Allen Edmonds Seconds

[Talltexan]

Where can I find Allen Edmounds Seconds shoes? Either online or in a store? I live in Montgomery County, Texas about an hour from Houston.

I have tried the AE Benton's because they have a removable insert because I need that because I wear orthotics to help with my height differential (my left side is shorter than my right side) due to CP.

I have tried the following brands of shoes with no luck:

Ecco
J&M
and a few others

I love Rockport but I have found their style has seemed to go European with a low cut shoe. Can anyone recommend a good every day casual shoe?

Also a good solid dress shoe as well? What is the opinion on Alden Dress Shoes?

Does anyone else wear custom orthotics inside their shoes?

Best
Jerry

 

[nole1]

Here is the info on the ShoeBank. Give them a call with the style and size and they'll take care of you. They're great to deal with.

 

[ackvil]

Allen Edmonds had some stores in outlet malls. I don't know if they still do, but they did at one time. Years ago they also had some free standing outlet stores. I recall one on Brown Deer Rd. outside of Milwaukee.

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

I'm pretty sure that it is only the outlet stores that carry the seconds models. It doesn't look like there are any in Texas, but you could go to a regular store to determine sizing and either see if they can order the seconds model for you or you could go through the shoebank at that time. I've purchased two seconds models and it was really hard to find what made them qualify as seconds.

 

[little Big feather]

My brother has had a leg diff. for the past 25 years due to hip joint surgery...He wears New Balance and Rockport but takes them to a shoe shop and they
add a sole and heel to adjust the height. I don't know if that info. helps.

 

[goby]

BTW, I order 3 pairs of ShoeBank (2 seconds, 1 first). I got great prices, and the shoes look great.

One pair has an issue, and I called them. They asked me to send pics, which I did. They gave me the option of 10% off, or a different pair. I chose getting a different pair. They emailed me a prepaid return slip, and I'm mailing the shoes back on their dime.

All in all it was a great transaction and I saved about 43% off the price of firsts.

 

[cluelessdude]

I have 5 pairs of AE's, all seconds and I cannot tell what is wrong with any of them. They are perfect for me. Two of which I got for $99 on Black Friday (can't beat that!). Any AE outlet will ship out of state to you if there is no outlet which you can visit in person. So yes just try on the models or the lasts which you are interested in at any AE retailer and then order from outlet through phone or email.

 

[StylinLA]

TallTexan, I too wear othotics and have several pairs of Allen Edmonds. They work fine without having to remove the inner sole of their shoe. But, their slips ons/loafers are problematic with my orthotics. Haven't found a pair that works. I believe the heel is lower cut on loafers and they don't "grip" properly with the added rise of the heel using orthotics. I've seen this show up as an issue for many orthotic users with many different shoe companies loafers.

The Shoebank is a good source for AE seconds. Many have used it with great results. It may depend on how OCD you are. I have one pair from Shoebank which I waffle over. There are a lot of little issues with the seconds I got, and if I focus on it, it can drive me nuts.

The trickiest thing with stepping up to a brand like AE is that they do dozens of different shoes on several different "lasts." Every different last can fit a bit differently. I've been pretty lucky so far: my size stays pretty constant with them. But a lot of guys have to size up or down with their different lasts.

I am a huge fan of AE. Reading a lot here and other style forums, the general consensus seems to be that Alden may be a better made shoe. But be clear, we're not talking AE is not a high quality, well made shoe as well. Alden is best known for their work with shell cordovan. I find the Alden's look a bit clunkier for my tastes. Men with highly trad dressing values are not bothered by the look of Alden's, but I prefer AE.

There is an Allen Edmonds store in Houston where you could try on some of their styles to find right sizing. I recommend making that trip before buying from Shoebank. When you determine your size, Shoebank can email you a list of the styles and colors they have in your size.