortable (and occasionally or sore) from wearing shoes with synthetic (specifically, leatherette or vinyl insoles) in the winter.
 
Last edited:

jbcohen

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 20, 2013
Messages
96
Reaction score
5
Ok so they have made some quality improvements here and there however its not uniform for all the company products. I prefer dealing with companies were I buy anything they make and its great.
 

MyOtherLife

Distinguished Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
6,468
Reaction score
522

Yes, skin moisturizer will absolutely keep anybody's feet from having cracked skin in the winter. However, my feet will still be cold and uncomfortable (and occasionally or sore) from wearing shoes with synthetic (specifically, leatherette or vinyl insoles) in the winter.


I agree wholeheartedly. Natural materials over synthetics at all times.


Ok so they have made some quality improvements here and there however its not uniform for all the company products.  I prefer dealing with companies were I buy anything they make and its great.


Agreed, yet, it is good to know that Florsheim is making a good effort to, as much as is economically feasible for them, reach back to their glory days and offer some decent quality models within a very reasonable price..
 

Mike84

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2015
Messages
13
Reaction score
2
While the Park Avenue is (I assume) a better quality shoe with respect to materials and longevity, the Edgar, for some, may fit better and be more comfortable. I have very wide feet and a high instep. The Edgar fit me quite comfortably while the Park Avenue (and the Boardroom, a similar shoe) would simply not work for my feet.

I make this statement after trying on the following:
Park Avenue 8 2E
Park Avenue 8 3E
Park Avenue 8.5 2E
Park Avenue 8.5 3E

Boardroom 8.5 1E
Boardroom 8.5 3E
(the Boardroom is also made my Allen Edmonds. It is identical to the Park Avenue, except that it's made on the 7 last instead of the 5 last).

Edgar 8.5 3E
Edgar 9 3E (the one I chose to keep)

Below is a picture of the PA 8.5 3E on my feet. Notice that the laces would barely close. On the other hand, the laces on the Edgar 9 3E close almost all the way around my feet.

I should note that I've only owned the Edgar for one day and haven't worn them except for about 15 minutes in my house.

I was truly hoping that one of the AE shoes would fit me well, but it seemed that the 5 and 7 lasts simply would not work with my bulky feet. AE may have other lasts that will work with my feet; but I want a simple, yet elegant black cap toe oxford (no blucher) for interviews and such, so it seemed like the PA and Boardroom were my only AE options.

The Edgar looks surprisingly nice. I suppose if I put them directly next to pair of PAs or Boardrooms, I would notice a difference in the quality of the leather. With that said, I think someone would have to be paying quite a bit of attention to your shoes to notice the quality difference while you're at work, walking around at a wedding, etc. My concern about the difference would be with respect to longevity, which is offset at least somewhat the cost ($150 vs $385).

If anyone knows of a high quality black cap toe oxford that may fit me as well as the Edgar, please let me know.

 
Last edited:

Featured Sponsor

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

  • Definitely full canvas only

    Votes: 45 40.5%
  • Half canvas is fine

    Votes: 44 39.6%
  • Really don't care

    Votes: 5 4.5%
  • Depends on fabric

    Votes: 18 16.2%
  • Depends on price

    Votes: 25 22.5%

Forum statistics

Threads
504,463
Messages
10,574,032
Members
223,716
Latest member
FitspressoSpecial
Top