Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread 2020 - News, Pictures, Clothing, Accessories, etc.

[DawgPound]

I’ve had good success using alcohol to remove finishing on a pair of black shell Alden boots, similar to what I just saw @audog post the other day on the Alden thread.

Honestly, I’m not familiar enough with what AE does to their shells (especially when there is burnishing involved) to fully recommend it, but at least I hope my suggestion gives you an idea of what shell can handle. I followed it with some good old Bick’in and Brushin’ and they came out even, smooth, and just a bit duller overall.

Last year, I picked up some used shell Leeds and the finish was flaking. Took some acetone to strip the finish off. Bick 4 and some VSC...I’m happy with how it came out.

 

[madhat]

Last year, I picked up some used shell Leeds and the finish was flaking. Took some acetone to strip the finish off. Bick 4 and some VSC...I’m happy with how it came out.

That's how I'd accomplish it; done it to Ravello and vintage #8.

 

[audog]

I’ve had good success using alcohol to remove finishing on a pair of black shell Alden boots, similar to what I just saw @audog post the other day on the Alden thread.

Honestly, I’m not familiar enough with what AE does to their shells (especially when there is burnishing involved) to fully recommend it, but at least I hope my suggestion gives you an idea of what shell can handle. I followed it with some good old Bick’in and Brushin’ and they came out even, smooth, and just a bit duller overall.

Might try VSC as well, I've had good luck with it on all types of leather. I have found out (the hard way) that removing the Alden "whatever it is" coating, leaves the leather dull and now I am having to build up layers of stuff to get a high shine back, which will of course crack and cause white lines........It never ends......

 

[audog]

That's how I'd accomplish it; done it to Ravello and vintage #8.

I didn't have the balls to attack a pair of Alden shell with acetone

 

[madhat]

I didn't have the balls to attack a pair of Alden shell with acetone

Shell's pretty hardy, but as you say you do strip the glazing off. Until you've spent time it'll definitely look less glossy. I don't know that it is a bad thing!

 

[audog]

Shell's pretty hardy, but as you say you do strip the glazing off. Until you've spent time it'll definitely look less glossy. I don't know that it is a bad thing!

I used 70% isopropyl and it is more dull on the vamp (which is where the glazing was cracking) When my wife notices it and says "those look dull on the top (vamp)" I know I need to do something to restore some luster. Personally, I'm cool with it as I know that in 2,3,4 years it won't make a hill of beans difference...

 

[Shoenut]

I didn't have the balls to attack a pair of Alden shell with acetone

Yeah cause that special plastic coating on a $800 pair is special.

 

[sterlingindigo]

Yeah cause that special plastic coating on a $800 pair is special.

Where are they only $800? That’s a deal!

 

[BFT9000]

Just updated the suede show spreadsheet with my orders. Surprised to see that I'm the only one with Strands on there! Where all my Strand fanatics at?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Well, I did order a Strand, and arguably the most comfortable Strand of all time.

 

[madhat]

Just updated the suede show spreadsheet with my orders. Surprised to see that I'm the only one with Strands on there! Where all my Strand fanatics at?

Sorry! I was restricting purchases this year, and I was in greater need of Strandboots than Strandshoes. The snuff Strand was actually one I would have bought if I'd had room on my order for another pair!

Well, I did order a Strand, and arguably the most comfortable Strand of all time.

Olive?

 

[audog]

Yeah cause that special plastic coating on a $800 pair is special.

I have to agree that a plastic or whatever coating on expensive shell boots is nuts. It's kind of like a Mont Blanc pen, made of "precious resin" ie plastic.....justifies the higher price I guess

 

[EZB]

Just updated the suede show spreadsheet with my orders. Surprised to see that I'm the only one with Strands on there! Where all my Strand fanatics at?

Where is the link again? I always say that I am not a big Strand fan, yet I have 5 versions of it. It’s a great shoe, and it comes in the most variety and is always in every trunk show; however, I usually prefer wingtips if I can get them, and boots give me the best fit.

 

[BFT9000]

Sorry! I was restricting purchases this year, and I was in greater need of Strandboots than Strandshoes. The snuff Strand was actually one I would have bought if I'd had room on my order for another pair!

Olive?

Can't be mad at your impeccable taste for the Hamilton. I can't wait to see how it turns out in suede!

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Olive?

Yes Sir. Most comfortable insole I've ever had from a standard AE shoe. I wonder if Caleres knew about my olive video and then chose carefully before shipping one out for me.