as an FYI alden makes shoes in full size runs and widths. the difference is that AE is sold in a much more retail oriented capacity than alden. it's fairly easy to walk in to a barney's, nordstrom, AE store, etc. and try on an AE shoe. since aldens aren't as widely available in B&M, it's less likely to find a specific shoe in a specific width on hand. you can always order most standard models in the width you want if need be.
The Great Debate: Allen Edmonds vs Alden
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as an FYI alden makes shoes in full size runs and widths. the difference is that AE is sold in a much more retail oriented capacity than alden. it's fairly easy to walk in to a barney's, nordstrom, AE store, etc. and try on an AE shoe. since aldens aren't as widely available in B&M, it's less likely to find a specific shoe in a specific width on hand. you can always order most standard models in the width you want if need be.
While Alden does not make EEE in all their styles, they do make a handful - even EEEE.
http://aldenshoe.com/uploads/alden_catalog_12052016.pdf
http://aldenshoe.com/uploads/alden_catalog_12052016.pdf
alden is one of the few brand loyalties i have when it comes to non-sneaker footwear. i'm a sucker for shell
natty cxl indy, color 8 shell indy, color 8 shell NST
cigar shell short wing, color 8 shell NST loafer
NST on feet
ravello shell wing boot on feet
Bonus Shell Content:
ashland leather whiskey shell wallet
shell shundays
shimply shtunning
My go to dress shoes have been Johnston & Murphys. I've also worn Bostonians and Cole Haans. And I have a pair of Allen Edmunds. I have not had the opportunity to wear John Aldens. So i can't comment on the "debate" over which is better. But I will say that of the shoes I have worn, Allen Edmunds are by far the best of this bunch. There really is no comparison.
My Allen Edmunds
My Allen Edmunds
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I keep reading about how the quality of AE shoes has dropped in the past 5 or 10 years... Does this apply to the entire AE line-up , or just the Dominican built shoes ?
See my reply on the previous page
Please post a link to White's shoes , I'm not familiar with them.
Over most of my teaching career I also wore Johnson & Murphy. My outlet price for the Aristocraft cap toes was around $200. That was an unbeatable bargain. My last pair purchased, however, doesn't seem to be of the same quality. Their casual shoes were also well priced in the neighborhood of $125 - 150. I probably went through 30 pair and they served me well.
I had about 6 pair of Cole Haan and they never did fit me well enough to go the distance. They were half price at their many outlets, so not bad.
I have 4 pair of AE (thanks to this forum helping me spend money) and they are definitely a step up. But they should be as they are considerably more money. But good value for the money spent - maybe the best value for people like me without millions to spend. They wear like iron and are very comfortable.
I only have one pair of Alden's - the Indy boot. They are a step up from the AE, but they should be at around $500. The impression I have is that the increase in price for the Alden's brings an increase in quality.
Is it worth the extra money? Almost never if you're simply doing the math. A $40K car is better than a $20K car - but not twice as good. As always, the law of diminishing returns operates here. For me an additional investment of $100-$150 is worth it and my next pair will be Alden, but every man will have to decide that for themselves.
I'm not throwing out my AE - great shoes.
I have to agree with you. I also was not spending the same amount for the different brands. I would buy my Johnston & Murphy’s cap toes on sale at Lord & Taylor for around $100 to $125. Not their top of the line shoes for sure. And the only reason I bought the Allen Edmunds was because I saw them on sale for $185, no returns. I’m glad I picked them up because they have been worth every penny. But I’m a cheap penny pincher and don’t see myself paying any more than I have for shoes.
White's Boots | Safety Work Boots | Spokane, WA
white's are awesome boots. they're primarily a work boot company in the vein of wolverine/red wing that have a lifestyle line.
thanks Marc !
this thread needs more alden love
friday- color 8 NST
yesterday- color 8 Indy
today- Snuff Suede NST
friday- color 8 NST
yesterday- color 8 Indy
today- Snuff Suede NST
bumping this tired thread...let's see some more Aldens and AEs!
Alden color 8 shell perf tips on my feet today
Alden color 8 shell perf tips on my feet today
Looks like supreme quality Horween leather to me ....beautiful quality !bumping this tired thread...let's see some more Aldens and AEs!
Alden color 8 shell perf tips on my feet today
aldens from the past week
Those are beautiful. Awesome shoes.
Those look barely creased. Is that a property of cordovan? Nice boots!aldens from the past week
regular maintenance/shoe trees keep them looking tip top. shell doesn't crease, per say like calf; but they do develop the distinctive "rolls" as they wear.
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