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

[DNSamurai]

I'm looking for a driving shoe for an upcoming cross-country trip. Anyone have experience with the Ventura? Thanks!

 

[DerangedGoose]

The split toe shoe trees are a pain **********! They keep expanding too early and getting jammed in the shoe. Sticking with one piece for sure next time.

 

[tifosi]



The split toe shoe trees are a pain **********! They keep expanding too early and getting jammed in the shoe. Sticking with one piece for sure next time.

Haha. I push them in the shoe by the back of the toe part, not by the heel. This way it doesn't cause them to expand. I push the toe all the way forward, then compress the heel portion in the shoe. Makes a world of difference. Give it a try!

 

[DerangedGoose]

Haha. I push them in the shoe by the back of the toe part, not by the heel. This way it doesn't cause them to expand. I push the toe all the way forward, then compress the heel portion in the shoe. Makes a world of difference. Give it a try!

Yeah I realized this but its still annoying. My one piece AE trees slide in smoothly. Oh well, maybe these will stretch them out a little for some extra room

 

[Scottyb06]



At the time of sending the shoes in, on AE recommendation, I ordered some natural edge-dressing, but looking at photos I agree that chilli is likely a better bet.

My walnut Strands use chili and that is what I was told to use. Color is a perfect match.

 

[LeviMay]



Spoiler

I am trying to narrow down my collection and want to solicit your opinions about the following two shoes. How similar do you think brown cordovan Strands are with the Alden's Alt Wien? While they are technically very different shoes, I feel that they fit the very similar purposes in my wardrobe and was thinking of selling the Strand. Thoughts?

Spoiler

Spoiler

I would love to offer you advice... Depending on the size of the Strands.

 

[rydenfan]

Haha. I push them in the shoe by the back of the toe part, not by the heel. This way it doesn't cause them to expand. I push the toe all the way forward, then compress the heel portion in the shoe. Makes a world of difference. Give it a try!

I think you need to make a YouTube video

 

[halfnhalfnhalf]

I am trying to narrow down my collection and want to solicit your opinions about the following two shoes. How similar do you think brown cordovan Strands are with the Alden's Alt Wien? While they are technically very different shoes, I feel that they fit the very similar purposes in my wardrobe and was thinking of selling the Strand. Thoughts?

If the Alt Wiens are 9.5D, you should definitely sell them . . . to me.

 

[peppercorn78]



I am trying to narrow down my collection and want to solicit your opinions about the following two shoes. How similar do you think brown cordovan Strands are with the Alden's Alt Wien? While they are technically very different shoes, I feel that they fit the very similar purposes in my wardrobe and was thinking of selling the Strand. Thoughts?

I understand that the Alden's are technically higher quality with better finishing, but im just not a fan of this particular model; of its shape or pattern. I find the medallion rather condensed and unattractive. Having said that, they are completely different kinds of shoes, and different colors. Keep them both! Great photos, btw.

 

[DerangedGoose]

I understand that the Alden's are technically higher quality with better finishing, but in just not a fan of this particular model; of its shape or pattern. I find the medallion rather condensed and unattractive.

Having said that, they are completely different kinds of shoes, and different colors. Keep them both!

I second the sentiment on the Aldens. The cordovan they consist of definitely has a more luscious look to it, but that could just as well be a factor of polish, lighting, or the photos. The Strand is an aesthetically superior shoe in every way, IMHO. The Aldens look like a pair of arbitrarily done-up Leeds. Not a good look.

 

[JezeC]

Both look amazing.

At the end of the day, it comes down to preference. You really can't go wrong with either pairs.

 

[Burzan]

Strands with chinos and trousers, the Alt Wien with jeans!


Though I don't own the Al Wien and would never likely trade in my cordovan Strands, one of my favorite shoe models.

 

[tifosi]



Strands with chinos and trousers, the Alt Wien with jeans! 


Though I don't own the Al Wien and would never likely trade in my cordovan Strands, one of my favorite shoe models.

The AltWein can do all of that.

 

[Burzan]

The AltWein can do all of that.

No doubt that it is more versatile. I have seen the tempting photos from Don that had me contemplating the Epaulet preorder, I was really close to pulling the trigger. Even though I love my Strands and am wearing them today, it's only the 3rd time wearing them since picking them up a couple months ago.

The ultimate versatile shoe for my wardrobe will be the Alden cigar LWB, currently on a list for a pair with antique edge. I wear mostly chinos and jeans, oxford shirts, sweaters and cardigans. No suits or proper dress pants even in my wardrobe at the moment for day to day wear.


Ravello Alt Wein might change my mind on how I feel about them.... (in case you ever tire of your pair, I will be waiting

)

 

[indigoroots]

I second the sentiment on the Aldens. The cordovan they consist of definitely has a more luscious look to it, but that could just as well be a factor of polish, lighting, or the photos. The Strand is an aesthetically superior shoe in every way, IMHO. The Aldens look like a pair of arbitrarily done-up Leeds. Not a good look.

Completely agree.

Additionally, the Strand seems to have a longer toe box which is a more modern and my preferred look.