Rated 5 out of 5 by nzachary Beautiful shoe that fits me well
Undoubtedly, shoes are the most difficult items for me to find in an appropriate size. I have a wide foot, small heel, and high instep. That combination makes for a tough time getting the right cut and size. With my choices limited by these sizing issues, it is seldom that I find a shoe that fits, is beautifully constructed, and exudes stylistic elegance. This shoe, however, fits the bill completely!
The attention to detail with the wingtipping is spot on, and the fit is remarkable. The only choice I had to make was between a 9 1/2 E or a 10 E, and I went with the 10 E. The waxed laces have a different feel to them, but they are wonderful throughout the day as they don't readily come untied.
I hope to purchase the brown pair sometime soon, as I believe they will look exceptional when dressed up or down.
As a side note, I would strongly suggest getting the Brooks Brothers cedar shoe trees in conjunction with these wonderful shoes. They will absorb some of the moisture from the leather, and will help the shoe keep its form for many years. Further, the black shoe cream works very well compared to traditional polish or wax (the latter typically only used on Cordovan leather).
July 8, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by mimalik Must have
Super comfy. A must have pair for every wardrobe. I got them in brown, and found them more appealing than black or walnut. Has much better shine and appearance, in my opinion.
As others have mentioned, they are quite narrow. Made on one of the narrowest last by AE. I normally wear 9-9.5 D, but had to go 8.5EEE on these. My feet are not wide, however this shoe's last is truly narrow. Besides that, they are really comfortable, no break in time required. Plenty of toe room, even after going down a size. This shoe works on jeans/khakis/suits, its style is one of those classics that always appear very contemporary and will always be 'in'. I wish they were also available in burgundy color.
I ordered them online but had to go to BB store to get the correct fit. Will highly recommend to try before buying them online. In store experience is 2nd to none. very knowledgeable and friendly staff.
May 23, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by WBSmith200 Nice Shoes
When I saw these in my local BB store in Toronto I knew I wanted a pair. I can wear the walnut color medallion cap toe pretty much with a pair of dark rinse jeans and a nice shirt on the town up to a suit.
The only caveat is try the shoes on in the store before you buy. I measure size 11 but I went down a half size in these shoes for a proper fit. As usual your experience may be different.
May 18, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by BearNecessities Exceptional shoe
This was my first shoe purchase from my local Brooks Brothers store, and went with the walnut finish.
Couldn't be happier with my purchase. Both the colour and style lends itself to chinos, jeans and dress pants. Picked up the matching belt which adds to the finished look. I did see a review which mentioned difficulties with finding a matching belt, which wasn't the case for me. Was hanging right next to the shoes. Will be picking up a pair in black soon.
Have not in the past bought shoes that had special widths, so unable to comment on if these BB/AE shoes fit narrow or wide. Fortunately, I was assisted by a marvellous sales associate and he ensured that my fit was appropriate. There is a nice weight to them and make you stand a certain way. Difficult to describe, other than to say they feel great.
I walk to and from work most every day and am very impressed with how little it took to 'break in' the shoe. Perhaps proving my Mom was always right and a really good shoe doesn't need to be broken in? And as a big walker, I found the sole to be superior to anything I have ever bought. So far very little wear and they can handle the wet that comes with living in Vancouver.
May 8, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by BostonU Great Shoes
I purchased this shoe in Black but I believe the brown show sthe workmanship and detail of the shoe better. This does not detract from the quality of the shoe in black though. It is a comfortable show which runs true to size but maybe a little bit narrow. I feel they run pretty close to my Peal & Co. shoes This is not enough to warrant buying them wider but maybe requires a little longer break in period to stretch the width a little. All in all they are great shoes and I will purchase another pair of these in the future. My only complaint would be the shoe laces are very thin, thinner than most.
April 8, 2011
Rated 5 out of 5 by CarlT Great shoe for dress or casual use
I had been looking for a brown/tan dress shoe to wear with a blue or grey suit and be flexible enough to go with a blazer and jeans. These Allen Edmonds balmorals in walnut fit the bill.
I chose the full brogue model (there is simpler perforated captoe, Item # MH00024, also) as it has nice, rakish appearance making it more, not less, suitable for casual evening use.
As to sizing, I am a true 12.5C, but the 13C is an almost perfect fit. This has been my experience with AE shoes including sip-ons.
The only drawback I have found is an excessive tendency to scuff. Honestly, I had noticed this on the display models at the Louisville BB store. Using the BB tan cream polish does not help much. I plan to use the AE tan wax to see if this is a better match.
January 12, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Doozy A phenomenally smooth appearance
This cap has such a wonderful fit; it actually conveys either a dress-up or down look depending on your preference. Its tailored appearance looks expensive and refined.
January 13, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by NewOrleansStyle Great AE Shoe
I have several pair of Allen-Edmonds shoes, and have had my eye on a pair of Walnut Strands for awhile. When BB started their partnership with Allen-Edmonds, I was very excited to get my hands on a pair.
These shoes offer the superb finish, incredible looks, and lasting quality I've come to expect from AE. Be careful, though - if you are accustomed to buying Allen-Edmonds shoes directly from AE, your usual size may not fit. I usually wear an 11E from AE, but after trying on several pairs of these, settled on an 11.5D.
I get complimented on these shoes all the time, by women and men both. Certainly an eye-catcher in the beautiful Walnut color.
May 11, 2012
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