Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boot Review | Let's Be Honest

[@iHustleLXXXI]

Alden is the most ridiculous of all the boots I have come across. Grant Stone boots are the best priced boots.

[@StrayReviews]

True! I’ve been impressed with the quality of boots Grant Stone produces for the price.

[@Red-in4fx]

Surprising to see this kind of sole in expensive boots. I had an old cheap pair of boots resoled in the exact sole for less than USD 20.

[@StrayReviews]

At this price point it really is surprising.

[@gregrodriguez3169]

Great review! I love the Higgins Mill boot (with Dainite sole) but had to sell mine off due to sizing. I’ve owned a shoe with the XL Lite sole. While it surprisingly seemed quite durable during the time that I had it, I found that my feet got tired after wearing these shoes all day. I agree with you. A boot like this requires a more substantial sole that offers much better support. With a different sole, I think this boot would be awesome.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks Greg. I agree. I more robust sole would really put this boot in another class.

[@mikeblast7507]

I have a pair with nubuck uppers and dainite soles. Bought them on sale. They're a little rougher looking than other models, but that's the nature of Nubuck. They're very comfortable and waterproof. I had a pair of Thursday boots before getting these. Torture chambers for my feet and not especially well built I literally gave them away. MY HM boots are keepers.

[@StrayReviews]

Nice!

[@mateofenn]

1:11 Bench Welt is Allen Edmonds way of saying traditional Goodyear welt. It is not done "by hand". It take a lot of skill to run those machines but Bench Welt doesn't mean Hand Welted.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks for that info.

[@RMpolymath]

@@StrayReviewsYes. You’re definitely not getting a hand sewn welt for under $500

[@StrayReviews]

@@RMpolymath 👍

[@scottofcanes]

Considering that it's a welted construction, the cork is NOT a midsole/insole as you described it. It's literally a filler to prevent an empty void causing weird pressure on the bottom of your feet from the ridge of the gemming poking up. Having said that, all welted boots need some sort of filler material, whether it be leather, cork, or poron. Personally, the construction quality seems a bit low. The insole is some sort of fiberboard, rather than leather, and the "midsole" on the Higgins Mill is extremely thin, almost not worth even calling a midsole. Although, you did come to a decent conclusion about the pricing. It's probably fine at ~$200 and potentially great at lower than $200, but it's insane at the standard "full" price.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks Scott! And thanks for that clarification!

[@Pensées_depuis_mon_balcon]

Nobody pays retail for AE, if you don't get at least 40% off, you are being ripped off. Mine in black leather with Dainite soles have been a great boot.

[@StrayReviews]

True. I wish they would just price them fairly up front.

[@jacksparrow7618]

Good review, but of the point of the 360 Goodyear welt on them is that it makes it much easier to resole. So I certainly wouldn’t say, even if the sole wears out in a year or two, that they have the same life expectancy of a pair of sneakers. I mean, even if someone absolutely hated the sole on these, it wouldn’t be a huge deal to get them replaced with some vibrams or something.

[@StrayReviews]

True. Some Vibram soles would be great on these.

[@AlexanderIgnatiev]

Encapsulated my thoughts about the Higgins Mill perfectly. Also, bought your series (I'm always looking for something new) because I appreciate your reviews.

[@StrayReviews]

Wow, thanks for that Alexander!

[@Gabaghoul0000]

I've always loved suede or roughout boots but I never could get over how much they absorb indigo from jeans. Once those marks are there they're here to stay.

[@StrayReviews]

The struggle is real. That’s happened to me more than once.

[@Bayou987]

Come on Lee, don’t be afraid of a little self promotion! Take some time to tell us about your work, and what it means to you maybe even make a video about it? Anyway, another great review. I really appreciate your perspective and demeanor. Why does the softness of that sole cringe me out a little bit? I’m with you. I’ve seen some unrealistic boots but RoseAnvil’s video on lucchese cowboy boots was pretty wild.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks for the kind words, Justin! I always have a nagging fear of people clicking away.

[@Bayou987]

@@StrayReviews I can only imagine the feeling. Really. On the other hand, if it was worth writing, editing, printing and selling its worth promotion. Let em click away, you already did all the work and there will be people who’ll want to know about it.

[@StrayReviews]

@@Bayou987 Thanks Justin. I'll give that some thought the next time I "sponsor" my own video. Or at least give myself more than 10 seconds to talk about it.

[@mickosullivan2962]

I thought your review was very good , I do disagree with you about pricing . I am a firm believer that to purchase from American companies is important . I’ve had the luxury of touring the Port Washington factory and gotta tell you those folks are working hard and are proud to be producing a great product . When you purchase a pair of AE Higgins you can choose your sole so you did have other choices in fact 8 other choices with two of them being Lug Style soles . Personally I do not currently have a pair of HM although I will soon . I do own Hamiltons , a pair of Landon’s , a pair of Pattons and two pair of Daltons , so you see I like AE boots . Like I said I enjoyed your presentation very much and thought you did a great job , let’s comeback and revisit our boots in a year and see if either one of us got some value out of our Allen Edmonds purchase . Again great job !

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks Mick! Touring the Port Washington factory would be a great experience. Sounds like you've been super happy with your AEs.

[@chadgraber4575]

I have original Higs in Chili and these. To me, it's apples and oranges. If you're wanting only traditional materials, sure, go with the originals. But if you want the Higs with more cushion and traction, these are awesome. Combine all that with the major discount, picking these up is a no brainer.

[@StrayReviews]

True. They sometimes have some pretty irresistible discounts.

[@chadgraber4575]

@StrayReviews But I totally agree about questioning the quality. Time will tell, but I'll just get them resoled eventually anyway. The price I paid for these plus a good resole is still far less than regular price for a Higgins Mill.

[@d05wtt]

Didn’t know that color suede was available on the HM boot. I bought the Lodens with a discount and used points to get it below 200 bucks. I agree. The sole sucks for such a nice boot. I might even get them re-soled before the sole wears down. And I agree, Allen Edmonds should be bought when they’re on sale. Don’t ever buy them when they’re full priced.

[@StrayReviews]

Loden is like a gorgeous color choice for these, and getting them below $200 is a great price! 👌

[@roberteddy9854]

I have this exact same build as well as other Higgins mill builds with other soles. The xl lite does wear out quickly but the trade off is amazingly comfortable boot that wears like a sneaker. My local cobbler resoles my boots for $75 a pair for Goodyear welted boots so they are like new after they return. Wearing these daily the soles last about a year before tread gets pretty worn down. The Dainite and commando soles last much longer but they are a lot heavier for a 12 hour wear.

[@StrayReviews]

Ah, what I expected. Good to know that for $75 a new sole can put on. 👍

[@youtubetv4856]

I have 4 HM’s… my “dress boot” is chromexl with Dainite sole which is heavier and most durable. The other three are variations with this xlight sole. love em.. like crocs but with structure and style. Cycled daily. all F2’s and were around $200 ea.some cheaper, some more. gotta play their game to get the most bang for your buck. excellent boots!

[@StrayReviews]

Sounds like you found some great deals!

[@lgroves336]

Forget these boot. I bought some Higgins, they have a fiberboard heal and no mid sole. They are Brn CXL. I'm returning them. Better boots are Truman, Parkhurst, Nicks, Grant Stone etc. Put the 400 bucks toward a GREAT pair of boots.

[@StrayReviews]

I'm hoping to pick up a pair of Trumans in the near future. They look amazing!

[@troutbumandsam5394]

I have the darker version, paid USD 200 which is more reasonable//all the best troutbumandsam

[@StrayReviews]

Yes, $200 USD is a way better price.

[@QV1010]

I got these in burgundy during their October sale along with the fifth avenue Oxford for formal occasions for around $200 for each pair respectively. The boot is mostly for casual use maybe a short walk or yardwork perhaps due to the leather being more of a dress kind then say a iron ranger leather which can take more of beating. The sole is my major gripe with it giving it more a rugged look but the material itself is sneaker like. I have other shoes to rotate so I’m sure the sole can last for a while. I do think getting these on sale or with a coupon is the way to go which can bring down the price to a reasonable rate. I also heard if you ever get AE resole I hear it’s better going local cobbler Cause at AE they remove the welt which shortens the life of your shoe.

[@StrayReviews]

$200 is a pretty fair price!

[@psilocybemusashi]

the good thing is you can send it in for a recrafting and get a different sole.

[@StrayReviews]

True!

[@QV1010]

Came back to this video after having the HM for a while. In short these are Ok if you get a sale. I have the waterproof burgundy lug sole & after breaking them in they feel like a better made doc martens. The Leather on this is much softer but not the rugged boots like red wings so it’s good for people who want more a dress boot. After some wear I notice some QC issues like a hole where stitch should be & an eyelet bending after simply hitting the side of a door, something with my IR but the HM dent was way bigger, a pair of pilers can’ fix that but still. So this boots is good for people who want a dresser boot but only if it’s on sale. As for me I’ll keep these a little longer until I find a better pair of burgundy boots. I say if you go for AE get their dress shoes especially their loafer instead of boots.

[@StrayReviews]

I agree completely. Great boot when picked up on sale, and you want something a bit dressier.

[@Delicoms]

I do like these boots but I'm not a fan of the lug sole on mine either. Especially disappointing since some of the pictures on the lug model included a leather heel stack. What can't be denied is the really great leather and leather lining. At 250 (which I also got mine for) youre still dealing with a lot of synthetic materials in competing brands. My thinking is that on a resole (assuming around 100~) I'll be keeping the perks of the upper and lining, worn and molded to my foot, while getting a preferred sole (possibly a leather stack for a bit more). Im coming up on a year and my outsole is still good. So assuming you wear through that lug in 2 years (worst case scenario) and get a resole, you're around 350 for the boot and you get to keep the upper, lining, welt, and possibly cork, and a sole you like. Not ideal, but not a bad deal I'd say. At the very least, between cheap outsole and cheap upper+lining, I'd take the take the cheap outsole anyday. In the reverse case, there's hardly an incentive to resole if the core materials aren't great.

[@StrayReviews]

$250 is a pretty fair price. I agree, the suede and leather lining are really nice.

[@victorrasilla]

I have Freeports which I like alot except for the sole too. It’s a lug sole and it’s soft but it’s not the XL sole. It can’t be more poorly designed to pick up rocks and debris.

[@StrayReviews]

Picking rocks out of the lugs of my boots keeps my back flexible. 😂

[@waxedearth5425]

I believe the suede is from Charles F. Stead That particular Higgins mill along with the other xl sole boots were discontinued, hence the price. Their brown cxl version is dressy and versatile, but even that model has been discontinued apparently

[@StrayReviews]

That makes sense. The suede is my favorite part of these boots.

[@josephcase7004]

I love my HMs, but mine are the brown CXL on Danite. And like Lee suggests, I picked them up on sale for $330ish. Definitely NOT $495. I’ll buy Grant Stone before I pay full retail for AE.

[@StrayReviews]

Seriously. They're going to mark them down anyway. A little patience can save you $100+

[@noonrock4]

I have two pair of HM with the Danite sole - I love them. Two years ago I bought a pair with the squishy lugged sole that you are profiling. I hate them. Am considering getting them re-soled with Danite, though I remain angry with myself that I need to spend money to rescue them in that way.

[@StrayReviews]

Danite seems like a good choice. If I ever get another Higgins Mill, it will probably have a Danite sole.

[@nkupianist]

I have a large collection of AE dress shoes and boots, and I've bought most on eBay. That can help with price, and shoe trees and some polish will often give you years out of them for 100 bucks or less used. Re: these soles though, they absolutely don't last unfortunately. I have 2 colors of the same chukka boot with these. One has already had to be resoled. A piece of glass cut straight through the lug sole. The vibram used by the cobbler made them perfect though!

[@StrayReviews]

That was my suspicion. That's good that your cobbler was able to replace them. Great idea getting them at such a great price on eBay!

[@niks7643]

Solid review. These have been on my radar for over a year but something about that sole didn't sit well with me. Thank you for confirming my reservations about them. There are so many better options at a comparable and lower price.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks. Yep, or at least wait for a good sale.

[@furr666]

What do you think are a few "better" options?@@StrayReviews

[@StrayReviews]

@@furr666 I think Parkhurst is a better boot for a more realistic price. The Red Wing Blacksmith is a nice option too.

[@bobjohnson6321]

as always just have to play the game with pricing get it down below 300 and dig up a coupon code. those xl soles i have on my moto boots and they are so comfortable. i wish allen edmonds and others would give more details about where these products are from. they tell you if the leather is horween or its hide soles from the UK, but other times its omitted, which often leads me to believe they dont want you to think about where those parts are coming from.

[@StrayReviews]

True. A full materials disclosure would be great.

[@notrocketscience1950]

Rose Anvil's review seems to make it clear AE products are over priced

[@StrayReviews]

I would definitely agree.

[@averagejoe4101]

Mr Stray, what is your pick for a decent pair of jeans (preferably made in the USA) ? Thanks

[@StrayReviews]

I’m pretty basic when it comes to jeans. I like Levi’s 511s and the Flint and Tinder All American stretch denim.

[@186bingo]

I’ve been burnt so many times from their spotty QC. Trying to call customer support and sitting on hold for 2 hours. There are many better options out there. They’re also not 100% made in the US. The uppers are almost always sewn in the Dominican and they’re bottomed in the US.

[@StrayReviews]

I didn’t know that about where they’re made. I think that should be disclosed on their website. (Or maybe it is and I didn’t see it.)

[@HeritageCast]

5:49 Def Whites and viberg. Seriously their pricing is out of control. Not to mention if you dont fit into Whites mold they -will make you pay their custom cost.. Literally what a beater Corolla costs...

[@StrayReviews]

True! Both of those boots cost more than my first car.

[@mattaltea]

I have older pairs in Chromexcel, and honestly they’re better built than these. The lining leather was significantly nicer than what they have now, and they had a reverse tongue (smooth leather upper and suede/roughout tongue. At 475, its not really worth it, even with chromexcel and dainties when you take into consideration that the leather midsole is so thin, and the Texon lasting board, there’s better boots at lower price points, and significantly better boots if you spend like 50-60 dollars more.

[@StrayReviews]

True. Though that reverse tongue sounds really cool.

[@mattaltea]

@@StrayReviews The reverse Tongue basically eliminates tongue slip on the boots. Doesnt shift or shimmy to the side throughout the day

[@Slappadatface]

I’ve heard they fit like red wings so you size half or whole size down ?

[@StrayReviews]

I would go half.

[@davetip79]

I have a pair on it’s way .. now I’m nervous about the sole . do you know if these are east to resole ? I wonder if you could swap from a lug sole to regular dainties once these wear out ?

[@StrayReviews]

These should be re-solable since their bench welted.

[@chadgraber4575]

I was lucky to snag these for 180 plus mil discount and free shipping.

[@StrayReviews]

$180 is fantastic!

[@dukeyin1111]

how is the sole holding up?

[@chadgraber4575]

@dukeyin1111 Good so far, but I don't wear them that often. Maybe once a week. Eventually I'll replace with the similar looking vibram lug sole.

[@dukeyin1111]

I heard the soles hold up better than they feel. How is yours holding up?

[@StrayReviews]

I actually sold these to a guy. My closet was too full so I had to let go of a few pairs.

[@dukeyin1111]

@@StrayReviews thanks, I will stay away from it as I have few boots as well. Most likely end up same as what you did.

[@RMpolymath]

1. Bench Welted does not mean by hand. Haha.

[@StrayReviews]

Thanks for the clarification. I had to look that up and that’s what I found. I must have gotten some bad info.

[@mikegraves3497]

You can find better boots for the same price or less. Alden boots are ridiculously over priced for the materials they use.

[@StrayReviews]

True. I think Parkhurst makes better boots, and they cost less.