Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Review - Super Versatile, Iffy QC

[@BestWOTReplayss]

I love how your videos are all long and informative! You don't waste any extra video time (where most others have pauses while they struggle to find something to talk about, yours are well edited), and I really appreciate that.

[@Stridewise]

Sparater you made my day! I didn't see anyone else doing this with boot reviews and I knew there'd be people who would appreciate it :. Thanks a million for your comment, you're making it worthwhile!

[@roybatty-]

I'm glad I only bought one pair of Thursday boots because once I got a pair of Higgins Mill I realized where true quality and value begins.

[@pattgsm]

True. But if you own any AE or higher quality priced boot AND Thursday’s Boot you’ve just added the best quality beater boot on the market to your wardrobe. That is unless if the Higgins Mill is your beater boot. The beater boot is the unsung hero of any wardrobe.

[@mhaas281]

I love my Thursday captains. I have the black and Brandy. Probably look into Higgins Mill as well at some point.

[@reamus9102]

Twice the price, but is it twice the boot?

[@mhaas281]

@@reamus9102 probably not. You make a good point.

[@boots_4_me]

That’s funny. I bet you had not taken a look at grant stone’s diesel or their Ottawa.

[@Stridewise]

Fun fact, I forgot my contact lenses before filming so I spent a bunch of this video (eg 6:05, 6:20 ) squinting like a mole! ✪ Also, check out the 10 Best Boots On the Market! kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac

[@frankrizzo7185]

I have a pair and love them. I have a little loose grain on one but so what, they are boots! A couple loose threads are addressed by a quick lighter flick. I would definitely not wear these with dress slacks or a suit (nyc / long island), but with everything else. They are onsale now for $295 from Allen Edmonds directly. I also think the dainite soles are a good match because these are not really hard core hiking boots anyway. Great review Nick, it is great how you wear them well prior to reviewing; thank you. Ps it is ok to say boots need a break in, it seems every boot is complimented with no break in! They are leather boots and it takes a bunch of wears to get them comfy.

[@sloomp4711]

This is my favorite pair of boots I own! Once they break in, they're extremely comfortable. Thanks for the video, you have one of the best boot-dedicated channels on KZbin! I especially appreciate that you take the time to actually get a decent amount of time wearing the boot

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I'm a huge fan of these boots too, especially the fit. Thanks for the kind words about my channel, Joseph!

[@matthewstrong1114]

I got a pair of Higgins last year from AE in black with a lug soles for my job in Chicago. Haven’t slipped once and kept my feet dry all winter. Very comfortable shoes and the leather looks beautiful.

[@austinjohnson3977]

I just went to an Allen Edmonds store near me and man, these were so comfortable right out of the box, unlike my iron rangers which just don't fit my feet that well even after having them for 2 years. I got the Higgins mill in a shade darken than the ones in this video and they're the weather proof ones.

[@vicentegregorio6476]

I own a pair, very comfortable, I did not have the quality control issues you mentioned. But AE can have those, I recommend to buy them when they are on sale, I bought mine for less than $300.

[@nikhilsrl]

Well executed review. I own a Higgins Mill myself and this is my favourite AE shoe.

[@Stridewise]

I really do think it's a good shoe, despite the shortcomings I mentioned. The versatility is my favorite aspect. Which of their other shoes do you like?

[@mtmatt6111]

Nick - really appreciate your reviews. Based on the information in this review, I recently bought a pair of Higgins Mill boots. I've never worn a boot with any arch support and the Higgins Mills are incredibly comfortable for my high-arched feet. I also got lucky with the quality control as there was no loose grain. I'm extremely happy with these boots. Next are either a pair of White's boots or Alden Indys. Many thanks!

[@Stridewise]

They're super comfortable on the arch, right! Glad you didn't have any QC issues. A buddy of mine just got a pair of HMs and the shafts are totally different heights, it's wild. But if you don't get any issues with the QC they're phenomenal boots. Big fan of White's and Aldens, especially for arch support! I found White's better supported the foot but Aldens are nice and roomy in the toebox.

[@aaronwong1977]

I've read several reviews recently stating that Allen Edmonds QC was back to being good. Based on the pair of Chapman Combat boots I just received, I'd say not so much. I received only one shoe bag (the bag will definitely not fit both sides), and there's a lot of loose grain. I'm definitely a bit disappointed, because I otherwise very much love them.

[@christopherbeedie3669]

Thanks for this review (and all your other reviews)! I ended up buying a pair of seconds after watching this video and absolutely love them.

[@Stridewise]

So pumped my content was helpful to you, Christopher!!

[@funNactive1]

AE are a good buy @ 50%-60% of retail - which they have sales on quite frequently (AE is like Invicta, jack up retail to get a screaming deal on sale 🤣)

[@drzaius844]

Trying to decide between this and the Diesel boot in crimson chromexcel. Use is as a dedicated walking/hiking exercise boot. I already have a bunch of dress/office boots, and iron rangers for motorcycle duty, so this pair is meant for everyday exercise. The IR work well, except that they are way too heavy for fast walking and hiking. I’m leaning towards the Grant Stone, but taking a hard look at the HM.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Ever heard of sneakers? Why the hell would you want a pair of boots to exercise in?? Such a bizarre statement

[@lullemans72]

as far as leather lotions are concerned, i suggest using saphir's greasy leather lotion, specifically designed for these types of leathers. you can find videos about it on youtube (the hanger project), and speaking from my own experience, it's worked just fine on a pair of chippewa's i've used it on twice already.

[@Stridewise]

Yah Horween recommends that or Saphir's Renovateur if you want them to be shinier. Venetian Shoe Cream works too.

[@lullemans72]

from my understanding, renovateur is kind of overkill since there isn't any need to make a work boot like this shiny as it would take away from the nature of the boot itself. that's why the greasy leather oil feeds the boot without creating any extra shine.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I probably wouldn't put Renovateur on myself, Chromexcel kind of speaks for itself after all. Worth pointing out though, especially since the Higgins Mill could mayyyyybe worn with slacks in the right conditions and if that's the case one might want to make them shinier and more formal looking.

[@lullemans72]

yeah that's a fair point about the boot's formality

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

@@Stridewise what about the SKIDMORES LEATHER CREAM is it good for that Higgins Mills Leather?

[@Blankadoodledo]

Fine review. As always. One of the best on KZbin. Brilliant

[@Stridewise]

Thanks a ton!

[@robertsandgren9389]

I must say that the Dainite soles get too much of a good rep when reviewed by people living in the US. In my experience, they work well in rain but are dangerous on snow or ice. I might be doing something wrong or perhaps Sweden has "too much" ice but I REALLY don't recommend Dainite soles in winter conditions.

[@07Horn]

Excellent and honest review.

[@dbrown2746able]

I have nicks red wind both great. I bought 4 random pairs of Allen Edmonds 2nds + sale $100-175. So comfortable. The split toe rainier I hated when I first got them but have grown to love them

[@dbrown2746able]

The Higgins mills is $279 for the seconds hoping they still have them on the next sale

[@Stridewise]

Allen Edmonds ALWAYS has a sale on. Subscribe to the newsletter for like a month and you'll find some offer that puts them on a discount

[@jmarth523]

I just bought the HM in Loden Suede off their site for 200 🤯

[@swineburn]

I just got a pair delivered today, no quality control issues at all. Perhaps someone at Allen Edmonds saw this review.

[@Stridewise]

I think so! Mind you another friend just got a pair and the shafts are totally different heights haha

[@swineburn]

They are beautiful boots. I guess I got lucky.

[@edf2953]

I own a pair of the Higgins Mill boots and fortunately have not experienced the quality issues you mention. I was concerned about the inability to use a cream to give the boots a shine for a more formal look. I think I found some good ideas while reading some other comments to your video. Thanks for the video!

[@Stridewise]

Yeah the rule of thumb with Chromexcel is Venetian shoe cream if you like the way they look when they're new and Saphir's Renovateur when you want more of a shine. I actually wrote a whole thing on it on my website: stridewise.com/chromexcel-leather-care/ Glad you didn't have any QC issues! I still love the hell out of these boots.

[@psilocybemusashi]

Nick, have you used the saphir renovateur on your higgins mill boots personally? I was cautioned about using anything other than the leather lotion from AE because it could cause white stains.

[@brandonjames8671]

I like AE a lot...got the long branch boots and they are excellent...thanks for another great review

[@les_edc]

Have you looked into the boots made by Grant Stone? I have a pair in natural chromexcel and they’re fantastic! As for treating chromexcel-I always stick with what Nick Horween suggests, a small amount of Venetian Creme goes a long long way. :)

[@Stridewise]

Funny you should say, I'm just about to order a pair of Diesels, but it says they've discontinued the Chromexcel so I guess that wouldn't be a great pair to review. I'll probably just get the plain brown "Castagno Veg Tan"!

[@les_edc]

Stridewise So happy to hear you were already looking into them and that a review will likely be on the way! Additionally, I believe Grant Stone is discontinuing their leather sole Diesel Boots and replacing all their Diesel offerings with an in house rubber sole. So the chromexcel will definitely be back, but it will be much grippier! :)

[@prplhze2000]

You left out one key difference between HM and competitors. It comes in E and EEE. There are great boots out there but unfortunately, they often come in only a D. AE is now making HM in several water resistant suede versions that are pretty good.

[@Dunkaroos248]

I have 4 pairs of Allen Edmonds and the quality is great

[@omarsharif8815]

AE does have a QC issue. Just got my Dalton boots (ordered from its website during this round of winter sale). One of them has the same loose grain problem. Maybe it is selling factory seconds as sales items. And AE does charge substantially more if you are purchasing from overseas.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah a buddy of mine just got some Higgins Mills and the shafts are completely different heights. It's a bummer because everything else about them is great.

[@omarsharif8815]

@@Stridewise Agreed. Barring this issue, it's a great product: great silhouette and top quality material.

[@devonpeters9458]

I have had a pair of these for a few years. Still holding up great. I actually double them as legit work/hiking boots - is that crazy, haha?

[@HisLostSheep]

Some people were receiving boots that said 'Made In China', which makes me a little anxious. I've never heard of this brand until I came across your comparison video. I heard good things about the Thursday boots but I don't like how the toe box is so pointy. I did like this style and learned some things I didn't like about the Wolverine 1000. The Red Wings are a little too rugged... this seems to be the sweet spot. Might take a risk with these... hopefully quality control has improved.

[@preparetobedazled]

I've ordered two pair and they were both immaculate. Keep in mind that these are hand made so literally each boot is slightly different.

[@yazal9884]

Higgins Mill Boot w/ Tumbled Leather $159.98 yes boys, go get em!

[@DilettanteDon]

Got the exact same style (black tumbled leather) at that price looks like at around the same time as you.

[@Lokyr00]

Where? Everywhere I see is $390+

[@fortgamer1673]

Where did you get them @ that price?

[@taylorj9920]

I just bought these and their park city yesterday coming from a long history of wearing red wing iron rangers & chukka for service work, lots of walking and climbing.. I hope they last, really like the looks of both the hm & parks but I'm more concerned with overall durability in the long run

[@Stridewise]

It's a great addition to the wardrobe after years of chunkier boots!

[@jaeeph2882]

Hey, Nick. I've been wearing these shoes everyday for about a month now and I love them. However, I ordered them in my size, 10.5 D, and they feel a little bit loose near the toes. Is this normal? Should they fit more snuggly? Also, I think I watched this video ten times before I bought them. Keep up the good work!

[@shewasgood]

Jae Eph I just picked these up in store. They are meant to have more space in the toe box which helps me since I have wider feet. By far, the most comfortable boots I've worn out of the box. Excited to break these suckers in!

[@JonathanGrandt]

Decided to try out Allen Edmonds for the first time. I ordered the Chapman wingtip in natural. They were very comfortable. The finish was bad. The leather was poorly selected. Marks and scuffs and awful loose grain. The color was wonky all over the place, yea, it is natural but you can still do a decent job selecting leather that looks right. The wingtip pattern was poorly cut and just looked way off. My wife looked at them and said “are you sure those aren’t seconds?” Bam. They went right back. You’ll probably see them pop up on the Allen Edmonds factory seconds size 12. 😉

[@pianofry1138]

I know Allen Edmonds has some bad QC occasionally but don't let that discourage you because they make a wonderful product. Not the sleakest or most refined by any means but wonderful shoes at a good price point.

[@joepalope2038]

Just got a pair of waxed suede from my local AE. Beautiful IMO, but I did see quite a few pairs of brown chromexl with very noticeable wheeling. No QC issues with my pair. How do Alden Indy’s fit compared to the Higgins Mill??

[@Stridewise]

Yknow I went true to size with my Indys but a lot of people go down half a size. The Indys are a tad roomy on me but the size down felt a bit tight around my forefoot. I find it hard to make recommendations for the Indy. Maybe go down half a size and hope they stretch? I didn't want to take the risk in case they didn't stretch. Sorry I'm not much help on this one, Joseph!

[@joepalope2038]

Stridewise thanks a ton, Nick! It’s not a problem at all, seems like most people have the same problem. I’ll try a half size down, same as the HM. Thanks!

[@MAUOMBO]

Great review - I ordered a pair after watching it! I’m going with the Venetian recommendation from leather manufacturer.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I really do like this shoe a lot, the fit in particular is just right for my foot (though that varies of course from person to person). Glad you make the commitment!

[@deeplypresent]

Stridewise agreed! The fit and comfort is very nice. It almost feels like it has some poron cushioning, but I suspect it’s just the softness of the leather AE uses. Either way, the lining and footbed are very luxurious and feel better with each wear. If I had only one critique it would be the single stitching. I’d be more apt to beat them up if they had double or triple stitching.

[@beardzebub6341]

I want 2 pairs of boots, the Higgins Mills and the Thursday Captains....i was going to buy the captain's first but...AE is having a 3 day flash sale on factory 2nds with an extra 20% off. That put these down to $220. I had to strike while the getting was good. Not sure yet how to explain these to corporate....and I only have two days to figure out a good story to convince her. I might be sleeping on the couch with my new boots on this weekend.

[@Magnus-pm7ic]

Any update? Did you end up getting the Thursday boots to compare ?

[@taylorbad]

I have owned this boots for over a year and I like them. The only thing I am concerned about is that the stitching on the bottom of the Dainite sole has already worn through, even though I haven't worn them that much. I don't think the channel for the stitching was deep enough and I am worried about the integrity of the sole. If you get this boot, nice as it is, keep your warranty information handy and keep an eye on the sole.

[@TeslaRules1856]

Older video - but if anyone is looking for the best care product for CXL it is is 1) Saphir Creme Cuir Gras - Cream for Oiled Leather or 2) SAPHIR Medaille d’Or Oiled Leather Cream with Neatsfoot Oil

[@johnburk1640]

Hey man! Your videos inspired me to get a pair of these boots. They are my first higher quality boot and I went to an Allen Edmunds retail store to get them. Someone told me that since they came in plastic bags in the box, they are factory seconds. Seeing as how I paid full retail, I’m hope this isn’t the case. I’m hopping you can give me some insight into this before I call the store. I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[@Stridewise]

I'd call them up and ask! If you got them from a store I doubt they would be but yeah, plastic bag is a bit funny. Give them a good hard look for QC! Great boots when they're great boots.

[@MrBurgerphone1014]

I've got a pair with the lug soles, really comfy.

[@Stridewise]

Great choice!

[@brayangonzalez893]

Can you make a review on the Higgins mill she’ll Cordovan. I’m planning to buy them but will like to hear your opinion.

[@bippitybopped4051]

Did you end up buying? I'm looking for a pair of shell cordovans myself

[@frankrizzo7185]

Not with suit, not formal especially in NYC... love my higgins mill and got lucky minimal loose grain although not sure that would bother me unless it were splayed across the vamp :-)

[@Stridewise]

I agree, they actually aren't ideal for suits. mayyybe with a blue one at a wedding :)

[@luciustitius]

I love Allen Edmonds shoes and my first purchase, a pair of "Strand" shoes have served me well for almost 30 years now and i don´t see why they should not be in service for another 20 years maybe the rest of my life. Well quality is not the same nowadays but still i wanted to purchase a pair of that Higgins Mill boots because i think they´re fantastic. Unfortunatley you can´t buy them in Germany. No problem we´re living in an global enviroment, ey, so go get a pair from the U.S. directly via the AE web store. No problem they ship to Germany too. If you like to do that AE will charge you $340 instead of $299 for the boots just because your ordering from Europe. Then AE offers a service to pay the 8% tax you have to pay for importing leather shoes from the U.S. plus 19% VAT you have to pay in Germany - that is another $80. AE charges for handling etc another $40 if you want to take their friendly offer to pay the taxes for you. Finally shipping within two up to three weeks is another $32. So if i wanted to have one of these fantastic boots with no big hassle i´d have to pay a blistering $492. Almost $200 more than you pay in the U.S. Only $24 of this is caused by EU import duty. Will i purchase a pair of those fabulous boots? I don´t think so...

[@Stridewise]

I think $40 for shipping all the way to Germany is a pretty good deal, but then I saw you get all the extras on top - that sucks! Maybe consider British boots? Also when I order boots from Indonesia to America the shipping is about $70 but they start out a lot cheaper - Sagara's Legacy is an awful lot like the Higgins Mill.

[@Sintsoij]

Is the insole removable?

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Great boot video !!! I like boots alot..and stumbled onto you video..Very nice !! I SUBSCRIBED :-)

[@Stridewise]

I'm so happy you liked the video! I've got a Wolverine 1000 Mile review coming up next week and plenty more after that. Thank you for the comment!

[@rhymeandreasoning]

I very much like both of your videos..Really great boots you have.

[@liljuanito123]

Can you review the shell cordovan version of these?

[@vjdeodhar]

Great review as always! I bought these last week and very pleased with the purchase. They are super comfortable right out of the box and the leather is so good, i dont mind they getting quick scuffs...only complaint i have is tongue of my right boot slips around. Not sure how do i stop that!? Pls do another review for the Sullivan streets. I own them and they are fantastic too. Dont know why they are so overlooked:(

[@Stridewise]

Sullivan streets are in the works! That boot is really having a resurgence!

[@TexasBuyer2001]

Great video. What are your thoughts on the pebbled grain version of the Higgins Mill boot?

[@Stridewise]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOmZoKQaKpkgLs

[@randomguitarnote8887]

Would you recommend these over the thursday captains?

[@Stridewise]

They're a good boot but the loose grain in the leather really rankles me. But if you can inspect them in store to make sure they don't have any, I'd say it can definitely hold its own.

[@randomguitarnote8887]

Stridewise thanks for the reply, i am still not convinced on neither, what do you think about my third choice, the red wings blacksmith compared to these other two?

[@alexandcaroll3428]

Great review!!! Higgins Mill vs Thursdays Captain ?

[@Stridewise]

Tough one! I don't think enough people are searching that at the moment, analytics tells me I need to do a Doc Martens vs Solovair... but that's so boring...

[@chicagoan6342]

HMs definitely but I am a big made in the USA fan

[@msloquet]

Is your pair an oxblood? Noticed these only seem to be available in a brown or black.

[@Stridewise]

Nope, regular brown! The red pants may have made them look a little red.

[@mr.v1014]

Oh no you didn't. ...you wore those with a suit? your stock just went down my man. Keep up the great content in the mean while!

[@Stridewise]

I was a young man when I made this video, V

[@mr.v1014]

Stridewise ...understood !

[@yazal9884]

@@Stridewise you grew big in over a year lol

[@mrgt3201]

I think I'd go for the Thursday President boots and save some money. I've got a pair of Thursday Duke boots and the QC is fine.

[@Stridewise]

I agree, Thursday is legit.

[@UzumakiX5series]

How would you compare these in terms of comfort to Thursday Captain? What would you rate each out of 10?

[@Stridewise]

Thursday was a bit better at shock absorption but Higgins Mill fit my foot better, it was snug in all the right ways.

[@pattgsm]

Nick, Any plans on reviewing AE Longbranch and Dalton? Love your reviews!

[@Stridewise]

Got the Sullivan Street coming up! Then will probably do the Normandy.

[@tektoys777]

great reviews as always, i'm on the fence as to getting the tumbled or the chromexcel, are there and pros and cons to either other than just preference?

[@Stridewise]

Sorry for the delay, man. Chromexcel scratches more easily but it's more lustrous. and pretty, especially as it ages.

[@chicagoan6342]

My recommendation is Chromexcel, I have three pairs oh HMs , black, brown and camouflage (yeah I know :))

[@B0sTonCeltics20534]

I just bought them for 260 bucks on sale

[@Stridewise]

Good find!

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

They go on Sale every year.

[@zahidhaque6618]

I just bought one for 92 dollars from Nordstrom rack

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

@@zahidhaque6618 lol how

[@JLP4444]

Some of these points seem so off, they make me question other judgements. In particular, the complain about stitching of rubber sole being on the bottom. It's the same for Alden's Commando sole and other brands generally consider higher quality.

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Is that a plastic coated leather?

[@Stridewise]

no

[@jmoak311]

I used Venetian shoe cream on mine and nothing happened to the color etc.

[@teamhonn]

Just ordered a pair of these. Looks like it will be a month or more to get here. Hope the QC will be good on them.

[@Stridewise]

Great boots if so! Good luck my man.

[@teamhonn]

@@Stridewise just got them and the are perfect. Think I dodged a bullet. No one can tell they are boots with dress pants. At least after day one very happy.

[@Nahhmah]

Hi, just came across your video.. I almost went for these boots but now I'm double thinking it. What would you say are better options out there in quality over these? Thanks

[@Stridewise]

Hey Will, I don't mean for this to come off as a super negative review, this is actually one of my favorite shoes, I really like the fit and versatility. If you can get a pair in store so you can make sure the QC is OK, I think it's a fine shoe. Otherwise I'm a big fan of Thursdays, which are cheaper.

[@financialadvisor1000]

W

[@qinhan2607]

Great review! I've watched a number of your videos and I really like how detailed and well-considered your reviews are. A question for you: I'm seriously considering a pair of these AEs but am a little stuck on sizing. I'm a US 8D in Red Wings and Chippewa and a UK 7 in the RM Williams Comfort Craftsman (fellow Aussie). Would you recommend an 8D in these too? I noticed you sized up half a size from Red Wings. I don't want to get stung on international postage fees if I have to return. Thanks!

[@Stridewise]

Hey Thomas thanks for enjoying the videos! I agree there's a ton of pressure with international shipping and boots, do they not have free returns/exchanges on international orders? Might be worth trying to find a provider who does, Amazon maybe? Anyway like I say in the video I'm an 11 in Red Wing and 11.5 in the Higgins Mill, this boot fits more true to size. So if I were you I'd get a (US) 8.5.

[@qinhan2607]

Stridewise Cool. Thanks for the advice.

[@financialadvisor1000]

Hello, I am looking to do my first conditioning of my Higgins mills. I don’t want them any darker for sure, and not shiny. What would you recommend to buy?

[@Stridewise]

Here you go! stridewise.com/chromexcel-leather-care/

[@ShaneCopelin]

How would you compare these to a pair of the Thursday Presidents? I've been going back and forth on which pair to get.

[@Stridewise]

I've only tried Thursday's Captain boot so far but I think they're pretty much the same minus the captoe. I'd say Thursday is a bit lighter and sleeker, the silhouette is more refined. I do say the Higgins Mill can work with blue slacks or maybe a blue suit which I do believe, but I think Thursday would do so a bit more easily, for the aforementioned reasons. Thursday's is still very versatile though and I'm happy wearing them with jeans or khakis, plus it's hard to argue with the price.

[@jfthaines]

@@Stridewise with the ae recrafting tho and its history doesn't ae really trump Thursday boots?

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

J Haines not really lol both come with dainite and you can get them recrafted by any good cobbler

[@albertosuastez1326]

I thought the wheeling was done for decorative purposes?! Would you mind explaining why the boots lost points because of it? Thanks.

[@Stridewise]

Only that most people consider it as not great care taken during stitching - pricier boots like Tricker's and Viberg never have it. My bigger complaints were the loose grain and stitches, plus the leather has started coming off of the lining.

[@wpwhittle]

What are your thoughts on Chromexcel vs tumbled leather from AE?

[@Stridewise]

i don't know a ton abotu the tumbled leather, but Chromexcel is kind of the go to with men's boots.

[@chicagoan6342]

Definitely Chromexcel

[@MOFsquadron]

Just scored a pair of these on eBay for $30 plus $20 shipping. I might have to look into their leather conditioner, because they definitely have scuffs, and I have a bunch of leather conditioners, but I don't trust them on my first pair of chromexcell leather boots.

[@Stridewise]

Damn, good deal!! Might be worth taking them to a cobbler to restore them

[@MOFsquadron]

@@Stridewise I think you're right, for as little as I paid for them. Especially if the insole is molded to the previous owners foot already.

[@MOFsquadron]

The guy mailed the boots in a giant box with no packing materials inside, and just one line of tape over the top. Someone ripped the box open and stole them before I could get home. I'm livid.

[@JJ-zr6fu]

But this isn't a formal boot it's meant they said it was modeled after a logging boot.

[@Stridewise]

It's not formal but it is versatile

[@Josh-fs9xy]

Ok two things. 1. In the comments you said the glove lining is separating after a year of wear? And 2. What is that shirt 🤩

[@Stridewise]

The shirt is from Brooks Brothers, one of their red fleece shirts. It's a bit small on me. the glove lining tore a bit at the top of the shaft, yeah. IT's fine on the the inside.

[@Josh-fs9xy]

@@Stridewise ahhh thanks so much I guess BB don't sell it anymore. But I am going to the store Wednesday to pick me up a pair of Higgins after I watched a few more of your videos. I need that versatility. Great content btw

[@deeplypresent]

Hey @Stridewise. Have a couple questions about my Higgins Mill. I love them, but find myself wishing that they were less lustrous. I prefer the look of the more matte CXL. Do you know any way to dull them a bit? I treated mine with VSC (maybe Saphirs, I can’t remember) and recall that some of the color transferred onto the polish cloth. It makes me wonder if they are polished? Have you noticed that as well?

[@mach5jeep]

I can't stand the fact that AE doesn't trench the stitching on thier Dainite soles. I love Dainite soles but the threads on AE shoes look worn on the first day you were them. I've also seen too many instances where it appears AE tried to place a much larger sole on the upper resulting in stitching right through the lugs. Just not tolerable on shoes at this price point. I always prefer to buy American but Grant Stone beats them on every level for $100 less.

[@Lgirtfhdzxfft]

You worn them with joggers???? 😯😵

[@Stridewise]

2018 was a crazy time

[@Lgirtfhdzxfft]

@@Stridewise just joking. You are awsome... Please review a Woverin leather low top sneaker thank you

[@tamer1773]

The Higgins Mill was the easiest of AE shoes to break in for me.

[@Awakendabeast13]

Cool boot but why did you use a 10 year old boot? that has been put through hell and back. still they are nice i may get some.

[@Stridewise]

that boot was a month old when i filmed it

[@Awakendabeast13]

@@Stridewise Oh no i think i remember you saying that in the vid or another. i will probably pass on them. great vids!!!

[@snirlushitzer6838]

I thought they looked like storm welt

[@Stridewise]

They are a storm welt! They don't say so in the advertising though which is weird

[@snirlushitzer6838]

I think its cool that they are because it help more with water ressitance but still looks classy and not too ruggef like many stormy or cold weather boots

[@wongpantai9710]

The loose grain is very intolerable. It isnt quality control issue cz nobody is blind enough for not spotting the loose grain in the entire process of making the shoes. Its "intentional" quality issue and AE has no right to sell that kind of boots to customers in a full price.

[@prplhze2000]

Bick4 works well

[@A55-s9d]

Every shoe from Allen Edmonds goes on sale. And there are couons. You don't have to pay full price.

[@Troyboy23]

You’re totally wrong about Allen-Edmonds. Allen-Edmonds history goes back to the owner selling fine shoes door to door in the 1920s, but their DNA is very much in boots. They have a boot called the Normandy, which was actually issued as mill-spec boots during World War II during the invasion of Normandy. That’s how the company achieved its market share in the United States. The GIs returned back from the conflict in World War II, and All had a collective memory about how comfortable the boot was. Allen-Edmonds used it as a marketing opportunity to cross promote their other dress shoes as the GIs reentered civilian life. The more you know...

[@ga6641]

You're wrong, the Normandy boot (which looks great) is a modern design based off the Corcoran Jump Boot issued to U.S. paratroopers in WWII. Allen Edmonds did make boots for officers to wear with their dress uniforms, but they weren't under contract with the Army; U.S. officers have always had stipends to purchase their own uniforms, so a few opted for A.E.'s.

[@chicagoan6342]

But Normandy boots are amazing

[@jadur]

They look big on you. Got wrong size?

[@Stridewise]

These are actually some of the best fitting boots I own haha

[@DarkRaptor99]

Really disappointed with the Allen Edmonds QC the pair I got had noticeable marks in the leather, and a bent speed lace hook. I could deal with those issues if these were cheap boots, but at this price point you need to do better!

[@Stridewise]

Glad my experience wasn't unique to me. Well, I'm not glad you got bad boots but hopefully AE hears all this

[@ianturnbow7011]

The width only goes up to a EE? LOL. Hard pass. We out here with 5E ultra wide New Balance and Nike Monarchs.

[@hipporage18]

Gross

[@RealMuperSan]

I’ve tried two so far, both sent back for quality issues. What the heck? I’m spending a lot of money, why can’t the QC be better?

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I recommend going to a store if you can so you can do your own QC.

[@Wawalsh1234]

You should take better care of your boots. My Higgins Mill have hundreds of wear and miles and look brand new with proper maintenance and using shoe trees. Just use Neets Foot Oil. Time to step up your game.

[@ozzed101]

Noooot with a suit, come one!

[@Stridewise]

you're right, i was wrong

[@billybob7088]

Pretty bad QC for the price

[@MetalsForBrunch]

I got mine for $266 plus tax free shipping.

[@Stridewise]

Nice one! Where do you buy them?

[@MetalsForBrunch]

@@Stridewise allen edmonds main site 😁 with extra coupon code.

[@Stridewise]

@@MetalsForBrunch gotta love those coupon codes. Congrats on the steal, I'mg getting some Sullivan Streets in the mail soon!

[@MetalsForBrunch]

@@Stridewise happy thxgiving congrats on your purchase as well 😁

[@gkatchuk]

I too just picked up these for $268 off of their website with the sale price and another discount code. Such a great deal for a great boot!

[@edyue1]

Vee-bruhm, say it 10 times fast 🤪

[@christianwilliams4795]

Yeah those QC issues are not at all tolerable. The whole point of spending money on stuff is the quality of the worksmanship.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah Christian it's an unfortunate sticking point for an otherwise terrific shoe. If you can get them in store and inspect them I'd still recommend them.

[@zeroman155]

Price has gone up $100 in 6 years. Wow! 😢 They are now $495 in 2024.

[@zeroman155]

Edit: I purchased them on their annual October sale for $371 total( $30 tax included.) 10/2024

[@jimmy2055]

It’s stupid you put “iffy QC” in the title

[@Stridewise]

oh

[@MisterKnightly]

How does this video have 85k views and 870 likes?! Blasphemy.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

Please don't move your hands frenetically, the review is very good but waving your hands around incessantly is very distracting...

[@Stridewise]

I will move them even more now

[@spewgilist]

uptalking is relentless

[@chuckfriebe843]

So, for you to ask the company why you can't use another type of oil or why they want you to use their oil/lotion is a bit naive. It's like asking Apple why they want you to use their battery replacement. The reason is always $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah this was one of my first reviews, I've since learned a lot more about Chromexcel care! I've got a best conditioners video coming out next month that is the culmination of all my work

[@chuckfriebe843]

@@Stridewise great! Can't wait to hear. 😁