New Allen Edmonds Insoles?

[Lawman]

As most of you know, the mainline AE shoes used to have a really nice, heavy leather insole. I really liked it because it formed around where your toes and heel are, absorbed sweat well, looked good, didn't seem to absorb any odor, etc. For the last year or so they have a black insole, or at least a black covering, that has none of those attributes. I don't like it at all.

On another note, I picked up a pair of merlot PAs recently (black insoles), and the quality looks down to me. I don't think it is corrected grain, but the leather doesn't seem to have the same quality. And the toe of the shoe seems like it is very thin leather with a plastic toe-shaped piece under it. It just feels low quality.

I've taken some time comparing them side by side with older models, and it seems like these disparities are pretty pronounced, at least in my mind and eyes.

Thoughts?

 

[lee_44106]

I've sworn off buying Allen Edmonds for now.

It has more to do with the overall look than quality though. Although frankly I would not be surprised if AE is cutting corners here and there.

 

[InsBrokerTX]

I've always liked AE's. However, the last pair I purchased, Park Avenues, seemed to be a little lesser quality leather than the other 6 pair of AE's I have. I also do not like the black insole.

Seems like they are trying to reduce the construction cost in order to maintain or improve margins.

 

[LeicaLad]

I also notice that they're not as nice as previously.

Can anyone suggest a quality but really thin insole that we can install in our new AE's that come with this lesser new insole?

Thanks.

 

[meister]

Are the new made in Italy styles black inner sole?

 

[jmix1]

Originally Posted by LeicaLad

Can anyone suggest a quality but really thin insole that we can install in our new AE's that come with this lesser new insole?


AE makes a couple of insoles designed to compliment their shoes. They can be found on the AE website under Shoe Care.

 

[binge]

Originally Posted by LeicaLad

Can anyone suggest a quality but really thin insole that we can install in our new AE's that come with this lesser new insole?

Some of my shoes are more comfortable with an insert, others not. I just buy the cheapie ones from the local drug-store and cut them to fit.

 

[UnFacconable]

I have noticed that the black insole (sockliner?) is stiffer but still appreciate the fact that it's full length. Other shoes I own of nicer/more expensive/more forum approved brands don't have a full length leather liner which causes the dreaded half liner to peel away upon foot removal if I'm not careful. It's a huge bummer for me. I also like having the smooth liner under my toes as it feels a little bit more luxurious. It's one of those little touches that makes it feel like AE is punching above its weight class so to speak.

 

[grimslade]

I don't have any new ones, but that sounds like a shame. The old insole/sock liner was AE's pride and joy. I believe Ron Rider once called them "the best in the business."

 

[rebel222]

I think the reason that they quit the old nicer insole is because they cannot be changed. If they wear out or crack then too bad. Their restoration will not replace them.

 

[grimslade]

That seems like a bad reason.

 

[Bradford]

Originally Posted by Lawman

On another note, I picked up a pair of merlot PAs recently (black insoles), and the quality looks down to me. I don't think it is corrected grain, but the leather doesn't seem to have the same quality. And the toe of the shoe seems like it is very thin leather with a plastic toe-shaped piece under it. It just feels low quality.

I picked up the same pair of shoes the other day as well (Merlot with the black insole) and compared to my other two pairs of PA's, Black and Dark Brown, they do seem somewhat less substantial. However, considering I got them for $39.99 at Last Chance, I'm not going to complain too much.