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- Apr 21, 2005
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I think there's as much love here for the best stuff from, say, Loake and Grenson as there is for AE. Lots of members own Loake 1880 stuff. And the Grenson Masterpieces for Paul Stuart are some of the best-loved shoes on SF.
The lower-end English brands often suffer in discussions because of their lesser lines. I wouldn't consider buying a non-1880 Loake, and would pause before buying an 1880. But I'm also not in the market for most AEs, either.
I'd argue your concern about design is beside the point. We were discussing quality, and adding personal aesthetic tastes only muddies the waters. I like the shape of my Loake shoes better than most of AE's stuff, but I still think the AE is better made.
The lower-end English brands often suffer in discussions because of their lesser lines. I wouldn't consider buying a non-1880 Loake, and would pause before buying an 1880. But I'm also not in the market for most AEs, either.
I'd argue your concern about design is beside the point. We were discussing quality, and adding personal aesthetic tastes only muddies the waters. I like the shape of my Loake shoes better than most of AE's stuff, but I still think the AE is better made.