So, are Allen Edmonds really that good?

[subtona]

i believe they may be the best made shoes in the world. (ive never seen better.)

that said they hurt my feet like nobodys business.

i returned them after a month for a refund.

[TopNotchChach]

Ferragamos are the truth!

[sea-dweller]

Great shoes, I also like Cole Haan and Johnson and Murphy. With proper care, they will last a long time.

I have 5-6 pairs of classic dress shoes that I alternate wearing (same as my Rolex schedule!)

[Lisa]

Mik, those are excellent looking shoes. They'll certainly put the finishing touch on your "sharp dressed man" look.

My husband did some research for a nice pair of dress shoes a few years ago. The guy he gets his suits from recommended Alden, so that's what he got. Because he only wears them a few times a year and not for work, he keeps those little trees in them and stores them in their own soft cloth bags. I don't know how they compare to Allen Edmonds, but maybe you could have a pair of each and alternate wearing them. If you need to wear nice shoes every day for work, I'd think at least two pairs would be worth the investment.

[Sose]

I demand a foot picture along with a coin to prove your ownership.

[boa2]

Those are really good looking, Mik!

I've had a number of AE shoes, and I find them a good value. I do find that as I work my way up the shoe ladder, the support, the lasts, the materials, etc. do provide me with notably more comfort. Alden makes terrific shoes, and if you can spring for a pair of the cordovans, they will last you decades. They all have a steel shank in the last, so the shoes tend to have more "spring" to them, if that makes sense. I have a few pairs of Ferragamo that I bought around 10 years ago, and they're great looking shoes. They've held up well, but don't offer the same kind of support as an Alden or a fine English shoe...in my opinion, of course.

Sutor Mantellassi and Fratelli Rossetti make some really fine Italian shoes.

When you're ready to jump up to the big guns, you'll find John Lobb, Edward Green, George Cleverley and the like. They all make dress shoes, boots, loafers, casuals, etc. And they're an epiphany to wear. If you shop around, you could find some at a decent discount. However, we're still talking 3-4 times what you paid. But once you've tried them, you could find yourself selling a watch to get a few pairs.

Welcome to the danger zone...

Alden Cordovan...




John Lobb...







Enjoy those!

[psv]

I've heard nothing but great stuff, I'm more of a Church guy myself. They're good enough, I don't see the point of stepping up any higher. Heck, J&M is just fine for regular office day.

[Ebruner]

Ae are solid, I think Alden edges them out.


-Eddie

[m5blitzer]

Shoes are funny - especially the hand made ones - treat them with loving care and they will respect your feet all day.

[Sose]

Anyone have any experience on Wolverine 1,000 mile shoes?

http://www.wolverine.com/us/1000mile/

[Just4this]

I was exited about the recrafting program when I bought these shoes, unfortunately my leather liner has worn through after about 1 year, 3 months. According to their FAQ this breakdown is not covered. I'll call them Monday to check. If it is cut and dry I'll take the shoes to a local guy and see what he can do. Not happy at the moment.

[Grissom]

Originally Posted by Just4this

I was exited about the recrafting program when I bought these shoes, unfortunately my leather liner has worn through after about 1 year, 3 months. According to their FAQ this breakdown is not covered. I'll call them Monday to check. If it is cut and dry I'll take the shoes to a local guy and see what he can do. Not happy at the moment.

If you happened to have purchased them at Nordstroms, then you could simply take them back, and inform them that you are not satisfied as to how they have worn, and they will simply give you another pair, or your money back.....

I have owned and worn AEs for years, and have some pairs over 10 years old that still look almost brand new......so I am shocked at hearing of a pair wearing out in just 15 months.....I switched to AE from Bally primarily as I would go thru Bally half boots right and left.....I am very hard on shoes, and since switching, I have not had any wear issues whatsoever.

Sorry to hear, and good luck dealing with it!

[DCgator]

I have several pairs I wear to the office on rotation. Different styles and colors (maroon, black, dark brown, chili, and walnut). Yup, I do endorse AE shoes and belts. I use them daily. I also have a pair black and a pair of brown Fifth Street.

Btw, your pair is called the "Vernon" if I'm not mistaken. Very nice style, if I may say so!

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Ebruner

Ae are solid, I think Alden edges them out.


-Eddie

I sell shoes for a living....Aldens are mo bettah than Allen Edmonds.

[Cato]

I've had a pair for about two years. Otherwise I have Clarks and Ecco. They seem to hold up well: I do a lot of walking in them. The only downside is they don't have much cushion or "energy absorbing" features. I suppose I should put an insole in them.

[MoBe]

I have a pair of Doc Martens that are as tough and long wearing as anything I`ve ever seen.

[Sperry]

I sent my 3 year old black Alden cordovan loafers in for service.
The left show's half-strap across the top had a little tear in it.
They replaced the strap, and gave both shoes a first-class strip and polish.
They look like new, and Alden refused payment.

My favorites at this time of year are their flexwelt unlined handsewn mocs.
Getting a tastefully chewed & battered appearance. 6243F Snuff Suede.
My next pair will be the Tan Suede version.

IMHO Alden does cordovan better than Allen Edmond. The shoes will last forever. The current rebuild price is $159 postage paid for factory-replacing everything under the uppers.

I only went to Aldens because of their fit. Alden's "Van Last" happens to be very close to my foot.

[ippon20]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I sell shoes for a living....Aldens are mo bettah than Allen Edmonds.

I do to, and I whole heartedly agree. Alden kills AE's. However, I am a Ferragamo man. Here's about 1/3 of my shoe closet:


Upper right next to my Frye boots are my only pair of AE's...Dalton's.

[bewithabob]

I love Allen Edmonds, comfortable and long lasting, plus they can refurb a pair to like new condition- I have done that to at least two pair.

[Omni]

No ofense to the OP but imo American shoe manufacturing is at the same level with Chinese watch manufacturing. :

Nice shoes. Hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of them.

[Sperry]

Originally Posted by Omni

No ofense to the OP but imo American shoe manufacturing is at the same level with Chinese watch manufacturing. :

AE recently published increased sales in China.

The Alden unlined loafer has a suede that gets softer and softer year after year.
The stitching is excellent, and even if there was an issue, Alden would stand behind it.

The price range of the "American Shoe" to which you probably refer may be on par with the
$2 Chinese watch [average export price, Watchtime, Aug 2012], but there is not a shoe available
anywhere as well-made as the New England Aldens. Except perhaps a custom English shoe . . .

If you want to pay $80 for Chinese shoes, and replace them every year, that's fine.
Lots of people who can afford anything on earth do not see the value in the Alden shoe.

The problem I have is that by the time the $80 shoe starts feeling really, really nice,
it is falling apart. The sole is cracked, at the least. My favorite beat-up-work-around-the-house
shoes are a pair of former dress "Polo" oxfords. They are falling apart, but, wow, are they comfortable.
Better-made shoes last much, much longer, the better leathers hold their shine and wear like iron,
and the shoes are fully recraftable, meaning they can be fully restored when necessary.
recraftable.

[Omni]

Originally Posted by Sperry

but there is not a shoe available
anywhere as well-made as the New England Aldens. Except perhaps a custom English shoe....

Granted Aldens is the exception to the rule; but to claim they are the best is mighty bold of you dear sir.
Just naming a few top European brands that rival if not trump Alden.

John Lobb English
Axel Himer German
Scheer Austrian
Foster & Son English
Berluti French

[CL65AMG]

I've had great results with them.

[rodrob59]

Originally Posted by scarhead

Allen Edmonds are great shoes. The manufacturing process is really great for a massed produced shoe. I'm not sure if they still offer bespoke ordering, but they did a few years ago. I have many pairs of Allen Edmonds and they are very comfortable especially once they get worn in. I agree 100% with alternating your shoes from day to day and using shoe trees when the shoes are not in use. If I can offer one suggestion that would be to purchase very good quality shoes that will last a lifetime. Take care of them by conditioning the leather and then resole them. You will really appreciate them when they get worn in. They are the same thing as a vintage leather jacket that gets worn in nicely. A prime example is a leather jacket worn by police officers, the vintage bomber jackets (as long as they are 100% leather) or fine leather gloves. After years of use and taking care of them they become soft.

I have several pair that are 10-15 years old and one that is over 20. In addition to the above advise, use cedar shoe trees. I can't stress how important they are to prolonging the life of your shoes.

[lavaman]

if memory serves, AE just got a write up in American Way magazine a few weeks ago.....

[kayin]

Originally Posted by Speed

Hey Mik,

Church's English Shoes make the best wing tips IMHO. I had a pair private labeled by Brooks Brothers years ago when I was a banker. Now however...IF you can find them, they are > $725 or so. Classic like Rolex tho.

http://www.esquire.com/style/fashion...Q0307fiveshoes

I wear Church Consul. They are superb shoes and bought mine from their outlet shop (minor imperfection leather on back of shoe and were less than half price)

[GermanyMatt]

Just as an fyi, the Allen Edmonds website (online store) is having a pretty good sale right now. IMO, Allen Edmonds are great shoes for the money and are only marginally more expensive than J&M, which aren't nearly as good in quality and durability.

[Sperry]

Originally Posted by Omni

Just naming a few top European brands that rival if not trump Alden.

John Lobb English
Axel Himer German
Scheer Austrian
Foster & Son English
Berluti French

I am so busted. I've no experience with any of the European brands.
But would gladly admit that anything an American shoe manufacturer
would know would have come from Europe.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Please no Foot shots. It goes against forum rules.

I can speak to this!

[subtona]

i concur with the Alden recommend ...

the allen edmunds are made beautifully but did not fit my feet well.