Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - reviews, pictures, sizing, etc...

[pudman43]



Factory seconds are a great way to go for those that can't afford or justify paying full price. 7 out of 11 of my pairs are seconds, and I love them. I especially like seconds for casual shoes, as I expect them to get more beat up. I only buy firsts when there is a great deal, like the McAllisters for $100 off. Actually, I think all of my seconds had extra money off, too (counting closeout discounts).

I suggest you give them a try. You should have free shopping both ways, so there's no risk -- other than getting addicted.

+1.

7 of my 9 pairs are seconds, and only a couple had a noticeable flaw, though none so bad I had to send back. I too have had a great track record with AE seconds, and strongly suggest you give it a try. J

 

[kwhitelaw]

Anyone else with a different opinion of the seconds?

I got a pair of seconds in brown shell patriots a couple weeks back. The defect was obvious, as there are some wrinkles on the inside of the right ankle area. not a big deal to me, partly as it is in a hidden spot, but also as I don't tend to wear loafers much. So the price paid ($365 +/- iirc), I felt it a good deal off regular price

 

[gtvisa2002]

The polished shoe clearly looks better than the unpolished shoe. You did a fine job. There is no "guessing" that you need wax to get a mirror shine... you absolutely have to have wax to get a mirror shine.

If you feel like your results in the photo above are too dull, then by all means, give wax a shot. Good looking pair of PA's!

Thanks MoneyWellSpent.
I appreciate your feedback.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



I love the strand on the whole with black being the one exception. It's not that the black looks bad just don't as good as the others. I feel like all of the awesome broguing isnt as visible like it is in the other models. I am considering a second pair in bourbon that color really sings to me.

I noticed another post mentioned corrected grain, is this accurate that AE uses it? If so is it on lower models primarily?

I like the black Strand, but I would agree that the other colors showcase the broguing better.

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Anyone else with a different opinion of the seconds?

Some are totally fine. Some are not. I have had both experiences.

 

[adamdurbin]

I have a pair of burgundy vintage fifth avenues that are corrected grain. I wear them in the rain. Didn't know it when I bought them.

Is the burgundy calf (not Merlot) corrected grain? I bought some burgundy shoes, and the leather feels like corrected grain. 

 

[sevenfoldtieguy]



Black shoes are really the only thing color shoes that work with black pants.

Also, stop wearing black pants. Get some mid-gray ones. Those will look good with your dark brown shoes.

There is place for black pants in a well rounded wardrobe. Not a necessity, but definitely permissible.

 

[ScottyBoy920]

Purchased two pair of Tan Suede Neumoks from the Shoe Bank. Both had noticeable flaws, but nothing to be concerned about.

I have yet to buy a pair of leather seconds, hopefully those will be wearable as well.

 

[jaywhyy]

I have a pair of burgundy vintage fifth avenues that are corrected grain. I wear them in the rain. Didn't know it when I bought them.

Me neither, too bad I already wore them otherwise I'd return. Off to the BST I go..

 

[Fabian43]

Can someone please explain to me the thought process behind having fewer black dress shoes compared to shades of brown? I only have one black dress pant so it's not like I wear a lot of black but I do like wearing black dress shoes with my navy and grey pants. Just feel like pairing some black Westchesters or Rutledge with a nice pair of slacks and a tie looks good. Am I missing something?

 

[PhiPsi32]

Can someone please explain to me the thought process behind having fewer black dress shoes compared to shades of brown? I only have one black dress pant so it's not like I wear a lot of black but I do like wearing black dress shoes with my navy and grey pants. Just feel like pairing some black Westchesters or Rutledge with a nice pair of slacks and a tie looks good. Am I missing something?

Depends on your perspective I suppose. The black shoe may be viewed as more formal, conservative, business oriented, narrowly focused, task specific. Today's environment is more open, relaxed, etc. Brown shoes offer "versatility" and are easier to "dress up" or "down" hence making them appropriate for (some) formal, business, business casual, casual settings.

 

[charliebrown2]

I have the 5th Ave and Players in black and that's enough "black versatility" for me . The rest are all browns/walnuts/burgundy/chili.

 

[msulinski]



There is place for black pants in a well rounded wardrobe. Not a necessity, but definitely permissible.

I am curious how you wear them. Do you wear them with black loafers?

For the record, I do own a pair of black dress pants, but I only wear them at night for going out, and only with black shoes.

 

[jbcohen]

I have an allen edmonds a few blocks away from my office, will get fitted for the specific model that I am interested in.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

Can someone please explain to me the thought process behind having fewer black dress shoes compared to shades of brown? I only have one black dress pant so it's not like I wear a lot of black but I do like wearing black dress shoes with my navy and grey pants. Just feel like pairing some black Westchesters or Rutledge with a nice pair of slacks and a tie looks good. Am I missing something?

Black shoes + Navy pants/suit = NO-NO (IMHO)

Color 8, dark brown, walnut, or any other shade of brown looks much better