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

[Middlife]

The brown calf Strands are finally starting to break in. I've had to return some other seconds but I'm quite pleased with this pair. The best $200 I've spent in 2016 for sure.

 

[ace13x]

in the Mctavish was there only 2 brown colors- cognac and khaki? or was there a tan also? ive found my size in cognac and khaki. anyone happen to own both pair? is the khaki a really light tan color? in photos i cant tell some look light and some look darker

There were colors other than Cognac and Khaki. Khaki is 4047, Tan (Natural Wax Infused) is 4035. There was also a Black Wax Infused 4005. I believe the Tan and Khaki also had different edge finishes between them.

Sorry, I have no pictures for side by side comparison.

 

[Neo1]

I have the black - the black, tan and cognac have natural edges, the khaki edge is black. I forget what edge the distressed or whatever it was called had.

 

[M635Guy]

I've posted these pics here before. Both McT's are worth owning. The cognac are more versatile for me, but I'm really, really happy to have both.

The darker areas on the tan shoes aren't as prominent as they look in the pix. Love the look of that leather. The cognac is getting better with age (no pun intended...).

 

[robster35]



I've posted these pics here before. Both McT's are worth owning. The cognac are more versatile for me, but I'm really, really happy to have both.

The darker areas on the tan shoes aren't as prominent as they look in the pix. Love the look of that leather. The cognac if getting better with age (no pun intended...).

do they fit like the strands? i wear a 10D in the strand. ive heard some say they fit the same some say order smaller than the strands


also hows the comfort? seems guys either really like em or either say they arent comfortable

 

[middlepP]

in the Mctavish was there only 2 brown colors- cognac and khaki? or was there a tan also? ive found my size in cognac and khaki. anyone happen to own both pair? is the khaki a really light tan color? in photos i cant tell some look light and some look darker

There is definitely a tan color other than khaki. IIRC, the khaki has a dark welt while the tan is natural. The khaki might also be grain??

 

[M635Guy]



do they fit like the strands? i wear a 10D in the strand. ive heard some say they fit the same some say order smaller than the strands


also hows the comfort? seems guys either really like em or either say they arent comfortable

I'm not your best resource since I don't have Strands and I'm not super-fluent in fit terminology it my own feet. This thread inspired me to wear them today, so here's a (bad) on-foot shot:

That said, here are my thoughts: I measure an 11.5+ D+. I'm very comfortable in a 11.5 D in the 5-last, but apparently have enough of a high-instep that an 11.5 E would probably be better for me to get more closure on the balmoral style shoe. I notice this far more on my Rush Streets than I do either of the McT's, but it isn't a comfort issue for me on any of them, though I'd probably pick and E in the Rush Streets if I were buying again. Since the Rush Street is really just a Strand with a more casual leather and details, I'd probably go with an E in that too. The McT's are entirely fine for me as a D - they are completely comfortable and I don't use or prefer the bar lacing anyway.

Hope that helps!

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote: Those are really sharp; I've been on the fence about the Rogues for a while, but that may have tipped me.

The Cognac McTavishes came back up in my size on clearance, and I just snagged the last pair. To whomever returned them, I appreciate it. I was looking for something to alternate with Rush Streets for casual, and these should hopefully do nicely.

On the other hand; Rush Streets and McTavishes are also available, cheaper, and more obviously casual. Decisions, decisions (and no, I don't think buying all three is a legitimate option).

That is a great pic for sure - one of the best I have seen of the rogue

 

[Kahuna75]

I picked up a pair of Normandy boots on the Bay a few days ago. They arrived today. Tried them on to check the fit, and haven't taken them off yet; I don't want to. I feel like going for a run. I may never wear sneakers again.

Could not agree more...they are terrific...going to be wearing mine today

 

[garland]

I wonder why the shell could be thinner. I know that there is variation between hides, but why would all my AE shells feel thinner than all (both) my Carnina shells, for example, that are like thick rubber tanks? It can't just be the lining. Does AE's lasting process make a difference?

Maybe 4-5 months ago, the guys over at AE were kind enough to send me some scrap shell pieces they had but couldn't use. I had decided to make a couple envelope style wallets for my brothers for Christmas. Long story short, the dozen or so pieces of shell varied A LOT in thickness, and even varied within the same piece, sometimes drastically. Once I get things unpacked and locate that box, I'll try and snap a few pics.

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote:
Lack of steel shank is huge..if AE's weighed more I believe more many would have a different opinion to the good side. People who jump to Alden and are impressed often by literally the wieght which mentally makes it seem so much better...sort of like folks who judge a restaurant by the quantity of food on their plate not the quality.

FYI I am in no way comparing Alden to 36 ounce "Select" beef as opposed to a Prime Ribe Eye...Just saying the first time I held an Alden boot I was taken by the weight and the first time I held a Viberg I was in awe of the weight...I now put no stock in weight of the boot or shoe...but it took me a while to get there.

 

[Kahuna75]

Quote:
While I dont have Carmina Shell - my AE shell Bradley's, Bayfields and Leeds feel the same as my typical Alden shell's...My Viberg Shell is very much so thicker than my Alden's and AE...My AE shell Townley is on the thinner side.

 

[makewayhomer]



Maybe 4-5 months ago, the guys over at AE were kind enough to send me some scrap shell pieces they had but couldn't use. I had decided to make a couple envelope style wallets for my brothers for Christmas. Long story short, the dozen or so pieces of shell varied A LOT in thickness, and even varied within the same piece, sometimes drastically. Once I get things unpacked and locate that box, I'll try and snap a few pics. 

makes sense to me. my guess is the variance people see across makers is mostly due to the inherent variance in Horween shell, not anything the makers are doing to it

 

[robster35]



The brown calf Strands are finally starting to break in. I've had to return some other seconds but I'm quite pleased with this pair. The best $200 I've spent in 2016 for sure.

where did u get em for $200? those look awesome. just lookin thro the AE site i didnt look too hard at the brown but they look great here

 

[Middlife]

where did u get em for $200? those look awesome. just lookin thro the AE site i didnt look too hard at the brown but they look great here

Thanks! They dropped down to $200 during the Factory Seconds the flash sale back in mid-January.