The 2023 Allen Edmonds (AE) Appreciation Thread

[Moeck14]

Shell prices keep going up from Horween, I'd expect it to continue based on Nick Horween's discussion with Phil from Ashland Leather on the Full Grain Podcast. Sounds like there is a shortage of horse hides currently

 

[kik595]

Question about the current sale - would like to pick up a pair of boots for myself and a pair for family for a gift; on the off chance the last runs 'odd' for them are standard sale items from the site open to returns as usual? I know final sale items are not.

 

[sam67]

I'm not gonna lie: personally the reason I didn't buy a TS order this time around was the raised prices on cordovan make it pretty obscenely expensive.

I hate to say it, but I am sort of gun shy when it comes to buying retail from AE because it seems like there will always be a sale price on anything I want in like, two weeks time.

I just can't get excited about current lines. I'm not a sneaker guy, the new boot lasts are too much volume. The bulk of my AE collection is vintage. I'm still on the hunt for a Belmont shark!

 

[MajorDash]

Question about the current sale - would like to pick up a pair of boots for myself and a pair for family for a gift; on the off chance the last runs 'odd' for them are standard sale items from the site open to returns as usual? I know final sale items are not.

Returns or exchanges are definitely on the table for sale items. There are very few “final sale” items on the website, but definitely steer clear of those if you see them.

 

[Moeck14]

Question about the current sale - would like to pick up a pair of boots for myself and a pair for family for a gift; on the off chance the last runs 'odd' for them are standard sale items from the site open to returns as usual? I know final sale items are not.

Yes sale items can be returned. I think it is a 60 day return policy now. Final sale as you mentioned is not allowed for return.

 

[suuteebird]

Natural shell Chandler is today’s choice

 

[dpgaloot]

These Navy HMs have faded a bit, I do have a pair of Denim HMs on the way. Maybe if I had been patient for a half dozen years I could have made my own pair...

 

[pepito]

New Leeds? (Lennon?) I got the sale flier in the mail the other day and thumbed through it. A new derby shoe similar to the Leeds caught my eye but I didn't note the name of it. I went on line today and saw a model called the Lennon, but it only seems to be offered with a very aggressive looking lug sole. I really like the style of the Leeds, but it's a little dainty for my preference and somewhat cramped from the ball forward. What's the story?

 

[Shoenut]

New Leeds? (Lennon?) I got the sale flier in the mail the other day and thumbed through it. A new derby shoe similar to the Leeds caught my eye but I didn't note the name of it. I went on line today and saw a model called the Lennon, but it only seems to be offered with a very aggressive looking lug sole. I really like the style of the Leeds, but it's a little dainty for my preference and somewhat cramped from the ball forward. What's the story?

The Drake also looks like the Leeds. The Last is fuller, but a padded footbed may rob the shoe of that room. Drake issues are blown rubber sole. While the Lennon has that Ultra refined upper and those lugs.

 

[Shoe Martian]

What’s the skinny on ShoeBank for RDA? Are they priced as marked or an extra 25%? I didn’t see anything in the emails.

 

[Shoenut]

Back in my HM special Kudu rendition that I believe started the fall of the GMTO. I got this for less than cost. Only issue is the wrap around ankle tongue that is an Alden Indy trademark for full price.

For those of you who like pictures of quaint small towns. I give you South Haven, MI. About 4 blocks of Lake front and historic buildings before you get to where the regular people live.

Even the nicer buildings have broken out windows. Ugh.

 

[madhat]

Fit is king. Carmina just doesn't work for my feet, even in the EEE version of their larger lasts.

Because Carmina EEE is more of an E to EE depending on last.

 

[Hisheirness23]

These Navy HMs have faded a bit, I do have a pair of Denim HMs on the way. Maybe if I had been patient for a half dozen years I could have made my own pair...

View attachment 2040061

Which laces do you have in these? And are they 54" or 60"?

 

[M2511]

Your opinion is BS.

I own many of those brands and they all show up with QC concerns.
I own 6 pairs of Aldens (purchased new) and they are not BETTER than AE…
The Alden “last” may work better for your foot, but the Alden shoes/boots are NO better than Allen Edmonds.

RCA

With respect, saying the opinion is BS while asking someone to take your opinion into consideration is kinda BS no? Maybe this was meant as a light hearted joke, in which case ignore the previous sentence. My experience, lets call it an opinion, has been that Alden, Carmina, C&J, J. Fitzpatrick, and Grant Stone all have better QC and finishing within the sample size of shoes I've owned. Does that mean the customer service is better? No. AE's is the best but C&J and Grant Stone are pretty good (go checkout the GS thread for some of what they tolerate). I think the shop owners for Alden are helpful, but the factory a little less warm and fuzzy. It doesn't mean AE can't turn out a great looking pair of shoes. And no, AE generally works better or as well as the Alden lasts I own.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Midnight navy Park Aves for today. Captain Cap Toe is back.