Why Allen Edmonds Does Not Suck

[Zach]

Some time ago, back in April, I posted this question in the "Ask a question..." thread:

http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...postcount=7897

In short, I had a pair of AE Fifth Avenues that were not working well for me, having developed a large crease in the right shoe.

I emailed AE regarding my concerns, stating specifically that I thought it may be due to a sizing error on my part. A day later, a CS associate returned my email, asking that I send in the pair of shoes for further evaluation. I mailed the shoes on a Thursday, and called AE the following Tuesday to ask if they had received the pair. The CS associate at the time asked I wait a moment while she retrieved the shoes, and then evaluated them while I was speaking with her on the phone. She quickly stated she thought they were probably defective and that she would send a new pair out.

A couple of days later I received an invoice for the exchange. I emailed back asking if they would size the pair down one half size as I tried on a pair of Strands in a store and had been more satisfied with the smaller size, and within 20 minutes AE returned the email stating it would be no problem.

In summary, I had no proof of purchase and may have purchased the incorrect size (though my size 11D Park Avenues feel correct), and AE quickly and painlessly decided to replace the shoes and accomodate my request for a change of size.

I may eventually explore higher price brackets, but if AE continues this level of service, I will always be a customer. I am 100% satisfied with my experience.

 

[Patek14]

Funny how AEs here get so much love and so much hate! Pretty much the consensus is AE customer service is great though from what I've read.

I'll also say I like my AEs from a quality standpoint. Sure, they might not be as refined or as well constructed as Vass, EG, etc but for 1/3 to 1/4 the cost, they still provide a lot of value IMO. My AEs uppers have held up and worn very well and when you consider overall life-cycle cost ($99 recraft), cost-per use for pretty darn nice

 

[Zach]

Originally Posted by Patek14

Funny how AEs here get so much love and so much hate! Pretty much the consensus is AE customer service is great though from what I've read.

I'll also say I like my AEs from a quality standpoint. Sure, they might not be as refined or as well constructed as Vass, EG, etc but for 1/3 to 1/4 the cost, they still provide a lot of value IMO. My AEs uppers have held up and worn very well and when you consider overall life-cycle cost ($99 recraft), cost-per use for pretty darn nice

The back and forth, love hate cracks me up. I think those that hate AE are expecting too much without accounting for the increase in cost associated with increased quality. I freely admit there are nicer shoes on the market, but nothing in my mind on the new, unused market comes close for the price (and now, customer service).

Part of the issue, in my mind, is that on a forum such as this, there are consumers who are much more discerning than the average individual, even more so than the average "well-informed individual."

It reminds me of a thread I saw on 6speedonline quite a few years ago - a guy with a Ferrari 599 was ripping on a guy with a BMW 6-series because the BMW was far too pedestrian and not nearly deserving of praise from a true connoisseur. That may be well and good, but ****...a 6-series is still a damn fine car.

 

[happyxix]

Well that makes me feel even better about my first step in AE. Got myself a pair of Boston and loving them so far!

 

[NAMOR]

so much thread space being wasted on AEs. tisk, tisk

 

[allaboutshoes]

Originally Posted by Zach

I think those that hate AE are expecting too much without accounting for the increase in cost associated with increased quality

I would like to mention a few things:
1. It is one of the only quality shoe companies left in the USA
2. The shoes dont cost an arm and a leg and you are getting top quality. Granted Lobbs are MUCH better but you are paying $1200+ starting price.
3. Even at $550 retail, the shell cordovans are cheap compared to other brands
4. Their recraft program is amazing and for $99 you basically get a brand new shoes

To add to all that (and i dont mean to

up this thread but now that were talking about AEs) check out my Allen Edmonds Mega Thread in my signature (Shells just went from $550+tax to $425

). This is a great thread and i dont know why anyone would hate Allen Edmonds

 

[Liquidus]

E Shell for $425? That's a steal.

 

[allaboutshoes]

Originally Posted by Liquidus

AE Shell for $425? That's a steal.

And they're all 1st quality, Brand New in Box as if you bought them straight from the store. They're so new they dont even come laced up

 

[reidrothchild]

Just want to add that I've found Allen Edmonds customer service to be insanely good. I've honestly never had a more pleasant OTR retail experience.

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Their customer service is by all accounts excellent. Their shoe is mediocre.

 

[jonasd]

My first SF post -

I've spent months browsing these threads in anticipation of my first *real* shoe purchase. The other day I settled on AE Lombards, Walnut.

I say settled not to devalue AE, but because I would've preferred the opportunity to purchase something from, specifically, Grenson's Rose line - shoes that I find significantly more elegant in comparison to AE's. But living in Canada, there is zero opportunity to try on Grenson's for a size fitting, and so AE was the only practical option.

Nonetheless, I'm happy with my purchase, and look forward to years of good wear with these shoes.

 

[SirGrotius]

Great story!