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

[ethanm]

I am having the same issue with the Tresana. In my typical AE size, it has plentiful toe box space but leaves me with a slipping heel, even with a very tight lace-up (leaving almost no gap on the laces). I'm hoping sizing down will improve the fit, otherwise i don't see myself getting this model. Regarding bumpers and pads, I had a heel slip problem with my Moras, but a tongue pad did the trick. If you've never used a heel bumper, it is going to jam your toes further up the toe box, to the point that it might be uncomfortable. Aside from the fact that the bumper might aggravate your heels. The tongue pad though, pushes your foot back, keeping your toe box the same while improving your heel fit. Might be an option, but i would try to size down before making that decision.

Another option would be taking an awl to the strap and poking another hole in it. I'm reluctant to modify a shoe with no guarantee that it will work though.

 

[ar3nbe]

I originally posted this in the Aussie thread, but the guys thought I should come ask the experts here.

I'm needing a little help on AE, last 5 sizing. For reference my UK size is a 10, and my Euro size is a 44. I've never had an issue with width when buying standard width shoes in those sizes. If anything I have a slightly high instep (caused by a thickish top to my foot, rather than a higher than usual arch). Using the AE online measure guides my foot is just touching the 10.5 line, and the width table indicates a D width.


For a bit more info a own a pair of 026 Last Loakes in a UK10 which fit well. I also own a pair of AS 99 last UK10 which are a touch narrower than the Loakes, and which fit perfect.

If i'm looking at an AE Strand, or any AE on the #5 last do you think I should go for a 10.5D, or a 10.5E ? Its pretty much impossible to try an AEs on down here, and as we know return shipping is expensive from the other side of the world if I get the wrong size.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Quadcammer]

Patrick, if you are a size 10 and ever want to sell those tresanas, PM me dammit.

 

[ncdobson]

I originally posted this in the Aussie thread, but the guys thought I should come ask the experts here.
I'm needing a little help on AE, last 5 sizing. For reference my UK size is a 10, and my Euro size is a 44. I've never had an issue with width when buying standard width shoes in those sizes. If anything I have a slightly high instep (caused by a thickish top to my foot, rather than a higher than usual arch). Using the AE online measure guides my foot is just touching the 10.5 line, and the width table indicates a D width.
For a bit more info a own a pair of 026 Last Loakes in a UK10 which fit well. I also own a pair of AS 99 last UK10 which are a touch narrower than the Loakes, and which fit perfect.
If i'm looking at an AE Strand, or any AE on the #5 last do you think I should go for a 10.5D, or a 10.5E ? Its pretty much impossible to try an AEs on down here, and as we know return shipping is expensive from the other side of the world if I get the wrong size.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I usually buy European sandals in 44, but I think that I'm really 43.5. So, I think that my feet are slightly smaller than yours. In standard American footwear I'm a very average 10.5D (med.), but in AE I'm a 10E. I just bought some shell Strands in 10E, and they're beautiful. If I had to bet, I'd say that 10.5D would work for you, but I don't have enough knowledge of the UK lasts you refer to in order to give more informed input. For what it's worth, I have some AS 87s on order in 9.5, but that was based on the kind of best guesses that you're dealing with. I hope I've helped you at least a little.

 

[swiego]

I picked up my replacement pair of Kiowas today. I posted some time ago about my first pair, which came with some finishing problems that were enough for me to return. The wait was long (close to six weeks) but the new shoes are perfectly finished. Customer service was excellent in handling this and the shoes fit great. I know opinions are mixed, but these shoes look great with jeans and a standard sport coat.

 

[eros]

Just ordered a pair of "used - like new" "tan" Mctavishes from Amazon Warehouse for $123. Figured it was worth a try for a nice casual shoe. Does tan mean "natural wax leather" or is it another one?

 

[patrick_b]



Quote:


These shoes are amazing. What is your care regimen to have shoes that are a few years old look like this? And if you don't mind, what is your process for shining shoes?

Sorry, should have mentioned that the image was taken when they were just a few months old. They still look pretty good, however. This was taken in August.





My process for shining was posted in the shoe care thread. I'll paste for your reference.

I got to thinking about Gdot's comment and wondered if there may be something I'm doing differently than the tutorials I see online. The RMW boots took 2-3 coats of wax.
When I originally started polishing my shoes, I would simply apply a coat of wax until it hazed up and let it dry for a few minutes before brushing and buffing with a clean, dry cloth. The difference today is that I continue rubbing in the polish for several minutes before brushing. The polishing cloth will dry up and the toe starts to develop a shine before brushing & buffing.
To start, I apply a drop or two of water onto a clean section of cloth (strip of old cotton undershirt), dip the damp section of polishing cloth into the tin of kiwi wax then apply the polish to the shoe in small circles. I continue to apply the small circles with the same section of cloth for several (5+) minutes without adding more wax. By the 3-4 minute mark, the cloth is no longer damp and there's very little wax polish left on the cloth. Again, the leather starts to develop a dull shine.
I'll then take a clean section of cloth and start the process again (before brushing), i.e., dampen with a drop or two of water and apply a second coat of wax and continue polishing in small circles until there's virtually no moisture or wax left on the cloth. Note, I still have not brushed or buffed yet. I probably get 3 coats after 15-20 minutes (before touching a brush to the shoe). At that point, I let the polish dry for a minute or two (if necessary), then brush with horsehair brush and buff & polish with the microfiber cloth. Depending on how it looks at that point, I may start applying more layers or leave it as is.
I found this youtube video referring to "bulling" a shoe which is pretty close to what I'm doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDF18Ob8bhc

 

[swiego]

And here are my brand new Kiowa shoes. As mentioned earlier, opinions vary but I think they are fantastic.

(They are darker in reality.)

 

[WBuffettJr]

Thanks so much, Patrick B(ateman). Very helpful post!

 

[ethanm]

And here are my brand new Kiowa shoes. As mentioned earlier, opinions vary but I think they are fantastic.

(They are darker in reality.)

Jeez, that looks nothing like the stock photo but I like them better here. I just can't imagine a mini-lug sole on the 5 last. It's like putting all-terrain tires on a sports car.

 

[patrick_b]

I tried on the new Dalton wingtip boot this week at the outlet in Freeport, ME. I wanted the dark brown but the lighter walnut is so damn gorgeous. I would've bought them but my wife told me not to buy anything between now and the holidays so she can get me something for Xmas. Also, I want to buy them on sale. The store manager, Edward confirmed that there will be a sale after Thanksgiving and that the Dalton would be priced right around $175 for the factory second.

That price is just amazing for such a good looking boot. The sole reminds me of Alden's Flex Welt as it's a shade of red and appears to be oiled or waxed to improve water resistance. Just guessing on that but it certainly is different than standard oak tanned soles on most other AE's.

I really don't need another pair of AE 2nds but after lusting over brogued boots by Alden and Trickers for all these years, the AE Dalton seems like a very reasonably priced option for a versatile dress/casual boot.



Does anybody own these? They seemed to fit TTS.

I also had the opportunity to show off my shine job on the Kenilworth (that I'd purchased from him not long ago)...I had previously emailed Edward the pictures and he forwarded them to everyone in the AE organization

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



I tried on the new Dalton wingtip boot this week at the outlet in Freeport, ME. I wanted the dark brown but the lighter walnut is so damn gorgeous. I would've bought them but my wife told me not to buy anything between now and the holidays. Also, I want to buy them on sale. The store manager, Edward confirmed that there will be a sale after Thanksgiving and that the Dalton would be priced right around $175 for the factory second.
That price is just amazing for such a good looking boot. The sole reminds me of Alden's Flex Welt as it's a shade of red and appears to be oiled or waxed to improve water resistance. Just guessing on that but it certainly is different than standard oak tanned soles on most other AE's.
I really don't need another pair of AE 2nds but after lusting over brogued boots by Alden and Trickers for all these years, the AE Dalton seems like a very reasonably priced option for a versatile dress/casual boot.

Does anybody own these? They seemed to fit TTS.
I also had the opportunity to show off my shine job on the Kenilworth (that I'd purchased from him not long ago)...I had previously emailed Edward the pictures and he forwarded them to everyone in the AE organization

The day you sent them those pics, I was at my local AE store. He showed me the forwarded pics, I told him that I was familiar with the gentleman who sent those in. He was impressed with your work.

Ow, and damn the rules, get them next Friday

 

[patrick_b]



The day you sent them those pics, I was at my local AE store. He showed me the forwarded pics, I told him that I was familiar with the gentleman who sent those in. He was impressed with your work.

Now that's funny!!!

 

[shanh]

I just purchased the Dalton boot from AE last week. Ive been wearing them for 2 weeks now and Love them! It is a very good looking boot to wear with my daily jeans/polo. I wear an 8.5/9 D in most shoes, and I ordered a 9 D here and the fit is perfect!

The color of this boot is beautiful! BTW this is my first pair of AE's!!

 

[Vigilant]

I too, purchased the Dalton boots about 2 weeks ago. I wear a 10E in the Park/Fifth Avenues, and the 10.5D in the Dalton fits perfectly.

They are comfortable, and can be worn with jeans or a suit. I love them.