Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxford: Is It Worth It?

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxford: Is It Worth It? - Iconic American Dress Shoe

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The Gentleman's Gazette's take on the Park Avenue Oxfords: gentl.mn/allen-edmonds-park-a...
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Today, Allen Edmonds pride themselves on their history and status as an iconic American shoe company. Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush are just some of the many American presidents who have worn Allen Edmonds shoes and Park Avenues, in particular.
Allen Edmonds also differentiates itself from many other shoe companies by offering a recrafting service whereby customers can send in old or worn pairs of Allen Edmonds shoes to be largely rebuilt for a fee.
THE PARK AVENUE
This is a lace-up cap toe Oxford dress shoe. Allen Edmonds refers to it on their website as a cap toe balmoral. While Balmoral is a term often used, especially in America, to refer to Oxfords, it most technically refers only to a kind of boot.
The shoes feature a single oak sole with rubber top lifts on the heel, lined calfskin leather uppers made from premium horween leather, and six pairs of eyelets for the laces. They are welted on the 65 last which is Allen Edmonds' most popular shape and also used for many other models including the closely-related fifth avenue. This particular last is known for being slightly longer than the typical American dress shoe last adding some sleekness to the overall shape.
In addition to this, the toe cap is a good deal shorter than many other brands. For today's video, we purchased a new pair of shoes online directly from Allen Edmonds for a retail price of $395. We decided to go with black which is perhaps the most signature and conservative shade. In addition to this new pair, we're also featuring a pair in brown that I've personally owned for about a year now. My pair are factory seconds meaning that I purchased them at a discount with the understanding that they didn't necessarily meet the quality control standards to be sold at full price.
Also, here's a brief word on the overall quality control issues we alluded to earlier, while we didn't experience any major defects with the pair we purchased for today's video and I also didn't experience anything major with my factory second pair, it's becoming an increasingly shared opinion in online menswear spaces that Allen Edmonds has begun to cut back on quality control to some degree.
So you may have to be a bit more cautious when buying from Allen Edmonds today but we're not going to go so far as to suggest that the overall quality of their product has dramatically decreased.
I will say that they did have a bit of a break-in period, perhaps two or three wears, where I did find them to be slightly uncomfortable, particularly in the heels where I experienced some irritation and mild blistering. After this initial break-in period though, I've had no further issues and I now find my shoes to be quite comfortable.
Now, for our main question of the video then, is a pair of Park Avenues from Allen Edmonds worth your money or not?
Ultimately, it's likely going to depend on your budget as well as your taste. As we said before, Allen Edmonds currently sells Park Avenues on their website for a retail price of $395 though they do often run sales so you should be able to find them for less. The shoes are well made with no major flaws and a durable construction.
Even so, their overall look is definitely conservative and not quite as elegant as some other British or Italian models that you might find today. If you're looking for a more flattering silhouette at a similar price point, you might want to consider spending your money elsewhere.
16:25 Outfit Rundown

Пікірлер: 345

@tonymaiettasr.7340 4 жыл бұрын

A few years ago I bought two pairs of Park Avenues. Black for my daughters wedding and dark chili just because. Loved the fit, finish, and comfortable. So looked at more casual shoes and now I have McAllister, Strand weave, Southside, a brown suede sneaker and a walnut weave sneaker, and a pair of oxblood Bond. Nice shoes and I received military discount on all. So I guess you could say I'm an Allen Edmonds guy. I'm a little older so I don't go into the less conservative styles. Love your channel. Nice video.

@dannyr6444 3 жыл бұрын

@Tony Maietta, Sr. How do you like the oxblood bond?

@josephheinecke1992 2 жыл бұрын

Too many QC issues now.

@TheElegantOxford 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shoutout, guys! Love your channel. Been a fan since before I even learned to shine a shoe.

@babyz7750 4 жыл бұрын

The Elegant Oxford love your channel!!!

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

Your channel is so awesome to. I love the videos. Keep it up!

@jeffsanders6793 4 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of AE dress shoes that my father bought for me 30 years ago. I have had them re-soled 3 times. Just as comfortable and classy today as ever.

@bradle4162 4 жыл бұрын

I had a mentor who had some John Lobb bespoke shoes he got as a present for his 18th birthday. He's had them for 60 years and says his relationship with that shoe outlasted all three of his marriages. A relationship with a shoe is like no other that's for sure.

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

@@bradle4162 He was probably from a rich family, having bespoke JL shoes made for his 18th birthday.

@bradle4162 4 жыл бұрын

@@krunoslavkovacec1842 I'm certain he did come from an upper class family. But the man himself is surprisingly frugle. He always took the bus and only drove rentals when visiting other countries. His interest in shoes was probably the only material thing he spent a lot of money on.

@jasonw9251 2 жыл бұрын

@@bradle4162 "outlasted all three of his marriages"...lol

@TheWildernessLife 3 ай бұрын

@@bradle4162 any man who loves his shoes more than his wife is an idiot.

@babygerald4645 4 жыл бұрын

One recommendation that I learned re: Allen Edmonds and most new dress shoes, is to polish and wax them before wearing the first time. Many GG viewers might already know this, but apparently most new dress shoes come from the factory without the protection that a wax provides, so it's wise to apply it straight away. I picked up my first pair of AEs on factory seconds last year and love them. Not wanting the full-on formal Park Ave, instead got the Boulevard darby in dark brown. Like Preston, it took a couple of wearings to break them in but now they feel great.

@BobbyReed 4 жыл бұрын

I got my AE Park Avenues for $12 at Council Thrift here in Los Angeles. Near new, like walking on a dressy dream. Sometimes thrifting pays off big time. The hunt is the fun part.

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

I live in south eastern Europe. If I were to go to a thrift shop I would find only plastic, square toed shoes. But there is always eBay I guess (retail prices are very high for SE Europe wages for these high end menswear items).

@keithwilson6060 4 жыл бұрын

So true. We have a Salvation Army super store here in my metro area (Texas) and i found some AE’s at a bargain. Not Park Avenues, but close.

@Lorax_Tribe 4 жыл бұрын

@@krunoslavkovacec1842 I have found several pairs of AE shoes on Ebay and I love them all. Use 100% positive sellers if you can, see all the pictures, and brush up on your shoe shine game and you will do well. I make sure the soles (bottoms) have all the Goodyear stitching intact, so they won't wear out, and the cork will mold itself to my feet.

@Anti-Taxxer 4 жыл бұрын

I don’t know why, but I just can’t get behind the idea of wearing another man’s shoes.

@naegleriafowleri2230 4 жыл бұрын

with fungus included lol

@Eurus721 Ай бұрын

The store in Orlando was super helpful. Recently bought two pair and I sure like them. I got perfect fit and comfortable. A week later when I changed my mind about the color of the one pair, a different clerk was again totally great. Took the return and made sure the replacement color order was confirmed before I left.

@rlkinnard 7 ай бұрын

The comfort of Allen Edmonds is the selling point. And they will last for decades if properly treated and can be resoled and refinished.

@jayhightower5186 4 жыл бұрын

The AE Park Avenue in black was the first 'real' dress shoe I bought. They're still fantastic decades later. That pair has led to me getting a small collection of AE shoes, including some from thrifting / Ebay. And incidentally, a nice collection of Saphir shoe care products.

@ahanuban 4 жыл бұрын

Friendly suggestion: those factory seconds look like they're due for some fresh edge dressing :)

@andrewhs5948 4 жыл бұрын

Fiebing Sole and Edge dressing is best!

@gentlemansgazette 4 жыл бұрын

Seconded on both counts! Fiebing's is what I've got at home. Thanks, gents! - Preston

@ahanuban 4 жыл бұрын

I also find saphir renovatrice works well for edge dressing, especially if there are any gaps in the stacked heel that can't be remedied with sanding alone.

@markbaker6623 4 жыл бұрын

@@gentlemansgazette Fiebing's is owned by the Kelly family in near by Milwaukee. Why not produce an episode on shoe / leather care products.

@mattsitton6826 4 жыл бұрын

It was a touch of class for you to mention other channels and great videos. The ones mentioned are some of my favorites and the I have already seen those videos, but it was nice to see the information being spread. Thank you Gentlemen's Gazette, you will never know how much you improved my appearance.

@louiscyfer6944 3 жыл бұрын

i got 4 allen edmonds this year paid between 109 and 149. 1 was a boot. got 5 belts for between 20 and 27 dollars as well. these were not factory seconds. they were incredibly well made and comfortable. no issues on any of them.

@ZoomZoom-ng6sn 2 жыл бұрын

Minor imperfections in shoes don't really concern or bother me at all. Just as long as the shoe will hold up and not fall apart, I'm happy.

@rollin_rome3962 10 ай бұрын

I’ve been a long supporter of Allen Edmonds however, that changed in the past week. I purchased a dark chilly Park Avenue last weekend. The shoes had some defects and obvious scuff marks. I returned them immediately and the store was kind enough to overnight it for free. I received the second pair today and they look used. The leather was flimsy I love to have tried on several times. I called the store to let them know that this is a very inconvenient process for this is the second time I’m coming back to the store where I traveled close to an hour a sales person told me that on issue, because when they order the shoes typically comes from another store instead of straight from the factory, that stores will ship, shoes that are not their best. I am literally driving to the store, making this comment.

@Danlikescheesteaks 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a pair of Allen Edmonds Hopkinson oxfords a few years ago and love them. I went with them because they seemed like a subtle but noticeable upgrade from the Park Avenues without losing the classic styling. My next pair of AE shoes will hopefully be some Park Aves in shell cordovan

@stephenabm7779 Жыл бұрын

I purchased my first pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenue in Black early last month and was quite impressed after breaking them in. I have since purchased a 5th Avenue cap shoe in Chili and two pairs of their Randolph penny loafers in Brown and Chili. I like their shoes, leather soles, and the quality is quite good.

@Mr1002brady Жыл бұрын

Allen Edmonds shoes are they best in dress when made in America.

@noaharita2293 4 жыл бұрын

Just got my first pair of Allen Edmonds for work recently. Things fit like a glove and are extremely comfortable!

@spl4028 4 жыл бұрын

This was excellent!, I love AE styles, I have purchased several different pairs this past year and have had absolutely no issues with any of them. AEs are simply excellent!

@Alvan81 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative Thank You. Rubber Half soles make for much better grip on wet or polished surfaces so I've always had them installed.

@thepatriarchy7934 4 жыл бұрын

I purchased two pairs of AE in the 90s-00s. Both were seconds from their store in WI and I wasn't as thorough in my examination as he was. They absolutely were worth it as they are my "dress up" shoes and there's a feeling you get when you know you are wearing the best !!! The difference in mine is they both cost me right around $100 at that time. :-)

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

Will we ever get Fort Belvedere shoes?

@roderickfraser9788 4 жыл бұрын

I am very pleased with all of the Allen Edmonds shoes that I own. I receive a lot of compliments on how nice they look. I believe they are well worth the price

@adibee88 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the extensive history lesson on an iconic Men's dress shoe! Thoroughly enjoy your educational product vlog work! I'll definitely have to snag a pair of these classics, in black of course!

@oldwest517 4 жыл бұрын

I own two pairs. Love them. I have a pair I polish up to a nice shine for black tie--prefer it to patent leather.

@The_Kavalier 4 жыл бұрын

wow, handsome guy alert at 12:00

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

Hey John. What's up?

@The_Kavalier 4 жыл бұрын

@@krunoslavkovacec1842 Just checking in on my favorite KZfaqrs and topics all in one video! HBU?

@krunoslavkovacec1842 4 жыл бұрын

@@The_Kavalier Me too. I love your channel. Keep going and congrats on 100k. Let's get to a million!

@TRUYORK718 3 жыл бұрын

Foh

@march4025 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve got a pair of 5th Avenue’s I bought 7 years ago that still look great today, had them recrafted last year by AE with the oiled leather soles for more weather resistants. I am happy with them and like how they are not as flashy as some European styles

@leobthelionshow 2 ай бұрын

I have a pair from 2015 I love them and they are still going strong. I want to get them re-soled soon

@jonselby4889 4 жыл бұрын

I've got a pair of Sanfords and a pair of Boulevards and absolutely love them both.

@livingoutsidenormal Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed your presence in this video. Great job! Just be you man!!! 👍👍👍

@TheSeanoops 2 жыл бұрын

My dad has AE loafers that are older than me, 26, and they look just as nice as my AE loafers that are three years old. In my experience their shoes hold up great. Allen Edmonds are the only brand dress shoes I own.

@christopherramones2620 4 жыл бұрын

Tip for anyone wanting to buy Allen Edmonds for a lower price: Buy used, whether it is at a thrift shop, or eBay, but make sure it is not on its last leg. Then, have it recrafted, and there you have it. It looks like new!

@DilettanteDon 4 жыл бұрын

I've tried too. Slim pickings in my size 6E. I visit the AE site daily for sales.

@christopherramones2620 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm a size 10 and there are loads of AEs in that size

@DilettanteDon 4 жыл бұрын

@@christopherramones2620 as much as i am irked by quality control issues at AE they have hands down the widest range of sizes. If they go out of business that only leaves me with Florsheim and Acemarks.

@robertkocur5355 2 жыл бұрын

Gee, maybe this is the way to buy underwear.

@djo165 4 жыл бұрын

IMO, they're worth it. I bought my first pair of Allen Edmonds wingtips, the McAllister model, in 1989 when I got my first "real" corporate job. I had that pair recrafted somewhere around 2003 or so, and since then I've bought about half a dozen other Allen Edmonds shoes, including one pair of boat shoes made in the DR. Every pair has been pretty good for me, with my brown McAllisters as my favorite work shoe.

@ravipeiris4388 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing the history of this brand. It justifies my purchase.

@roderickfraser9788 4 жыл бұрын

I have multiple pairs of AE shoes and love them. I have a pair of Park Avenue cap toes and they are very comfortable and look sharp

@postpunker82 4 жыл бұрын

My introduction to Allen Edmonds was when I thrifted a pair for the equivalent of USD 30 5 years ago. It was the tassel loafers "Berwick" model in burgundy. I still get more compliments to that pair than any other shoe I have from people not in the menswear community.

@ValkyrieMagnus 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have 3 pairs of Allen Edmonds and love them. I have the black cap toed shoes which I’ve owned for almost 20 years and 2 different shades of brown Wingtips which are great shoes. Keep the videos coming!

@SplurgeFrugal 4 жыл бұрын

A very balanced and thorough review! My only gripe about Allen Edmonds is that they tend to be overpriced due to their near-cult status when buying second-hand.

@SvdSinner 2 жыл бұрын

I've got a pair of Park Avenues that I bought in '96. They've had the heel replaced, but still look amazing. The other pair I bought at the same time wore amazingly for 15 years and only died because my dog decided to chew on the toe. I think they were $345 back then which equates to under $20/year of wear. They feel wonderful on my feet and always boost my confidence when I wear them. I don't think I've EVER bought a pair of shoes more "worth it" than my Allen Edmunds.

@j.c.3598 Жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@Nathan_Wright 4 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video by GG. I have been curious about this question myself, so I appreciate the rundown and your opinion of this iconic shoe. When it comes to oxfords at the $400-$500 price point, I tend to gravitate more to Carmina shoemaker. A captoe oxford by them is in the same realm in terms of price, but the quality control seems to be of higher standards at least today. However, this could be just my experience. I definitely believe both brands are worth trying out. I love Allen Edmonds for their boots and plan on adding several to my collection here soon.

@johanjohansen7572 4 жыл бұрын

Great outfit, I particularly like the suit

@MarkNokesGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I love my Allen Edmonds shoes. I have several of their styles and love that they allow me to order a split size. I even named a song on my latest album after one of their most popular styles, the Strand! It's called the Strand Oxford Strut.

@nmoddentity8401 4 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of park avenues in black. Owned them for about 9 months. They are great shoes both in fit and look. Yes the toe cap is a bit unusually short, but it hasn't bothered me at all.

@murrayburke7746 2 жыл бұрын

AEs are among the most comfortable dress shoes I own. For my feet, AE is up there with Prada in terms of comfort. Excellent video.

@desivideshi8372 Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏻 for the simple and informative video

@mahmoudabdulraheem9298 4 жыл бұрын

Another classic video thank you kindly

@ChristopheZ 2 жыл бұрын

I bought some black Allen Edmonds about 20 years ago....they still look new!!!! so now I also have a brown pair and a pair of brown sneakers from them!!!

@CrispyFrenFry 3 жыл бұрын

I love the AE 511 and 201 last though they may appear a bit boxier I’ve made my peace. European lasts worry me because my feet generally don’t fit into their elongated and narrower lasts. Great breakdown and fair assessment of AE.

@ericrickert3045 2 жыл бұрын

I have black Park Avenues 9.5 D and like them. I also have other AE oxfords (7 pairs total). At 62 years old, I get what looks good and avoid too much flash. They are my favorite brand. I had several recrafted and that works well. I bought many at Nordstrom Rack for about $120 (normally about $295) and felt they were a steal! I will buy more.

@dismasjoseph7313 4 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed this episode. A very detailed and interesting video 👍👌😎

@bodiestevens9845 3 жыл бұрын

I have several pairs of Allen Edmonds and they are really good shoes. Cordovan is my favorite

@Cyco-Dude 2 жыл бұрын

the answer is yes, and they also occasionally go on sale making them great shoes for the price. they have great sales on other shoes as well; for dress shoes i'd go for the ones that have 360-degree bench welt, cork midsoles and were made in port washington. check to see if they have a store near you where you can test the fit of different lasts.

@ialeg3710 3 жыл бұрын

Please keep making these, they're great!

@RizwanKler 4 жыл бұрын

Informative vid Preston Cheers 👍

@yungobaba403 2 жыл бұрын

Just bought a pair at my Goodwill yesterday for $12, hardly worn, cannot believe my luck

@lozanoc1975 4 жыл бұрын

great job. I think you guys do a great service

@robertthorn9560 3 жыл бұрын

I came across a deal on ebay for a pair of shoes, not AE but the seller had already sold the shoe I wanted to buy, so he substituted a pair of Park Avenue in a oxblood color. First AE I owned, love the color but getting use to the fit, looking forward to wearing them more, especially, this fall with tweeds and cords. I have one of those hard to find size foot (8.5 B) and whenever, I come across my size, I usually take advantage and purchase which is such a rear occasion.

@adamsmith3413 4 жыл бұрын

This is a fabulous dress shoe which is re-soleable. My personal favorite.

@vangp9214 4 жыл бұрын

Like the content. Any good suggestions rather than Alllen Edmonds brand for shoes collection ?

@drezdogge 4 жыл бұрын

I just bought a pair, used for.$30 and honestly, I'm impressed.

@lauro195 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a sucker for traditional american style, and that outfit is absolutely stellar with the brown charcoal pinstripe!

@DavidEVogel 3 жыл бұрын

I own several pair of Allen Edmunds dress shoes. Construction, fit and finish are excellent. Only 2 minor negatives: Break-in period longer than other shoes. Leather soles: if you work in carpeted office, may be a bit slippery.

@waltski4375 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. I have over six pairs of AE's and have used the recrafting service. Please note, when I had my boots recrafted, I did get a $40 coupon, which I do not know if it was normal policy or a "one off." I also have found need of a "break in period" which may go up to six "wears" and also involved some blisters. Once broken in, they are extremely comfortable shoes. If you monitor their website periodically, they do offer sales from time to time.

@jamesthacoolcat9926 4 жыл бұрын

Waltski yes all new shoes have to be broken in. Some people want that broken in worn look.

@jsublett8871 2 жыл бұрын

no question and I love the brand. I have 4 pair of Allen Edmund's and love them.

@Juesterduester 4 жыл бұрын

Preston, just because you've mentioned your condition in this video: Have you ever considered an old school walking stick/cane, perhaps with a silver or brass grip? It would be a great character piece, especially for a musician. I always flirted with the idea of buying one, but for me it would be pretentious. You on the other hand have a great "excuse" for carrying such an old school piece of classic charm. As always, great video! I just wished you had included some alternatives around the same price point, but perhaps with a trimmer fit.

@pmrp12 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent and thorough review, thanks Preston! I can personally echo the recent concerns of quality control. My wife bought me a pair of beautiful Dark Chili McAllister wingtips (firsts quality on sale) for Christmas. Unfortunately, they had severe bumps at the toe caps-much like what you mentioned in the video. Unfortunately, due to the curving shape of the wingtip design, this layer bump was rather unsightly. It took me two exchanges at my local store to get a decent pair, with the 2nd of the 3 pairs also featuring uneven heel blocks and faulty welt stitching. It was so bad, I couldn’t help but feel I was being unfairly penalized for my promo firsts with “seconds quality” exchanges. Not sure what’s going on, but I’m hoping they get their act together as their last fits my feet like a dream! Easily the most comfortable dress shoes I’ve experienced.

@nicholasdrew5361 Жыл бұрын

@drewjames8594 4 жыл бұрын

I own 12 pair of AE dress shoes and I have never paid full retail. I only buy in september during the annual "rediscover America sale" (most popular styles Park ave, 5th ave, Strand range from 20-50% off retail) and I picked up a couple factory 2nd's. Both pair of 2nd's I have are virtually flawless though this may be luck of the draw and results may vary. that said, AE has a great return policy. If your on the fence and want a great, American made dress shoe that you can hand down to your son pull the trigger on AE!

@RHBootmakers 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Very in depth

@christianjohnrojo7966 2 жыл бұрын

I already have Gucci loafers so I went with much sleeker options instead. But AEs are pretty comfortable!

@TwoLittleMochi 4 жыл бұрын

I did have a little issue with my pair - the welt snapped at the bottom near the toe after about 2 months of wear. The retail store took care of it no hassle tho

@bobmoe3120 4 жыл бұрын

I own many AE shoes. 65 last was made for me. Other lasts are good too just harder to figure the right sizing. All need a little break in but then they are hard to find a better brand. I like buying American and I like the American look to the shoes.

@GooslinFitness 4 жыл бұрын

I definitely agree that these are worth it! One thing though, Kirby Allison does a $50 EBay challenge where he buys a pair of Allen Edmonds and puts them through his shoe restore process. I recently purchased a pair of Allen Edmonds (5th Ave) off eBay for $47 and I absolutely love them. 8/10 condition and about 7/10 on the sole/heel. I took them to my local cobbler and he said in about a year or two to bring them back and have them re-soled! Definitely one of my best purchases.

@doryman3 4 жыл бұрын

I love AE shoes and have worn nothing but their cordovan for the last 25 years of my corporate career. I currently own six pair and have disposed of probably only two pair in my career, despite wearing them four days a week. They have all been recrafted many times and always come back looking brand new. The cordovan leather never wrinkles or creases, keeping them looking brand new practically forever. I love the classic American businessman look, and always feel very well put together in them. Also, they are comfortable hour after hour - even on the long days returning from the east coast to CA. Of the six pair I have “in stock”, three are black and three are burgundy. My favorite style is the MacNeil. I find the PA a bit plain and the Cambridge a bit too British banker. Now the big secret - I have never paid retail. I have a permanent search on eBay and buy them when a good pair pops up. I’ve never been disappointed! In a nutshell, I believe I have spent WAY less on shoes in my career by buying lightly-worn previously-owned cordovan than I would have buying retail calfskin. Great video!!!

@toddmickalowski6048 2 жыл бұрын

I am looking between Maglieriapelle and AE. Is there quality pretty similar for each? Specifically the McAllister Wingtip Oxford with Dainite Rubber Sole vs the Maglieriapelle Tirilye

@SuperBullyone 4 жыл бұрын

Allen Edmonds, FootJoy, and Johnson & Murphy are all good long lasting shoes, naturally Bass makes a number of classic styles. All well worth the money.

@skyekingdom0 2 жыл бұрын

this channel is so cool, I feel like a Kingsmen already

@spade2you 2 жыл бұрын

I just picked up a new pair of McAllister wingtips in walnut as my 2nd pair. I thought they felt good. They certainly look good. I decided to compare them to my ~20 year old Benton Oxfords. Not nearly as comfortable. Is this because they are more broken in, different shoe styles, less quality at their new plant? I'd also be interested in other companies that offer an 8.5 B. Higher end welcome.

@danielspector4890 Жыл бұрын

That was a really well done video ,I have a beautiful pair of their Hamilton boots fit great look great I also have a few Aldens i find the Alden a bit heavier ,thicker leather . Both great US companies

@ha9706 4 жыл бұрын

It would be cool to see a "Is it worth" it about Borsalino hats Any chance to see that any time soon ? :)

@gentlemansgazette 4 жыл бұрын

We will discuss it in our content meeting!

@ha9706 4 жыл бұрын

@@gentlemansgazette Thank you !

@mrcvry 4 жыл бұрын

Gustav Glocke Short answer from JJ HAT CENTER: not anymore. After there last bankruptcy the new owner cut cost and quality. That might change again.

@armink9686 4 жыл бұрын

They're not worth it.

@miikasallinen3604 4 жыл бұрын

Great review and I fully agree conclusion. I’ve owned total three pairs of AE shoes, but now only one. I’ve sold two just because lack of use due to other shoes what I like even more. Quality of AE in my shoes was good, but I don’t like it’s traditional American shapes as much as I like for example Crockett & Jones (especially their 348 last). However, AE is cheaper than C&J and almost the same quality. If you like AE style, then it’s definitely worth of money. Personally I will find more attractive models in Carmina or Crockett & Jones with the same or bit higher price level.

@morganwin350 4 жыл бұрын

I have a few pair and one did have an issue I took it back to my local store and they apologized ordered new ones for me with a $50 discount on what I paid for the first, and returned the old ones so they will address the loose quality control issues

@SirPandaEsq 4 жыл бұрын

I'm a banker by trade and need a comfortable shoe that will get me through the day on the regular. I now have three pair of AEs and they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I keep them in rotation and keep shoe trees in then when not in use. Plus I polish my shoes every other use. So far these 3 pair have lasted me four years of daily use! I own 2 pair of Park Avenues and one of Madison Avenues. Until I find a bad pair like people online apparently have found, I'll keep buying these.

@ottoman1755 4 жыл бұрын

My father has a worn this brand for 40 years. It is worth every penny because of the ability to re-craft. My father owns pairs that are over 20 years old and mine are on the second crafting. An average of the few pennies per month to wear.

@Vintagebursche 4 жыл бұрын

I have a dark brown pair of Park Avenues and I love them, but I am a big fan of Allen Edmonds in general. Even though it would be much easier to get shoes from the UK as I am living in Germany.

@mikronano8996 4 жыл бұрын

Can you answer my question? In place where i live, here is so cold, almost everyday the temperature gets -10 degrees. So i can handle my body even my top head but can't about my ears. I wanna look classy and stay warm what should i wear?

@zefdin101 3 жыл бұрын

Did anyone else come here after watching Robert Powers channel? Robert is the Allen Edmonds shoe whisperer, but I like this video too!

@jebj.altonaga9483 4 жыл бұрын

A few comments and questions for you to respond. 1. Is it worth getting the Cordovan premium shell or stick with the standard? 2. How about the Bond street that has the integrated rubber sole for traction? Although the brand seems to be getting some bad reviews on the website... Your thoughts? I've been wearing Crockett and Jones now for years but do not like paying that premium

@anikety11 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, I noticed you have AE Kenwood, too. Could you please advice what's your size in Kenwood?

@francoguillen25 3 жыл бұрын

what's a good Italian alternative to Allen Edmonds made from a more elegant last?

@rhdtv2002 Жыл бұрын

I have AE Alhpha High Sneakers. AE split Dirby..AE Stuggart..then my latest AE McTavish

@ekoller 3 жыл бұрын

Can you make a video on the classic ferragamo moccasin, the David model?

@wt460 4 жыл бұрын

I have had probably 25 pairs of AE shoes over my lifetime (I’m 64). I have never had a pair giving me a blister, whether it be new or after break in. I have a number of those pairs being in shell cordovan, and I can’t see how you could have said their quality has gone down. I can say this as I also own numerous pairs of Carmina’s, Alden’s, Crockett & Jones. I have never had a problem with AE shoes and for the money they offer a true value to anyone who is interested in fine men’s shoes.

@freddieslaughter1107 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, what kind of leather is the Allen Edmonds Chester Baroque Oxford Dress Shoes? They seem to me that they are patent leather or some plastic coating.

@essejrakavid9060 4 жыл бұрын

Any difference in size between loafers vs lace-ups?

@jcherrera104 4 жыл бұрын

I have been going to my local thrift store lately and on these journeys I have come across some well worn shoes like bostonians, Allen Edmonds, etc My question is would it be worth it to purchase them and have a gobbler restore them?? Some of the prices at my thrift store range between $10-$20

@bobbirdsong6825 2 жыл бұрын

Went to my local Air Force base thrift shop with wacky hours and found a pair of these exact shoes in a dark reddish brown. Clearly hadn’t been taken care of, there was some salt mineralization on the inner flank of one and the sole was starting to peel on the other. Took it to the cobbler for a full leather sole replacement, costed me $100 for the sole and $3 for the shoe. The rest is fixable with regular care.

@hydroaegis6658 3 жыл бұрын

DO NOT RECRAFT YOUR SHOES What I really mean is if your sole is worn, you should get a cobbler to resole it. Replacing the welt is basically like remanufacturing the shoe. This is why it can only be done 2-3 times until the upper has so many holes from welts being stitched into it, that it can't be stitched again. A normal resole keeps the welt which means you can resole 3-4 times on each welt. This means if you resole in between each recraft you can have new soles done up to 12-15 times on a shoe. At 1-2 years per resole, that's at least a decade of wear.

@Cyco-Dude 2 жыл бұрын

a good cobbler will hand-sew on a new welt using the original holes in the upper.

@triktrak_1451 4 жыл бұрын

No mention of their composite heel? My cobbler recently showed me a removed heel from a pair of Allen Edmonds, and it looked like junk. Composite in a heel is the equivalent of building your dining table from MDF instead of solid hardwood. I would have liked to learn in this video whether the Park Avenue is now supplied with composite leather in their stacked heel, or whether it is real, cut & laminated (not ground-up into a paste) leather.