Working Shoe for Young Exec

[SquallLH]

Only phone calls, the don't do email.
Note the holds can be as long as 30 mins. So much for long distance call
Shipping by AE is insane maybe usd$70-140 from a other thread.

It's best to buy on amazon or eBay.
Even in states not sure how many ppl fly to ORD and drive 1 hr to buy shoes.

Actually, they do email orders too but the question is how comfortable are you with sending your credit card number in clear text over emails. As for calling to US, Skype is your friend.

Best way is get AE to ship to comgateway since domestic shipping is included in the second's price. The only issue is returning the shoes once you get them is gonna be a pain, so you probably will need to accept whatever you get once CGW ships them to SG.

 

[patryn33]

Actually, they do email orders too but the question is how comfortable are you with sending your credit card number in clear text over emails. As for calling to US, Skype is your friend.

My last 2 order last yr was told to call to order as they are too busy to take orders over email and have to verify stock and immediately put it on hold.

When was your last order?

 

[SquallLH]

My last 2 order last yr was told to call to order as they are too busy to take orders over email and have to verify stock and immediately put it on hold.

When was your last order?

The 50/100 sale just start of this year.
Was given option to finish my transaction in email but I called them to give them my CC number.
Who was your rep from shoebank?

 

[patryn33]

Guess not busy they will do so.
the last 2 times I made order was during factory seconds sales, things are leaving the door so fast. Then they are not willing to put things on hold, if someone called in and pay up item is gone.

 

[All in a Day]

The 50/100 sale just start of this year.
Was given option to finish my transaction in email but I called them to give them my CC number.
Who was your rep from shoebank?

Must commend that u are pretty resourceful and go thru great lengths for the AE, assuming u r based in singapore.

If the UK makers like C&J or EG had similar sales over phone and email, would certainly go for it! Haha

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

For those who ask simi I want to buy neon green meermin shoe what pants to pair with, gold colour Allen Edmonds shoe can wear with purple pants no... Here is a general guide...

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

 

[J.T.M.]

Must commend that u are pretty resourceful and go thru great lengths for the AE, assuming u r based in singapore.

If the UK makers like C&J or EG had similar sales over phone and email, would certainly go for it! Haha

C&J do take orders via phone or email. Unfortunately only the VAT is knocked off from the price.

 

[SquallLH]

Guess not busy they will do so.
the last 2 times I made order was during factory seconds sales, things are leaving the door so fast. Then they are not willing to put things on hold, if someone called in and pay up item is gone.

I think that's really their peak period so I'm not surprised as I tried to make some enqueries during the black friday/rough collections sale and they replied only 2 emails out of the 4 I sent them...

Must commend that u are pretty resourceful and go thru great lengths for the AE, assuming u r based in singapore.

If the UK makers like C&J or EG had similar sales over phone and email, would certainly go for it! Haha

Well, I guess it's worth some trouble since AE Seconds are pretty value for money. For C&J, you could stalk the Ralph Lauren store for some of their C&J benchmade shoes. RL have good discounts once in a while. as for EG, I think this one can TKK

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

darker color nicer

Lighting la.

I use Reno, or saphir (non premium range) cognac #10 cream, or boot black neutral cream... Depending on my mood

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

No money to buy elite shoes like you all, so I show off my kit

Lexol and hdlp not pictured

 

[kingcarlos]

btw how do u guys deal with scratches to the leather? Just use shoe cream and wax to cover it up?

 

[i_got_a_question_to_ask]

Uncle petia like to finger his shoes with shoe product.
National Occupational Exposure Survey, Numbers of Employees Potentially Exposed to Specific Agents by Occupation
CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Turpentine
I wong you ah, use a brush la.

 

[patryn33]

I think that's really their peak period so I'm not surprised as I tried to make some enqueries during the black friday/rough collections sale and they replied only 2 emails out of the 4 I sent them...

ya, by the time U get a list of avail shoes in your size its already dated when U reply.

My experience in the store is alot better. Prices are pretty good, discontinued items are found there..
I got a pair of Burgundy kenwood for US$130 (usual $225) shipped from the boutique as factory seconds no stock! not sure how that work.
Kenwood - Slip-on Penny Loafer Men's Dress Shoes by Allen Edmonds

 

[almerickso]

Hey fellow hobbyists and experts!

I am thinking of getting a pair of Allen Edmonds Strands (supposedly the most popular and well-known alongside Park Ave). Anyone owns a pair of this model and is able to provide feedback as to whether the price is justified, or are there better shoes for this price range?

I am vexed as to the colour selection. Walnut is obviously the most popular among AE enthusiasts, but bourbon seems to be catching up in terms of popularity as well. Can the shoe connoisseurs in this forum provide advice as to how I should make an informed decision?

Am I right to say that bourbon (being a darker shade of colour) is much more flexible and versatile than walnut? I read somewhere that your shoes should always be of darker tone than the colour of your pants. Hence, walnut being a lighter colour naturally restricts the types of pants you can wear to complement your outfit.

Thanks in advance!

I have two Fifth Ave's (one in black and one in walnut) which are made on the same last as the Strands. Most people say they run a bit longer & narrower and suggest going half size down one width up but I think they're true to size.

I have wide but low/flattish feet and wear 9E. Both my shoes' sole width are wide enough not to pinch the widest part of my feet (joint between the instep and the toes). The girth of the shoe (the actual area/space where your foot actually fits in) tends to vary a bit (the lacing gaps on both my shoes are slightly different) but the material and construction allow the vamp to form to your foot shape resulting in a comfortable fit. If you have slightly shorter toes (like me) the front of the shoe will feel rather roomy but I don't think there is a need to get half a size smaller.

Shoes made in this last also seem to crease better than others (comparing to my Cliftons) and creases are barely noticeable when properly stored and cared for.

I'm partial to quarter brogues but I must admit the Strand does look quite nice. I would suggest getting it in walnut and then burnish it with medium/dark brown if you prefer some extra character.

I wear my walnut shoes with Khaki and grey pants. I would think they also go well with dark navy and look forward to getting one made sometime in the future.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your shoes

 

[noinimod]

Anyone owns a pair of this model and is able to provide feedback as to whether the price is justified, or are there better shoes for this price range?

IMO, only worth it if you get it on sale, during the nordstrom sale every year.

Am I right to say that bourbon (being a darker shade of colour) is much more flexible and versatile than walnut?

Walnut is a flashy color compared to bourbon. If you are a conservative dresser who doesn't like a lot of attention, bourbon is a safer choice. I have a bourbon strand and walnut clifton. The clifton has a simpler design but it looks more flashy just because of the colour. Bourbon is much more versatile. However, i hardly see bourbon strands on sale, and there's can be quite a significant pair-to-pair variation in the shade of bourbon.

Finally, the 5 last is tricky to get right, and i don't know why it's their most popular last. Maybe it's the slim look that appeals to people. But it's definitely not an average joe last. If you have a high in-step, the 5 last will be hard to fit right. I wear 7.5-8D across many different shoe brands, but in the 5 last, i am a 7EE.

I tried the 7.5E but it still wasn't wide enough, and i'm not fat nor do i have very wide feet. If it helps, i measure a 7.5D on the printed AE size chart. I think it's a big gamble to buy shoes online, especially the 5 last shoes, if you haven't tried it in person before. One width in difference can make a whole world of fit difference.

 

[SquallLH]

ya, by the time U get a list of avail shoes in your size its already dated when U reply.

My experience in the store is alot better. Prices are pretty good, discontinued items are found there..
I got a pair of Burgundy kenwood for US$130 (usual $225) shipped from the boutique as factory seconds no stock! not sure how that work.
Kenwood - Slip-on Penny Loafer Men's Dress Shoes by Allen Edmonds

Well, seconds do move very fast during their sale so I would recommend getting the list via email then calling in to make order and give credit card numbers I guess... That's how it is when we can't just pop by an outlet since we're not staying in the states...

IMO, only worth it if you get it on sale, during the nordstrom sale every year.

Walnut is a flashy color compared to bourbon. If you are a conservative dresser who doesn't like a lot of attention, bourbon is a safer choice. I have a bourbon strand and walnut clifton. The clifton has a simpler design but it looks more flashy just because of the colour. Bourbon is much more versatile. However, i hardly see bourbon strands on sale, and there's can be quite a significant pair-to-pair variation in the shade of bourbon.

Walnut actually isn't that flashy once you've wore it for a while with the patina setting in...

The shade of bourbon depends on how the AE worker's mood is like on the particular day he's working the burnishing wheel

I think for the 5 last, you'll need sometime for the shoe to break in and the cork bed to sink in. Is your 7EE still very tight now after breaking in when you tightly laced up the instep?

 

[noinimod]

Walnut actually isn't that flashy once you've wore it for a while with the patina setting in...

I think for the 5 last, you'll need sometime for the shoe to break in and the cork bed to sink in. Is your 7EE still very tight now after breaking in when you tightly laced up the instep?

Well, it is that flashy when it's compared to bourbon.

i'm certain it's not a break in problem. Google "ankle bowing allen edmonds". I had that same problem with my 7.5E strands. Strangely, the shoe felt like it fit me fine. No tight spots, not uncomfortable, toes not cramped, but the foot bed was a bit narrow.

Returned it for a 7EE and this time it was perfect with no bowing at all. I have a feeling there are plenty of people with poorly fitted 5 last shoes.. and they probably don't even know it.

 

[SquallLH]

Well, it is that flashy when it's compared to bourbon.

i'm certain it's not a break in problem. Google "ankle bowing allen edmonds". I had that same problem with my 7.5E strands. Strangely, the shoe felt like it fit me fine. No tight spots, not uncomfortable, toes not cramped, but the foot bed was a bit narrow.

Returned it for a 7EE and this time it was perfect with no bowing at all. I have a feeling there are plenty of people with poorly fitted 5 last shoes.. and they probably don't even know it.

Well, if you compare that way, most other shoe colors are going to be more flashy than its counterpart baked in black polish...

As for the bowing problem (which is quite common in AE shoes although I've not encountered it though I have PA, 2 Strands and a Cambridge) which is most common on the PAs, I think it's not so much of a fit problem than a construction problem where it was said that the uppers aren't kept long enough on the last... Could happen to any other last models although it's most commonly complained on the 5 last...

 

[almerickso]

Well, if you compare that way, most other shoe colors are going to be more flashy than its counterpart baked in black polish...

As for the bowing problem (which is quite common in AE shoes although I've not encountered it though I have PA, 2 Strands and a Cambridge) which is most common on the PAs, I think it's not so much of a fit problem than a construction problem where it was said that the uppers aren't kept long enough on the last... Could happen to any other last models although it's most commonly complained on the 5 last...

Hmmm I've never noticed this bowing issue before until you guys mentioned it. I will check it out when I wear my Fifth Ave's later this week. However, from the pictures I see online, I think this could be due to the lacing gap?

Photo taken from the web:

From this picture, it seems that the bowing could be caused by the position of the tongue wrt to the lacing gap. If the gap is closed out more, i think the bow will be minimized or eliminated.