AE Kingswood = Park Ave?

[brandall10]

Just picked these up from Nordstrom Rack, at first I thought they were Park Avenues. Aside from the perforations in the sole I can't see what differentiates them... anyone know? I did a web search and came up empty handed - maybe a special run?

 

[intent]

They don't say Allen Edmonds on the sole.

Maybe a custom sole order that they messed up?

 

[Poshak Man]

I have seen a few of these at Nordstrom Rack.

 

[awxg]

I've seen AE Kingswood pictures showing as wingtips. Maybe the insole was a mistake.

 

[phillyesq]

I've read a thread about this before. Maybe at AAAC. I believe the outcome is that the sole is the only difference.

 

[PeterEliot]

But wait a sec... I see that the price tag reads $169.99. You mean I can get shoes for that price at Nordstrom that are more or less indistinguishable from Park Avenue??

Someone please enlighten me. I've been meaning to get a couple of pairs of PA--black and dark brown.

 

[Poshak Man]

Originally Posted by PeterEliot

But wait a sec... I see that the price tag reads $169.99. You mean I can get shoes for that price at Nordstrom that are more or less indistinguishable from Park Avenue??

Someone please enlighten me. I've been meaning to get a couple of pairs of PA--black and dark brown.

That is the Nordstrom Rack pricing.

 

[PeterEliot]

Oh... do they have a sale going on or something? Anyway, I'm off to check it out.

 

[PeterEliot]

...So the "Rack" is like an outlet branch of Nordstrom? No online service, darn!

 

[distinctive]

The insole is padded rather than plain cork. Kingswood is traditionally a perforated wingtip

 

[brandall10]

Thanks Guys.

So I called AE this morning. This was a special run just for Nordstrom from earlier this year. The cushioned insole, perf outsole, and leather are different (not corrected grain - just specially selected for softness). Essentially it sounds like a more utilitarian PA... better comfort + extra traction on outsole.

PeterEliot,

Yeah, they are an outlet - the shoes are lined on racks open box, the selection is spotty. This was the only pair they had in an 8.5 or 8, and fortunately it's in great condition. The original retail price is listed at $295.

 

[Clelow]

I bought a pair of the Kingswood from Nordstrom Rack. Unfortunately, I think AE is whoring their brand for the sake of profit. The Kingswoods are no where near the quality of AE shoes I have owned in the past including several pairs of Park Avenues. I have owned the Kingswoods for a month now and am still tying to break them in so they do not hurt my feet. With other AE shoes that I bought at retail stores, the leather was so soft that they did not need any break in. I could buy them and wear them all day without any problems. The Kingswoods are clearly inferior. The fact that AE is willing to attach its brand to these shoes and deceive the consumer is a travesty. Of course, in the long run the AE brand will stand for less than superior quality should they continue to perpetuate this ruse on the consuming public. Some lessons are never learned!

 

[Mild Mannered]

Originally Posted by Clelow

I bought a pair of the Kingswood from Nordstrom Rack. Unfortunately, I think AE is whoring their brand for the sake of profit. The Kingswoods are no where near the quality of AE shoes I have owned in the past including several pairs of Park Avenues. I have owned the Kingswoods for a month now and am still tying to break them in so they do not hurt my feet. With other AE shoes that I bought at retail stores, the leather was so soft that they did not need any break in. I could buy them and wear them all day without any problems. The Kingswoods are clearly inferior. The fact that AE is willing to attach its brand to these shoes and deceive the consumer is a travesty. Of course, in the long run the AE brand will stand for less than superior quality should they continue to perpetuate this ruse on the consuming public. Some lessons are never learned!

Zzz

 

[Clelow]

Originally Posted by Mild Mannered

Zzz

Is that all you are able to add to the discussion? Sorry, I do not get it. Has this been said before?

 

[cicero79]

Just to clarify. Having seen this at the rack before. Is it suggested to better purchase the Park Avenue straight from the store or a vendor like Zappos for the better qualit AE? Or is there another shoe along this quality for a better price?