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

[JubeiSpiegel]



I got a pair of Jefferson's from Nordstrom, there is no indication on the shoe where it's made. Any idea on why they wouldn't label?
Nothing under the tongue, side just has shoe size.

More importantly, can we get a thorough review from you?

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



So, for regular conditioning of calf, should I use AE shoe cream, AE Premium Shoe Polish, or Lexol conditioner? Does the optimal product differ depending on color, e.g. black vs walnut?
Is the conditioner/cleaner necessary? Can dirt not be wiped off with a damp cloth or sponge?

The AE website has some good videos on the subject of their shoe maintenance products. Regarding the options stated, you really need to use a combination using all of them.

Simply version: wipe with damp cloth, conditioner/cleaner, Premium shoe polish in matching color (since it is a combination wax & cream polish), brush, and buff.

Thorough version: wipe with damp cloth, conditioner/cleaner, alternate between cream one session (which feeds the leather nutrients) & wax polish another session (which addresses leather appearance), layering the wax polish to desired shine level, brush, and buff.

Everyone has different systems, but as long as you understand what each tool is used for, you should be ok. Enjoy.

 

[New Shoes1]

So, for regular conditioning of calf, should I use AE shoe cream, AE Premium Shoe Polish, or Lexol conditioner? Does the optimal product differ depending on color, e.g. black vs walnut?
Is the conditioner/cleaner necessary? Can dirt not be wiped off with a damp cloth or sponge?

Use the conditioner/cleaner and the AE shoe polish to protect your investment. Some also like to use the wax to get more of a mirror shine. I find the AE shoe polish is a sufficient shine for most of my shoes and only use the wax on the black pair I wear with suits. YMMV.

When getting a new pair, I use the conditioner/cleaner and shoe polish immediately before wearing and then use the polish on a weekly basis for the first few weeks. This helps protect the shoes and makes it easier to break them in. After that, how often you polish depends on how often you wear the shoes, the conditions and your preferences.

 

[REguy]



Anyone pick up a North Platte. I am underwhelmed.

Details and do you own a pair? I saw them in the store and thought they looked really nice by AE standards. I was actually considering grabbing a pair when they go on sale. Should I rethink that?

 

[RingTail]

More importantly, can we get a thorough review from you?

Well this is my first pair of AE's , so not being a connoisseur there is a limited amount of information I am aware of. The biggest difference between the Jefferson's and others such as the McAllister or Players was how soft and comfortable they are. Comfort is close to a pair of Santoni's (Blake/Bologna) I also got.

I really like the walnut color, nor sure though if the color attracts too much attention.

 

[Joenobody0]



I got a pair of Jefferson's from Nordstrom, there is no indication on the shoe where it's made. Any idea on why they wouldn't label?
Nothing under the tongue, side just has shoe size.

Now that you mention it, I don't recall ever seeing a "made in the USA" stamp on my Aldens. I'm sure they are though, so I wouldn't worry about your pair.

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



Now that you mention it, I don't recall ever seeing a "made in the USA" stamp on my Aldens. I'm sure they are though, so I wouldn't worry about your pair.

I was told the only AE's not made in the US are from their "ae for Allen Edmonds" collection, recognized by the large "ae" logo on the insole. I believe those are made in the Dominican Republic.

Addendum: The Italian collection shoes are obviously made in Italy

 

[kmdsimpson]



I was told the only AE's not made in the US are from their "ae for Allen Edmonds" collection, recognized by the large "ae" logo on the insole. I believe those are made in the Dominican Republic.
Addendum: The Italian collection shoes are obviously made in Italy

I got a pair of Jefferson's from Nordstrom, there is no indication on the shoe where it's made. Any idea on why they wouldn't label?
Nothing under the tongue, side just has shoe size.

Is this them? http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF7605_1_40000000001_-1

Made in the USA, I think.

 

[rostov]

I think I may finally be over the problems I have been having with my black AE Strands. Previously, I wrote about how my first pair developed a split/cracked heel in less than a month, and how the replacements had a patch of bad leather which was apparent after a single wearing. Finally, I went back to the San Francisco store and spoke to the manager...

He acknowledged both problems, but seeing me in the shoes and upon my complaints of toe-compression, decided to re-measure my size and we found that I was badly measured.

The store had sized me at 11EEE and put me into a 10EEE. Upon re-measuring, I was an 11E... for which the 5-last Strand was TTS. Interestingly, they fit almost identically, but the EEE was less snug around the ankle and was wrinkling the leather. Also, the curvature/closeness of the toe-box was just different enough to cause pain during long-term wear.

I now have a brand-new pair of AE Strands in Walnut!

 

[Rambo]

The toe box in a EEE would be 1/2" larger than in an E so I'm a little confused at that last sentence.

 

[RingTail]

Is this them? http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF7605_1_40000000001_-1
Made in the USA, I think.

Yes that is the one, but when I see the same shoe in this video it says 'Handcrafted in the USA' where as mine does not. Possibly because it's made in Peurto Rico?

 

[kmdsimpson]



Yes that is the one, but when I see the same shoe in this video it says 'Handcrafted in the USA' where as mine does not. Possibly because it's made in Peurto Rico?

That is strange. But here is what it says on that webpage: "Proudly made in the USA at our Port Washington, Wisconsin factory". So should be from Wisconsin. I wonder if you emailed them if they would have an explanation for why they didn't write that in your shoe.

 

[facet]

Hate to break up the AE love in. But I was wondering if any of you have had any problems with the heel coming off? I had bought my parliaments off Amazon last August and, yesterday, noticed that part of the heel was coming detached off one of the shoes.





Has anybody else experienced this? I only wear them 2x/week, three if I wear them out, and I'm only walking around an office in them; so it's not hard wear. I was quite surprised, and more than a little disappointed, to see this as they had been my favourite shoe to wear.

 

[bucksfan]

Give AE a call - they will fix it no problem. I think they had a few issues with the glue holding on some shoes made last summer.

 

[Fred G. Unn]



Give AE a call - they will fix it no problem.  I think they had a few issues with the glue holding on some shoes made last summer. 

+1 I had bought some Bayfields off Amazon around the same time and the heel completely came off. I called AE and they sent me a UPS label to ship 'em back to be resoled for free. Great customer service! I think the CEO even commented on this problem over on AAAC.

Fred