Allen Edmonds Lubbock – $167.45 ($295)
On sale for $197, with an extra 15% off at checkout through today, 4/29/13. Part of the Allen Edmonds “rough” collection. Not all products in the outfits below are still available for purchase.
At first glance these are a bit of an odd duck. Okay, you’re right… second glance too. But just because they’re unique doesn’t mean they can’t become a well loved workhorse. They’re a single monk from the Allen Edmonds “rough” collection. So they’re meant to be casual, and the waxy but not shiny leather gives them a more rugged feel. Yet clunky work boots they ain’t.
The toe is nicely tapered and elongated thanks to the #2 last they’re built on. And from certain angles they can look downright sleek. They do seem to run a little long. But they’re also on the narrow side. There was some heel slippage with a size 10.5 on my feet (what I normally wear) and I’m hoping a 10 on exchange won’t get too tight in the width.
Not everyone’s cup of tea by any stretch. These are not plain brown lace ups. But the price is awfully nice at under $170 (through today) and they just might go real well with a number of outfits this spring and summer. Here’s a few suggestions on what to wear these with…
With a Summer Suit
- Suit: Banana Republic 70% Cotton/ 30% Linen Micro Stripe – $380.00
- Shirt: Nordstrom – $49.50
- Tie: TheTieBar – $15.00
- Watch: Tissot – $527
Pardon the Morie. The Lubbocks won’t work with a smooth wool suit, but a cotton or linen summer suit? Maybe a Thompson in Oxford cloth? Sure thing. They still dress it down though, so choose a tie with some texture like a knit or wool blend. All silk would clash a bit. Go sockless, find a place that makes a great julep, and soak up some post work sun.
Here’s a mini review of the suit: It’s nice. Not mind blowing, but nice. Gonna be tough to catch a sale on it. Could use a little more linen in the mix. Plenty lightweight though, yet lined with poly. 3 button pressed into two, hacking pockets, side vents, and non functioning buttons with accent stitching around them. Fits like a standard BR tailored fit.
Business Casual
- Sweater: J. Crew Factory Merino Wool
- Shirt: Ratio Windowpane – $98.00
- Pants: Banana Republic Vintage Straight
- Watch: FormFunctionForm Button Stud Weekender – $75.00
- Tie: Ernest Alexander
Hey look… khaki pants with a v-neck over a collared shirt and tie. Nothing too wild about that, but all of these items have had a bit more thought put into them. These particular chinos have a thicker fabric and more of a worn look. They’re not the pleated, perma-creased pants most business casual employees wear, and they go much better with the Lubbocks. Tie is a chambray cotton and the shirt has a decent sized windowpane pattern to it. FFF’s button stud weekender with the “night” dial and veg tan essex band finishes it off.
With Jeans and a Blazer
- Blazer: INC Glen Plaid Ultra Light
- Shirt: Target Merona – $20.00 (only available in stores)
- Jeans: Levis’ 514 Slim Straight – $39.99
- Watch: Hamilton Chrono (But this Timex is awfully close for $80)
- Belt: Brooks Brothers
Obligatory jeans and sportcoat suggestion. It’s starting to get a little warm for jeans, but the shirt-weight sportcoat up top in a lighter grey will help keep you cool. A light blue shirt is a no-brainer, but a stripped ribbon belt will jump out every once in awhile. And while casual, it’s not like your shoes are super-ignorable here. Standing out quietly. Casually, but still standing out.
With Shorts
- Shirt: jcp OCBD – (now) $40 (with sleeves rolled up the “right” way)
- Shorts: GAP Glen Plaid cotton shorts (also seen over here)
- Belt: J. Crew – $55.00 (but goes on sale from time to time)
- Sunglasses: Ray Ban New Wayfarer – $80 – $125
Why not? They’re certainly not dressed-up double monks. And if you’re going to spend this kind of money on shoes, might as well put them through their paces. Might want to drop a terry cloth insole
Thoughts from you guys? Your take goes in the comments. Meanwhile, if you’ll excuse me, between that grey background and those shorts, it looks like someone has some ironing to do.
Great stuff, Joe, Not sure i’m sold on the shorts with dress-ish shoes look but the rest are wonderful. Seems like a very versatile shoe at a great price.
My experience with these shoes is that they are way narrower than any other AE’s I’ve worn. Whereas my McTavish and Yuma 9.5E and what I’ve worn of the Strand in 9.5E are snug and McGraw and Boardroom fit great in 9.5D the Lubbocks in 9.5E are tight. They become painful by the end of the day and if I walk around a lot used to cause blistering on my pinky toes. I got them stretched out, now they feel great at the beginning of the day but become uncomfortable after a lot a walking (no blisters or actual pain anymore).
Great looking shoes and I love wearing them on days I know I won’t be on my feet much. Just narrower than expected.
Like the shorts look, except I think it’d look even better with grey jeans?
Interesting. Looks like they don’t even carry them in E anymore online. I’ve got a borderline wide foot, but usually stick with D. These were narrow, but my foot didn’t feel cramped in a 10.5. But they do run a little long, and my heel was slipping. Hope the 10 doesn’t get too close. Thanks for the feedback.
Love this series, just not a big fan of this shoe personally. I think the dress shoes with shorts look is a bold move, not everyone can pull it off. I think it might look a little bit better with a non strap shoe like a loafer or buck.
Odd, exact opposite problem with my pair. 9.5D and they’re a little big on me.
I own two pairs of Allen Edmonds, and this is one of my favorites. Its rough nature lets me just wear it constantly and not worry about it getting pretty beat up.
Beautiful Shoes…. cant justify them at all tho!
Hang around for a seconds sale. I got mine in the last 2 for $250 run.
their sale is ending today. best second sale so far that ive seen. still cant justify it as i have too many shoes.
Any ideas on where to find one of those Glen Plaid ultra-light blazers? Macy’s doesn’t have them online; does anyone know if they still exist in stores?
Nah, just a few months ago they did two for $250 from the factory seconds. That’s where I got my Lubbock and Hale. Word was they were to do another sometime in June? Just rumor.
I have the identical situation with my lubbocks, just a tad narrow and some rubbing on the pinkey toe. Joe, we seem to have the same feet. I typically wear 10.5D on Allen Edmonds, but went with 10D after hearing so many report that the lubbocks run a tad long. Some stretching with a shoe tree has helped with the narrow width, but I still can’t do too much walking with this pair.
I haven’t seen them in a verrrry long time. Wish they’d make a comeback.
I’ve seen ’em pop up on eBay every once in a while.
Agree with ncfranklin. I’d wait for the 2 for $250 or even $2 for $200.
love my ratio windowpane
Really want these shoes. Can spare the coin and the woman would kill me. I have more shoes than she does.
Do you think they would work with an all navy seersucker suit, like this one from J. Crew? It would be for a wedding at 2:30, reception starts around 5.
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/TheLudlowShop/PRDOVR~02071/02071.jsp