Allen-Edmonds - Quality?

Lafont · Apr 9, 2010

Your experiences with Allen Edmonds men's footwear, please. How well do they wear? Has the leather scuffed too quickly? How about original soles - how long have they lasted?
There's a pair of "the Alton" at Nordstrom's Rack - black kiltie slip-ons with the leather bow; the soles have black spots. Tag says compare at $225, selling for around $79.50 - something like that. Are AE's worth the high price, compared to most American shoes?
My Bostonian Oxfords didn't wear too well, but I only have them because I had to return a Clarks (unstructured and they started scraping, my first replacement didn't fit well either, and the cheaper Bostonians were about my last choice in the store with the credit-only situation. Thanks.

Don Carlos · Apr 9, 2010

They're a giant leap above most bargain-priced American brands (Bostonian, et al.), are a significant step below Alden, and likewise below much of the British footwear preferred by most SFers.

If you search through the AE threads on SF, you'll find highly conflicting opinions. Usually a cacophony of scorn and derision mixed with mildly apologetic praise mixed with defiant pride. There's no consensus here.

That said, I think they're just fine for my purposes. I have a lot of better footwear, but I enjoy my AEs. You can do a lot better if you're willing to pay more, but you can do a lot worse if you're willing to pay less.

makewayhomer · Apr 9, 2010

I think where I come out is:

- the biggest problem with AE is lack of great designs, despite them having hundreds of models. the 7 or 8 classic AE designs are great

- I wish they made more Chukkas and Boots. this is really where Alden kills them.

- retail price for AE is a bit silly to pay, they are frequently discounted

- used AE holds it value much worse than used Alden. you can frequently find barely worn AE in classic models for < $100 which less less than half of Alden.

- prices on Ebay or here on B/S are MUCH lower than Alden

Lafont · Apr 9, 2010

Would you think of the "Alton" as a classic AE?

EZETHATSME · Apr 9, 2010

Arrogant Bastard may be arrogant. And a bastard. But I completely agree with his answer.

EZ

suiturself · Apr 9, 2010

Also agree with Arrogant Bastard. As you've seen, it's best to get them on sale. There's no doubting their value at price points around $100.

slappy · Apr 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Arrogant Bastard

are a significant step below Alden

This is entirely false.

Motorsport226 · Apr 9, 2010

Originally Posted by slappy

This is entirely false.

I agree. AE is below Alden no doubt about it, but by a slimmer margin than most on SF would like to admit.

However, Arrogant Bastard always backs up AE when the big timers bash them and suggest a pair of C&J's, so he's a good guy in my book.

-226

ld111134 · Apr 9, 2010

I have met the guys who run AE a couple of times and visted their factory last December. I agree with makewayhomer that there are 7 or so classic designs that I like and a lot of models that I I am lukewarm on or truly dislike - for example, I really like the MacNeil longwing derbies but really don't like Boston monk strap.

That said, the quality of AE's manufacture is good for a machine-made shoe. Is it better or worse that Alden? I would say that AE is on par - however, you will find features on run-of-the-mill Aldens that you will generally find on shell cordovan AEs, e.g. combination heels, leather (rather than PVC) welting, and to that extent I give an edge to Alden.

Suffice it to say, AE is generally way ahead of Johnson & Murphy, Cole-Haan, et al.

Redwoood · Apr 9, 2010

Originally Posted by ld111134

[...]
That said, the quality of AE's manufacture is good for a machine-made shoe. Is it better or worse that Alden? I would say that AE is on par - however, you will find features on run-of-the-mill Aldens that you will generally find on shell cordovan AEs, e.g. combination heels, leather (rather than PVC) welting, and to that extent I give an edge to Alden.

Suffice it to say, AE is generally way ahead of Johnson & Murphy, Cole-Haan, et al.

Good post!
All too often in these 'compare the quality of...' threads, 7/10 posts just state 'this brand is better' instead elaborating what features they compared and how they arrived at their rating.

Lafont · Apr 9, 2010

Without bothering to search for previous posts on this topic, I was in a hurry to get some feedback before taking my current pair of shoes to a repair place on my lunch break....
You mention Cole-Haan; that was another pair I saw yesterday and found somewhata to my liking. Said to be "$295" but marked down at Nordstrom's Rack to something in the $50-60 range, the black oxfords have an effect in the leather finish that looks sort of like a whitewash for shoes. Don't know know what to make of it but any polish would over over this and alter the visual effect.

slappy · Apr 9, 2010

The only AE's I ever see at my Nordstrom Rack are really hideous looking. In fact Ive seen styles there that I had no idea AE ever even made. That said if you can find good AE shoes at yours, then Id say to jump all over it.

Motorsport226 · Apr 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Lafont

Without bothering to search for previous posts on this topic, I was in a hurry to get some feedback before taking my current pair of shoes to a repair place on my lunch break....
You mention Cole-Haan; that was another pair I saw yesterday and found somewhata to my liking. Said to be "$295" but marked down at Nordstrom's Rack to something in the $50-60 range, the black oxfords have an effect in the leather finish that looks sort of like a whitewash for shoes. Don't know know what to make of it but any polish would over over this and alter the visual effect.

Please, don't buy a pair of Cole Haan's. I made that mistake pre-SF.

-226

tjc4golf · Apr 9, 2010

This thread amazes me. Member since August 2007. 855 posts. Feels the need to start a new thread asking about the quality of Allen Edmonds?!?

cgardel · Apr 9, 2010

I just clicked that attachment. Yet another "clever" design from Allen-Edmonds. Ugly shoes are no bargain regardless of price.

Allen-Edmonds - Quality?

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