Allen Edmonds MacNeil: extremely UNcomfortable?

blahgspot · Apr 8, 2011

Is it just me, or is the sole (double leather) of this shoe EXTREMELY rigid and inflexible?

I am finding it absolutely impossible to break in. I have other (English) shoes with double leather soles that aren't nearly as rigid as the MacNeils.

I am referring to calf MacNeils. My cordovan MacNeils have a different double leather sole than these (whatever the factory one is on that shoe, it is definitely higher end than the calfskin).

I am interested in hearing if anyone else has had this issue; for being such a venerated shoe, I expected more from these. I am close to giving up on them and putting them on fleabay!

pgd3 · Apr 8, 2011

I have cordovan ones and don't notice that issue.

I would be strongly tempted to dampen the soles a bit which drastically increases the flexibility of the leather. And then walk around for awhile.

When done, shoe trees and laying on their sides to let the leather dry.

mdp0430 · Apr 8, 2011

I had a similar issue with the Delrays. It took about 15 wears (not kidding) to get them comfortable. I walk alot and dealt with some pain at first, but now they're pretty good.

dasai · Apr 8, 2011

Originally Posted by blahgspot

Is it just me, or is the sole (double leather) of this shoe EXTREMELY rigid and inflexible? I am finding it absolutely impossible to break in. I have other (English) shoes with double leather soles that aren't nearly as rigid as the MacNeils. I am referring to calf MacNeils. My cordovan MacNeils have a different double leather sole than these (whatever the factory one is on that shoe, it is definitely higher end than the calfskin). I am interested in hearing if anyone else has had this issue; for being such a venerated shoe, I expected more from these. I am close to giving up on them and putting them on fleabay!
In my experience, the soles on mine (walnut grain) were really hard at first, but became much more flexible with repeated wear. I didn't put a sole protector on until they were flexing nicely (but not soft). AFAIK, all A-E's cordovan shoes use Joh. Rendenbach soles and combination heels. Makes the premium you pay in price somewhat more palatable.

blahgspot · Apr 8, 2011

Originally Posted by pgd3

I have cordovan ones and don't notice that issue.

I would be strongly tempted to dampen the soles a bit which drastically increases the flexibility of the leather. And then walk around for awhile.

When done, shoe trees and laying on their sides to let the leather dry.

Exactly; the cordovans, according to AE, have a "Reddenbach double oak leather sole" rather than a plain oak leather sole. I can only presume that this Reddenbach sole is more flexible and of higher quality, judging just from the feel of the two different pairs. More on the Reddenbachs here. I guess I shall keep on wearing the calf AE's until either the soles or my feet finally give. Today's blister count (almost 2 miles of walking): 2!

LouisD · Apr 9, 2011

Can someone tell me how do the MacNeils fit compared to the 5 last (PA's, Strand, etc)? Thanks.

chestercopperpot · Apr 9, 2011

it's not the best...AE has been relasting their shoes and making more and in the Dominican Republic. They have also switched to a lower cost leather...but they hired over 100 people so...I dunno?

Lord Asquith · Apr 9, 2011

Originally Posted by blahgspot

Is it just me, or is the sole (double leather) of this shoe EXTREMELY rigid and inflexible?

I am finding it absolutely impossible to break in. I have other (English) shoes with double leather soles that aren't nearly as rigid as the MacNeils.

I am referring to calf MacNeils. My cordovan MacNeils have a different double leather sole than these (whatever the factory one is on that shoe, it is definitely higher end than the calfskin).

I am interested in hearing if anyone else has had this issue; for being such a venerated shoe, I expected more from these. I am close to giving up on them and putting them on fleabay!

Are you sure they are the right size?

OK, then get some leather stretcher and spray it on the soles then walk around in them.

dasai · Apr 10, 2011

I've never gotten blisters from my MacNeils, though the first time I wore them, my feet were definitely tired by the end of the day. The last couple of times I wore them, I've been walking close to four miles a day, so maybe they broke in faster than yours, but it sounds like maybe yours just don't fit.

Latest posts

Allen Edmonds MacNeil: extremely UNcomfortable?

blahgspot

Well-Known Member

pgd3

Senior Member

mdp0430

Senior Member

dasai

Senior Member

blahgspot

Well-Known Member

LouisD

Member

chestercopperpot

Senior Member

Lord Asquith

Well-Known Member

dasai

Senior Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Latest posts

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Members online

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON:

Newest Posts

New Listings in Buying and Selling