Allen Edmonds Appreciation Thread - reviews, pictures, sizing, etc...

[Jon Cheddar]

Has anyone done an MTO Kenilworth in shell? I would love a PTB that's a little sleeker than the Leeds (if I had $600 burning a hole in my pocket)

 

[850csi]

Is there any discernible difference in leather/build quality between BB Park Aves and the AE version? The sole on the BBs is topy-ed leather right?

 

[MacktasticGDogg]



Has anyone done an MTO Kenilworth in shell? I would love a PTB that's a little sleeker than the Leeds (if I had $600 burning a hole in my pocket)

Someone posted a pair of MTO burgundy shell Kenilworths several pages ago.

I did a pair in walnut shell and liked the results a lot. I do wish I had requested wheeled sole edges for mine though.

 

[cincikid]

Is there any discernible difference in leather/build quality between BB Park Aves and the AE version? The sole on the BBs is topy-ed leather right?

It's not a topy, but rather a V-tread rubber outsole that is stitched to the sole and not glued as topy.

 

[850csi]



It's not a topy, but rather a V-tread rubber outsole that is stitched to the sole and not glued as topy.

Ah gotcha. Is there any disadvantage to that? Will AE recraft the BB version?

 

[spitshine123]

Someone posted a pair of MTO burgundy shell Kenilworths several pages ago.

I did a pair in walnut shell and liked the results a lot. I do wish I had requested wheeled sole edges for mine though.

You are a god among men in this thread just for those makeups. Well done- I am supremely jealous

 

[ScottyBoy920]

Ah gotcha. Is there any disadvantage to that? Will AE recraft the BB version?

I have been told multiple times that as long as the shoes are 360 degree Goodyear Welted, they will recraft them. I have not had any personal experience doing this though.

 

[PlaceboFX]

Is there any discernible difference in leather/build quality between BB Park Aves and the AE version? The sole on the BBs is topy-ed leather right?

In addition to the V-tread sole, the BB version has a poron insole that's a little thicker than the normal AE leather insole. This changes the fit slightly (less room for your instep on a balmoral). Also, while some find the poron insole more comfortable, it will not usually last as long as the usual leather insole, negatively affecting shoe longevity.

Some people have also posted in this thread that the calfskin used is of lesser quality on the BB shoes as well, which could be a concern.

That said, I still picked up a pair of BB seconds for $149.00 in one of the sales these last few months. Great price for a Park Avenue on rainy days, even if it isn't as good as the original.

Edit: People have also posted replies from AE customer service saying that AE will recraft AE for BB shoes, replacing them with the original V-tread BB sole. Some have also reported being told AE won't recraft them, but their responses weren't usually as detailed (no email chain, etc.). If I had to bet, I'd wager on AE recrafting them. Even if not, I'm sure you can send them off to B. Nelson in NYC to have it done since they are Goodyear welted.

 

[evolved]

So I asked Allison about the JR vs. butyl and here's what she said:

The JR Rendendbach outsole is made with a higher grade leather, it’s a little more “heavy duty”. The Double Butyl is our standard double oak leather outsole used on our Calf version of the Leeds, impregnated with oils to help repel moisture. I would not say one is superior to other, it’s based on how you will be wearing the footwear, and person preference. I feel if you are going to invest in the upper being shell cordovan, you are better off going with the Rendenbach outsole.

Huh, good to know. Maybe I'll switch my order to JR.

 

[chinngiskhaan]

Oh, but it isn't just a thread...it's a lifestyle for many.


/no that sale is over but there will surely be another soon, they've been coming somewhat regularly.

indeed it is my friend... Indeed it is!

 

[coolarrow]

Someone posted a pair of MTO burgundy shell Kenilworths several pages ago.

I did a pair in walnut shell and liked the results a lot. I do wish I had requested wheeled sole edges for mine though.

Those are sweet. While I have my share of wheeled edged shoes, I would go with your edges b/c I like to be able to tell if shoes are welted and wheeled edges cover this up to an extent. Also, cole haans have faux wheeled edges (on mostly glued soles).

 

[jch1]

Is it possible that I have my posts set to "hidden" or something similar? It isn't a big deal, but I always wonder why in this thread, my questions, comments, and pictures rarely receive any replies. For example, I posted all of the Rediscover America sales, but only one person responded. Is this sale just not a big deal?

 

[Unregistered]



Is it possible that I have my posts set to "hidden" or something similar?  It isn't a big deal, but I always wonder why in this thread, my questions, comments, and pictures rarely receive any replies.  For example, I posted all of the Rediscover America sales, but only one person responded.  Is this sale just not a big deal?

It's a big deal, and I wanted to thank you for it! Just didn't want to clutter up the thread with a big quote and a thank you

Here it is! Thanks! I appreciate your posting the details of the sale!

But darn it! You're making me spend money.

 

[tifosi]



Is it possible that I have my posts set to "hidden" or something similar?  It isn't a big deal, but I always wonder why in this thread, my questions, comments, and pictures rarely receive any replies.  For example, I posted all of the Rediscover America sales, but only one person responded.  Is this sale just not a big deal?

I wouldn't take it personally. This thread can sometimes move so quickly and change subject even faster that posts just get buried.

 

[850csi]



In addition to the V-tread sole, the BB version has a poron insole that's a little thicker than the normal AE leather insole. This changes the fit slightly (less room for your instep on a balmoral). Also, while some find the poron insole more comfortable, it will not usually last as long as the usual leather insole, negatively affecting shoe longevity.

Some people have also posted in this thread that the calfskin used is of lesser quality on the BB shoes as well, which could be a concern.

That said, I still picked up a pair of BB seconds for $149.00 in one of the sales these last few months. Great price for a Park Avenue on rainy days, even if it isn't as good as the original.

Edit: People have also posted replies from AE customer service saying that AE will recraft AE for BB shoes, replacing them with the original V-tread BB sole. Some have also reported being told AE won't recraft them, but their responses weren't usually as detailed (no email chain, etc.). If I had to bet, I'd wager on AE recrafting them. Even if not, I'm sure you can send them off to B. Nelson in NYC to have it done since they are Goodyear welted.

Thanks for the responses. I wonder if the calfskin is significantly inferior. Guess I'll have to see.