Return these Allen Edmonds factory seconds?

[Bertie Wooster]

I just received my first pair of Allen Edmonds factory seconds - Mora double monk - from the Shoe Bank. What made them seconds was a scratch (it may even be deep enough to call a cut) on the outer edge of the left shoe near the ball of the foot, just above the welt.

It's only visible from an angle even with the scratch or below, so the look of the shoe is fine (unless the viewer is an ant). However, I'm concerned the scratch might be deep enough to cause long-term problems with the leather. Will this scratch/cut seriously affect the durability of the shoe? This is the first time I've seen something like this on one of my shoes, so I really have no idea.

Here are the best pictures I could get of it.

Thanks.

 

[aragon765]

If it is that difficult to get pictures of, and is not piercing the leather, I would not be concerned. I don't think it will impact the quality of the shoe of the leather.

They are seconds, that is why you got such a good deal on them... you could do worse to a shoe in the first two minutes of wearing if you bumped into something sharp. My feeling is if you want perfect shoes, pay the price! AE will be happy to take your money at full retail and get you a pair that is perfect. Wear them in good health!

 

[Tarmac]

They are seconds for a reason. Doesn't look like a functional problem to me.

 

[JLibourel]

+1 to both the previous posts.

 

[polar-lemon]

Get some of the AE premium polish- apply and buff out a few coats on the scratch if it bothers you, and it will be much less visible.

 

[NoVaguy]

I would keep them - after wearing them 3 or 4 times, you'll have comparable scratches. just polish them out and keep the extra money you saved by not getting firsts.

 

[wgiceman]

Polish them, then wear them, then count your savings! They look fine.

 

[Bertie Wooster]

Thanks to everyone who posted. Looks like I was worried over nothing.

I'll enjoy my shoes.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I always feel somewhat relieved when I actually SEE the defect.