THE 2024 ALLEN EDMONDS (AE) APPRECIATION THREAD

[wasmisterfu]

They are a MTO pair of Zonkey Boot ZB238 model NST boots in purple shrunken bull leather with a Vibram Eaton sole on the Classic last. Made with a brown edge and a Norvegese welt.

I think they’re beautifully lasted, using a handsome boot pattern, with an interesting textured leather. However, they’re very purple. Not sorta/kinda/maybe purple, but seriously purple.

Also, how does one shrink a bull to make leather?

 

[bluejazzmonkey]

The trip back to the AE factory was great, and the Horween tannery tour was also excellent. We learned a lot about the process of all kinds of leathers, including shell. It sounds like if we want shell prices to go back down, we are going to need to start eating more horse meat. Basically all of the price increase is driven by horse supply shortages and having to pay a ton of money for what little horse they can get. The only have like 1/3 of their shell tanning vats running because they just don’t have enough material to fill all of them. Tons of demand for the shells, but so little supply.

No photos of my Shoebank haul yet, but here’s the breakdown…

F2 SMU McAllister spectator in mahogany calf and green suede (stunning).

Brown suede Acheson.

Bourbon calf Delray.

For the event, they offered the Williams longwing blucher with an added MacNeil medallion in both tan Dublin and brown grain calf. I ordered both materials in the appropriately named MacWilliams.


When I arrived home last night, I found out I had a surprise boot delivery over the weekend…

Purple shrunken bull split toe boots from Zonkey Boot.

View attachment 2187871 View attachment 2187873 View attachment 2187875 View attachment 2187877

I Love this crazy sh#t.
They are unique and sexy! Bravo

 

[wasmisterfu]

I Love this crazy sh#t.
They are unique and sexy! Bravo

They’re kinda growing on me. I just don’t know where I’d wear purple.

 

[MajorDash]

I think they’re beautifully lasted, using a handsome boot pattern, with an interesting textured leather. However, they’re very purple. Not sorta/kinda/maybe purple, but seriously purple.

Also, how does one shrink a bull to make leather?

Ever seen “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?”

As it turns out, tons of leathers are shrunk during the tanning process to change the structure and rigidity of the leather.

 

[MajorDash]

They’re kinda growing on me. I just don’t know where I’d wear purple.

You just wake up and put them on with no regard to the rest of your outfit.

Honestly, I get more compliments on the stupid stuff that I own than anything else. It’s eye catching and kinda “ugly”, but people do notice that it is quality, even if it isn’t tasteful.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Ever seen “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids?”

As it turns out, tons of leathers are shrunk during the tanning process to change the structure and rigidity of the leather.

Yes, I know. I was just being silly because I find the name amusing.

 

[MajorDash]

Yes, I know. I was just being silly because I find the name amusing.

From their website:

"Based on full-grown bull necks this material receives its strong grain pattern by an intentional change in PH value of the tanning solvent during the tanning process. The fibres under the grain of the leather are curling up like a woollen pullover which has been washed too hot. This shrinking process gives the leather a unique elasticity and makes outstandingly comfortable shoes. Our Shrunken Bull is hand dyed, as the Bavarian Calf."

 

[drewzter]

late 90s pair of grayson tassels in black calf. AE's custom calf so full grain. notice the finer welt stitching and how the welt goes under the heel on a 360 welt to look more like a 270. better last shape I think as well. This is the main reason why I think the old pairs are better.

please share if they don't fit. someone should own a vintage pair!

 

[Shoenut]

Granddaughter reports that this is the best pair that I own. She doesn’t like perfs.

 

[sam67]

Leeds

 

[Shoenut]

Going a little more casual today.

Does everyone just buy the same sneaker and just plop in their insoles?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Going a little more casual today. View attachment 2188421
Does everyone just buy the same sneaker and just plop in their insoles? View attachment 2188423

I respect that Alden is pretty much the only company not to go the mullet route.

 

[wasmisterfu]

I respect that Alden is pretty much the only company not to go the mullet route.

Me too.

 

[wasmisterfu]

Going a little more casual today. View attachment 2188421
Does everyone just buy the same sneaker and just plop in their insoles? View attachment 2188423

Sure looks that way.

 

[donkeyhoatie]

CXL and cicada shells today.