UPDATE: The Shoebank Inventory has gone online
Note: You’ll still have to phone in your purchase though. No e-commerce for 2nds quality quite yet.
There is power in certainty. But the opposite is also true. Uncertainty can cause even the most seasoned deal-hunters to sit on the sidelines when something of high quality gets its price slashed. And that retail inertia has kept many of us, myself included until recently, firmly at arms length from the every-so-often Allen Edmonds Seconds Sales.
But then I gave it a shot. And it was… awesome.
Better late than never. Right?
What are these 2nds Sales anyway?
Reddit has a great guide on how these things work, but think of them as scratch & dent sales at appliance stores. Brand new goods, but some sort of goof was made at the factory. Often it’s something cosmetic that hardly anyone would notice. Maybe a line of stitching is slightly off center, there’s a scuff in the leather, or sometimes… it can be much worse. That’s one part of the risk. The reward is the shoes get drastically discounted ($125 – $199 usually) compared to regular retail price.
These misfit-shoes get sent to their outlet stores to be sold off. But even if you don’t live near anywhere close to an Allen Edmonds Outlet, you’re not out of luck. With just two emails and a single phone call, these ended up on my doorstep not that long ago:
Allen Edmonds 5th Street Boots – $149.00 (2nds quality. Reg $299 for 1sts)
How does it work?
- Keep track on Threads and all the other online men’s style/deal forums. Usually someone who has an outlet nearby will catch wind of the next scheduled sale & will let everyone know.
- Email shoebank@allenedmonds.com or one of their outlet stores and ask kindly for a list of shoes that will be available during that upcoming sale in your size and width.
- IF there’s something there that catches your eye (I was considering a black pair of 5th Streets for almost a year), and they have it in your size, that’s when you order by phone.
Yes… the phone. Commerce via the telephone. What a flashback to the 20th century (feel free to use a landline and/or a rotary dial for kicks). When I found out there were black Fifth Streets in my size available, a rep told me over email to give her a call. I did, and she fulfilled the order. She was super nice too. Great Wisconsin accent and everything.
So what was wrong with your boots?
Not much. Well, at least not much to me. There doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with the uppers. But flip the boots over, and you’ll see that the stitching gets dangerously close to the toe of the right boot. There was also a slight ding to the edge of the sole on the left boot, but a little extra shoe creme or edge dressing should make that blend right in.
Will that cause serious issues down the road? Maybe. We’ll all find out together. But so far, so great. No issues of any kind.
So what are the risks?
- Whatever has made them “2nds quality” might be unacceptable to you.
- They charge a $10 restocking fee for returns. You can avoid this by returning them to an AE retail store. Doesn’t have to be one of their outlets.
This experience with the Fifth Streets isn’t something you should count on. This seems to be a really good scenario. Plenty of guys have pulled a pair of 2nds out of the box and been truly disappointed with what showed up. A scuff was too noticeable, the construction was too sketchy… etc. And at that point, you’re on the hook to return them to the tune of a $10 restocking fee.
It’s a gamble. But when it hits, it hits.
Your turn guys. Have you tried the Allen Edmonds 2nds sales out yet? Did you order over the phone and have to gamble? What was the end result? Should I just quit now while I’m ahead with these Fifth Streets? Or do you avoid these because of the hoops you have to jump through? Leave it all below.
I walked into a local AE outlet store in Birmingham, AL. I had never step foot in an AE store before and I asked the clerk (actually the Store Manager) about the seconds sale I had read about. He let me know that if I had a specific shoe in mind, he could let me have any of the announced shoes he had in store for the sale price. I picked up a pair of FLAWLESS (to my eye) walnut Strands for $199. Your experience may differ, but I was more than pleased with my purchase. I would have never paid the full price, regardless of quality. At that price, my wallet whimpered and complained, but I chalked it up to making an investment. ALL CREDIT goes to this site, as I had never heard of AE shoes and had never dreamed of paying more than $100 for shoes. I thank you, even if my wallet does not. =)
Man I want these boots!
I’ve got 4 pairs of 2nds – walnut & black Fifth ave, black RL blutcher, Brooks Bros penny loafers. All together they cost me substantially less than the full price of any two pairs (or just about retail for the RL pair). The only pair i can identify a defect on are the walnut fifths, where the sole has a slightly rough cut around the instep into the heel. Def. not noticeable when wearing and can be fixed with a resole at any point. Possibly the best pound for pound shoe value, I’d say. Low risk, high reward.
Just not for me, I’m afraid. I’m sure I’d be all over the brick and mortar stores if I lived near one but I’m not interested in a lottery. I’d probably rationalize any flaw just to avoid the trip to the UPS store. “I think I can live with the missing left heel. It will give me a nice pimp-like swagger!”
I have quite a few pairs of seconds and haven’t gotten a bad pair yet, but YMMV. I actually own the Fifth Streets in dark brown and they are quite comfortable. My sole beef with the boot is there are no tabs on the back. They are very difficult to get on my feet!
Forget the shoe cream/edge dressing. A month of walking around in them and you will notice neither of those flaws.
I own 3 pairs of AE Strands, 3 McAllister, 2 Franciscan, and a few other misc AE casuals. All Seconds quality. ALL fantastic craftsmanship.
I picked up my first AE seconds during the recent sale and I love them. There is a part of the upper that has some weird wrinkles in it but its really not noticeable by anybody but me. Over all I love them and they are some of my favorite shoes to wear. I will definitely be getting more seconds.
i’m guessing you went to the shop out in leeds? I ask because I grew up in Bham but moved to Florida last year.
FYI, there is a 2 pairs of close outs for $250 sale going on right now! Ask specifically for the close out list when you email the Shoebank, or call one of the outlet stores. If there are two pairs you like on the close out list, this is a good a sale as it gets!
I’ve had multiple pairs of new Allen Edmonds shoes from Amazon.com show up in what I consider “seconds” condition (weird stitching, misaligned captors, etc.). I’d say it’s probably worth the gamble to try AE outlet deals when they’re 2-for-$250
6/7 on the AE seconds. The only one I missed on was a pair of the brown positano weaves loafers – they’re 10.5D but fit like an 11D. I’m outside the return window (6+months), but they’re never worn and I either need to re-sell them or try and buy inserts to make them fit “smaller”. My hits were Red Sox boat shoes ($19), walnut fifth aves ($200), brown park aves ($125), brown grain chukkas ($125), black neumoras ($125), and brown shaker heights ($200). Best value is by far the $19 boat shoes w free shipping. Like other posts already in here, I appreciate Dappered helping introduce me to better quality and more timeless footwear, but my wallet isn’t as excited.
I suggest readings reviews of the shoes as well prior to purchase if you do see something on their list. Different lasts can mean different fits.
In true dappered fashion I would only recommend buying two pairs if there are two you want – buying two pairs at $250 isn’t better than one pair at slightly less if you never wear the second pair. That aside, I agree that this is as good as it gets for seconds.
i must say Joe, ITS ABOUT TIME!!!! you will now be hooked until you can no longer rationalize buying more lol.
Got my first pair of Allen Edmonds last week (cognac McTavishes) at the Salt Lake City Store. The sales guy’s last words to me were, “prepare to be hooked.”
Side note: the people at the Salt Lake store are extremely knowledgable, friendly, and helpful. If you live nearby, it’s a great place to visit.
I ordered 3 pairs during their last 2nds sale thanks to the heads up on the site. I got a pair of Franciscan (Walnut), Strands (Walnut), and Grayson (Black). The shoes came and I searched far and wide on all the shoes and could not find anything wrong with them at all. The Walnut was a little too light for my taste so I added some brown shoe polish and they look amazing. I would highly recommend checking out these sales and taking them seriously, you are getting a quality shoe that will last the rest of your life for half off – who cares if there is a major blemish and you have to pay $10 restocking fee. BTW they will waive the restocking fee if you pay for shipping just an FYI.
btw shoebank is whom most people deal with, but they get super busy during sales, however all the stores share their supply so you can email any outlet and be helped just as well and probably faster than Shoebank can. I personally prefer jville@allenedmonds.com and 740-948-9033. I usually deal with Kristle. When no one else can help me, she can and does. Even when its giving me a sale price two weeks after a sale. You can tell her Ariel sent you and enjoy her awesome service.
Definitely agree on your point about buying what you would really want to wear. Fortunately, if you have a fairly common size, there are a lot of classic models on the close out list.
I’ve ordered many AE’s this way. I always order more than I intend to keep since you never know what will show up on your doorstep. Consider it a backup plan. AE customer service is great, and they don’t hold grudges for returns. They get it.
Also, you can order from anywhere, but try to go through the Shoe Bank. They can often inspect the shoes prior to sending them out to let you know if they’re any good.
If they aren’t worn, AE will probably still take them back. They’re good like that.
Sometimes the shoes aren’t even seconds, I got a pair of Black Brooks Brothers Macneils a year ago for $109 which were an overrun. If you email customer service with your size they’ll send you a spreadsheet with everything available. I also got a pair of 5th avenues that were seconds but I can’t figure out why.
Of the 12 pairs of AE’s I own, 8 of them are seconds and for the most part I haven’t had any issues. All of the calfskin shoes/boots I’ve purchased have been free from any major flaws. Shell cordovan, however, is another story. I purchased a pair of brown shell Strands during a recent shell sale ($299). I’ll let the pictures attached tell the story. I ended up exchanging them for a pair of burgundy shell Park Ave’s, which turned out well (FYI, exchanges can’t be conducted via a non-outlet AE store, only returns. I covered shipping back to WI, which I’m fine with). I also ordered a pair of shell burgundy Cambridge’s, which are basically a shell version of the McAllister. Those also turned up like the Strands below, though the difference in color wasn’t nearly as dramatic, so I ended up keeping them.
Moral of the story, as Joe mentioned, is that it’s all about risk tolerance and acceptance of any flaws present. I for one am happy with the purchases, flaws and all.
I recently did an exchange for a pair of seconds quality Cliftons. There were some weird spots on the one shoe that really weren’t all that noticeable. I just emailed Jean at the shoebank and she sent me a label at no charge. That was my 3rd pair of seconds. I have a pair of PAs in Bourbon that have the stitching on the sole go inside the groove or whatever its called. Other than that they are perfect. Also got a pair of Eagle Countys that I can’t find anything wrong with. I have 2 more coming from this sale. Pair of Boardrooms (PA on 7 last for JAB) and Slatons.
As a PSA most of the JAB models are identical to current shoes from AE just on different lasts. The Boardroom is the Park Ave, the Nathan is the Fifth Ave and they have a wingtip bal call the McLain (not exactly the McCallister). These and other JAB models are on closeouts and are included in the sale.
I’ve had a similar experience with a pair of Allen Edmonds purchased directly from Amazon.
I picked up a pair of Park Aves on sale, plus a 20% off amazon coupon, and the shoes had some rather wonky looking stitching on the soles. A professional cobbler that put taps on the heels for me was shocked that AE had not marked them as 2nds. Since I basically paid 2nds price for them, I let it slide, but I haven’t ordered AEs from amazon ever again.
I join the chorus of others who have purchased 2nds from an AE outlet store and had great results. I picked up a pair of McTavish’s, and I cannot tell why they were marked as 2nds.
I’m not having any luck getting the current list.
Same here. I have emailed 3 times over the past few days in search of the list in my size, and not gotten a response… anybody have the list in 10E?
Don’t forget the $40 shipping if you’re Canadian.
I think another issue might be the last, or else AE has a VERY small instep compared to most other makers. I find it odd that all my 11C & D’s get quite the V in lacing vs an 11D Magnanni that does all the way up.
I concur, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying a number of them.
Yes, you are correct. As I mentioned, I had never heard of AE before reading Dappered. Now, I find out that there are three stores in the Birmingham area. SO much temptation!
Where are the other stores? Im coming back home in a couple of weeks for a visit and I would like to hit up a store, there aren’t any in my area.
Purely talking the 2nds
Strawfut fits me flawless where another shoe in the same last, also 2nds from same and different sale so it might not be cosmetic damage all the time.
Well the AE sales rep assured me that any seconds had only cosmetic issues. A functionally deficient shoe would be pulled completely from sale. And the AE’s that I have with a wide “V” are firsts in the same size that I wear in every other shoe (12D) so it might just be how some models are.
Other than the one in Leeds that you know about, there is a dedicated store at the Summit. Also, Macy’s at Eastwood Mall has a nice selection. These are sometimes included on their sales, which is a great thing.
Also don’t forget about the Nordstrom yearly sale and the Amazon shoe sales. Both bring a new pair of Allen Edmonds down to $200 to $225…
I own many pairs of AEs, and all are excellent. Most are 2nds or clearance, but don’t show even the slightest sign of cosmetic imperfection. Besides bespoke shoes, AE is the only company I have found to make all their lines in wide widths, which is a plus for me. Note: their sizes can vary by model and manufacturer origin
Best finds were $19 Red Sox boat shoes and a pair of $79 dark green suede desert boots known as the “Hayden.” Unfortunately, I have never been able to find the “Hayden” on any other website but feel like I’m walking on clouds or pillows when they are on my feet. Strongly recommend if you ever see them on eBay or the like.
Best of all… AE has great customer service, especially at outlet locations. Can be hit or miss, but the staff is more than willing to dig through shelves and find your size. Can’t say I’ve ever had the same type of “first-quality” experience at any other retail outlet.
If you’re within driving distance of the border, the expense of cross-border shipping can be avoided with a US package receiving service. Costs run $3-5 each for smaller packages.
A bonus is that CBSA will typically ignore duties and taxes when you declare an import worth less than two or three hundred dollars. Officers have discretion, which means their willingness to overlook imports goes up as the lineup grows.
Somewhat unrelated but if you live in Arizona, Last Chance (part of Nordstrom) has tons of Allen Edmonds for $69. I picked up some Cliftons and Strands.
I ordered two pair from the most recent seconds sale, working with Susan H. from the Port Washington store. The first pair, a black calfskin vernon, had a funny bottom of the heal–like someone had taken a razor and shaved off the corner–maybe a quarter inch chunk, never noticeable while wearing, I was very pleased. The second pair that I ordered was something of a trial for my AE correspondent, Susan. I requested a pair of Cambridges in their burgundy shell cordovan, of which they had two pair but at a different warehouse. Susan intimated that they work on commission, which would explain why she had to wait several weeks to order them for me. They were at another store, where a different AE employee was attempting to sell them to someone in person, who claimed he was coming back to pick between the two pair on hand. That person never came, afaik. Finally after waiting 2 weeks, Susan got the pair, but on her day off, someone at her home store sold them out from under her. In a move I am still impressed by, she got me a pair of cordovan Jeffersons, a more expensive shoe, at the price quoted for the Cambridge. I’ve been out of town so I haven’t seen the quality of the shoe, but the customer service effort was second to none. Giver Susan H a call at 262-284-7158. She’s earned more commissions.
This was recently posted on an AE seconds discussion on Threads: a searchable inventory of AE seconds. http://www.aexnet.com:89/FactorySecondInventory.php
It doesn’t give you the numbers available, only if a particular size and colour exists for that model. The nice thing is that the listing includes pictures, so you don’t have to cross-reference with the mainline inventory to figure out what kind of shoe is listed.
good resource. Too bad for me the drive to the closest factory store would more than negate any savings from buying seconds.
Purchased cordovan Randolph’s for $299.00. A great deal and you can`t see any faults. They sent me a list of available shoes in my size and I called them and placed the order.They where very helpful. I wanted these shoes but not for the $650.00 list price.
Shipping on seconds is free – you only pay for returns by mail, and even then it’s just $10 if you request a prepaid shipping label from AE.
Going through an exchange now myself, as the pair I received had a fit issue on one shoe and a small tear at the top of heel seam of the other (fit and structural damage issues which seconds aren’t supposed to have). No charges for shipping levied.
Crap I should really read these things first, but I jumped straight to the comments :). At any rate, I read somewhere that their Seconds aren’t covered by warranty for rework and such. Is that true?
Any shoe which is normally eligible for recrafting – which is a fee service, not a warranty service – should be recraftable as a second.
Far as I can tell the difference is free returns, or not. To get a definitive answer, why not ask the manufacturer? Phone or email the Shoe Bank or an outlet. At the same time, you can find out if any of the closeout seconds on sale today for 50% off appeal to you.
Here’s a follow-up. I ordered 4 pairs from the sale with the expectation that some would be damaged and I could easily return two. However, all four have appeared in fantastic condition so now I actually have to make a choice. So I guess I’m 4 for 4.
I know it’s been some time for this follow-up, but they did take the pair for refund. I don’t know if I should be surprised or not since their customer service has never been anything but spectacular.
I got two pairs. They both hit. 5th street boots as above and Park Ave in Brown. Grand total of 275 bucks.
I have 6 pairs of seconds, Walnut Strands (Brooks Brothers branded), Black McTavish, Tan Elgin, Tan Finch, MacNeil5 in Cognac Chromexcel and Black Lasalle. Just ordered a pair of black 5th Ave which will make 7. I also have one pair of firsts, Merlot McAllister, which I got from Amazon on sale for $199. No problems with any so far. And I ALWAYS deal with the Jeffersonville Ohio outlet. Kristle is absolutely amazing!
Wait, did I say 8 pairs??? Oh boy……