For my shoes, Allen Edmonds is a perfect fit. Made in the U.S.A. Ageless styles. Hard-to-fit size (B-width). Personal service.
My love affair with Allen Edmonds goes back about 30 years. My foot (B-width) keeps me out of stores that sell cheap shoes in D-width only. Plus, cheap shoes made of man-made materials dont' look good after a few wearings, won't take polish and wear out in a couple of years.
I own about 20 pairs of Allen Edmond shoes in all colors and all styles. My oldest are 30 years old. I have several pairs I bought in the 90s, and I'll get a new pair about every other year. Dress or casual, I rarely step out in anything but Allen Edmonds shoes.
For a long time, Allen Edmonds didn't have its own retail stores. I started out buying them from Reuter's Shoe Repair in Topeka. When I moved out of Topeka to a small town, I found an online store in California. I'd order them and our UPS man would deliver them a few days later. The fit was always perfect. When I moved to the Kansas City area, I found the brand at Nordstrom. When I discovered the retail store in Town Center right after it opened, I was delighted.
The best part, though, was that the gentleman who sold me suits and shoes at Nordstrom had moved to Allen Edmonds. Scott has been my shoe guy for so long, he knows my wife by first name, and now he's meeting my grown kids and grandkids. I could make this entire review only about the personal service Scott and the rest of the staff provide. They will not let you walk of the store until you are 100 percent satisfied.
I have to mention the recrafting service Allen Edmonds provides. Before you decide that your shoes are worn out and just need to be put in the trash, take them back to the store. For about $150, you'll have that favorite pair of shoes restored to original. I had a pair of tassel loafers, which I'd worn for about 15 years, recrafted. I couldn't believe it when I got them back. The shoes looked new but the broken-in fit was still there. I wear those shoes to work about once a week. They're also my go-to shoes for evening and weekend casual. I'm sure they'll last another 15 years.
The other day I took my 30-something son-in-law to Allen Edmonds for his Christmas present. He's never in his life worn quality shoes. I truly enjoyed watching the fitting and listening to
Scott instruct my son-in-law in Men's Shoes 101.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Allen Edmonds' shell cordovan. They are costly, granted, but I wear my two pair - a monk strap and a dress loafer - for work often. It's common for me to be in my shoes for 12-15 hours a day. They are the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever owned.
Finally, I'd like to pitch the "new" Allen Edmonds. After building a brand that sold classic styles to Boomers like me, they're expanding the product line to offer the same quality in more trendy styles to appeal to Millennials. They've also added clothing to help highlight those great shoes on your feet. But don't take my word for it. Go meet Allen Edmonds! read more