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

[LordRasta]

Can you post pics of the blue and green Rush Streets?

 

[P12OFIT]

It's crazy that Carmina are currently cheaper than Allen Edmonds. While I have exclusively AE, the rising prices are making other makers more enticing. The 2nd deals are their main pull now.

I got my two pairs of AEs for $308 (black PAs) and $212.50 (burgundy JAB Fifth Avenues), but I agree that at $385, Carmina at $339ish seems to be a no-brainer.

I was just thinking this earlier today. I don't plan on making another purchase until September but if prices stay as is, Carmina will surely be in the running.

 

[menswhere]

Anyone know if/when the 2 for $250 seconds sale will occur next? The discussion on their change in pricing is hard to parse since it goes back pretty far, but I get the sense theirs some concern they'll stop doing these.

I was thinking of getting some Graysons, but I'd hold off if I can get them cheaper along with another pair. On that note, open to suggestions if anyone's in love with some other AEs (I already have strands and Mora 2.0s...).

Thanks, fellas!

 

[Fifthand]

Posted these elsewhere but meant to post them here. Took me a couple weeks to get the Eagle River to my standards. The Strands are my favorite AE shoe.

Wow. Did you use a neutral cream on those? I used a light brown Meltonian and mine turned out much different that yours.

 

[Kahuna75]

I find that Carminas are nice look and have handled a few pairs but yet to buy....I am wearing more boots than shoes and really almost all of Carminas boots are pointy toed not full rounded...of which I don't need more.I came to AE originally as a made in the USA product and while I have strayed out to a few Vibergs, Vass, Alfred Sargent and I am sure at some point Edward Green will make an appearance.....Alden and AE will remain my main shoe and boot providers due to their made in the USA status....I even use that to justify my MTO purchases which are full constructed in the USA.

 

[Jmm722]



Wow. Did you use a neutral cream on those? I used a light brown Meltonian and mine turned out much different that yours.

I really like the darker color. How do you like them so far? How does the sizing compare.

 

[garland]

Ok I have to ask. What are you doing on your shoes? these look awesome, so do your eagle rivers and strands.

 

[watchidiot]



Ok I have to ask. What are you doing on your shoes? these look awesome, so do your eagle rivers and strands. 

I'm thinking AE CC or VSC on the toes of the rush street.

 

[RichieP]



It's crazy that Carmina are currently cheaper than Allen Edmonds. While I have exclusively AE, the rising prices are making other makers more enticing. The 2nd deals are their main pull now.

For calf...I picked up two pairs of Alfred Sargents for $400 this year which are far superior to AEs for less than AE + sales tax.  In my opinion, Alfred Sargents on sale are a great value, but that's not fair comparing full retail in one brand to a sale price of another.  AE doesn't have that tight, beveled waist, attractive lasts and oak bark tanned soles...yeah...  

One other thing to consider regarding these brands is the recent rise of the U.S. dollar. Six months ago, it cost you about $1.35 to get one Euro. Now it costs $1.17. That's roughly a 14% discount. The British pound is similarly discounted by 10% compared to last year.

 

[NWTeal]



One other thing to consider regarding these brands is the recent rise of the U.S. dollar. Six months ago, it cost you about $1.35 to get one Euro. Now it costs $1.17. That's roughly a 14% discount. The British pound is similarly discounted by 10% compared to last year.

Yup. I actually purchased most of my British shoes in the fall of 2014 so the dollar wasn't quite as strong, but like I said, I got them on sale and using codes.

This is really a great time for Carmina's, but English shoes are still about $450~500 at full retail even with the strong dollar.

My speculation is that the price of calf may stay steady for AE since they purchase from European tanneries (also speculating) while European makers might be raising their prices, especially on shell Cordovan due to the weak euro. If AE raises prices again this year on calf, it would be a sign that management doesn't understand their value proposition.

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote:
I think AE purchases most of their leather from Horween...of course Horween purchases from European companies for raw product....and I can be completely wrong it is just what I had in my brain for some reason. AE may indeed source from European tanneries....would actually like to know that now that you sparked my interest.

 

[NWTeal]



I think AE purchases most of their leather from Horween...of course Horween purchases from European companies for raw product....and I can be completely wrong it is just what I had in my brain for some reason. AE may indeed source from European tanneries....would actually like to know that now that you sparked my interest.

I'm like 95% sure they get their calf from European sources, not sure if horween is the importer.

 

[mdubs]



I'm like 95% sure they get their calf from European sources, not sure if horween is the importer.

I am pretty sure Horween provides AE Shell and CXL. Not calf. No clue on Suedes.

-M

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote:
That might explain why they are so vague on leather styles, type etc...good to know.

 

[csmitty]



Anyone know if/when the 2 for $250 seconds sale will occur next? The discussion on their change in pricing is hard to parse since it goes back pretty far, but I get the sense theirs some concern they'll stop doing these.

I was thinking of getting some Graysons, but I'd hold off if I can get them cheaper along with another pair. On that note, open to suggestions if anyone's in love with some other AEs (I already have strands and Mora 2.0s...).

Thanks, fellas!

2 for $250 is no more but the last was 2 for $300. However are only on closeout models. Which Grayson's and Mora 2.0s usually aren't. If you filter by closeouts those are typically included. However with most being discounted already to around $150 my SA wasn't sure if they'd do it again. Unless to clear out inventory. Hopefully they do.