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

[madhat]

Another day, another Wilbert question: Would it be less offensive to people if it had a leather, or even a dainite, sole? Is it the Othello sole people find unappealing? The less expensive leather? It is an NST shoe at heart.

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For me is the fact that is an apron split toe. I think being an NST would be better, but even that isn’t my style (I prefer u-tips). Adding the padded throat and overly contrast stitched blucher eyelet tabs make it just look like a glue job from JC P. Getting rid of the contrast stitch would actually probably help in my eyes.

but, wear what you like regardless of what others think.

 

[OldTown]

Wilbert is a grandpa shoe.

 

[NYCTechNerd]

For me is the fact that is an apron split toe. I think being an NST would be better, but even that isn’t my style (I prefer u-tips). Adding the padded throat and overly contrast stitched blucher eyelet tabs make it just look like a glue job from JC P. Getting rid of the contrast stitch would actually probably help in my eyes.

but, wear what you like regardless of what others think.

I've had the lighter brown pair for about 2 years. I use Saphir's Cognac and never worry about the stitching so it is much less of a contrast now. They are due for new soles (Othello wears fast) so I thought as long as I am changing it, should it go to AE for another Othello (super comfortable) or to a cobbler for leather or dainite. I also changed to round waxed laces which I think helps the overall look. And I do really like the lighter brown.

 

[dc_slicker]

Natty HM today. View attachment 1506297 View attachment 1506298

I take it you see those as work boots? Lots of wear and tear on those

 

[madhat]

I've had the lighter brown pair for about 2 years. I use Saphir's Cognac and never worry about the stitching so it is much less of a contrast now. They are due for new soles (Othello wears fast) so I thought as long as I am changing it, should it go to AE for another Othello (super comfortable) or to a cobbler for leather or dainite. I also changed to round waxed laces which I think helps the overall look. And I do really like the lighter brown.

Definitely helps reduce the impact of the patchwork design.

getting rid of the othello sole will change them from a comfort walker to just another shoe. So I guess you need to decide if the style or feel is the main draw for you!

 

[PANJ]

During this 30% off sale, my inner weasel compelled me to try the Ketchup derby (come on, AE must have known that was coming when they named it Kitsap). At only $125, why not? Since it is an obscure Nordy model I'm posting some photos of the unboxing.

Based on the label, not seconds but first quality on clearance:

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They came with two——count 'em TWO——shoe bags! One more than each of my TS custom suede and shell models.

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The finish is soft nubuck though burnishing gives the toes a smoother/shinier feel and adds some character. However, there's also some weird burnishing in random spots, including along part of the left toe cap broguing, and a black dot on the right toe that's more annoying in close up than from normal wearing height. Another odd choice is the single exposed brass eyelet - if I keep them I'll be putting those on all the eyelets.

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The single brass eyelet and hybrid rubber/leather sole construction puts this squarely in the Bainbridge family (any comments from Bainbridge owners on fit, durability etc. are welcome!):

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I wouldn't exactly call it a precision reverse welt:

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Though the specs say its on the 222 last, I can easily get my feet in and out of them, which I've never experienced on that last, maybe it's the open lacing? Footbed seems wider as well.

In any case, I'm on the fence about keeping. For $125, seems like a decent casual knockabout/beater. Any thoughts or opinions?

You mention the leather is a kind of nubuck. Would you just spray them with a water protector as you might for suede? Would you polish them? I think the care instructions on the AE website recommend polishing them. Did you keep them? Thanks

 

[Shoenut]

Wilbert is a grandpa shoe.

Lots of benefits for Grandpas.

 

[Shoenut]

For me is the fact that is an apron split toe. I think being an NST would be better, but even that isn’t my style (I prefer u-tips). Adding the padded throat and overly contrast stitched blucher eyelet tabs make it just look like a glue job from JC P. Getting rid of the contrast stitch would actually probably help in my eyes.

but, wear what you like regardless of what others think.

So glad you added that last sentence Mr. hoity toity. I do have a wife and granddaughter that can’t wait to polish up some unsuspecting fellows shoes. I am not afraid to unleash them.

 

[Shoenut]

I've had the lighter brown pair for about 2 years. I use Saphir's Cognac and never worry about the stitching so it is much less of a contrast now. They are due for new soles (Othello wears fast) so I thought as long as I am changing it, should it go to AE for another Othello (super comfortable) or to a cobbler for leather or dainite. I also changed to round waxed laces which I think helps the overall look. And I do really like the lighter brown.

Love mine and they have a place in my rotation. But go Commando!

 

[ProfilaBinding]

If the Wilbert got rid of that padded collar, it would be more like the Lasalle and appeal to more people. I own both the Lasalle and Wilbert, and both are among the most comfortable pairs in my collection. Yeah, they are fuddy duddy, but everyone should own at least one fuddy duddy shoe.

 

[madhat]

If the Wilbert got rid of that padded collar, it would be more like the Lasalle and appeal to more people. I own both the Lasalle and Wilbert, and both are among the most comfortable pairs in my collection. Yeah, they are fuddy duddy, but everyone shown own at least one fuddy duddy shoe.

I really like the way the Lasalle handles the back half of the shoe. In fact, it looks great. I just wish I could get behind the sewn apron look. If they went full (plain toe) blucher on it, ditching the apron and split toe, and went instead with a MACHINE stitch u-tip (like a stock Alden Indy) I would really be hard pressed not to own a pair. Assuming they moved it away from the 108 of course.

 

[munchau]

I take it you see those as work boots? Lots of wear and tear on those

I received these well loved by @BagleyBrown and I’m loving them even more, lol!

 

[smfdoc]

Yes, 2020 has been, at best, a hemorrhoid of a year. If 2020 were a candy it would be sugar free gummy bears that cause anal leakage. So my mind drifted back to happier times and I wondered, "What was I wearing exactly one year ago today?" Or even two years ago today? Three years ago?

Spoiler: A jump into the shoe wayback machine

11/28/19, 6 eyelet shell chukkas from Alden.

11/28/18, Natty shell Macneils.

11/28/17, Vintage Florsheim 93602

So, what were you wearing?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I really like the way the Lasalle handles the back half of the shoe. In fact, it looks great. I just wish I could get behind the sewn apron look. If they went full (plain toe) blucher on it, ditching the apron and split toe, and went instead with a MACHINE stitch u-tip (like a stock Alden Indy) I would really be hard pressed not to own a pair. Assuming they moved it away from the 108 of course.

I'm not trying to poke the bee hive, but I've never been a big fan of the U-tip. I own the Rothsay boots that have it, but not really my cup of tea. It looks unfinished to me, but that's just my point of view. Give me split toe or plain toe.

Just for fun, I compared the new natural vs. the old natural. You will get an idea of how much darker the new one is. I now know that going up 1/2 size in the Higgins is my best size. These fit really well. I may just sell off my old brown pair because they've always felt a little too snug in the ankles and leg area.

 

[madhat]

I'm not trying to poke the bee hive, but I've never been a big fan of the U-tip. I own the Rothsay boots that have it, but not really my cup of tea. It looks unfinished to me, but that's just my point of view. Give me split toe or plain toe.

Just for fun, I compared the new natural vs. the old natural. You will get an idea of how much darker the new one is. I now know that going up 1/2 size in the Higgins is my best size. These fit really well. I may just sell off my old brown pair because they've always felt a little too snug in the ankles and leg area.

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Your point of view is wrong and different from mine, therefore invalid!!!

interesting comment about the HM sizing I would have figured you have more issue with toe box on HM since self proclaimed narrow heel, wide at ball