Question about Allen Edmonds

[Ted Danson]

Hello all. I was at a Nordstrom Rack this past weekend and saw a couple pair of Allen Edmonds. I am familiar with the name as well as the reputation for being a good shoe. I decided to try one on. It was probably the most uncomfortable shoe that I have ever worn. I looked at several different models and they all had that same hard insole. Am i missing something here? Why would anyone want that?

Disclaimer: I am not in a job that requires AE shoes, thank goodness. Nor do I even need a tie. Just like nice things.

Thanks ~ Erik

 

[ackvil]

For me they are comfortable and shoes that last a long time. We'll made, stylish, and comfortable for me. But if they don't work for you look elsewhere.

 

[Boro62]

hmm, Ive never found the insoles uncomfortable, but I can see how they could be. I like their fit and finish more than anything else, and after they've been broken in a bit, seem to be more comfortable than any other shoes I'd own.

 

[jasonb8736]

I just bought a pair of AE Clifton Oxfords at Nordstrom a few weeks ago. I believe it's a cork insole that requires breaking in. I think they're quite comfortable...so far.

 

[SOS]

I just bought a pair of AE Clifton Oxfords at Nordstrom a few weeks ago. I believe it's a cork insole that requires breaking in. I think they're quite comfortable...so far.

This^

 

[Face Bannon]

Traditional shoes like AE and Alden use cork in the sole -- it absorbs shock, but holds its shape well to support the foot throughout the life of the shoe. Some modern shoes have a "spongy soft" feel inside that may feel good in the shoe store, but actually makes very little difference over the course of a long day. A well-fitted pair of Aldens or AE's will give great comfort for years.

Your feet get used to the sensation of whether it's a hard insole or a spongy one, so it makes no difference as long is it ultimately is absorbing shock.

However, I do believe that a new pair of shoes should feel comfortable right away (trying on). I've found it's not worth it to try and "break in" expensive shoes in the hope they feel good later.

Alden and AE use different "lasts" for different shoes. The last is the model the shoe is built around. Find the last that is most comfortable to your foot, and try only models that are made on that last. AE gives the last a number, Alden gives it a name like Barrie.

 

[Tim_McD]

Dress shoes are not sneakers, the insole on most dress shoes will not have foam/gel foot beds. The "dress" shoes that I have worn from shoes with that feature (Rockports come to mind) are almost always disposable, as they cannot be resoled.

Leather lined insoles, cork foot beds and fully recraftable (ability to replace heels, soles and cork foot beds) are what make AE shoes an upper tier product. The real trick to getting a pair of AE shoes that are comfortable: Finding the last (i.e., form) that best conforms to your foot's shape.

Being in a job that requires dress shoes (and frequently a tie), I appreciate the comfort of a foot bed that molds to my foot and the ability to have the shoe practically rebuilt after years of service.

 

[2Deuce2]

Tim you're spot on. It is about finding the last, the shoe shape for your foot. Takes patience at the store to walk around in them. For me, the biggest difference I saw was between the slip ons and ties. A pair of MacNiels vs Graysons feels like 2 diffferent manufacturers. Once the footbed is broken in the AE shoes are execllent and wear loke iron.

 

[Ted Danson]

Thanks guys. This makes a lot more sense now. IMO I am very fortunate to be in a job that does not require a suit and tie. I am 95% business casual - although I have noticed that I have been dressing up more since I started down this new shaving path. Anyway, I may have to give these shoes another chance. Again, thanks for the info.

 

[jkingrph]

I have been wearing AE shoes for over 30 years now, and must say when I first wear a new pair they are not the most comfortable.

They use a cork layer covered with a rather hard full leather insole. After you wear them a bit, the leather will mold to your foot and be extremely comfortable, at least that's my experience.

 

[avsmusic1]

One thing I would add to the other wonderful replies is that AE makes a few models that are designed to take an orthotic. If You find yourself in need of a good pair of sturdy dress shoes but can't get over the leather insole then give these a try.

 

[mretzloff]

Allen Edmonds take a while to break in. Before they are broken in, Allen Edmonds are a pain to wear.

 

[Johnsebesta]

Have two pairs: a high top and a dress . Both are over 20yrs old and had been sent back to AE for reconditioning. Granted I don't wear them often, but they should last me to the end.

 

[guerindd]

I just bought a pair of AE Clifton Oxfords at Nordstrom a few weeks ago. I believe it's a cork insole that requires breaking in. I think they're quite comfortable...so far.

jasonb8736 is correct. I purchased my first pair of AEs a few years ago from Nordstrom. The sales associate was very knowledgeable and that is exact what they explained. My shoes were comfortable from the start but I did notice they felt even better after about a month of use and the cork forming to my feet. I wear mine almost everyday and have been happy for the past three years.

 

[Ted Danson]

This makes MUCH more sense now. Now I want a pair but have no real justification for it. Hmmm

 

[bosenberg]

Since you are mainly business casual, try a pair of their loafers.

 

[framos242]

Start walking in them a few minutes to an hour everyday on a carpet. When you least know it, they're broken in and you can wear them with ease.

 

[Tim_McD]

Tim you're spot on. It is about finding the last, the shoe shape for your foot. Takes patience at the store to walk around in them. For me, the biggest difference I saw was between the slip ons and ties. A pair of MacNiels vs Graysons feels like 2 diffferent manufacturers. Once the footbed is broken in the AE shoes are execllent and wear loke iron.

I had that same experience with the McNeils (97 Last) - the first shoe I bought from AE and it damn near crippled me. The AE store was great and exchanged them even after I had worn them outside for a short period of time. Since then I have bought two pairs of Grayson (calf and cordovan) on the same last and love them

For me, I like the 65 Last and 108 Last shoes best - I can see those two numbers and know that the shoes are in my all-day comfort zone.

 

[avsmusic1]

Since you are mainly business casual, try a pair of their loafers.

Great advice. I LOVE the Maxfield

 

[bosenberg]

^^^^ Ha me too. I have six pairs of AE's and the Maxfield has become my favorite lately.