Leave a comment! :)

Once the founder of the corporations sell the company to private equity company, the quality of the products starts to decrease overtime for the worse.

I’ve been making and resoling mostly boots. Specifically work and historical reenactment boots. However I’ve resoled 2 pairs and rebuilt a pair of Allen Edmonds for my wife. The soles have an acrylic coat to hide imperfections this is what causes the burnt affect. The top is coated with acrylic fairly thick. For the rebuild, here’s what I did. New heel counter, I however used leather, Trimmed it down and extended it. Leather heel, converted it to a 270 degree hand welt. Fiberglass shank to wood and added ribbon laces. They came out amazing and many of the flaw’s removed. The last I used was a Munson last. I prefer closed channel soles. They extend the period between resoles.

appreciate the honest reviews. I am obsessed with shoe videos but its quite rare for any of my shoe video guys to say anything negative about a shoe company especially Allen Edmonds, the cornerstone of American Goodyear welted shoes. Appreciate your videos just make more.

I bought a pair of Allen Edmonds Brogue for $14 USD, the bottom is pretty much worn out but the upper and the heel stack are both fine, had it resoled for a lil more than $100 and now it looks like it worth more than a brand new pair of AE, one of the best 115 bucks I’ve ever spent

Yea the change in quality since the company was sold was crazy! Gentleman’s gazette also did a comparison on the differences between the shoes and the era, think they had some from the 70s all the way up to now! Great video man! Loved watching it

Saying some things that I guess are obvious: There's a very large part of the consumer base for mens dress shoes which are you white collar workers working car-to-carpet. These people are busy and need the shoes to fulfill uniform standards, not because they care about wearing dress shoes. Also, their use case doesn't really require durability - these people are wearing their shoes for large parts of the day, but not necessarily doing a lot of walking, and certainly not on abrasive surfaces. Parallel point is that the cost of any product is not just the direct purchase price but also the cost of time and mental energy invested. If you're a white-collar worker optimizing over a very limited volume of uncommitted time each week, and you don't derive pleasure from investing time and energy into researching shoes, then doing so is very expensive. And, you have the disposable income to buy that time and energy back from the market by purchasing from a low-effort brand. AE is built for that market. They're a well-known brand and they have physical locations and quick shipping, which makes it easy and convenient to buy shoes and minimizes the time/energy costs. They are expensive because white collar workers typically have the disposable income and are used to the idea that they need to spend a good deal of money to present themselves as 'serious' people in the workplace. They can also guarantee most people a size that fits reasonably OK. People who are allocating low levels of mental energy to buying shoes will usually buy them last minute and don't have the patience for breaking in stiffer leather uppers, and AE provides that quick turnaround and softer leather. There's currently a compositional evolution taking place within the market for dress shoes - more people buying them as a hobby because of exposure to YT content etc., fewer people buying them for work as the WFH revolution has relaxed dress codes. So there's likely to be some deterioration of AE's customer base over time.

FYI: The rubber runner(2nd layer of rubber on heel) is for better adhesion of the rubber heel and ease of replacement. Rubber doesn’t adhere as well to leather. I wonder how the leather outsole is tanned. From my understanding, one of the best leather outsoles is JR and it is oak tanned. Also some outsoles are treated for water resistance and durability. I use a Saphir product on my leather outsoles which helps with durability. It’s a super refined Vegetable oil and definitely helps with water resistance. Thanks for all the information. I learned a lot. Ps. I love the mountains and you did a great job.

Hey Chris, I live in the Lakewood, CO area, so it is pretty awesome to find a reviewer here in Colorado! Thanks for this review. I bought a pair of Allen Edmonds about a year ago, and I do feel like they are not even NEAR the quality of my Meermins, which I just bought a 2nd pair of recently and after a few months am about to receive. I could never put my finger on why, but your detailed video is pretty awesome. Thank you!

Awesome video and quality presentation. Looking forward to many more videos. Would like to see videos on boots , there is plenty of good content you could make in that area. Also other edc stuff would be a good choice.

People buy Allen Edmonds because they have sizes that fit everyone, not everybody fits into the standard "narrow D width shoe" like you do. That's what makes brands like Allen Edmonds and Alden my shoe of choice. None of these "alternatives" fit people with wide feet.

What’s clear to me is you’ve never been to the factory nor do you understand how offshoring allows for “better” quality because they can just throw the bad ones out. 😊

would you consider reviewing some good loafers options?

Hey Chris, happy to see that you are thriving! I watched your Yearn video nearly a year ago and I didn't sub then, but I did now! Great...no EXCEPTIONAL quality content as always! Amazing detail and I love that you explain even the stuff 'we should already know' like what each stitch is like (Blake vs Goodyear). I find that you do a superior job for example explaining and showing exactly how the goodyear welt and blake stitch actually look and work. I've seen that goodyear welt diagram 10 times and FINALLY today just after watching this really feel like I have a good idea exactly how it is constructed. Details like the text suggesting the cost of a good resole is a question I've always had that other channels really glaze over or don't talk about at all. Finding out a good resole costs maybe half the cost of a good $300+ shoe could be surprising to a lot of people (including me!). Gonna go check out some of your other videos like the Beckett Siminon chop (ouch for your wallet!) but at least it seems to have gotten some views... And just like last year, I'm not super into dress shoes...but I just love your videos anyway! LOL

I’m adding to your video and not criticizing or beginning an argument. AE shoes are made in Wisconsin, USA. Comparing them to shoes made in places like Colombia like Beckett Simonon is fair in terms of quality, but not when you under price into the equation. That’s also true of India, China, etc. AE shoes are almost perpetually on sale. I’m unsure what their average sale price is, but it’s not anywhere close to $400. I have personally found Cobbler Union to be a good compromise for me, personally. I’d really like to try Carmina but unsure what last and size to try. Quality full grain calf leather is so stiff when new that a return policy isn’t much help. It may be three weeks before you realize it’s not quite the right fit.

Thanks so much for making this video. I have gotten many AE shoes without any knowledge of these flaws because I’ve heard they’re known as great starter shoes. I feel much more informed now. What are your thoughts about their considerably cheaper sneaker lines, which go on sale for around $100? Are they comparable to other options around that price? It’s really nice to try their sizes in store

The video was spot on 😊excellent video

Great review. I used to be a huge AE fan but not anymore, the last pair of shoes I bought from them just felt cheap. I compared them to the first pair I ever bought and noticed a significant drop in quality. I honestly wouldn’t mind paying more money for AE if they just didn’t cut any corners and kept putting out the quality that established the brand.

Thank you for every moment you put in this video. Very informative and perhaps the best review I have seen in years. Also the videography quality is next to none.

good review

For 2 decades I only owned AE shoes. They were and still are an OK starter brand. I agree that the quality has deteriorated due to ownership changes. And no with alternatives brands doing incredible things at various price points the only advantage AE has is that you can go into a store and try them on. Thanks for another amazing video. BTW, TLB is an amazing brand. What Toni produces for what he charges is insane. Carlos Santos is amazing with all their patina work. I am a huge fan of Yearn and Ichigo Ichie. I own 5 pairs of Yearn and 11 of Ichigo.

top tier review

Interesting how the standard of quality has gone down but the cost of the product has gone up...oh well simply par for the course of capitalism!

I inherited my dad’s AE Fifth Ave shoes he got in 2004. Solid quality. I would not buy AE now though.

This video was brutal, but very well made. I've purchased a few pairs of Strands in my lifetime, but always via eBay. I don't think that I would ever pay retail for Allen Edmonds. For that retail price, you can just go get a pair of shoes from Carmina or TLB Mallorca.

Man, you're an absolute GEM. Your videos are TOP NOTCH. I really hope you make it big soon because I want more vids for a long time. I'd love a video specifically about the best loafers at different prices

Thanks!

Well done on the video. I FINALLY gave up on Allen Edmonds about 2 years ago... And even then, it had was about 5 years since I bought shoes from them..... The turning point came when I bought a pair of dress boots from them online. When I opened the box, I was shocked.... One of the shoes had been worn so much that it actually had the typical creases that come from wearing shoes. Obviously it was a return that AE was re-selling as new and the person putting the package together couldn't care less about what was being sent out. I just had it. The last pair of shoes are nice. I truly like them. But the soles wore out so fast. I think within a month, I was noticing the wear on the soles. But they are a GREAT marketing company. That's why they are still in business. Because they can gain enough new buyers to offset the ones they lose. I was a DEDICATED AE buyer for years. Back in the 1990s, the shoes were NICE. But there was a noticeable drop off in quality somewhere in the late 2000s. They just looked and felt so much cheaper. Worth about half the retail price. And for 1/2 that retail price, there are so many alternatives that are superior to AE... Meermin being the best example as I have 3 pairs... Fantastic style and quality. Have had them for about 2 years and still look new. Their only US store here in Manhattan is absolutely lovely. Guys there just like to chat about shoes. I'll probably buy a pair of TLB Mallorca black oxfords when the time comes largely due to your glowing review of them. I met them at a trunk show last October here in NYC but they didn't have the size in the model I wanted...... For the consumer, the Internet is a superb thing. If someone makes a bad choice, it's largely on them. Not always but mostly.

They are worth it if bought at a discount. The problem I see with the company is that it’s lost its charm. Up until the late 2010s it was one of the last classic American shoe brands, specializing in relatively high quality dress shoes. When the new management came in the late 2010s, they began aggressively changing the company “DNA”. At this point, I’m not sure who the target audience is. If you flip though the catalogs they send in the mail several times a year, you’ll notice that all the models are weird, young (often “non-binary” looking) urban folks. Not a single model represents a regular, middle class American professional who goes to work conservatively dressed up (even though the vast majority of Allen Edmonds buyers are exactly that - middle aged, middle class American professionals who prefer a conservative look). The management must be completely out of touch with reality and lives in a bubble. They’ve probably hired a bunch of 30 year old hipsters from NYC and San Francisco to run the marketing and PR departments. Those people clearly don’t understand who the average AE customer is. Btw, I am neither middle aged, nor middle class (in the traditional sense of the word), nor do I live in the suburbs. I am actually a young urban person, an artist, and a classic menswear enthusiast. But I understand who the average AE customer is. The AE management obviously does not.

In reference to the recent makings of Allen Edmonds shoes, I have to agree with every point that you have made, however in their defense, I have to say that the earlier better made iterations of the AE shoe, maybe grossly misunderstood in their design and purpose. AE shoes are perceived to be an entry-level “dress shoe “ and this is what they are not . As we both know, there are many different purposes and tears of Leather shoes. The Design language Of the A E shoe tells me that they are a shoe that is highly durable and is perhaps a workhorse in that they can be worn every day /all day And everywhere And most importantly, a better alternative to a sneaker or trainer as opposed to a standard Typical dress shoe which is to be worn only once maybe twice a week and During said days only part of that day and to be taken off in the evening after work and They can only be worn in specific places like indoors on a carpet or a marble floor . The standards in design in the two types of shoes are to be different, and I don’t think that it is fair to hold the AE shoe to the standard of A dress shoe.. There are other shoes for that purpose so instead Grade them as a “work Horse -dress shoe” (the older better made ones). And in this way, I am sure they will come out on the higher end of their kind. Thank you.

I have one pair of AE shoes, which I bought in 2003. Is that before their drop in quality? The soles of mine developed holes after many years of wear, so I had them resoled. But otherwise, they've held up fairly well.

while watching the video I kept noticing how amazing the bridlen shoes looked, I'll definitely look into them, thank you for letting me know about them!

Great video. Just subscribed and look forward to your future videos as well as going back through your catalog. I would just add that given this last round of inflation anything less $500 for a pair dress shoes should be considered inexpensive, imho, and you tend to get what you pay for when it comes to shoes, with some exceptions of course. Also, I have exceptionally wide feet, which is why as a younger man I went with AE due to its wide range of sizes (yes, pun intended). For this reason, your offered alternatives don't work for me. I never thought AE made a particularly high quality shoe to begin with and it seems to have only gotten worse. Now that I'm older and can afford it, I'm going with bespoke shoes for my dress shoes and loafers. Obviously way more expensive but no issue as to quality and my feet have never had it so good.

Excellent stuff Chris. I had already seen bad comments by reputable experts on YT about the poor quality of Allen Edmonds shoes but your analysis is very detailed and spot on. I have to say, I never liked them; they look cheap and ugly. The fact that these people have the cheek to ask $400 for a pair of shoddy shoes is unbelievable. Thank you for this great video. Thumbs up!

Thank you. Could never figure out their dry hard insole. I never found them comfortable but everyone tells me I’m wrong.

I've never worn one. Handmade shoes with the help of professionals cost me about $550. Small shoemaker in Austria. I love them.

Great content mate. Thanks!

Hey man, you make great videos. I'd love to support you.

I have a pair of BLKBRD Dixon boots and absolutely love them and saw that you featured a Bridlen and BLKBRD shoes... I am really, really warming up to Indian boot/shoemakers.

I love how detailed you get into these shoes.

Will you do a review of any British brands like Crockett and Jones?

Dare you to do Alden next :) One of us! One of us!

I have one pair but not sure when they were made. I likely will look for another company. It won't be stupid Beckett and Simonon who buys their shoes outside of USA (NOT American made) but refuse to ship to Canada. The reasons they give is BS if they would just use USPS. I hope to find maybe an out of Canada company that still makes shoes the old way. Made in Canada or USA is no longer a guarantee of quality as such companies generally market their name rather than quality. If Canadian viewers can recommend $500 and less companies, please do so.

Wow, thank you for this in-depth review! I was a huge fan of AE in the past. Too bad they've declined so significantly

There’s a recent video I saw where this guy de-constructed a $900 shell cordovan Higgins Mills, one of AE’s flagship “icons”. It was garbage inside. Fiberboard, cardboard, foam, thin flimsy leather midsole, thin Dainite compared to aftermarket Dainite. The leather AE uses is thin and flimsy. I was a little rough with my own Higgins Mills putting them on and I could hear a tearing noise. Think some of the single-stitching was ripping. In my opinion, AE never recovered from that massive fire that almost bankrupted the company. There “customer service” department are all $15/hour DEI call center muppets who don’t give a damn about the legacy of Allen Edmonds and know jack shit about welted footwear. If anyone has been paying attention to AE, they’ve been slowly transitioning to more and more sneakers every year (which nobody is buying). I can see AE being sold again by Caleres.

Allen Edmonds is a okay value if you can buy them for less than $200 but even then the quality is fine but the styles are a bit outdated and would rather apply that money towards a more expensive Carmina or something like that.

Chris mate your review is topnotch, AE shoes is not right now what was before a decade..i admire your depth knowledge of shoes. I subbed, hope you all the best..

Great video!

Hoooly stellar content as always

If you’re a D width and a massive snob then good for you and don’t buy AE. I would love an equiv vendor with wide widths that are actually comfortable. Ive tried foreign brands.. TLB, Bridlen, Loake, Blkbrd, nothing comes close… Beckett Simonon is ok but no wide widths and ridiculous 2-3 month wait time. Thursday’s wide widths are among my most uncomfortable shoes. I typically find new AE’s for $150-$300. Never pay retail. May need to do a reorder for AE finish issues which is a bummer but they ship fast.

Nice to discover your channel, and is great to see some with all these details. By the way, even the cheaper line of herring shoes of 100 pounds have less construction issues than this AE

Thanks so much for your professionally presented video. Had my last horrific experience with AE in 2019. At that time i could only identify the external flaws on my purchases. Was'nt aware of the numerous internal shortcomings in build quality as i suspect most long time AE customers like me were not. Would love to continue to buy American shoes but we've lost so many decent manufactures over last several decades and Alden has limited styles but may be my next lover in shoe romance.

Leatherboard in the heel stack doesn't matter because the outsole they use wears out in about 10 miles. Cheap! When you take them to a cobbler to resole, then you can get what you want. (I'm not excusing Allen Edmonds' cheap quality.) That's disappointing seeing the cork separate from the outsole. Do other makers not have this problem? That plastic heel counter: I'm wearing a pair of Strands right now that are about 8 years old, and the leather lining has worn down to the plastic, and they are now uncomfortable. The toe cap on these shoes are non-existant. However, they still look fantastic. Thanks for pointing out the upper leather flaws. I think most of my AEs have that going on.

the higher the price the more brutal the review should be. good on you

Genuine Review, Thank you!

Good work!

Yeah, this is why I only buy AE factory seconds on Shoebank.

I have a couple pairs from Carmina. Their regular price is $550 ($413 if you get a pair during the semi annual sale). Not cheap, but the quality difference compared to AE is hard to believe.

Very deep dive and agree with your findings, have purchased four pairs of AE and each one of them was a disappointment. Moving forward I have found that Spanish shoemakers offer the greatest quality and design esthetic for the money. Yanko is one of my personal favorites. TLB is a notch better, an outstanding shoe value and handsome shoe.

ANOTHER fantastic video. It's a real shame what's happened to AE.

I can’t listen to this background music without thinking “the why files”

The sole waist width is a design choice. But yes. We understand at this point. There’s nothing you enjoy design wise on AE.

Have 10-12 pairs of AEs, lost count over the decades but had no need to replace any in my shoe wardrobe since early 2000s. As one on their mailing list, i kept up with new styles in both casual and dress varieties. Was check8ng out the website 8n Nov 2019 and noticed they were closing out Park Avenue in navy. Had several PAs and Ffith Ave in various colors but not navy. Having several suits in various shades of blue, i ordered a pair. Know retail was $395 and believe clearance price was $250-275. First order arrived with flaws in leather as well as stitching flaws in welt. Ordered 2nd pair, arrived flawed also...uneven navy dyeing . Not happy but really wanted the navy PAs, especially at the clearance price so i ordered another pair. Was initially satisfied when 3rd navy pair arrived as i didnt spot any obvious flaws, at least i thought that was the case. After examining i sat this pair on table in front of me and then noticed that one of the shoes did sit flat on the table from front to back but "rocked" when i attempted to hold the heel flat against the flat surface, the toe was lifted off of the table, causing the shoe to "rock" back and forth. The mate to this "rocker" was just fine, though, sitting flat on the table as it should. Calculating the math, one of 6 shoes (3pair) was only one without flaws or 16.6% of what were supposed to be first quality shoes. I was thoroughly disgusted as i had also ordered a navy AE belt to match at regular retail price. Had never experienced such sloppy workmanship in AE shoes before, other than very minor imperfections that i knew shoe polish would cover up. After a couple months i thought back to my previous AE purchases and realized i hadnt bought any new shoes since early 2000s and prior to 2006 private equity takeover. I cant blame that company, nor the Brentwood group that had ownership until Caleres bought AE in 2016. I do however blame Caleres for cutting corners on everything from craftsmanship, materials, customer service and even the attrative and informative catalogs that used to be mailed to those of us on the mailing lists. Sadly Caleres doesn't know or care who their main target customer is. Doubt it's the 20s, 30s age group that the ugly white soled sneakers seem to target. For casual shoes I'll always favor drivers and venetians and Gold Cup Sperrys over hideous white rubber sole sneakers in dress shoe styles. Only AEs I'll purchase in the future would be lightly used or new on ebay or some other internet site. Bottom line...greedy corporations don't care about loyal customers who have bought products from them for decades. I have several pair of USA made JMs from the 90s and before that i will pull out of storage boxes and wear before spending another dime with AE. Feel as if I'm being conned by AE now to the tune of $425 each time. Sad for this divorce but i didnt cheat on you but Caleres you will cheat me if i was foolish enough to ever trust you again. Fortunstely I've got enough shoes to last past my lifetime if i choose. Bye bye AE.

Thank you, I have a pair OF AE Carlyles & the stitching on the soles air becoming frayed after about four wears. Cost per wear is very important to me. S

The inevitable fate of all companies, regardless of product.

So interesting. I’ve learned a lot about dress shoes.

TLB Mallorca Artistas are a good deal more than 400 USD, more like 445 Euro. Plus the lasts are so special they really require the purchase of a shoe tree in the same last, so 75 euro on top of the shoe price. Interesting and informative video tho, you clearly know how to take a critical look at a shoe :)

I do have about 6 pairs of AE's and I started buying them before I knew as much about shoes as I do now. I agree with most of your assessment. I started branching out and now added some Rancourt and Company (camp mocs), and Grant Stone (boots and loafers), and even a pair of Thursday Boots Sneaker (really incredible value and so comfortable), and I have noticed a difference in quality especially with the Grant Stone. I noticed it most with the finishing along the opening, where the GS are way better finished. I also have been paying attention to the heel blocks and how AE doesn't use all leather construction. I have McAllisters, Strandmoks, Hamilton boots and another cap toe boot, the "Frost". Overall probably good enough, and most were purchased on sale, but not all. Sold some Strands recently on eBay. Great video sir, really enjoying your content.

Yes smh quality went down years ago and they sell at same and higher prices , soon they will go out of biz

Interesting. First a quick correction. A shoe last is the foundation of a shoe's design, while the upper is the part of the shoe that covers the foot. All of AEs dress shoes are leather uppers and they use various lasts for different types of shoes and boots. I’ve been wearing AE and Alden since 1996. I prefer AE over Alden as AE shoes come in different widths from very narrow to very wide. There is no other shoe company in that price point that offers their width selection. In addition, AE regularly run sales and you can easily get a new pair for under $300, and I’ve found their return policy very generous. In my 28-year relationship with buying AE shoes I have only had to return 2 pairs and they quickly remedied the issue by sending me a new pair. Their quality has certainly taken a hit due to a couple ownership changes, but still decent. They are also endlessly recraftable and I still wear my Park Avenues purchased in 1996.

The CEO of Allen Edmonds once castrated my dog in front of my kids, this brand is horrific and finally someone is bold enough to say it. The CFO challenged me to a duel at noon and when I showed up he hid like a coward. I hate AE with a burning passion akin to the white hot rays of 10,000 suns.

Ohhh man oh man did you save me some money.. thank you and great job tearing AL you have there apart for a real quality check.. thank you 🙏🏻

Not defending the decline in quality, but I buy mainly AEs and for $100 or less, barely used via eBay. For that price, I’m comfortable with the compromise and feel they are a much better buy than cemented, mainstream brands. At retail pricing, I’d be considering many other brands. Thanks for the informative content.

Gotta say. This guy has had it out for Allen Edmonds since he started reviewing shoes. I’ve got TLB and Carminas. My Allen Edmonds are the most comfortable shoes for me. He’s talking about scorching and making outlandish assumptions as to why without a shed of evidence. And delamination of the interior leather? I’ve had shoes for 20 years including AE and have never seen this happen. Even with bubbling on the inside. These shoes aren’t going to fall apart. Hate to say it. But this guy is a bit hacky.

I wear a 49 EU, 14 EE/15 size shoe. Only AE makes a shoe that fits. This video’s critiques are valid for certain customers. As for me, most places don’t make shoes big enough that aren’t fire or mountaineering boots for me to care.

He hasn't talked about the devaluation of to US dollar twice this year by the FED and Biden admen (2024) AE is what I buy because I need EEE to EEEE.

Being resident in the UK, I only know about AE from what I read/view online. As such I thought they were the holy grail of men's footwear. However this video suggests otherwise. I just wonder if makes like Churches and Loake have suffered a similar fate. Perhaps this could be the subject of a future video.

It has nothing to do with private equity. Allen Edmonds is not a luxury brand. People who want top tier shoes go to Carmina, Alden, or John Lobb is they have it like that. Allen Edmonds competes with Thursday or Johnston and Murphy. The oxfords go on sale frequently and for $200 Allen Edmonds makes an acceptable shoe.

Thanks. Shoes are a very important part of a gentleman's wardrobe and need to be high end. Carmina and TLB are high quality, stylish, customizable shoes and are a great value. I have seen American icon brands, one after another going down the drain. Pity.🤔

AE sucks today. The last is great for a boot, not for a shoe. Ae beyond lacks compared to my Crockett and Jones. Heck, my meermin are grades above ae quality.

I also have Allen Edmonds Park Avenue & Fifth Avenue shoes, and a few years ago, I decided to move over to their brand after throwing away a few pairs of shoes made by Johnston and Murphy. I have been happy with Allen Edmonds's shoes since moving to them. Their shoes are American-made and of high quality due to the Goodyear welt, as most shoes today are cemented and not quality. I currently have six pairs of their dress shoes and boots.

They are overpriced when compared to any decent European shoe brand. Can't compare with Carlos Santos quality and finish not even in the same league. Last time I went to an Allen Edmonds store I was wearing some Carlos Santos Monks that I bough for around $200 from Herring, the Allen Edmonds employees were all over them 😅 Grantstone has a captoe that is several miles better than any Allen Edmonds for $100 less, basically an Alden when it comes to quality and construction. Allen Edmonds are good beater shoes though.

Honestly looks like 10 year old shoes instead of looking brand new

My only pair of Allen Edmonds Dress shoes that I regularly wear are some McNeil Cordovan Gunboats. I bought them slightly used and unbroken in on ebay for $100 because the lady didn’t know that they were $750 Cordovan Horsehide shoes. They are built like tanks. Over a year of regular wear they have only broken in a little bit and show no signs of wear. I don’t do any maintenance on them at all other than dusting and wiped down. I had a cheaper pair of derby’s and they were OK but some parts of the trim weren’t made correctly.

Man am I ever glad that I bought a bunch of AE shoes before private equity got hold of them! Never again…

It’s weird how a new pair of Red Wing heritage boots are cheaper, better built, and still USA made. Sad to see AE go down the drain

Too late for me. Have brown and black 5th ave’s. Bought during Covid. Thought last dress shoe I’d ever own. The heal is already coming off both of mine. Now these have been lightly worn as not much opportunity to wear during Covid lockdown

AE makes wide sizes. They win.

Well, for 250 they are fine, and you simply have to wait for that discount. For the full price you can find incredible new old stock pre-Prada Church's, or any other english shoe brand for that matter

Controversial king 👑

AE is a highly overrated brand, and they are not even well regarded. Not worth more than $150 and I still wouldn't recommend tham at that price due to the cheap looking and boring lasts. Avoid. p.s. thanks for a great video!

I’m sure Carmina will take all their business.

I agree with you on the importance of craftsmanship in footwear. And I really like your video generally. But just as important as craftsmanship is fit. I was really excited by your comments about Carlos Santos because I am not that familiar with this brand. Much to my surprise, they don’t offer wide shoes. Totally useless to me and you don’t comment on this at all . We don’t all have slender pencil feet. Come on!

Me sorprende como después de que Chris demuestra que estos zapatos han decaído mucho en calidad hay muchos defendiéndolos aun a pesar de las demostraciones. 😅 El propio Kirby Allison en sus comparaciones y revisiones de Allen Edmonds muestra modelos francamente mal acabados y hasta toscos y a pesar de eso también los promociona como lo mejor de USA… quizás Alden debería ser el emblema actual de la calidad.

My man. The sole stitch is not primary to holding the sole to the welt. That’s what the glue is doing. When the stitches wear through the sole will remain attached to the welt. Also there are many north hampton shoes way over $425 USD that have open channel stitching. Please refer to CJ bench grade.

American Made ! One day that concept will be gone and that’s a shame ! Your argument about cost vs quality is sketchy , it means everything to me that I can actually walk into an actual store to view and experience a purchase . That means something to me , perhaps it means nothing to the masses that purchase from their I-pads . Not me , I drive an American car made by a true American car company , not a foreign car company that builds cars here , my money starts here in the United States and stays here . My point is we need to support American Made products that are made here by Americans . Allen Edmonds are made in Port Washington Wisconsin by dedicated employees who can afford to go on vacations and purchase more products , that my friend will someday disappear because of the younger generation who watch videos to make purchase decisions . Me ? I own almost 50 pairs of shoes . 99.9 % are Allen Edmonds . And I will continue to support them regardless of your 21 videos that seem to be made with no real purpose other than to ask for money to support your thoughts . I will ask you what your background is ? What makes you an expert about shoes , heck what are you an expert at ? If call BS on your grandstanding . Buy American ! Buy Allen Edmonds !

I have pairs of Allen Edmonds in my closet that are older than you, son. That's quality. Have a nice day!

America can´t make shoes.

i have a pair of yanko oxfords which are 100 euros or dollars less than these AE and they are far better made.

Fifth Avenues aren't $425. They're always on sale and usually $250 or $260. Sometimes even $199. Guy should have cut in half a Strand or Park Avenue. Fifth Avenues have never been made of leather that is nicer than a Park Avenue. Fifth Avenue is the discount oxford you buy when you need a shoe to walk in the rain. Then the guy should have cut in half 10 Park Avenues or even 100 Park Avenues. These are handcrafted shoes. Every shoe is different. Just cutting one shoe in half isn't a good enough sample size to rate the whole company. These aren't plastic shoes.