The 2023 Allen Edmonds (AE) Appreciation Thread

[marlborough]

Hi guys,

I’m looking to buy a new pair of Ae, this time the 5th avenues. These are my Park Edmonds in 8.5E. Should I stick with 8.5E or move up to 9D? They don’t carry 8.5EE anymore unfortunately. I feel like these could be a tad wider. What do you think?

 

[Genericuser1]

Some plaid today.

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Olive PA boots, of course. Joking aside, I think it has to be one of your many natty plain toes, right?

Probably not, because I want something that can handle rain. Someone left a comment on my recent video stating that the Alden plantation (crepe) sole was not good for rain and snow. That caught me by surprise because the sole is described as "all weather". I think I may just go with my brown cxl Higgins, although that's kind of boring.

Olive PA for today.

 

[MrOxford]

Great minds think a like today: green laces.

 

[MrOxford]

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Hi guys,

I’m looking to buy a new pair of Ae, this time the 5th avenues. These are my Park Edmonds in 8.5E. Should I stick with 8.5E or move up to 9D? They don’t carry 8.5EE anymore unfortunately. I feel like these could be a tad wider. What do you think?

Buy both. Try them on and then return the pair that is too roomy. I'm assuming you are not able to go to a retail AE shop to try the shoes.

 

[marlborough]

Buy both. Try them on and then return the pair that is too roomy. I'm assuming you are not able to go to a retail AE shop to try the shoes.

You are correct. Do you think my park avenues fit ok just by looking at the picture? I can kinda see my pinky toe poking out. Is this ok?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

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Hi guys,

I’m looking to buy a new pair of Ae, this time the 5th avenues. These are my Park Edmonds in 8.5E. Should I stick with 8.5E or move up to 9D? They don’t carry 8.5EE anymore unfortunately. I feel like these could be a tad wider. What do you think?

I guess the question is, do you feel uncomfortable pressure on your toes throughout the day? If you feel any sort of pain on your toes, it's probably too narrow. My pinky will also push slightly into the uppers of my PA shoes, but there's no pain. 9 E might be worth a try as well. Your lacing gap looks fine.

 

[marlborough]

I guess the question is, do you feel uncomfortable pressure on your toes throughout the day? If you feel any sort of pain on your toes, it's probably too narrow. My pinky will also push slightly into the uppers of my PA shoes, but there's no pain. 9 E might be worth a try as well. Your lacing gap looks fine.

Got it. They actually have the 8.5EE with Dainite sole rather than leather. Would you pick the 8.5EE vs the 8.5E I’m wearing in the pics?

Thank you very much for the help!

 

[ProfilaBinding]

@wolfdale This is impossible to say because the best solution is to try them on and see. The main thing I would watch out for with 8.5 EE is that the heel will also become wider. You already have some bowing in the picture on your right foot. Bowing is not always a sign of a problem, as I get it too sometimes. But if you widen the heel even more, it might be too loose. I think it's worth a try if your heel to ball lines up correctly. 9 D or 9 E might also work, if it does not feel too long when you walk. You might need to order 2 sizes and compare.

 

[marlborough]

@wolfdale This is impossible to say because the best solution is to try them on and see. The main thing I would watch out for with 8.5 EE is that the heel will also become wider. You already have some bowing in the picture on your right foot. Bowing is not always a sign of a problem, as I get it too sometimes. But if you widen the heel even more, it might be too loose. I think it's worth a try if your heel to ball lines up correctly. 9 D or 9 E might also work, if it does not feel too long when you walk. You might need to order 2 sizes and compare.

Thanks for the reply — the bowing you just brought settles the matter for me. Will stick with 8.5D. Any strong feelings on the dainite x leather debate?

 

[ProfilaBinding]

Thanks for the reply — the bowing you just brought settles the matter for me. Will stick with 8.5D. Any strong feelings on the dainite x leather debate?

I love both to be honest. Some of the Dainite Parks will have a heel pad sockliner on them, which is nice. I find both are equally comfortable. If you live in a more wet area, Dainite can be good.

 

[Hisheirness23]

Upon closer inspection, noticed that these do have a significant defect...the heel counter stitching is incomplete. I'll be reaching out to AE to see what they can do for these.
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AE got back to me with a free return shipping label to see if they can fix this issue...idk what to expect, but I'm gonna send them in. Worst case scenario is they can't fix it and either offer me a discount. Hoping they can fix it or make a new pair. Would be quite a task for someone to stitch that heel counter, I would think.

 

[Hisheirness23]

Getting into the holiday spirit with Burgundy Suede Hamiltons. Love these boots and wish AE would bring back the Hamilton!

 

[MrOxford]

You are correct. Do you think my park avenues fit ok just by looking at the picture? I can kinda see my pinky toe poking out. Is this ok?

Your PA looks alright to me. You received good advice from ProfilaBinding. If you are not feeling discomfort, no need to go with a wider shoe. I suggest you order a 5th Avenue with dainite outsoles because you haven't experience it personally. I suggest you condition the leather to prolong the life of your shoes. Invest in three pairs of cedar shoe trees. If your shoe collection grows beyond three pairs, use one of three pairs of shoe trees on the recently worn pair of shoes. I have met tailors and salesmen, whom don't take care of their leather dress shoes (clean and condition).

 

[madhat]

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Hi guys,

I’m looking to buy a new pair of Ae, this time the 5th avenues. These are my Park Edmonds in 8.5E. Should I stick with 8.5E or move up to 9D? They don’t carry 8.5EE anymore unfortunately. I feel like these could be a tad wider. What do you think?

Couple things, mostly reiterating. The Park Ave last (65) is a lower cone height last. Therefore, unless you have feet like mine you’re not getting full closure. That gap is quite good for most; is that the fully broken in gap? Was the gap much larger when they were new? As Profila said, if there’s no discomfort after a full day’s wear why change? If they were painfully tight at first, then it’s worth considering another size.

They DO still make EE, but you do have to order. I’m impressed they have anything other than D in stock the way the stores are operating now. As far as dainite, they will feel different. Dainite is harder; I personally love leather and don’t enjoy dainite. I deal with it when it’s the only option. Some say it’s too slippery when wet, but I really believe that has a lot to do with the way many people walk. The soles will live a super long time though!

As far as the comment about taking care of them. Yours seem to be in good condition, so I assume you’re already taking care of them (unless they’re rather new and haven’t needed care). It is worth waiting on a sale if you can. You should be able to get them for under $300.