2024 Unboxing: Allen Edmonds custom McAllister.

[@mickosullivan2962]

Great Looking pair of shoes , love the choice of soles .

[@jacobbielanski9692]

Totally agree about your closing comments on AE. I think they are a victim of what the market tolerates at their ~300 price point (accounting for sales). People are paying for what they get, not how they get it. It's why many are so quick to say well this so and so company in china, singapore, indonesia etc is the same price and finished better - they are right and there is nothing wrong with that. Or people will compare Alden calf to AE calf and many can't justify the price increase but neglect that Alden doesn't import sewn uppers and is a way smaller operation and that dramatically factors into their price. What kind's of buisnesses do we want to support economically? AE is a good shoe, far from perfect, but still better than what 95% of average people are wearing, and it's great to have them local. Cheers from Milwaukee.

[@wishoeguy]

Thanks for sharing your comments.

[@PierreColombo900]

Cool pair. I'd be interested in your opinion about the AE Reserve collection as well as their crocodile drop which took place a few weeks ago. Especially when it comes to the quality/price ratio which for me is not justified. Would be a nice vid subject!

[@wishoeguy]

I have many shoes in that price range that I think fit the quality for that price point. I’m anxious to see if they measure up but their style choices don’t align with my collection strategy. Then again neither did the McAllister so maybe I’ll do it anyway. Undecided. But you’re right. It’s a great video idea.

[@MrDuojet]

I would have opted for a pair of Trickers or Cheaney instead. Either would have delivered better quality than the AE.

[@jgb0017]

I think they’re nice. How do you like the embossed look?

[@wishoeguy]

I’m a huge fan in calf. It’s my fourth pair of shell with it although a pair of boots is just the shaft. I think it’s a good option to mix things up and bends the light differently which makes better snaps.

[@TeslaRules1856]

Being a Wisconsin guy - what dress shoes (or maybe dress boots) do you wear in the rain and snow if your walking outside ?

[@wishoeguy]

I’ve been doing a lot of commando rubber soles with dress shoes. A nice blend for the local winter weather.

[@teenoso4069]

Net net its how much wear a shoe gives and how it makes you feel wearing. Everything else is detail

[@wishoeguy]

Thanks for your comment. Truth.

[@aeptacon]

Gg prices have gone up the past year, have you noticed? Or do you get special prices for being their loyal customer? lol Do you plan on adding more to your collection? I was going to buy more, but with the steep increase it is not worth it for me..

[@wishoeguy]

I don’t have enough from them for any discounts, though they’ve done some great special work for me. The prices are higher, closer to the mto pricing which is most of their shoes when I interviewed Tony. I think the prices are about right for inflation since Covid began. During the pandemic they didn’t raise prices so the adjustment seems in line. I view this as going to craftsman so while inconvenient, I certainly can rationalize it. Note they are now including trees which used to add £145 each pair.

[@aeptacon]

@wishoeguy but I'm talking a couple hundred pounds >600 increase for their boots MTO though. I did buy to support their craft, but at the rate of their increase I can't sustain. Their clients must be filthy rich. But I understand the need to raise prices.

[@wishoeguy]

@aeptacon totally.