THE 2024 ALLEN EDMONDS (AE) APPRECIATION THREAD

[Shoenut]

Crappy weather old man shoes.

 

[Hisheirness23]

It was a choice between Alden, Allen Edmonds, or MTO Carmina.
A week ago, my order was placed with Carmina.

That's what's great about having alternatives for Goodyear Welted shoes. You can decide where to spend your hard-earned money. Price aside, each manufacturer makes shoes/boots that appeal to different people, so their customer base isn't always the same.

The 65 last works good for my feet, but Alden lasts work better. Alden doesn't make a Strand, they have a Medallion Perf Tip Oxford, but it isn't what I prefer.

On the other-hand, the Freeport (Indy boot alternative) is a nice looking boot, but the only Mocc toe boot for me is the Alden Indy boot.

BTW, looks like the Dalton and Landon in Shell Cordovan are both on significant sales!

 

[EZB]

Let's hope AE continues the Shell Trunk Shows and brings back the customizable welt type and edge colors. I'm sure they'll bring back marbled shell to give long-time enthusiasts something different so they can continue to participate.

I’ve asked for inverse shell

 

[Hisheirness23]

I’ve asked for inverse shell

Have any examples of what inverse shell looks like?

 

[MajorDash]

Have any examples of what inverse shell looks like?

Depends on the color. Our friend @polojock615 has a pair of reverse shell HMs.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

If they actually do offer inverse black shell for the Higgins, that would get a lot of people to pay $950.

 

[smfdoc]

The 65 last works good for my feet, but Alden lasts work better. Alden doesn't make a Strand, they have a Medallion Perf Tip Oxford, but it isn't what I prefer.

Not sure if you have seen the Banka Bal sold by Brogue Shop and made by Alden. Looks pretty Strandish to me. Details here. I have a pair that I quite like. I picked these up because, unlike you, the 65 last does not work for me.

 

[EZB]

Have any examples of what inverse shell looks like?

I have an inverse wallet at home… can find it and take a picture later… the effect is similar to marbled, but much more vibrant. My piece is inverse navy shell. They dye the “wrong” side of the shell navy, and then the front side has the “reverse” look with the “normal” texture.

 

[suuteebird]

Other examples of inverse shell: one with a chunky sole, the other on a leather sole.

 

[MajorDash]

Loden suede rat stompers for the zoo today.

 

[Hisheirness23]

Not sure if you have seen the Banka Bal sold by Brogue Shop and made by Alden. Looks pretty Strandish to me. Details here. I have a pair that I quite like. I picked these up because, unlike you, the 65 last does not work for me.

View attachment 2138277 View attachment 2138281

A spectacular shoe I've seen in person, but to me, the Strand is a classic and the epitome of the medallion toe brogue shoe.

 

[matwa]

Walnut McAllister today - direct sunlight is messing with the color a bit

 

[Shoe Martian]

AE100 Mora Antique Hickory

 

[JFWR]

Depends on the color. Our friend @polojock615 has a pair of reverse shell HMs.

I'm not saying it isn't a cool idea, but.........

Doesn't the "suede side" of shell defeat the purpose of using shell?

Like shell is great because it is shiny, invulnerable to anything but deep gouges, and very highly water resistant. Wouldn't the suede side of it kinda.........have none of these features but you still have to pay the expensive price?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Not sure if you have seen the Banka Bal sold by Brogue Shop and made by Alden. Looks pretty Strandish to me. Details here. I have a pair that I quite like. I picked these up because, unlike you, the 65 last does not work for me.

View attachment 2138277 View attachment 2138281

I guess what has me surprised is that the Hampton last feels smaller to me than the 65. I only had one pair on the last, but it was pushing down on my big toe in a way that the 65 does not. I know it's one of Alden's most cozy lasts, so I'm surprised you can so easily get it to work but not the 65. The Hampton does have more instep room though.

I'm not saying it isn't a cool idea, but.........

Doesn't the "suede side" of shell defeat the purpose of using shell?

Like shell is great because it is shiny, invulnerable to anything but deep gouges, and very highly water resistant. Wouldn't the suede side of it kinda.........have none of these features but you still have to pay the expensive price?

While I admire that you think logically and practically, you're not really in a place where people with 40 shoes (like myself), think practically. It just looks cool is my best argument for reverse shell.