Allen Edmonds Independence Collection

[Michael Pyne]

I was thinking of purchasing either the Hopkinson or Bartlett Cap-Toe, and I read some reviews that the design is a little clunkier than the 65 last. I was hoping for better quality than the Stand or Park Avenue. Any thoughts would help.

 

[Patek14]

$530 ??? If you want something NICER but less clunky you shouldnt be looking at AEs. I suggest the crockett and jones lonsdale [round toe] or audley [soft square almondy toe]. You can order these from UK official stockists at full MSRP for about $630 if you buy in GPB...

You can get crockett and jones benchgrade in a brick and mortar US store for about $500 or so, such as a Hallam [chisel] or round blobbly cap toes, the model of which I cannot recall atm. Crockett benchgrade is much more trustworthy IMO and cheaper.

 

[Belfaborac]

I certainly wouldn't in my wildest fantasies consider paying $500+ for any pair of shoes from Allen Edmonds. At half their current prices their standard lines would be decent value for money, but for the prices they actually charge one can hardly make a worse choice in terms of bang for the buck.

 

[Count de Monet]

The Hopkinson is on the 201 last, similar to the 5-65 the Park Avenue is on but much more tolerant of a high instep. I would not call it “blobby.” The captoe line is farther back than on the PA, which many prefer.

The Indy line is definitely a step up from AE’s mainline, especially the leather. I’ve had a C&J Connaught that I finally sold due to fit. I’d say the finish of my Hopkinson is comparable and the leather slightly better. However, neither is quite on par with my Bonafe.

Speaking of which, the new MSRP for the Indy’s is within about $30 or so of Bonafe through Skoake. So I couldn’t justify full current price for Indy line with that knowledge.

 

[Michael Pyne]

$530 ??? If you want something NICER but less clunky you shouldnt be looking at AEs. I suggest the crockett and jones lonsdale [round toe] or audley [soft square almondy toe]. You can order these from UK official stockists at full MSRP for about $630 if you buy in GPB...

You can get crockett and jones benchgrade in a brick and mortar US store for about $500 or so, such as a Hallam [chisel] or round blobbly cap toes, the model of which I cannot recall atm. Crockett benchgrade is much more trustworthy IMO and cheaper.

I live in Chicago area. Where would I find Crockett and Jones in US store?