The 2023 Allen Edmonds (AE) Appreciation Thread

[Shoenut]

ALLEN EDMONDS APPRECIATION THREAD EDITION 2O22

Happy New Year’s Eve-Eve! Out this evening with the fam and rocking some chili shell Landons. Stay safe and have fun this weekend friends!

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@CommanderMcBragg Was catching up on the 2022 thread and just wanted to weigh in on the belt discussion. Keep in mind this is coming from my own limited experience, not necessarily from a study of proper menswear.

I find 1 1/4" belts to be strictly formal (as in, suit or sport coat), and I have always disliked skinny belts. 1 1/2" belts are great for casual wear, especially jeans, but have no room alongside dressier attire. 1 3/8" belts are, in my opinion, the perfect width for both formal and casual wear, and my preferred width in a typical scenario. I wear them with jeans, suits, and everything in between.

Of course, there's more to consider when it comes to pairing belts. The leather, pattern, stitching, color, and finish type all contribute to formality level. I think common sense, and using your artistic eye, go a long way. It really does come down to personal preference after all.

While I would err on the side of dressier pants while wearing some of the AE belts you pictured and would not venture to put them with a pair of jeans, it could potentially work well with a pair of chinos, khakis, etc. A belt should fill up most of the vertical height in your belt loops. Most jeans have belt loops that will accommodate 1 1/2" or even 1 3/4" belts, which is one reason why thinner belts look out of place.

Also, your height and waist width also make a difference. Optically, I think larger men can get away with thicker belts and thin guys should tread more carefully going wide.

By the way, the walnut Strand Ave. belt you pictured is the most casual of the three to my eye.

After reading this, I can’t believe how lazy that I am. I use only Shell or Alligator belts these days. I just pick a belt in the general color and go.

 

[manowar]

After reading this, I can’t believe how lazy that I am. I use only Shell or Alligator belts these days. I just pick a belt in the general color and go.

That's end game right there. I'm still too paranoid and detail oriented to paint with such a broad brush.

 

[suuteebird]

Happy New Year

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I mean this in a nice way, but all I hope for is that AE surprises me one or two times this year.

 

[JFWR]

I mean this in a nice way, but all I hope for is that AE surprises me one or two times this year.

I was personally very underwhelmed by the 100 anniversary shoes.

The shell offerings were great in the trunk show, but I ended up not getting my 1st Aves because I had a major unexpected expense....a day before the TS.

Me, when I found out I couldn't get shell 1st Aves:

 

[mreams99]

My first post in the 2o23 thread with my most-worn pair of Higgins Mill boots.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

I was personally very underwhelmed by the 100 anniversary shoes.

The shell offerings were great in the trunk show, but I ended up not getting my 1st Aves because I had a major unexpected expense....a day before the TS.

Me, when I found out I couldn't get shell 1st Aves:

Pretty much the same as me. I know a lot of people were underwhelmed, especially with the build up. To give credit where it's due, the trunk show offerings were excellent. Definitely the highlight of the year. Although the QC is an issue (we've already gone into that). I also had a second child coming so I figured it was wiser to sit this one out.

 

[JFWR]

Pretty much the same as me. I know a lot of people were underwhelmed, especially with the build up. To give credit where it's due, the trunk show offerings were excellent. Definitely the highlight of the year. Although the QC is an issue (we've already gone into that). I also had a second child coming so I figured it was wiser to sit this one out.

Yeah, I am never disappointed with the shell trunk shows. They always have something interesting, even if it isn't for me (like the previous years marbled offerings). AE makes fine shell shoes, too, when there aren't the issues so mentioned.

But the 100th anniversary offerings were super weak.

What did we get? A strand in hickory, a MacNeil limited run, and the football grain that is not football grain? Or was the football grain just part of their team shoes again? Admittedly, I still thought the football grain was handsome.

 

[MajorDash]

Does anyone know what suede was used for the Liverpool 7532? I can't tell if it is just regular black suede, or if it is a black waxed suede....


EDIT: It is sadly waxed....

 

[pbrandes]

But the 100th anniversary offerings were super weak.

What did we get? A strand in hickory, a MacNeil limited run, and the football grain that is not football grain? Or was the football grain just part of their team shoes again? Admittedly, I still thought the football grain was handsome.

The choose-your-colors custom Strandmok/Sneakers spectator deal was quite spectacular IMO—the closest thing to the old MTO we've had in years.

p.s. - Happy New Year, weasels!

 

[EZB]

I was personally very underwhelmed by the 100 anniversary shoes.

The shell offerings were great in the trunk show, but I ended up not getting my 1st Aves because I had a major unexpected expense....a day before the TS.

Me, when I found out I couldn't get shell 1st Aves:

You mean fifth street?

 

[audog]

I was personally very underwhelmed by the 100 anniversary shoes.

The shell offerings were great in the trunk show, but I ended up not getting my 1st Aves because I had a major unexpected expense....a day before the TS.

Me, when I found out I couldn't get shell 1st Aves:

I must agree with you, 100 anniversary sale was a MEH for me...

 

[mreams99]

I kept thinking that AE was saving the best for last, and we would get one last special shoe or boot to end the anniversary year with a bang.
It seemed to me that things really fizzled out at the end of the year though.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

The choose-your-colors custom Strandmok/Sneakers spectator deal was quite spectacular IMO—the closest thing to the old MTO we've had in years.

p.s. - Happy New Year, weasels!

Yeah, that almost was a great thing for me. My heart sank when I saw they were only offered in black soles and welts. Nonetheless, I'm glad some of you found something you liked from it.

 

[JFWR]

You mean fifth street?

Yeah, sorry, 5th Street.