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

[theinternet]

Here is a shot of my tan Cronmoks a day after applying two rounds of Neatsfoot oil as promised. I have some Obenauf's HDLP on order and plan to do an application of that in the next week or so. Right now, the color is a shade or two lighter than my walnut Strands, and of course with a matte finish. The picture makes the boots look like they have a red hue, but it is not as pronounced in person. The stitching in the boots stands out more now that the leather has darkened a bit, but once the HDLP goes on it, everything should be a bit more cohessive.

 

[rossoz]

Wow, that's insane. How long did each pair last in years? How often did you wear them?

Purchased them in the early 90's (approx.). Wore them almost daily- dancing, to work, everywhere. Although I am very small, I am hard on loafers. My feet roll to the outside. I sent them to AE every 3 years or so. One time they came back so small I couldn't wear them. AE replaced with a new pair.

Any ideas on replacements? Maybe something a little more Euro looking.

Cheers,

 

[gooter]

Here is a shot of my tan Cronmoks a day after applying two rounds of Neatsfoot oil as promised. I have some Obenauf's HDLP on order and plan to do an application of that in the next week or so. Right now, the color is a shade or two lighter than my walnut Strands, and of course with a matte finish. The picture makes the boots look like they have a red hue, but it is not as pronounced in person. The stitching in the boots stands out more now that the leather has darkened a bit, but once the HDLP goes on it, everything should be a bit more cohessive.

If I didn't already have a pair of Neumoks I'd be all over the Cronmock. They look awesome with the "modifications" you guys have been doing.

 

[ellsbebc]

I have two pairs of shoes I picked up in a recent AE seconds sale. Walnut Player's and walnut Rush (Independence collection), both 10D. Never worn because they did not fit properly.

Only looking to recoup my spendings ($150 each). Thought I would give you guys the first opportunity. Will grab pictures tomorrow. Any interest?

 

[gooter]

may wanna post the size

 

[kmdsimpson]



There are pictures in the wild, and then there are pictures in the wild like where this eagle lives in the Mn. Arrowhead just South of the boundary water canoe area wilderness:

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Just came back from 4 days grouse hunting there and took along the Bayfields. Tried them for a couple of hours because it has been so dry. Working typical grouse cover which is 10-12 year old regrowth and high stepping through timber cutting trimmings and thick brush. After a couple of hours that was enough for both the boots and my feet. They do work well for a camp boot though:



I've hunted rough grouse in the foothills of the Olympic and Cascade mountains along Puget Sound. And traditional coverts from New England down through the Middle Atlantic States into Western NC. And now in Mn. and Wi. After years of chasing them I had Russell build me a custom pair of boots MTM for my feet about 7 years ago.



According to the GPS they have seen more than a 1,000 miles in the woods, cost as much as shell and never been on pavement. And can take a lot of abuse without any issue. They are a true cap toe, the added leather on the toe is a $50 option but well worth it as busting brush that is the first thing to wear out. More than likely the reason I feel a plain toe is more formal than a cap toe is the origin of the cap toe is add life to a shoe due to work of one type or another. And a cap toe traditionally should be short and stubby as shown on the Sheep Hunters 

I love the Bayfield's. Have the brown CXL and black. They are sleek compared to most boots, look sharp IMO, and hold up extremely well in town. Although I would highly recommend going up one size in width if your going to do extended walking or want to wear thicker warmer socks. I have worn them in town in teen below zero F with normal socks for up to half an hour and they are still comfortable. However... I do not understand the love affair with CXL leather by many. I use my brown CXL as a general purpose boot because I have the black for dressier occasions. The CXL leather can be recovered with some work, but it scuffs very easily. So not sure why so many people love it, and not just for AE boots either. What am I missing?

Awww yeaaahhhh 

It's comfy. The pull-up nature of the tanning brings out an incredible patina. It's rugged as hell and quite water resilient. CXL doesn't shine up like a proper dress shoe, and shouldn't be near a dress shoe. However, it can be spiffed just enough to make do in casual offices/days. My before and afters:

Spoiler: CXL dirty

Spoiler: CXL cleaned after

Would love to see an after shot of your Bayfields cleaned up 

I totally agree with your comments about CXL. I have the Alden Indy boots in CXL. I don't dislike them, and I think CXL works well for that boot, but I got them without knowing much about CXL or thinking about it. I think some people like them for some of the same reasons as liking shell - very oily, so they don't need polishing, and while they crease, the creases tend to be very small and not visible from a distance. But I feel like the leather is a little too soft and shapeless, and as you say, it scuffs easily - although the oils help to reduce the effects if you want to put in the elbow grease. So again, I don't hate CXL, but I'd pick something sturdier for boots next time.

But I can see Mario's point, too.

 

[DJTraveler]

Here is a shot of my tan Cronmoks a day after applying two rounds of Neatsfoot oil as promised. I have some Obenauf's HDLP on order and plan to do an application of that in the next week or so. Right now, the color is a shade or two lighter than my walnut Strands, and of course with a matte finish. The picture makes the boots look like they have a red hue, but it is not as pronounced in person. The stitching in the boots stands out more now that the leather has darkened a bit, but once the HDLP goes on it, everything should be a bit more cohessive.

Those look pretty similar to the brown ones now!

 

[AndrewN]

Hello everybody!
Long time lurker here, I recently bought a pair of burgundy shell MacNeil seconds during the rediscover America sale. Unfortunately, the left shoe had a quarter sized burn mark on the vamp. Luckily for me, they had a pair of truffle shell Dundees in my size, which I promptly exchanged the MacNeils for. I was really excited because this color is hard to come by and it was my first shell cordovan purchase. As always AE's customer service was top notch and my SA was very helpful.

 

[theinternet]

With my first pair in the brown finish, two coats of Neatsfoot oil turned them into a deep brown and looked great. Almost as if they were well worn. I returned them after wearing them twice because the heal was separating from the sole. Hopefully this pair holds up.

 

[MoneyWellSpent]

New Walnut Strands out for a spin!

And I'm a little hurt that my idea for everyone sharing a picture of their horrible old shoes (the [insert cheap shoe manufacturer here] Recovery Group for Men), preferrably next to some AE's, did not catch on, or even get one comment.

Not even a smirk for my Anti Shoe Appreciation, or alternatively, Shoe Pornuglify (trademark and copyright mothertruckers!)?

So, one last attempt at some Rockport goodness. I wore these brown Rockports probably 4 days out of five (or my black ones) for years when heading to the law office. The saddest thing is that I actually had inherited four pair of AE's and, GET THIS, Alden 976 Shell wingtips (too big for me unfortunately, so I sold them on Ebay), but didn't know what I had until early last year.

Without further ado, let the ugliness recommence!!








Go on! Get it out! It will be therapeutic.

I thought this was a great idea as well. I just happen to still have a pair of Bostonian Marcos that were my main dress shoe before I became "enlightened."

They have become my beater (rainy day) shoes until they are worn out enough to justify getting rid of them. Some would have said to get rid of them long before now, but I can't quite bring myself to trash a pair of shoes that is still wearable. It has amazed me how long even a cheap pair of shoes will hang on when they are given the same care regimen as a nice pair of shoes. I polish/condition these at the same time I do my AE's, brush them before and after wear, etc. The only thing I don't do is keep shoe trees in them... and they just won't die! I think I may donate them to science when they are finally worn out and dissect them to see what a "cheap" pair of shoes are made of compared to the better goodyear welted ones.




Here they are next to my AE Sanfords, Waltons, and Finches.

 

[dddrees]

I decided to go for a pair of Cordovan Bradleys and a pair of Black Calf Park Avenues during their recent sale. I've been looking at the Bradleys and Park Avenues for a couple of months now. The Park Avenues should be here by next Monday and the Bradleys may take as long as 4 to 6 weeks.

 

[Jigg]

My initial thought is that they're too loose. I typically wear an 8D and went with 8D so I'll either go narrow or shorter. Thoughts?

It appears that they don't make any narrow sizes so....

 

[GrensonMan]

Just got my Allen Edmon shoe trees in for my fifth street boots. The size guide indicates that a 9D calls for a medium shoe tree. I'm telling you though, it was not easy getting them in. And even when I did there is some space between the shoe tree tip and the tip of the shoe. Is this to be expected?

 

[atoms]

Just got my Allen Edmon shoe trees in for my fifth street boots. The size guide indicates that a 9D calls for a medium shoe tree. I'm telling you though, it was not easy getting them in. And even when I did there is some space between the shoe tree tip and the tip of the shoe. Is this to be expected?

That's fine. I generally wear a 9D and use Medium trees as well. The toe end isn't meant to fit all the way down. The metal should compress in and exert force once released.

 

[etran27]

So... I was going to buy a pair of fifth avenues, but the sale on Amazon is gone now... Does anyone know the next big sale?