Opinions on the AE Holt?

[Monster]

My latest whimsical purchase of things I probably cannot yet afford was a pair of these shoes.

I like my pair of park avenues, but seeing how I am working in a business casual environment, I wanted something a bit less conservative.

I would love to step up to a pair of EGs, but I just can't afford them yet.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by Monster

My latest whimsical purchase of things I probably cannot yet afford was a pair of these shoes.

I like my pair of park avenues, but seeing how I am working in a business casual environment, I wanted something a bit less conservative.

I would love to step up to a pair of EGs, but I just can't afford them yet.

Those are AE???
Wow. Not bad at all and a lot less stodgy than other shoes of theirs.

 

[Monster]

Originally Posted by skalogre

Those are AE???
Wow. Not bad at all and a lot less stodgy than other shoes of theirs.


The same thing I thought as well.

I had never seen them in any of the local retailers (the big department stores), but while on vacation in San Francisco I saw them in the AE store in Union Square.

Thought they were a beautiful shoe, and my girlfriend agreed. Just wanted to make sure we weren't completely off base.

 

[Duveen]

Since you've already bought it, I'll tread lightly.

I don't like the buckle (too large) or the placement of the medallion, which seems to float on the toe without much relationship to anything. If a medallion were called for (I am not sure that it is), I'd put it much closer to the tip of the toe.

 

[Monster]

Originally Posted by Duveen

Since you've already bought it, I'll tread lightly.

I don't like the buckle (too large) and am not sure that it needs the medallion, which seems to float on the toe without much relationship to anything. If a medallion were called for (I am not sure that it is), I'd put it much closer to the tip of the toe.


Be as harsh as necessary, its not going to hurt my feelings.

I respect this forum because of the honest opinions, and it can help shape my next purchase

 

[whoopee]

As Duveen said, the buckle is too large. But worse, I think, the sole colour is all wrong.

 

[Duveen]

The last is, as someone memorably said about another pair of AEs, 'blobby'. The overall look just isn't very elegant - it is neither dressy nor truly a country English style (per AE website). I'd push into either more fashion-forward territory (interesting Mantellassi monks on STP for a VERY country effect: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/386,77972_.html or a beautiful pair for the city: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/3...s-For-Men.html) or go classic with a pair of C&J Malvern's from PLal (http://sheppardsdirect.com/id239.htm)

While I'll grant you that my selections are far from perfect, and a bit more than you spent, I would say that if you paid full retail, you can still look at other makers (Tramezzas on Ebay, Saviles via PLal, Lodings, Loakes) for interesting shoes. For the Loakes, you might look at the Canterbury http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/produc...sp?si_id=93292. And you apparently can get a classic Alden shell cordo monk on Ebay for $300 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Alden-shell-cord...QQcmdZViewItem. Or a pair of fashion-forward Ferragamos (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Monk-Strap-B...QQcmdZViewItem)

But, as JLibourel will tell you, I have a fairly pronounced dislike of most AEs. Just don't like the looks. Now if you love them, and they fit you well, far be it from me to discourage your pro-AE proclivities.

 

[j]

Originally Posted by whoopee

As Duveen said, the buckle is too large. But worse, I think, the sole colour is all wrong.
Agreed, it is a little weird. Some brown edge dressing would help that.

Also, some antiquing with darker wax would add a bit of interest to the finish.

 

[jml90]

I like them

 

[JLibourel]

I think the Holt is a great-looking shoe. It would have been the first monkstrap I was really tempted to buy were it not for the fact the #2 last is a lousy fit on my feet, alas.

I like the looks of some Allen-Edmonds shoes, not others. But then, I'm a big guy and like a sturdy-looking shoe like A-E or Aldens. I was just looking at some Mantelassis yesterday--not my taste at all. Most Italian shoes, except for some Ferragamos, Santonis and probably a few other exceptions, just seem insubstantial to me.

 

[nerdykarim]

i love the holt monkstrap.
unfortunately, it rarely goes on sale, so i'm still waiting to buy it.

 

[skalogre]

Granted, it is not a Mantelassi or C&J but for an AE it is impressive. I am sure that it will be easier to find at a discount also which makes big difference

 

[DocHolliday]

Personally, I like a large but tasteful buckle on a monk. This one manages to be large without being gaudy.

 

[Duveen]

Monster,

Would you mind posting a picture of the shoe you bought? Maybe it looks better without the 'professional' touch of the AE photographer.

I am guessing that JLibourel has seen it in person, and know that you did (and chose to buy). Maybe there is more to it than meets the eye.

 

[Teacher]

I, too, think the buckle is appropriate for this shoe, probably because the last is chunkier than an EG, for instance. Also, natural edges for mid and light brown shoes are popular right now...of course, it would be simple to use brown or black to change it. As for the medallion, yes, I'd move it forward, but it doesn't bother me where it is. Overall, I like it and would wear it.