Without contention, Allen Edmonds shoes classify among the products of premium quality.
They are made of the highest quality materials, and the construction of the shoes is solid.
But is the price worth it?
In this article, we will assess Allen Edmonds Shoes’ background and different patterns so that you can determine whether they are suitable for you and your budget.
- Allen Edmonds Brand History
- Manufacturing and Price Point
- Are Allen Edmond Shoes Overpriced?
- What Are The Best Styles Of Allen Edmonds Shoes?
- Maintenance And Care
#1 Allen Edmonds Brand History
Allen Edmonds is a shoemaking company that has been in business since 1922, the same year founder Elbert W. Allen opened operations in Belgium, Wisconsin.
From the beginning, their shoes have been designed with two key factors – quality and relaxation in wearing – for a man who is fond of plushs but also needs to walk easily throughout the day.
In fact, until now, shoemaking process at Allen Edmonds Company starts and finishes in the United States. This is, to some extent, a unique selling proposition compared with many shoe manufacturers available in the market today.
Allen Edmonds’ ethos has always been to create enduring and elegant items. To achieve this, they use only the finest materials and employ the most skilled craftsmen. While this may result in a higher price point than some of their competitors, it also guarantees that their shoes will stand the test of time and only improve in appearance with age.
During the Second World War, Allen Edmonds was one of the few shoe companies that had permission to operate. Indeed, the American army granted them contracts to make boots.
Later, they resumed the production of elegant shoes, which men from the business sphere and movie industry favored.
They devised ‘The Recrafting Program’ in the 1970s, which is still in practice today. This program lets customers return the shoes that they have previously purchased to Allen Edmonds for repair and re-soling, thereby restoring them to wear again without losing them.
#2 Manufacturing and Price Point
Allen Edmonds shoes are made in the USA using top-quality materials. The company is known for its attention to detail and construction techniques that result in long-lasting shoes.
In fact, their America-cased production process has 212 different manufacturing steps through 48 pairs of hands – so you know that what you’re buying has had time and effort invested into it. The leather they use is hand-selected, the shoes are handcrafted, and careful attention is given to the quality check process at the end.
It is essential to mention that this brand manufactures its footwear using the Goodyear Bench Welt Construction, which ensures that the footwear is sturdier in design and should have a longer life and wear better.
So, while other companies use Goodyear welts in their construction, Allen Edmonds doubles down and offers replaceability – something the Goodyear welt is well known for.
Given the superior quality, unique construction techniques, and the promise of long-lasting wear, the slightly higher price point of Allen Edmonds shoes is a testament to their value for money.
So let’s talk price.
When purchased directly at retail, a standard pair of Allen Edmonds cap-toe Oxfords will cost around $400.
Boots, on the other hand, start at a slightly higher price point, around $ 500, while sneakers are a bit more affordable, starting at around $300.
In short – Allen Edmonds shoes cost money. But they also boast impressive manufacturing and high-quality products, so I can see what the extra spend gets you.
#3 Are Allen Edmonds Shoes Overpriced?
As mentioned above, Allen Edmonds shoes could be considered expensive compared to other US shoemakers.
Of course, at a little over 250 dollars, a pair of loafers from Suit Supply isn’t exorbitant. An H&M pair of white kicks can go for less than fifty bucks. But the real issue is, are quality and sturdiness the same?
There are two distinct purchasing theories: to pay less and more often or to pay more but less often.
As you may have guessed, I belong to the latter group. I firmly believe it’s always better to invest in expensive clothes that will serve you long rather than a couple of ‘visits.’ This decision pays off in the long run, both in terms of style and durability.
That is when Allen Edmonds solved the problem. Compared to the price of a high-quality dress shoe made in the US, Allen Edmonds is not that expensive!
For example, a glossy pair of Christian Louboutin Oxfords costs a thousand and a little more. Add black Tom Ford Oxfords to that, and you have even a higher figure… and don’t get me started on a bespoke pair of shoes.
#4 What Are The Best Styles Of Allen Edmonds Shoes?
Allen Edmonds offers a wide range of styles for men, from dress shoes to loafers to boots. They are known for their classic designs that never go out of style.
Some of their most popular styles include:
- The Strand Oxford – A classic cap-toe Oxford shoe that can be dressed up or down. Features classic brogueing and a brown colorway that suits both formalwear and more casual outfits.
- The Park Avenue Oxford – This is an elegant dress shoe that’s perfect for special occasions or work events. It’s made with high-quality leather and comes without any brogue design. It’s minimal, clean-cut and sophisticated: everything a man could want from a high-formality dress shoe.
- The Randolph Loafer – A more casual take on the classic dress loafer, the Randolph Loafer can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It’s made with Allen Edmonds’ signature hand-sewn apron toe and comes in several different colorways and materials, including suede.
- The Courtside Sneaker – In my opinion, the ultimate minimal white sneaker. Allen Edmond’s Courtside Sneaker is perfect for casual wear and features a classic design that will never go out of style. The shoe has a tumbled-grain leather upper and a rubber cup sole for comfort and durability. They’re also surprisingly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Owning a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes is a benchmark of good style and quality. However, the proper maintenance ensures they stay that way for many years.
After every wear, use a cleaner like a soft brush or a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust from your shoes. For leather shoes, it is recommended to use a leather conditioner every couple of months to keep the material moisturized and avoid cracking.
Shining your shoes not only enhances their appearance but also provides a protective layer against harsh elements like dirt and wetness. It’s essential to use a polish specifically designed for your shoe material to ensure effective protection.
Moreover, wearing the same shoes can lead to spoilage of a particular pair, so it helps to change the boots periodically.
Employing shoe trees helps with moisture absorption and preserves the shoes’ structure, limiting instances of bad odor and damage.
For users of the Allen Edmonds Recrafting Program, the need for on-time fixing and resoling of repairable shoes can help maintain their comfort and quality. There is no doubt about this, as you will be able to wear and appreciate all the benefits that Allen Edmonds shoes come with.