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

[jjr4884]

I had some trouble getting clumps of polish out of the broguing on my Bourbon Strands. Even though the sponge on the applicator tube works well for application, I had to use a horsehair dauber to get the excess out of the perforations. Is this what everyone else does?

I think you are pushing too hard with the sponge applicator and using too much polish. I just did my Merlot McCallisters the other night... I basically squeeze the polish out until it reaches the end of the sponge... not to the point where it pours out, just to where it reached the end of the sponge.

On the flat surfaces of the shoe (vamp, quarters, and foxing) I will push the sponge firmly to get a little polish on that area, and then lightly spread it along the remaining parts of the shoe. I gradually put the sponge harder since I literally only use the amount of polish that fills the "hole" in the sponge. If it is really an issue, save the toe box and the broguing for the end. By that time, the sponge should be well "dampened" with polish, and there will be enough where you can apply it properly without having to add much pressure. In addition, it won't hurt to have a folded piece of paper towel that is wet. If the polish is going on too thick, you can always dab the sponge lightly on the papertowel to loosen things up a bit, however I have yet to do this. Last resort, don't use the sponge. Squeeze the polish out on to a cotton ball. Do the flat/unbrogued areas first, then the residual on the cotton ball can easily be spread across the broguing and toe box.

One thing I will always always do, is spray some water on my clean horsehair brush when I am doing the final buffing. The little trace of water will help distribute the polish evenly across the leather, can help lift up those little clumps in the broguing, and will help add a bit more brilliance to that shine.

 

[AmericanGent]

Do any of you wear the AE Broadstreet?

I've been stewing over these for a while.

 

[brokencycle]



Do any of you wear the AE Broadstreet? I've been stewing over these for a while.

I have them in black and white.

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

I think you are pushing too hard with the sponge applicator and using too much polish. I just did my Merlot McCallisters the other night... I basically squeeze the polish out until it reaches the end of the sponge... not to the point where it pours out, just to where it reached the end of the sponge.

On the flat surfaces of the shoe (vamp, quarters, and foxing) I will push the sponge firmly to get a little polish on that area, and then lightly spread it along the remaining parts of the shoe. I gradually put the sponge harder since I literally only use the amount of polish that fills the "hole" in the sponge. If it is really an issue, save the toe box and the broguing for the end. By that time, the sponge should be well "dampened" with polish, and there will be enough where you can apply it properly without having to add much pressure. In addition, it won't hurt to have a folded piece of paper towel that is wet. If the polish is going on too thick, you can always dab the sponge lightly on the papertowel to loosen things up a bit, however I have yet to do this. Last resort, don't use the sponge. Squeeze the polish out on to a cotton ball. Do the flat/unbrogued areas first, then the residual on the cotton ball can easily be spread across the broguing and toe box.

One thing I will always always do, is spray some water on my clean horsehair brush when I am doing the final buffing. The little trace of water will help distribute the polish evenly across the leather, can help lift up those little clumps in the broguing, and will help add a bit more brilliance to that shine.

This is great advice. I can struggle with applying too much polish if I don't pay attention and try to overcome my natural inclination to slop on too much. My wife makes fun of me, because I use too much of just about everything... shampoo, soap, toothpaste, cleaners, you name it. With shoe polish, a thin layer is definitely better.

 

[wgiceman]



Do any of you wear the AE Broadstreet? I've been stewing over these for a while.

I have these in the walnut and bone, just as pictured. They are an absolute knock-out and will garner all sorts of compliments. If you are considering getting a pair, I say go for it and never look back.

 

[kentyman]

I think you are pushing too hard with the sponge applicator and using too much polish. I just did my Merlot McCallisters the other night... I basically squeeze the polish out until it reaches the end of the sponge... not to the point where it pours out, just to where it reached the end of the sponge.


On the flat surfaces of the shoe (vamp, quarters, and foxing) I will push the sponge firmly to get a little polish on that area, and then lightly spread it along the remaining parts of the shoe. I gradually put the sponge harder since I literally only use the amount of polish that fills the "hole" in the sponge. If it is really an issue, save the toe box and the broguing for the end. By that time, the sponge should be well "dampened" with polish, and there will be enough where you can apply it properly without having to add much pressure. In addition, it won't hurt to have a folded piece of paper towel that is wet. If the polish is going on too thick, you can always dab the sponge lightly on the papertowel to loosen things up a bit, however I have yet to do this. Last resort, don't use the sponge. Squeeze the polish out on to a cotton ball. Do the flat/unbrogued areas first, then the residual on the cotton ball can easily be spread across the broguing and toe box.

One thing I will always always do, is spray some water on my clean horsehair brush when I am doing the final buffing. The little trace of water will help distribute the polish evenly across the leather, can help lift up those little clumps in the broguing, and will help add a bit more brilliance to that shine.

This is great advice. I can struggle with applying too much polish if I don't pay attention and try to overcome my natural inclination to slop on too much. My wife makes fun of me, because I use too much of just about everything... shampoo, soap, toothpaste, cleaners, you name it. With shoe polish, a thin layer is definitely better.

Yes, thanks for this. I look forward to trying again with less polish next time.

 

[AmericanGent]

I have them in black and white.

I have these in the walnut and bone, just as pictured. They are an absolute knock-out and will garner all sorts of compliments. If you are considering getting a pair, I say go for it and never look back.

Thanks for your quick replies! I am considering the walnut version. In my mind's eye they look great with linen- but I wonder how versatile they are. I worry that they might be a shoe that looks amazing but then they never seem to work with anything.

 

[polojock615]

Do any of you wear the AE Broadstreet?

I've been stewing over these for a while.

I have them in black & white. Love them - lots of compliments.

 

[Cold Iron]

This is 100% correct.

Thank you good sir, the validation is much appreciated. And coming from you respected. I just responded to them and declined.

 

[Odinloki]



Did someone say Allen Edmonds Strand in Walnut? I'm super excited to finally be officially part of this thread!

Welcome to the club! That's a brochure-quality shot. The Walnut Strands were my first AEs too… my second pair is on the way, Fifth Street boots

 

[reidrothchild]



Thanks for your quick replies!  I am considering the walnut version.  In my mind's eye they look great with linen- but I wonder how versatile they are.  I worry that they might be a shoe that looks amazing but then they never seem to work with anything.

I much prefer the Strawfut to this both from an aesthetic and functional perspective.

 

[fiestaplatypus]



I much prefer the Strawfut to this both from an aesthetic and functional perspective.

Agreed. I'm not a fan of the walnut and bone model, but I loved the linen/brown strawfut...and eventually bought it from Amazon when it was down to $125 a couple months back.

 

[horsey shoes]

Do any of you wear the AE Broadstreet?

I've been stewing over these for a while.

I have bone/walnut and brown/walnut (prior web gem).
Agreed with everyone else, tons of compliments and it takes cajones, or at the very least, confidence to wear them.
I pair them with sport coats, ties, and slacks on more casual days. Haven't been able to pair them with suits yet, but maybe just haven't found the right combination of colors.
The navy/brown (current web gem) is interesting, may have to give it more thought.

 

[Close Hoarse]

I have bone/walnut and brown/walnut (prior web gem).
Agreed with everyone else, tons of compliments and it takes cajones, or at the very least, confidence to wear them.
I pair them with sport coats, ties, and slacks on more casual days. Haven't been able to pair them with suits yet, but maybe just haven't found the right combination of colors.
The navy/brown (current web gem) is interesting, may have to give it more thought.

AE has the Hampton on sale for $197 for 1st quality.

 

[jjr4884]

I have bone/walnut and brown/walnut (prior web gem).
Agreed with everyone else, tons of compliments and it takes cajones, or at the very least, confidence to wear them.
I pair them with sport coats, ties, and slacks on more casual days. Haven't been able to pair them with suits yet, but maybe just haven't found the right combination of colors.
The navy/brown (current web gem) is interesting, may have to give it more thought.

I also am really digging the navy/brown.... however i would never get my money's worth out of those....