Allen Edmonds Shoes...

[Zemke Fan]

Would appreciate any comments from loungers about Allen-Edmonds current offerings that might work with a vintage-inspired look. What do ya'll think of these particular models:

Astor:

Hampstead:

Niles:

 

[Barry]

Would appreciate any comments from loungers about Allen-Edmonds current offerings that might work with a vintage-inspired look. What do ya'll think of these particular models:

Niles:

I like the last photo you posted the best. They also have a pair of burgundy and black saddle shoes. I thought they were nice too. Alden's 990s and 994s are pretty sweet looking as well - especially in color 8 shell cordovan.

The Allen-Edmonds Shelton:

Barry

 

[Zemke Fan]

Thanks, Barry...

Saw the saddle shoes, too. Wondered if anyone knew when they were introduced? (Will have to look at Marc's Esquire thread.) I'm leaning VERY strongly towards the Hampsteads. I love the Niles in that "brandy" color. Allen-Edmonds has an outlet store and most of these can be purchased as "seconds" for about $100 off. (The blemishes are usually next to impossible to pick out; the AE inspection process is rigorous.) -- ZF

 

[scotrace]

Agreed, that's the way to go.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Saw the saddle shoes, too. Wondered if anyone knew when they were introduced?

Saddle shoes are practically the oldest style of two-tone shoe still being made. They've been around since the later 1800s, when they were used as a boating shoe.

.

 

[Andykev]

I recommend them

I have three or four pair of Allen Edmonds. They are classic, ie, wingtip and cap toe, and one pair of spectators (saddle). Extremely well made, and when bought at Nordy's on sale, not bad in price.

I have a pair of Johnson & Murphy wax finished saddle shoes looking similar to the post above. I don't recommend the wax finish. Except in rain. I have trouble keeping the shoes looking shined. They have dull, er...waxy look.

Zohar had a pair of Broadstreet made, and also a pair, I believe, by Alden. If I remember, Zohar said the Alden's are better made, but less fancy than the Allen Edmonds.

 

[Lincsong]

Allen Edmonds are a well built shoe. They still make them with a metal piece in the arch. Most shoes use a plastic piece and it usually breaks because of all the weight placed on shoes. Of course with that metal piece you won't make it past security at the airport, just remember to check in that toothpaste too.
My friends Dad used to tell us when we were kids; "you spend all day on your feet, therefore spend at least one day's pay on shoes".

 

[G. Fink-Nottle]

The Allen-Edmonds Shelton:

Barry

You could not do better than these. I have a pair myself.

I was a J&M/Cole Haan man until I joined The FL. I now have 4 pairs of AEs (tan split-toe, black split toe, the aforementioned saddles and cordovan wing-tips). These are by far the best shoes I've ever owned. They are worth every penny.

 

[Mike in Seattle]

Great minds must think alike - on first glance, the Hampstead definitely jumped out at me as well.

 

[Tomasso]

Allen-Edmonds has an outlet store and most of these can be purchased as "seconds" for about $100 off. (The blemishes are usually next to impossible to pick out; the AE inspection process is rigorous.) -- ZF

Alden sells their seconds through Shoemart in Norwalk(CT).

 

[Barry]

You could not do better than these. I have a pair myself.

I went downtown to watch the protesters gather near the White House today and then I went to the AE store. Those oxfords sure are a beautiful pair of shoes. I tried them on and I was really impressed. I think the salesman said the color was called a "polished cobbler burgundy."

Barry

 

[G. Fink-Nottle]

Alden sells their seconds through Shoemart in Norwalk(CT).

Thanks for the info. Next time I'm in the neighborhood, I'll have to stop in.

 

[boomerchop]

To reply to your question, I wouldn't think the tassel loafers would work with a vintage outfit. Aren't tassel loafers a fairly recent phenomenon? Like since the 70's maybe? Don't know for sure but they don't feel vintage to me.

 

[Zach R.]

I just bought my second pair of Allen Edmonds Wingtips, and I must say these are the finest shoes I've ever owned.

My first pair were pre-owned, so I didn't get to break them in for my feet, so they always fit a little wrong,these shoes make the Bostonians and Florsheims I've been wearing look like this:

They're also much more comfortable than my other AEs, which are tassel loafers.

 

[Zemke Fan]

When did tassels appear... on shoes...

Aren't tassel loafers a fairly recent phenomenon? Like since the 70's maybe? Don't know for sure but they don't feel vintage to me.

Excellent question, BC. I have no clue. Perhaps the ever-knowledgable amongst us can provide some insight.

 

[TwoToneDeuce]

Would appreciate any comments from loungers about Allen-Edmonds current offerings that might work with a vintage-inspired look. What do ya'll think of these particular models:

Hampstead:

These would be my choice of the ones mentioned, though I like AE Broadstreets.

I will echo the sentiments of the rest of the group. AE's are wonderful shoes. There are better but few in the $2-300 price point. Aldens and Greens being the others that pop into mind at that price.

-D

 

[astaire]

I have three pairs of AE shoes. Funny though, it seems my black one has a "stiffer" leather than my two brown pairs, which are really soft.

Can anyone relate to this or is it just me?

Thanks all!

 

[funneman]

To reply to your question, I wouldn't think the tassel loafers would work with a vintage outfit. Aren't tassel loafers a fairly recent phenomenon? Like since the 70's maybe? Don't know for sure but they don't feel vintage to me.

I'm sure Mr. Chavlier or Deckard or Root could comment on this with more authority than I, however I recently saw an ad where Sperry Topsiders was re-introducing their very first boat shoe, from the mid-forties, the shoe was two-tone black and brown and featured a tassel.

 

[AlanC]

Tale of the Tenacious Tassel

All you ever needed to know about the tassel.

 

[Zemke Fan]

For those who don't want to follow the link...

Tasseled shoes were first produced by Alden in 1950. So that answers that! Thanks for the reference, Alan C. :eusa_clap