First Post, First Pair of Allen Edmonds - are they damaged?

[acousticfoodie]

Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker of this forum and just wanna say thanks for all the knowledge I've picked up here. I decided to finally pickup some non made in China/Mexico/Brazil shoes and lurking around here it seems that AEs are considered a good reliable brand. I stopped by the Allen Edmonds store and they fit me with some nice new Strands:

However, when I got home to inspect the shoe more, I noticed there seems to be a chip near the welt on the upper part of the sole near the heel. I guess the love for AEs everyone here seems to have made me think I was gonna get a 100% flawless shoe lol. Is this a big deal and something to actually go back and exchange for? Or is this something to not even think about since the recrafting process (I think) will get rid of it in the next decade of use? Thanks again!

 

[Quadcammer]

I would not think twice about that. Yes, its a minor defect...but one that I believe is perfectly acceptable at the price point. It will not effect the longevity or function of the shoe and you will get more nicks and scratches with wear.

That said, if it really bothers you, you can try to return them.

 

[acousticfoodie]

thanks Quadcammer! I was pretty sure I was being a bit too anal!

 

[MyOtherLife]

As anal as anal can get.

Now go get your f*#%ing shine box and enjoy those beautiful shoes already. Congratulations on a good investment.
Welcome to Styleforum.

 

[dasai]

That looks like the spot where the two ends of the welt meet. (It's a 360-degree welt, so the ends are exposed). Perhaps they could have done a better job hiding the seam, but I don't know if I'd call that a defect.

 

[anginaprinzmetal]

That's (may be) a very minor flaw. I wouldn't even have noticed it...