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

[cincikid]

So my question is this..if Black shoes seem to go with virtually nothing why is it such a common shoe? Is this anti black pants or black shoes just something of a fad like hopefully rolling up ones pants?

Is the no black shoes thing just for suits?


On to a different question - If you had to pick a shoe to have made in blue suede what would it be? I am in the process of trying to get a correct Spiaggia fitting blue suede and so far have not been a fan of the Gumlite sole or the odd golf ball heel lump on two so far - I will deal with it if I can get the below shoe for the $125 price that I paid. That being said if I can not I would like to get a blue suede made up and was curious what the thoughts were... I certainly could do a McCallister MTO with a red or black Dainite sole - I think going to the jefferson is overkill. Any thoughts on a Lexington done in blue suede...not limited to sale items either.

I own several shoes in navy suede, chamois and CXL. I am a big fan of the navy leathers but as you probably realize, navy shoes are going to be quite casual. This is why I wouldn't get a balmoral (Strand or Spiaggia for this matter) in navy suede as it sort of conflicts with the overall design and purpose of that shoe. This is why I'd go with the oxfords or loafers.

As far as the AE is concerned, I have two favorites: the Stewart (Leeds) make up for the Lands End Canvas and the MacNeil for the Freemans Sporting Club (FSC actually spells it as the McNeil for whatever reason). Both shoes have natural welts and natural edge trim which make a nice contrast with the navy suede.










If you are going for an MTO, I'd probably consider adding brass eyelets. To give you an idea, here's my Alden LWB in Navy CXL with natural welt and metal eyelets that, I think, complement the shoe nicely. Ironically, the picture of the AE Steward above shows they would have brass eyelets, but the one that I got has tone-on-tone.



The last but not the least, I think that a loafer in navy suede would look pretty cool. Here's my Sebago (made by Rancourt? in Maine) in navy CXL for your reference.

 

[David Copeland]

So my question is this..if Black shoes seem to go with virtually nothing why is it such a common shoe? Is this anti black pants or black shoes just something of a fad like hopefully rolling up ones pants?

Every collection, in my opinion and others, needs a dress pair in black. The Allen Edmonds Web Site has many black shoes and boots with an option to see what dress pants, casual pants, and jeans looks like.

All my best,

David

 

[watchidiot]

So my question is this..if Black shoes seem to go with virtually nothing why is it such a common shoe? Is this anti black pants or black shoes just something of a fad like hopefully rolling up ones pants?

Is the no black shoes thing just for suits?


On to a different question - If you had to pick a shoe to have made in blue suede what would it be? I am in the process of trying to get a correct Spiaggia fitting blue suede and so far have not been a fan of the Gumlite sole or the odd golf ball heel lump on two so far - I will deal with it if I can get the below shoe for the $125 price that I paid. That being said if I can not I would like to get a blue suede made up and was curious what the thoughts were... I certainly could do a McCallister MTO with a red or black Dainite sole - I think going to the jefferson is overkill. Any thoughts on a Lexington done in blue suede...not limited to sale items either.

I have the Grayson in navy suede and I love it. If I had to do it again, Ill probably go for an MTO Lake Shore Drive (to take advantage of the sale price) on navy suede, chill tassel, red dianite and chili flat welt would be nice.

 

[OptoDoc]

I own several shoes in navy suede, chamois and CXL. I am a big fan of the navy leathers but as you probably realize, navy shoes are going to be quite casual. This is why I wouldn't get a balmoral (Strand or Spiaggia for this matter) in navy suede as it sort of conflicts with the overall design and purpose of that shoe. This is why I'd go with the oxfords or loafers.

As far as the AE is concerned, I have two favorites: the Stewart (Leeds) make up for the Lands End Canvas and the MacNeil for the Freemans Sporting Club (FSC actually spells it as the McNeil for whatever reason). Both shoes have natural welts and natural edge trim which make a nice contrast with the navy suede.










If you are going for an MTO, I'd probably consider adding brass eyelets. To give you an idea, here's my Alden LWB in Navy CXL with natural welt and metal eyelets that, I think, complement the shoe nicely. Ironically, the picture of the AE Steward above shows they would have brass eyelets, but the one that I got has tone-on-tone.



The last but not the least, I think that a loafer in navy suede would look pretty cool. Here's my Sebago (made by Rancourt? in Maine) in navy CXL for your reference.

What color belts do you find yourself wearing with these?

 

[Scottyb06]

Standmok:




Webgem:

My navy suede strands look exactly like those in this pic except I use light blue laces to make them pop more. I will say that the shoes fit more like my McTavishes than my walnut Strands.

 

[tifosi]

Every collection, in my opinion and others, needs a dress pair in black. The Allen Edmonds Web Site has many black shoes and boots with an option to see what dress pants, casual pants, and jeans looks like.

All my best,

David

I don't think that means all that much when you can also do this:

 

[luv2breformed]



So my question is this..if Black shoes seem to go with virtually nothing why is it such a common shoe? Is this anti black pants or black shoes just something of a fad like hopefully rolling up ones pants?

Is the no black shoes thing just for suits? 


On to a different question - If you had to pick a shoe to have made in blue suede what would it be?

Black is generally formal. So it generally works best with formal stylings. This is why the black PA is such a common recommendation. Ofc, formal styling and formal color requires a formal outfit, ie a suit. Black is very useful in a suit and tie universe, the most in fact. Many people would hold the position that if you're going to wear a suit your shoes should be black, period.

Suits are on the decline nowadays, so it shouldn't be any wonder black shoes follow that a bit. As for the casual black shoe, it is kind of an anomaly. Just ask yourself what outfit does black shoes go well with that another color wouldn't be better?

To me the only answer is monochrome, a la mid to dark gray trousers, light gray jacket, white shirt, and black tie. Lose the tie if everything else is very casual.

Imagine with khaki pants. What else are you wearing? Light blue shirt and navy jacket? Whatever your choices, brown or bourbon shoes would look way better.

Black pants require black shoes, but again then I would just be doing a monochrome look which isn't very versatile.

I would like the following in navy suede:

Grayson
Mora 2.0
Player's shoe

 

[cincikid]

What color belts do you find yourself wearing with these?

I either wear brown suede with blue stitching (Bonobos) or navy suede (Saks)

 

[cincikid]

I don't think that means all that much when you can also do this:

FWIW, you can also match these with the Tux. At times, I wish AE folks were thoughtful enough to eliminate some ridiculous shoe-pant combinations.

 

[tifosi]



FWIW, you can also match these with the Tux. At times, I wish AE folks were thoughtful enough to eliminate some ridiculous shoe-pant combinations.

Yea, but then you'll have customers that want to wear them with a tux and AE will get crap for not having that option.

 

[luv2breformed]

Today I'm wearing a shoe that I think will get a lot of use this summer:

 

[OptoDoc]

I either wear brown suede with blue stitching (Bonobos) or navy suede (Saks)

I have a navy suede belt (Trafalgar) that has contrast stitching similar to the Spiaggia.


I've worn it a few times, but I always feel a bit odd when I look at myself in the mirror with both on. I usually try on 4 or 5 different belts (brown, tan, braided, surcingle, etc) before deciding on one...but nothing ever looks perfect to me.

 

[cincikid]

Black is generally formal. So it generally works best with formal stylings. This is why the black PA is such a common recommendation. Ofc, formal styling and formal color requires a formal outfit, ie a suit. Black is very useful in a suit and tie universe, the most in fact. Many people would hold the position that if you're going to wear a suit your shoes should be black, period.

Suits are on the decline nowadays, so it shouldn't be any wonder black shoes follow that a bit. As for the casual black shoe, it is kind of an anomaly. Just ask yourself what outfit does black shoes go well with that another color wouldn't be better?

To me the only answer is monochrome, a la mid to dark gray trousers, light gray jacket, white shirt, and black tie. Lose the tie if everything else is very casual.

Imagine with khaki pants. What else are you wearing? Light blue shirt and navy jacket? Whatever your choices, brown or bourbon shoes would look way better.

Black pants require black shoes, but again then I would just be doing a monochrome look which isn't very versatile.

I would like the following in navy suede:

Grayson
Mora 2.0
Player's shoe

Coincidentally, I got a pair of Aldens for JCrew in black pebble leather just this morning. I agree with you that black shoes do limit your choice of pants and jackets, but then again, I tend to wear darker pants in the winter (gray flannel to work and dark denim casually) so I envision wearing them at least once a week or so.

 

[Kahuna75]

I own several shoes in navy suede, chamois and CXL. I am a big fan of the navy leathers but as you probably realize, navy shoes are going to be quite casual. This is why I wouldn't get a balmoral (Strand or Spiaggia for this matter) in navy suede as it sort of conflicts with the overall design and purpose of that shoe. This is why I'd go with the oxfords or loafers.

As far as the AE is concerned, I have two favorites: the Stewart (Leeds) make up for the Lands End Canvas and the MacNeil for the Freemans Sporting Club (FSC actually spells it as the McNeil for whatever reason). Both shoes have natural welts and natural edge trim which make a nice contrast with the navy suede.










If you are going for an MTO, I'd probably consider adding brass eyelets. To give you an idea, here's my Alden LWB in Navy CXL with natural welt and metal eyelets that, I think, complement the shoe nicely. Ironically, the picture of the AE Steward above shows they would have brass eyelets, but the one that I got has tone-on-tone.



The last but not the least, I think that a loafer in navy suede would look pretty cool. Here's my Sebago (made by Rancourt? in Maine) in navy CXL for your reference.

I like the Stewart a whole lot...even more than the Macneil in suede....I am a Sebago Handsewn fan also ... have considered a Navy boot from Rancourt in CXL or Cordovan

I have the Grayson in navy suede and I love it. If I had to do it again, Ill probably go for an MTO Lake Shore Drive (to take advantage of the sale price) on navy suede, chill tassel, red dianite and chili flat welt would be nice.

Probably looking to avoid a slip on as I am pretty good in that department with a bunch of colored Sebago's

I own a pair of navy suede Alden PTB's that I like very much. I think a pair of Kenilworth (or Leeds, if you prefer the 1-last) made up with navy suede would look pretty good. I guess the Lexington should look pretty close as well, and may be the preferable option with the sale going on now.

A pair of navy suede Strands or McCallister MTO should be nice too. Navy suede Strand would probably look similar to this pair of Aldens:

That is a nice looking shoe

 

[cincikid]

I like the Stewart a whole lot...even more than the Macneil in suede....I am a Sebago Handsewn fan also ... have considered a Navy boot from Rancourt in CXL or Cordovan


Probably looking to avoid a slip on as I am pretty good in that department with a bunch of colored Sebago's

That is a nice looking shoe

Halfnhalfnhalf recently posted pictures of his Rancourts in navy cordovan in the Rancourt thread. They are possibly the best looking boots I've ever seen.