New Allen Edmonds Strands Unboxing & shine!

[@CobblerBob]

2 Points I’d like to address: 1. Many comments that you’d return them. I knew many would feel that way. Just remember, you’re welcome to feel that way, please don’t be mad at me for not feeling the same. I honestly am very happy with them and have no desire to return them. Even with the flaws for what you get I think they’re a great value at $315. 2. The slacks I wore in this video are very full/traditional fit (not slim nor tailored fit). I agree, I look better with shimmer fit slacks. Especially with being quarantined, I honestly haven’t been paying as much attention to my pants (all our work is done on webcam). I appreciate the feedback and will migrate away from wide pants.

[@kaikaichen]

I concur with your opinion on these shoes. People need to manage their expectations and stop expecting Crockett & Jones-level finishing and leather flawlessness out of shoes that cost literally half as much.

[@zefdin101]

Well said. Between the trolls and the OCD kooks, it’s hard to level set your head when reading the comment section for videos. Why do some people feel the need to ruin other people’s happiness?

[@zefdin101]

Robert , You are a well dressed and very handsome man. Don’t let the trolls bother you my friend.. they can’t do what you do, so out of jealousy they criticize.... small minds.

[@Retired_Gentleman]

Just before the lockdown I visited a local thrift and while walking through the men's shoes area I spied an interesting pair of quality looking brogued shoes. I picked them up and immediately saw two features. First the shoes were very lightly worn and that they were Allen Edmonds Strands. $23.99 Canadian but 30% off for seniors day meant my cost was $16.79! The only flaw was some minor water damage on the inside of one shoe. After cleaning, conditioning, and polishing they look fantastic! They are without a doubt the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. Bob, without your instructional videos I'd never have known what to look for in shoes, or to buy these Strands, or how to restore them. Thank you, sir.

[@lindseystyles5232]

OMG. I have never seen a man so obsessed with dress shoes. 😂. I love it!! I have over 300 pair of shoes, but usually wear the same few pair. I am going through shoes and donating to charity. Happy shopping.

[@CobblerBob]

You should check out “WiShoeGuy” the Wisconsin Shoe Guy. HE is obsessed! 300 pairs??!! 😳

[@CreamJockey]

Great video Mr. Powers! I applaud your ambition to make those shoes truly yours with the extra work you put into them. They are beautiful shoes.

[@SunMagnetic]

Thanks for sharing your mistakes. Believe it or not it's encouraging because I hesitate to experiment because I dont want to mess up. Also, it shows your enthusiasm and authenticity

[@CobblerBob]

Bro. Derek M. Thank you. 👊🏼

[@billross6013]

Nice Robert nothing compares to a well dressed Gentlemen.

[@ThriftedGent]

Brave man. My wife would kill me if I put my shoes on the kitchen table! Lol. I normally don't watch videos longer than 15 mins but Robert your videos are crazy informative! ✊

[@symonf1966]

Great video Robert and thanks for posting. I really enjoyed the modelling and catwalk part at the end. And as you say, a pair of leather soled dress shoes sound absolutely wonderful as you walk.

[@Mario22149]

While I’m not a huge fan of the 65 last on the park ave and fifth ave, a pair of walnut strands are almost a must for any man’s collection. Just great looking casual shoes. You can pair these with jeans or a pair of light grey slacks and a sports jacket.

[@MrDucatiti]

I've probably watched most if not all our videos throughout the years. Loyal subscriber and follower here. I can tell that this one of your favorite pairs due to the big smile and expression on your face in the beginning compared to your other videos. Keep up your great work! I probably watch one of your videos each day, even if I've seen it before especially the shell videos you have.

[@CobblerBob]

Thank you!! Yes, the Strands are my favorite! I’m pretty transparent I guess with my emotions. Thanks for watching!

[@zefdin101]

Robert, It’s official, I’m jealous... Gorgeous shoe... ! Knowing you understand and you’ll appreciate them thoroughly makes me not hate you too much.. lol! Beautiful shoes.. Alan

[@mahreeohhhh]

I had no idea that's what the gentlemans corner on the toplift was for. Thanks Robert!

[@dreamonrockon1216]

Strand is my favorite, bought a pre-owned pair but I won’t patina them, cause in my opinion it’s too much on a medallion pair, so I decide to burnish my fifth avenue instead, I will keep watching your videos, so relaxing!

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

I agree about Cobbler Union. I have a pair of their Chelsea boots and had to go to my normal size instead of half size down due to my wide foot. I still had to get them stretched.

[@seekingtruth6822]

Great job Bob, enjoyed that you did it yourself. They look classy and your video was entertaining. Stay healthy and take care. God bless brother

[@CobblerBob]

Seeking Truth thank you. Same to you!

[@markgillum5709]

Great job, Bob.!! How are you. my friend? You certainly have to be commended for having the chutzpah to work on a brand new out of the box pair of shoes like that, but hey, you have skills.! I don't sweat the "send 'em back" comments, that is strictly a matter of personal preference and what bothers some folks, is nothing to others. My thought is that as long as it doesn't structurally harm the shoe, I can live with slight imperfections and most can be worked out. Also, it reminds me that the shoe is hand made and from leather that itself may not be perfect. I call it character. Keep up the good work. Congratulations. There is no feeling like finally acquiring a shoe you have wanted for a bit, and especially if they are Strands.!

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I agree Mark, thank you!

[@kevingu7196]

Great video Bob. Not long ago I grabbed a pair of first quality, dark brown Bartlett, which is basically Strands in the Independent Collection. But having watched your video, I somehow wish I got my pair in walnut! And despite what others may be saying and having owned many AE shoes myself, rest assured that your pair is very well finished, better than most of the AE I have bought, including those in the Independent Collection, which is supposed to be higher end.

[@mikemccoy4832]

Great content as usual Bob. The smell of new AEs is amazing, my Hamiltons still smell of new leather after 3 weeks and multiple wears. The stretching and slight discoloration might have been enough for me to want to exchange them but it was much better after you added some more color back there. Enjoy them!

[@sergeypanfilov3397]

the double-stitched line makes Oxford Brogue more gorgeous

[@magicalplaid]

Nice work, the shoes turned out really well. I would also keep the shoes, since that type of imperfection in that location is not noticable when actually wearing the shoes, and for the price is not unacceptable to me. I also got a pair of walnut strands on sale, but I opted for the wovens after seeing you feature that type of shoe in some videos.

[@robertocastaneda1692]

Great video Bob. Save yourself some time and effort. Before applying the glue on the sole saver put some witness marks across the sole saver and the tape. You can use a silver sharpie. Then all you have to do is align the lines after the glue is applied and don’t have to worry of a misalignment.

[@CobblerBob]

Great point! I have started doing that.

[@francisstephen6622]

Lovely shoes. I have a pair of Loake "Seaham" in walnut whose patina just seems to get better every time you polish them.

[@tubagod007]

See’s a speck.... “doesn’t bother me a bit” .... proceeds to scratch it off lol Love your videos!!

[@arvindsahai552]

Allen Edmonds should also give shoe tree in the box.

[@tagheuer001]

Yea those really set off blueish pants and jackets. Great work.

[@lindseystyles5232]

Are you an accountant, engineer, OCD? 😉. You would be in heaven working at Allen Edmonds. Those are beautiful shoes. You must wear a different pair everyday. I think you should try hand making shoes.

[@CobblerBob]

LOL, I work in financial services, but my degree is in Mechanical Engineering Technology, LOL.

[@scottbein5440]

You congratulated me on my first pair on FB. Let me congratulate you, and tell you that they are beautiful.

[@allen31951]

Beautiful shoes, Bob. I have the McAlister in Walnut. I would contact them regarding the heel flaw. I would request a price adjustment reflective of a second. See what they say. Thanks for your videos. Enjoy your new AEs.

[@CobblerBob]

Allen Sandusky yeah, a few ppl commented, but the heel spot honestly doesn’t bother me one bit. Plus now that I dyed them and cut the soles they’re mine for sure!

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

It’s a shame about the heel but I like what you did with the burnishing and they looked great under natural light during your walk. Good job, man.

[@francoisrobidoux8734]

They look like factory seconds. Dye stains on the vamp of right shoe, uneaven patina on the back, broguing punches stitched too close to the rim of the vamps, stitching almost out of the toe-cap on the left shoe, and I could go on...

[@VWbobby94]

Love the new strands!!!

[@felixmunoz184]

Robert can you make a Video comparing a Strand vs a Strandmok. Really enjoyed your Neumok vs Mcallister video. Thanks

[@CobblerBob]

Felix Munoz - I just missed the chance! I had a pair of Standmoks, but sold them a couple months ago. I just bought a pair of Strands, so I never had both models at the same time.

[@ilgambino0784]

Enjoy them Bob well deserved

[@vim1471]

I bought a pair of light tan brogues of eBay as a project. I want to darken the colour with dye but scared that i might over darken them to the point theres no going back. I can't decide between Mahogany or Cognac colour. Which colour would you say is the lightest ? Or perhaps i should use the lightest dye then use a darker shade of polish to get the effect ?

[@CobblerBob]

Vim - mahogany Fiebings is a relatively dark shade similar to burgundy, but browner. It looks reddish compared to brown, but looks brown compared to burgundy. I haven’t used their cognac, but that’s usually a shade between brown and tan. You can get for example a darker brown and a tan and mix them. You can start lighter, and add more of the dark color to the mix if it’s too light. I would also suggest getting a pair of shoes to practice on. The downside to darkening with polish is that whenever you scuff the shoe, you have a light spot that is often difficult to get back to like it was before.

[@drewr.194]

Thanks for video Robert. Question for you: I too just bought a pair of AE during their sale. I bought black fifth streets. I noticed the edge of the sole, all the way around each shoe, is VERY rough as if it was unfinished. Definitely not a smooth refined finished like yours. Is that normal? Thanks for your advice. Drew

[@CobblerBob]

It’s hard to say without seeing it, but I’ve had that too. One pair I took 120 grit sandpaper and sanded them smoother, then re-syed them with black edge dressing and waxed them. It’s definitely an area in my opinion they could often do a better job with.

[@benjaminkenobi6925]

Nice job.👍

[@dreamonrockon1216]

Hey Robert, today I striped my strand but these are some black stains I can’t get rid of it by using 90% alcohol, do you think the acetone can do it? If so, what’s kind of mask you recommend? thanks!

[@CobblerBob]

Sorry for the late reply... yes acetone will take off more. If you’re worried about fumes, do it outside, and/or wear a painters mask, the type that straps onto your head and has 2 charcoal filters.

[@dreamonrockon1216]

Robert Powers thanks for the reply！ Will try it！

[@chicago9458]

And you say the sound of a leather sole after you put rubber on it :)

[@CobblerBob]

LOL

[@WH6FQE]

I finally got tired of trying to do the burnishing patina effect using polish and broke down and ordered an airbrush kit and several shades of leather dye so that I can gradually do the burnishing from lighter to darker shades to make them appear more natural. When airbrushing your dye, are you using the dye at full strength or do you dilute it with alcohol?

[@CobblerBob]

I dilute it about 1:1. I apologize for missing your comment!!

[@WH6FQE]

@@CobblerBob thanks.

[@steakmann]

I always hear stories around the place about how Allen Edmonds' quality control has gone down as of late but I always had a feeling that it's partially because they produce so many more shoes now that the percentage of issues is probably about the same so the total cases increases. Furthermore, it's more likely that someone voices their opinions when something is wrong than when everything is A-Okay. Great to see how nice this pair looks and I love your channel. Keep it up!

[@CobblerBob]

Soviet - thanks for commenting. The Elegant Oxford covered this specific topic (AE quality) and said (he visited their factory) that AE states their returned shoes have been about the same at 3%. I think his video said they make 5,000 pairs a month or something.

[@pravmistry3775]

Good evening , great video. However , I would not accept them as prestine because of the blemish at the back of one shoe. You have worked hard for your money and you deserve better. They need to be returned as faulty and I am extremely surprised that they passed quality control. This is my humble opinion kind regards Prav

[@CobblerBob]

Prav Mistry yep, I get it. I honestly was not bothered by it.

[@evilspock4714]

Jesus Robert, get your pants tailored, It’s 2020! (Beautiful shoes btw).

[@Judge_RR]

Robert, do not listen to this clown - he is clearly of a younger age and has no understanding whatsoever of a full / medium break and a proper wide, flowy trouser. I bet he gets his tailored to be skin tight. At that point, other factors come into play and need to be addressed.

[@evilspock4714]

Judge Virulence Tapered + No break is the modern way. Unless you’re trying to look like krusty the clown from the 90s.

[@leonardogastmann6416]

@@evilspock4714 I got the joke... the snowflake there couldnt understand that this is decent criticism... Robert does an amazing job and this should also reflect in other pieces of his closet...

[@Historiccolonialmedicine]

What is the name for the eBay seller that has AE shoes returned to the shore you mentioned in the video.

[@CobblerBob]

That's "Steve's Name Brand Shoes" on eBay.

[@Historiccolonialmedicine]

@@CobblerBob thanks.

[@hanwenyap]

So Bob, did you tell your wife about them? More importantly, does your wife watch your videos?

[@philschiavone101]

Yazza Yap They are tailored. Full on break. We used to do that years ago. I still do.

[@CobblerBob]

Yes, I did, and she was completely non-chalant about it. Now I’m asking her “hey honey, why don’t you get something nice for yourself?” LOL. Nope. She doesn’t watch my videos.

[@hanwenyap]

@@CobblerBob Good for you, Bob! I'd really like to get a pair, but its so rare on eBay. Even if they're there its so expensive

[@nickb2883]

Brand new shoes in this pricerange should not have imperfections as big as on the heel of the left shoe, imo. It should have not passed quality control, and sold as 2nds.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Nick De Bruin Agreed 100%.

[@chicago9458]

Can you at least wear them for a couple months with original Soles

[@CobblerBob]

It depends on how you walk, what you walk on, and the hardness of the leather. The standard leather Allen Edmonds comes with now is not as wear resistant as 20+ years ago (good leather is just harder to get today), and wear it on concrete, and you wear the tips of your toes a lot? No, they'll be too rounded off. A hard JR Rendenbach leather sole, worn mostly indoors, and you don't wear the tips of the toes? Then yes, no problem.

[@Stoeff1987]

Close? Robert I think you actually came a bit off and ... oh, oh, yeah, thats what I meant, looks like you saw it too. Robert, are you ok? ... I will wait outside until the new glue is dry.

[@stevenjm12]

Its infuriating when dress shoes arent made in my width. I wear a narrow shoe (B) in AEs.

[@CobblerBob]

Steven Jacob yes, I’m surprised how many companies don’t offer wide (or narrow). Although I love never purchased for narrow feet, I wonder, can you size down (for Ex get a 10 or 10.5 if you’re an 11.5B) in a style that has a long last?

[@stevenjm12]

@@CobblerBob yes sometimes but it is not something you want to guess with. Really need to try the shoes in person

[@alexadomeit2506]

Hay Bob did the wife kill you for getting another pair of shoes yet? Or was the "I got them 100 dollar off" bit sufficient after all? Lol

[@CobblerBob]

LOL I’m blessed, she’s so understanding.

[@Javi_C]

:)

[@tigerlillyb5492]

Kevin Spacey anybody???

[@Andrew7244]

This guy is nice. Spacey is a jerk...LOL...great actor, bit of a perv, but a jerk none the less

[@philschiavone101]

Just about professional Bob. You are ruining your channel. Lol.

[@CobblerBob]

Phil Schiavone - on typed text it’s hard to tell context... I’m not sure how to take that comment?

[@philschiavone101]

If you are too good with shoes, it kinda ruins the “hey I am just an amateur” persona. Best parts of your videos is when you tackle something you are not even sure how to do.

[@CobblerBob]

@@philschiavone101 Aaah, now that makes sense, LOL

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

Wauu full of flaws and defects

[@CobblerBob]

Lucky Strike 777 - that’s why I wanted to show it all. Do you think outside of the wrinkle and color on the back of the heel, we’re they really that bad? Remember, this is not a corrected grain leather with a glued on heel.

[@LuckyStrike-ov9cd]

Enjoy the shoes Robert every one has their own tastes it's disappointing to the brand that they make most of their shoes with flaws and defects I own 2 pairs Allen edmonds that I bought years ago but I stopped buying from this brand years ago because my self I will never pay $300 to $600 for shoes with flaws and defects that's just me

[@mrmarkus4652]

The sole job wasn’t great. Probably just get a dainite.