Allen Edmonds

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Allen Edmonds

81 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  LL Bean Engineer boots (2013, top) vs 2025 "Bucksport" (bottom). Am I crazy or are these a drop in construction quality?

  Chippewa no longer really makes any heritage stuff and has had a drop in quality. No idea who makes LL bean but they still say Goodyear welted but for 200 probably not great. Other brands worth looking at Red Wing (300+, unless you wait for Seconds) Wolverine (notch below, do not pay more than 200-250 for 1000 miles) Thursday (200 and probably close or maybe a bit better than that Bean) Urban Wolf Club (170, better than thursday but long wait times) After than you satrt getting into Grant Stone, AE, etc and north of 500 bucks

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  What Are the Best Travel Shoes That Are Actually Worth It?

  I really don't think there can be a single answer to this question, but I'll tell you what I do, with roughly a two shoe rotation depending on the travel. If I am not going to be walking or hiking on unpaved surfaces, I'll generally take a pair of "walking" running shoes. That is, something that's fairly sturdy and well-cushioned, and *not* meant for running fast. Currently, that's a pair of On CloudEclipse and was On CloudMonsters before this. On makes reasonably "fashionable" sneakers that you can get away with wearing in restaurants, tourist attractions, etc, and the ones that are not aimed at running fast are reasonably durable (will last a year or so). If I'm traveling in summer and need a sneaker that's really airy, I keep a pair of black Altra Escalante Racers (fully mesh, almost, and collapsible) for that purpose. For trips where I need shoes that will work for hiking, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes. In fact, just like someone else suggested Lems, I highly recommend considering approach shoes as a semi-BIFL walking shoe option, and if you pick a suede/leather option, they're frequently not too bad looking. Super-comfortable, highly durable, waterproof options, and good for street & trail. Just not cushioned like a traditional sneaker. If you need something that's more "business casual", consider something like Mephisto, Allen Edmonds, Danner, etc. None of any of this is BIFL but you should have many options for shoes that both look good and are well-suited to your travel needs. Fwiw, nothing I am suggesting is so expensive as to be considered an "investment", either (like a handmade boot or sneaker would be), so just pick a general category you like, then a style you're aiming for, and narrow down the brands that sell something along those lines.

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• #3Dec 29, 2025

  What are the up-and-coming companies known for quality goods?

  Allen Edmond shoes for dress shoes that will last. I bought my first pair 22 years ago and they are still in tip-top shape. I admittedly don't wear them daily and I take care of them, but they are comfortable and durable.

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• #4Dec 24, 2025

  Looking to build a closet that will last for years

  For timeless, durable staples: suits from SuitSupply or Brooks Brothers, shirts from Proper Cloth, shoes from Allen Edmonds, and outerwear from Barbour or Filson.

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• #5Dec 19, 2025

  Suggestions for Quality Men's Dress Shoes

  Third on the A.E. Picked up three pairs in the past six months–all excellent condition and 30-40% of original MSRP. Takes prowling, but check Ebay, Poshmark, RealReal and Grailed a few times a day and you'll find something in a week or two.

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• #6Dec 6, 2025

  Are Allen Edmonds boots BIFL?

  I don't have AE boots, but I have several pairs of their dress shoes, mainly park avenue and fifth avenue models in different colors. Imo they are BIFL. The price is a bit steep nonetheless, so I buy mine gently used on eBay. Get a pair for under $100 and still get multiple years of wear out of them. On another note, I have a pair of Timberlands Moc-toe wedge sole boots and I've walked and hiked many miles in them and they just keep on going. Every winter I think "no way they're gonna survive another season" and then they end up being just fine once again. I can't find what model they are, as I assume they're not sold anymore. Thrifted them for $15 about 5 years ago

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• #7Dec 5, 2025

  Why are good leather jackets either $100 or $1,500? What's the real difference?

  Disagree. Good shoes and boots are more comfortable than any sneakers I’ve found. Took me 50 years to find this out. Wide flat feet and my AE shoes and bates boots blow away my hoka, new balance and brooks

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• #8Dec 4, 2025

  First of time blundstone buyer

  that’s fair, but IMO old boots that are well maintained look better and are more comfortable. I bought my Allen Edmonds Daltons for $200 10+ years ago now they are double the price. I also paid only $120 for the last resole and I expect it to last at least 7-10 years or so before the next one.

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• #9Dec 3, 2025

  Nice looking men's boots that will work in an office, but stand up to Chicago winters

  Allen Edmonds Park City boot (when on sale) may be in your price range. Try Thoroughgood for a cheaper Redwing. Both above have Made in USA options.

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• #10Dec 1, 2025

  Ever tried to save money and ended up spending more?

  Lol, my bad. Not all shoes fit people the same but I have found the Allen Edmonds to be in a different class of comfort and getting better with age. They don't sell my exact model any longer but the closest now would probably be the McCalister wingtip in chili leather.

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• #11Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  Allen Edmonds has swapped hands several times under different PE firms. They're not what they used to be.

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• #12Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  +1 for Allen Edmonds

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• #13Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  I’m in the same boat. I know there are other good brands out there, but AE makes a wide selection of styles, I know my size, and they have good deals in the warehouse and with factory seconds.

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• #14Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  Allen Edmonds are made in America. That's important to some but it will cost more. Price is not strictly a quality question.

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• #15Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  Allen Edmonds are the only non-athletic shoe brand I buy these days. There was some drama when they were first acquired by private equity but for the most part their shoes are still outstanding quality.

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• #16Nov 8, 2025

  Vagabond shoes are of horrible quality.

  I've been very happy with my Allen Edmonds. I don't daily wear them so they did take a bit to break in but fitment and quality so far seems top notch.

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• #17Nov 5, 2025

  My 10 year old boots are still better than anything new I have bought

  I have multiple pairs of 10 year old shoes. My Alden Indys are 10-11 years old, I have a pair of Allen Edmonds brogues that are at least 5-6 years older than those. I recently offloaded some other shoes that were 10-15 years old that I just don't wear anymore. Shoes are arguably one of the easier things to BIFL if you are willing to pay for them and maintain them.

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• #18Nov 1, 2025

  Sperry Gold Cup Orleans Lite Leather or Gold Cup Full Grain Leather?

  Honestly, these shoes suck for the price.  I bought some the Allen Edmonds force 10 boat shoes on sale last year and they are sooo much better than sperry.   I would look at rancourt or woodsy over sperry.  

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• #19Oct 10, 2025

  Men's dress shoes recommendations

  bruno marc is basically entry-level. they look good, they’re cheap, but they’re not lifetime shoes. for someone who’s gonna wear them once in a while, totally fine. for everyday, they’ll wear out and start hurting pretty fast. that said, they're a good entry point into testing out what works for you. if you want something that lasts, look into goodyear welted shoes, allen edmonds in the us, loake or meermin if you’re fine with ordering online.

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• #20Oct 8, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Look for some Allen Edmonds with a leather sole on Poshmark (ie: older).

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• #21Oct 6, 2025

  I re-dyed and replaced the laces for my 6 year old top siders. Very pleased with the result

  It was fun. Next time I need new leather shoes, I’ll go hunting for some worn Allen Edmonds as a project.

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• #22Oct 1, 2025

  Has anyone actually found a pair of shoes that truly last a lifetime?

  Allen Edmonds, but you’ll have to take care of the leather and resole them from time to time

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• #23Sep 4, 2025

  Best walking shoes for men: which ones do you recommend?

  If you're looking for true Buy-it-for-Life, you're probably looking for something like an Allen Edmonds Wilbert All-day Walker. You resole them almost indefinitely. Brand new AEs are not a great value (overpriced, some quality issues of late), but you can find a used pair for like $40 on eBay, spend $80 for a new sole and have a pair of shoes durable enough to hand down to a son. They're heavier than a running shoe would be, but they're waterproof, durable, and comfortable as hell.

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• #24Sep 4, 2025

  Best walking shoes for men: which ones do you recommend?

  You cannot ask about comfort online ever as that's a personal metric. And shoe is a walking shoe and there is no such critter as a walking shoe....that's a marketing term. Not too bulky means zero as we have no idea what too bulky means to you. BIFL sneakers are based on native hardiness or repair by a cobbler: Native hardy 1. Adidas Sambas 2. Nike AF1 Cobbler recraftable 1. Allen Edmonds sneakers 2. Margom sole sneakers (plug this into google for results)

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• #25Sep 3, 2025

  Best walking shoes for men: which ones do you recommend?

  When I did my most traveling one summer (1 month Europe trip), the pair I reached for the most were broken-in Allen Edmonds Brown Leather Boots (Long Branch model). I took a couple laces with me to dress up or down if I needed but they were unsurprisingly versatile for both casual outfits and more formal outings.

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• #26Aug 13, 2025

  Converse are wearing out again

  We have no idea what the same style means as Converse makes 823 styles of shoes. BIFL sneakers are: 1. Natively hardy. Nike AF1 and Adidas Sambas. 2. Recraftable by a cobbler. Allen Edmonds sneaker and any Margom sole sneaker you find via google.

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• #27Aug 12, 2025

  Groomsmen Wedding Gift Ideas

  Allen Edmonds shoes to wear in the wedding

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• #28Aug 10, 2025

  Looking for shoes for EVERYDAY wear.

  99.9999% of BIFL shoes are leather, so I'm going to step over that desire. Nike AF1 and Adidas Sambas are natively hardy. Margom sole sneakers or Allen Edmonds sneakers can be recrafted by a cobbler.

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• #29Aug 9, 2025

  I’m sick of Nikes terrible quality. What are some good name branded clothes that won’t wear out in 3 weeks.

  Allen Edmonds does sneakers as well as dress shoes. Quality is solid in both, but I’d wait for a sale or places like Nordstrom rack/ Saks off fifth

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• #30Aug 6, 2025

  Men's Ankle Boots for PNW Wet Months

  https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-tanner-weatherproof-chelsea-boot-3030330/bitter-chocolate-suede-ec4502172

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• #31Jul 10, 2025

  What's everyone's go-to sneaker?

  You can't ask about comfort online ever as that's a personal metric. Nike AF1 and Adidas Sambas are natively hardy. Google Margom sole sneakers as there are many and can be recrafted by a cobbler for years of use. Allen Edmonds sneakers can be recrafted by a cobbler for years of use.

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• #32Jul 7, 2025

  Best Performance Lifestyle shoes?

  1. The amount of steps you take during the day means zero. 2. You cannot ask about comfort in shoes ever as that's a personal metric. 3. You cannot ask about support in shoes ever as that's a personal metric and shoes come in length and sometimes width measurements and if you native footbed is fine...great....if not, that's a YOU issue where you buy aftermarket or custom insoles. Nike AF1 and Adidas Sambas are known tough. Google Margom sole sneakers as there are many makers which can be resoled by a cobbler for years of service.. Allen Edmonds sneakers can be resoled by a cobbler for years of service.

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• #33Jul 6, 2025

  What are your small business BIFL Items?

  Allen Edmonds is from Wisconsin. I got a pair of their dress shoes back in 2014. They lasted about five years (wearing them 3+ days/week) before the soles wore through... at which point I sent them in to Allen Edmonds's repair service and got them back in a few weeks, good as new. They're spendy, but if you're going to wear them hard, the repair policy makes that a much better deal. (Just be sure you're buying one of their "evergreen" styles; some of their limited-time products are not reparable.) I got a belt from them around the same time, which I wear almost daily and, aside from a couple creases, is also still good as new.

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• #34Jul 2, 2025

  What purchase changed your habit?

  Not the person you asked, but there are lot of potential anwser depend on a lot of personal factors. I am also working through a similar process myself. I would summarize it as buying fewer but much higher quality clothes. Most importantly they need to be made out of decent material and fit you well. I also started with good quality good year welted shoes. My $50 Kohls dress shoes and belts look like crap after a few months and where totally wore out in 6. I ended up buying some Thursdays and Allen Edmunds dress shoes I have now been wearing for years. Same goes for clothes, cheap dress shirts would shrink and loose their shape and look terrible. I started buy higher end used off of ebay/ market place for about the same price as the cheap stuff new. They look much nicer even after multiple wears. I personally like Charles Tywitt for shirts. But that will depend on what fits you correctly and what type of clothes you wear. For casual stuff I bought a few pairs of American made jean (american giant and dearborn dennim) I have been really happy with. Once again, got to find what fits you right and meets your need. Haven't bought new jeans in years. I haven't locked down. T shirts I like yet, but open to suggestions.

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• #35Jul 1, 2025

  Looking for quality wide casual/dress men's boots. GYW.

  Step zero is go get and know your foot size as wide is not a legit size measurement. Do so via any shoe store and their [Brannock Device](https://brannock.com/) to know that you are (say) a 14EE. Great shoes come in length and width and you if you are a 14EE, that's what you want to buy. Boots aren't really for suits save for dress boots and that's a fashion call. I'd err towards a cap toe dress boot. https://www.allenedmonds.ca/en/product/mens-park-avenue-cap-toe-oxford-dress-boot-7014672/burgundy-leather-ec0500046 are on sale if they have your size. Also check out www.shoebank.com for more savings. This is probably the easy button for size, selection and price.

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• #36Jun 11, 2025

  Get yourself a custom bespoke suit

  So if you got a suit from Men's Warehouse it's not bespoke. Bespoke refers to building a custom suit from scratch and it's not cheap for good ones. If by chance you are somewhere around the Philly area there's a shop called Harry Davidsen I'd recommend, although for dress shirts I've usually gone to another site, more on that in a second. For the vast majority of folks, a decent quality OTR suit and a good tailor is the most sensible option. Paired with some regular quality shoes like the $300-$400 jobs you might buy from Allen Edmunds (cared for and polished) and a couple basic accessories and you are good for most any job. With dress shirts specifically, for professional men, a really skilled shop is worth the bespoke money, though most of those around me have closed their B&M shops. I do have a person now and order in batches of 6 that run me around $1200-$1400. I'm not particularly an odd shape or size but have never found a better fit than tailored by someone who really knows their craft. Plus, I'm wearing a shirts all day, a suit jacket not necessarily. As far as going for really nice bespoke suits it's the way to go if you want to look your best and the environment really calls for it, and you'll know if it does. If you normally wear suits and need that occasional extra step up for certain situations it's good to have a 2 or 3 of them. If you find yourself at weddings a lot, the company Christmas party, meetings at another company's headquarters. Some important person's kids bar mitzvah that you don't really want to go to but it's a business thing... But all that aside a skilled tailor is the most important thing, a really good one could make almost anything look good on you. I only wrote all that out because I was on YouTube and wandered across a short some Tik-Tok influencer-type with a terrible Hunger Games type beard hyping up some M2M mail-order suits that made him look like a clown. Admittedly I'm 50 with an age-appropriate fashion sense, but I'm pretty sure I still know what a proper fit looks like. Anyway, OP: Not bespoke but you're doing it right. You can definitely find decent enough suits at Men's Warehouse and have them tailored and look good. Renting a suit is for kids going to the junior prom or a funeral.

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• #37Jun 8, 2025

  what do you guys think the highest quality budget shoes are?

  Used Allen Edmonds are easily findable under $100 in decent condition. This is bifl and easily the best under $100 dress shoes you’ll find are used

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• #38Jun 8, 2025

  what do you guys think the highest quality budget shoes are?

  You can definitely get used Allen Edmonds with decent life left on them on eBay. I’ve done it as recently as earlier this year.

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• #39Jun 8, 2025

  what do you guys think the highest quality budget shoes are?

  for under $100 for casual shoes... Olukai or Allen Edmond's on sale have been decent, although the AE's are getting worse in quality but if you get a pair for around $100 they will still be pretty good value for money compared to a lot of other stuff. I'm going to give J Fitzpatricks a try but they are over $200 to start I think, but I keep hearing good things about them.

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• #40Jun 8, 2025

  what do you guys think the highest quality budget shoes are?

  Like what kind of shoes? For men’s dress shoes used Allen Edmonds or similar. For more athletic I am a fan of allbirds.

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• #41Jun 6, 2025

  Searching for Repairable Loafers

  You have read wrong. There are 83,322 different men's options and like 9 women's options, so do the math. A rubber sole is not the savior of wet feet, so you do no want a rubber sole as any sole will protect you against rain to a limited capacity. If you want waterproof loafers, you need to state that or get Swims overshoes or the like. There are many kinds of loafers. There are many budgets. You have stated neither. https://www.allenedmonds.com/. Also, https://www.shoebank.com for more savings buying their seconds. https://www.theshoemart.com/. Also, once you log in there, https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-shoes/exclusives/factory-seconds/ for more savings buying their seconds. https://oakstreetbootmakers.com/ https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/

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• #42Jun 3, 2025

  What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?

  I was introduced to BIFL and r/malefashionadvice in early undergrad. When I got my first full-time gig and it required nicer clothes, I followed the MFA hivemind and bought a pair of Allen Edmonds Oxfords in walnut brown (IYKYK). Over a decade later, and with a fair bit of elbow grease (/shoe polish), they're my longest-lived item of clothing. They're nowhere near as versatile as I thought they'd be, but at this rate, I'll own them for at least another decade, if not more. Inshallah, I'll be buried in them.

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• #43Jun 3, 2025

  What leather shoe brands do you recommend?

  Same experience. I will also throw in Redwings & Clarks with your Rockport experience. Private Equity has really messed up all my previously fav brands (R.I.P. Lucky Jeans!!!). Also, I had success with used AE's from Ebay. Have not done any resoling yet.

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• #44May 11, 2025

  What are some items under $500 you’ve made so far that changed your life?

  Hoka Shoes, Allen Edmonds shoes, Leatherman (birthday gift), installing my own pads and rotors.

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• #45May 11, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  Berle pants Mizzen + Main shirts Seiko watches Allen Edmonds shoes Volvo cars

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• #46May 6, 2025

  Non-popular sneakers which will last at least couple of years

  I looked pretty hard for resolable sneakers and I ended up only finding Victory Sportswear which is kinda dead, but they had true sneakers with stitched down construction, and brands that basically made boots without the top. Allen Edmonds also has a pair of stitched down sneakers but I can’t vouch for the quality and buying them in Europe wouldn’t make much sense. I really like my Fracaps, but they fall squarely on the boots without tops category.

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• #47May 5, 2025

  What brand of shoes that lasts?

  You can, please recognize change and learn it. Allen Edmonds has these sneakers. And every shoe with a Margom sole can be resoled, most famously Common Projects.

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• #48May 5, 2025

  What brand of shoes that lasts?

  Your budget does not support unlocking all BIFL sneakers. There are some sneakers that are just known hardy. From what I remember/know, those are Adidas Sambas and Nike AF1. And while these are "guys" shoes, you are certainly eligible to wear them. If you want real BIFL sneakers, Allen Edmonds makes some and you can google Margom sole sneakers as these both can be recrafted by a cobbler for years and years of use, but they usually exceed $100.

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• #49Apr 12, 2025

  Looking for a brand similar to Grant Stone

  Tough to beat Grant Stone in that price range, but Allen Edmonds are close. Alden would be the next step up (similar quality to Grant Stone) but more expensive than your price range.

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• #50Apr 10, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  [Allen Edmonds Patton](https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-patton-weatherproof-cap-toe-boot-3023518) On sale for $349 right now, handcrafted in America. I’ve had a pair for 6-7 years and love them.

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• #51Apr 10, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Have a few pairs of nice allen edmonds in both shell cordovan that I would recommend. Little pricey but you can get standard leather for less.

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• #52Apr 9, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  https://www.reddit.com/r/allenedmonds/comments/lfugdc/alpine_captoe_in_brown_with_vibram_arctic_grip/ this pair (though those aren't mine). I think i paid $100-150 on a seconds type sale, and they have been used heavily. great boots!

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• #53Apr 9, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Heck yes. Can confirm. Allen Edmonds Normandy boots. Indestructible Kudu leather, mini lug sole, 360 deg leather storm welt. Have had mine about 5 years and have only had to replace the heel lugs once.

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• #54Apr 9, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Have you looked at Allen Edmonds? I have a pair of alpine cap toe boots with a vibrant sole that look very similar.

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• #55Apr 9, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Yeah, I wouldn't buy Thursday Boots if I could help it. You will get some people that don't regret their purchase but as with anything at the lowest price point they aren't going to make the best boot so you find a good number regretting their purchase. It's just too bad Grant Stone wont be an option because that's what most people would recommend in that general price range and by all accounts they are a significantly better boot than Thursdays Boots. From what I understand it's probably the best option in that price range but with 104% tariff it just will no longer be anywhere close to that price range. Grant Stone will probably cost so much you might as well get something from a PNW bootmaker like Nicks Boots or Viberg because they are probably going to now be as much as what you would pay for a Grant Stone with these extremely inflated tariffs. Allen Edmonds might be another option you now might want to look into. Not probably as good as Grant Stone but a bit better than Thursdays Boots.

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• #56Apr 9, 2025

  Boots of this style that aren’t made in China ?

  Allen Edmonds

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• #57Apr 8, 2025

  Sneakers or boots for daily wear.

  Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots. The comfort and convenience of a vans slip-on, with welted soles that are easily replaceable. Mine are going on their 5th resole soon. I wear them almost daily. Keep them clean and polished and they should last a long time.

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• #58Apr 8, 2025

  Looking for some quality, american made womens boots

  Find your men's size is step 0 for you as that opens up the aperture much wider. Maybe you'll find some men's brands with sizing for you. Allen Edmonds, Alden, Red Wing and Frye are ones that jump to mind. BIFL means goodyear welt construction as the only brand mentioned that is 100% goodyear is Alden, so you have to look carefully to the others for country of origin and construction method.

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• #59Apr 1, 2025

  Looking for boots similar to these

  +1 r/goodyearwelt You prob want redwing iron rangers (10y+ on mine, amazing) or wolverine 1000 miles (it was between these and the rangers for me). Allen Edmonds is a slightly more formal looking brand, and usually runs more expensive, but they have factory seconds for cheaper and those go on sale sometimes. Getting your size takes patience, but I got a $500 pair for $200. Idk what women's options these brands have, but they're usually pretty clear that they recommend just getting the narrower size of the unisex styles. Thursday is cheaper and fine but you really get what you pay for on boots. You'll be happier longer with the good stuff.

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• #60Mar 12, 2025

  What's the most expensive item you've bought with the intention of keeping it for life?

  Allen Edmonds shoes. (For me) Engagement ring. (For wife)

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• #61Mar 7, 2025

  Help me choose, help me find leather sneakers.

  +1 for Allen Edmonds. They will re-sole and refurbish them forever.

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• #62Mar 7, 2025

  Help me choose, help me find leather sneakers.

  You are here conclusion shopping when you should be here asking an open ended question. And both your conclusions are not BIFL. BIFL sneakers can be recrafted by a cobbler, so if you want BIFL sneakers, your options are: 1. Allen Edmonds. 2. Google Margom sole sneakers.

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• #63Mar 7, 2025

  Help me choose, help me find leather sneakers.

  I've had a pair of Allen Edmonds Court shoes for a little while now. They are very nice.

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• #64Mar 7, 2025

  Ladies, what are the MOST comfortable boots you’ve worn for walking 10k+ steps a day?

  My Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea boots are easily my most comfortable boots. I also have some carmina Chelsea's that are nice as well but I haven't worn them as much so they're not as worn in. I can tell they'll get there eventually though

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• #65Mar 6, 2025

  Decent and durable sneakers?

  You are not looking for a decent sneaker brand. This is not /r/doesnthavetobeBIFL, this is BIFL, so quit being coy. If you want BIFL sneakers, here are your options: 1. Margom sole sneakers. 2. Allen Edmonds sneakers. 3. Adidas Sambas 4. Nike AF1

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• #66Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  This is the answer. Older Allen Edmonds, Alden for dressier shoes or boots. PNW brands like Whites or Nicks for more serious work style boots. Vintage cowboy boots before things went to crap in the 90’s.

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• #67Mar 4, 2025

  Looking to replace a pair of chunky Chelsea boots (m)

  Allen Edmonds Grafton Boot. I will be buried in my AE chelsea boots, they're so comfy and well made.

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• #68Feb 7, 2025

  Help finding total foot comfort shoes or boots.

  1. There is no such thing as wide feet as that is a term with no value. 2. Women's Brannock Device: https://tristaterunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/womens-brannock.pdf Find your actual shoe size and write this down. So many people think that since they were a 10 in high school they are a 10 at 32. When you find out your actual shoe is a 9D, then use an online calculator to find your men's size as this opens the aperture. Proper sizing should help with apparent comfort. Notice the word apparent? 0 people can help you with this metric as its personal and akin to me telling you where the best tacos are or the best movie of 2024 is. BIFL shoes are based on construction or natural hardiness and are as follows: 1. Sneakers. Margom sole sneakers which google will show you. Allen Edmonds sneakers. Both are repairble by a cobbler. Adidas Sambas and Nike AF1 are natively hardy. 2. Casual/dress. Any Goodyear welted shoe/boot or if you see the word recraftable in the description. These can be repaired by a cobbler. Clarks Bushacre II are natively hardy. As to comfort, you might need to get off the wallet for legit custom orthotics. These can be had via a podiatrist and may be mitigated with insurance or you can go to a foot specialist store and pay for them outright. Those are your paths for BIFL and comfort.

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• #69Feb 6, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Yamaha, Technivorm, Toyota, Estwing, Leatherman, Apple, Hancock & Moore, Le Cruset, Allen Edmonds… Most if not all of those have some duds or exceptions, but generally speaking those brands just work.

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• #70Feb 3, 2025

  Buy Once Cry Once items?

  - B&R carry-on bag - Allen Edmond shoes (many) - Shun knives (free sharpening and repairs) - Shark Apex Duo vacuum with the lifetime warranty - Lots of tools: Makita LXT 18V cordless everything, Klein pliers, Wera screwdrivers

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• #71Feb 2, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  My Allen Edmonds from when I graduated college and got my first job. They still look great and remain comfortable. They just needed a resoling after 5 years. My Pendelton blanket. Some people don’t like wool, but I do. I have 2 now and they are both worth the high price.

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• #72Feb 2, 2025

  Best simple, not overly-engineered shoe for walking 12k steps/day?

  Whatever you get, if you want bifl longevity, get two or three pairs Footwear lasts longer if you let it recover after use True bifl footwear is a nice leather shoe or boot - think Allen Edmonds, Viberg, White's, etc that you re-sole every 2-5 years. Leather uppers can easily last decades I feel like you're asking more for sneakers, but people certainly do put high mileage on service boots (especially if you're doing your steps at work and want to look good!) I alternate two pairs of White's during the week, and then wear beat up sneakers or sandals on the weekends. In a year or two I'll save up and get another boot and just live in White's

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• #73Jan 9, 2025

  32 years and still going strong…

  Nice. I have 4 pairs of handmade Allen Edmonds dress shoes that I bought in 1987 that still look and fit terrific.

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• #74Jan 7, 2025

  GH Bass penny loafer alternative

  You, as an end user, lack the skills and knowledge to know what decent leather is, so I'd not look to this as the hallmark. The hallmark for BIFL shoes is Goodyear welt construction. https://www.allenedmonds.com/browse/shoes/mens/loafers?icid=TopNav_Shoes_Loafers#sortCriteria=relevance or www.shoebank.com for more savings.

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• #75Jan 2, 2025

  Looking for good dress shoe with removable insoles and repairable sole

  Allen Edmonds....Great Shoes...Check all your boxes. They have gotten a little pricey but they will last you a lifetime if properly cared for. Heads up...There is a factory Outlet in Paramus, NJ. Good Luck

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• #76Jan 2, 2025

  Care about expensive boots (advice)

  You can take them to a cobbler ever 6 months and say, "Make dis good". Return in 3 days with $20 and go about your business. If you must DIY, do so cheapy via this method: **Tools** 1. 2 Gallon size plastic ziploc bags 2. 2 horsehair buffing brushes 3. 2 horsehair daubers AKA polish application brushes 4. A bunch of buffing cloths 5. Sharpie 6. Split toe shoe trees Ultimately, you will have a bag with a can of black polish, buffing cloth, buffing brush, polish applicator, edge dressing and a bag with can of neutral polish, buffing cloth, buffing brush, and polish applicator. Mark all items with Sharpie as "Black" or "Neutral" as you can't mix colors. **Supplies** Polish: Normal Kiwi. Black and Neutral. Edge Dressing: Black Allen Edmonds. You can use Kiwi, but I prefer the AE as it is "waterier" and doesn't build up as much as the Kiwi version. Edge dressing is basically black nail polish for the edges of your shoes to blacken/gloss them up. I only use black on black edges and just use neutral shoe polish on other types as its impossible to match brown edge dressing from Maker A to Shoe Brand B. The Cadillac of buffing brushes are 8" horsehair. It REALLY pays off buying the big suckers, but this may be a preference thing vice an actual performance thing. I have two 8" ones and I found someone on eBay that sells them in black and "white" to make their differences 100% obvious to create a black and white kit. Alternately you could use two standard Kiwi 6" horsehair buffers and mark them "Black" and "Neutral" with the Sharpie. As to the small horsehair brushes for polish application, you can get two from eBay or Kiwi mark them "Black" and "Neutral" with the Sharpie. As to the buffing cloths, I had a EUREKA moment. I purchased a bunch of microfiber diaper inserts off of eBay. They are PERFECTLY shaped for buffing a shoe? Yeah...I'm a genius. I got a 10 pack. 1 each for my "Black" and "Neutral" kits, 2 "Black" and "Neutral" ones for the office, and spares. You may or may not label them with a Sharpie as "Black" and "Neutral" but once used, the polish stains them and their colors become apparent. **Technique** 1. Insert shoe trees. 2. Use large buffer to remove dirt/dust. 3. Remove occasional staining with a wet rag...allow to dry. 4. Apply polish with small brush to both shoes. 5. I use black for black shoes and neutral for all other shoes to include several browns and spectator shoes. 6. Wait 5-10 minutes as the polish needs to settle/dry/flash off/*.science reasons. 7. Buff with big buffing brush. 8. Buff with buffing cloth. 9. Smoke cigarettes. **Notes** Once a year or every 6 months, I may remove the laces and do the tongue area, otherwise I just avoid polishing this area. Likewise on this schedule, I will paint black shoe edges with edge dressing as the final step as it takes awhile to dry. Non black shoe edges just get a good going over with neutral polish. Why Neutral? Neutral matches ALL colors. If you have brown AE shoes, brown Iron Rangers, Black and White spectators, and cordovan wingtips, you are talking about a lot of different polishes, so your options are: 1. Use neutral for every color other than black. 2. Buy the exact shoe maker colored polish for the exact shoe maker colored shoe. 3. Play Russian Roulette with shoe polish and hope it matches (which it won't). Notice I do not use any creams, salves, lotions, oils, balms, protectants, conditioners, superhydrophobic sprays, or other witchcraft? What I do do is wear cheap eBay sourced Totes overshoes when rain/snow threatens my good shoes. My method results in the cheapest and easiest way to maintain shoes. While I'm not using artisanal non-GMO hipster products like the cool people use (and there's nothing wrong with this), the tools and techniques listed here are cheap and easy and work for me. Replicate or repudiate, your mileage may vary, void in Canada.

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• #77Jan 1, 2025

  What are some BIFL brands that are manufactured cradle to grave in the USA?

  Allen Edmonds shoes. Port Washington, WI

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• #78Jan 1, 2025

  Looking for good dress shoe with removable insoles and repairable sole

  If you want something, you need to look. Not spend 3 seconds online then give up. AE makes what you want and I found this is 1 second via google and they likely have other styles. https://www.allenedmonds.com/product/mens-wanderer-comfort-shoe-3023155

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• #79Jan 1, 2025

  Looking for good dress shoe with removable insoles and repairable sole

  Depending on the size of your insole you may be able to fit it in some shoes without removable insoles if you size up half a size. Allen Edmonds can be a good place to start since they offer a range of widths and have a lot of physical stores where you could go to try on shoes without removable insoles your insole. Another possibility is having a custom dress shoe orthotic made. I also use custom orthotics in many shoes and have one pair that is rigid and very thin that I use with dress shoes/boots that don’t have removable insoles. Also, many dress shoes (especially slip ons) only have a sock liner (insole) at the heel that is glued down and could be torn out if necessary. For Venetian loafers, you could also take a look at some of the Maine moccasin makers like Quoddy and Rancourt. For expensive but well made lace up shoes, you could check out some of the removable insoles your insole options from Alden shoes. There should be some shown on the official Alsennstore site and at Moulded Shoe. Finally, I’ve seen a lot of posts raving about the comfort of San Antonio Shoes (SAS) but I’ve never tried them as I don’t like the look. And if you want to go down the shoe rabbit hole check out r/goodyearwelt. I hope this helps!

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• #80Jan 1, 2025

  Looking for good dress shoe with removable insoles and repairable sole

  I wear a very wide EE boot from AE and they are always accommodating. I try them on in person and I get exactly what I’m looking for.

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• #81Dec 1, 2015

  [BIFL Request] Men's dress shoes

  Ebay in addition to the thrift stores is also a good source for Allen Edmonds shoes if you are looking a little used great quality used pair.

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