ALLEN EDMONDS APPRECIATION THREAD EDITION 2O22

[BackInTheJox]

I understand the need for sneakers as a doctor. That is acceptable - no one is going to ***** that you are wearing a pair of sneakers when you need to meet the needs of your job, anymore than I would disparage you for wearing muddy work boots if you were a construction worker.

Honestly, although I have several dozen shoes and boots from a variety of makers, I personally have been wearing Alden Indy boots and Red Wing moc toe boots more than anything else lately.

 

[EZB]

I have two pair of AE dress sneakers. Parks in chili shell and Strands in bone suede…and I love them both. Compliments all the time. That said, today I wore a ~10 year old pair of Leeds in shell. One of these days I’ll come around to remembering its WTW!
View attachment 1793492

Shell is forever! I also have 3 other pairs of PA/Strand sneakers..love them all

 

[JFWR]

Honestly, although I have several dozen shoes and boots from a variety of makers, I personally have been wearing Alden Indy boots and Red Wing moc toe boots more than anything else lately.

You're a doctor, too?

 

[blewnote1]

You're about to catch these hands, Shoe Brother.

I was with you with the loafers. I was with you with the boots. I was with you with the shoes of all sorts. But I draw the line here, man, I draw the line.

While I'm not sold on the dress sneakers on offer, I'm at a loss as to see how they're terribly different from all the "sport" shoes you see advertised in the old Esquire fashion plates that have thick crepe or red rubber soles. They came in all kinds of models: monks, spectators, Norwegians, wingtip derbies, captoes derbies, etc.

I think if there was a way to make the sole a little less "bright white rubber sneaker looking" they wouldn't be at all out of place within the tradition of classic men's shoes and would still have the comfort factor that I think draws people to them. I might even get a pair.

Red rubber:

Crepe:

 

[EZB]

While I'm not sold on the dress sneakers on offer, I'm at a loss as to see how they're terribly different from all the "sport" shoes you see advertised in the old Esquire fashion plates that have thick crepe soles. They came in all kinds of models: monks, spectators, Norwegians, wingtip derbies, captoes derbies, etc.

I think if there was a way to make the sole a little less "bright white rubber sneaker looking" they wouldn't be at all out of place within the tradition of classic men's shoes and would still have the comfort factor that I think draws people to them. I might even get a pair.

AE sneaker soles are actually much smaller in profile than most other brands’ dress sneaker soles

 

[blewnote1]

AE sneaker soles are actually much smaller in profile than most other brands’ dress sneaker soles

Dig. I edited my post to include examples. But I'm with you, I don't think that "dress" sneakers are that much of an oxymoron, especially if they're derbies or suede or something that already makes the shoe lean casual.

I think that the poor execution of a lot of these kinds of styles (not necessarily from AE, although pure calf Park Aves would be guilty of this IMO) has soured people who like the "classics" on being open to them.

 

[EZB]

Dig. I edited my post to include examples. But I'm with you, I don't think that "dress" sneakers are that much of an oxymoron, especially if they're derbies or suede or something that already makes the shoe lean casual.

I think that the poor execution of a lot of these kinds of styles (not necessarily from AE, although pure calf Park Aves would be guilty of this IMO) has soured people who like the "classics" on being open to them.

I think it’s something else. They don’t like the style because it means admitting that everything is continuing to get more casual.

 

[Vincent George]

I think it’s something else. They don’t like the style because it means admitting that everything is continuing to get more casual.

…and they are not made in USA (I know. I know. Pissing on a bee nest.)

 

[Shoenut]

This is my dress sneaker for the next several days. Can’t find a good fit in AE.

 

[HCapLonghorn]

I'm waiting on my first pair of "dress sneakers" (PA in shell). If I love them, the remainder of my shoe purchases will be dress sneakers (till I die).
I'm already planning on shell sneakers for the upcoming trunk show.

I wear my blue shell PA sneakers more than any other pair.

 

[BackInTheJox]

You're a doctor, too?

Yes.

 

[madhat]

Yes.

Your terse comment brought this interview to mind from Top Gear

 

[FatTuesday]

Alright, I can't hold my tongue any longer. A former AE employee shared this with me in confidence, and I swore to her i would not to spill the beans, but I can't help myself!

AE is reaching deep into the vault for this split-toe beauty! Back by popular demand, the next drop will be...

Spoiler: From the vault

The AE Vinny
Available in your choice of 14 Corfam° colors!

Save your 💰 Gentlemen!

 

[mreams99]

When was the last time AE offered ostrich outside of MTO?
Was it these River Oak webgems?

 

[EZB]

…and they are not made in USA (I know. I know. Pissing on a bee nest.)

Are you sure? The PA and Strand sneakers could be made in USA--not sure... The trunk show and special models should be though.