[ctt]

I haven't purchased a new pair of good shoes in awhile because I changed jobs and don't need to "dress up" every day. For several years, I walked a mile or so to work every day in NYC rotating between a pair of AE Park Ave and Alden/BB seconds. Those shoes got beat up with scratches and gouges but I still wear them (although I have to take extra time to tidy up the bad spots each time).

About a year ago I bought a new pair of AE Strands from Nordstroms and they appear flawless to me. However, I just bought two pairs of new AE Park Aves on sale (from Amazon) and am wondering if the "issues" I see in them are just par for the course with AE now, something to do with Amazon shoe quality, if I'm being too picky or the shoes skipped through quality control. (I have bought several pairs of seconds or lightly used shoes, most of which looked to have fewer "issues" than these shoes that weren't marked seconds.) I took a couple pictures, which are attached. The first shows grain issues that I only have on my very worn pair of AE Park Aves, which I always assumed was because they got too dry and cracked; I wouldn't expect this in new shoes, though. The second two are scratches and scuffs that I don't think will disappear with a polish.

What does everyone think? Are these things issues you would return the shoes for or am I just being too picky? There are several other similar "issues" on the other pair as well. I do plan to take better care of these than my previous pairs now that I don't live in a large city and won't be walking through the streets as much in the shoes.

 

[At Law]

Unfortunately, ever since AE was sold in 2016 and Paul Grangaard was replaced, their quality has slowly, but steadily been heading in the wrong direction.
I continue to purchase AE because they are still manufactured in Wisconsin. If they move overseas, I will be done with AE for good.

 

[AlphaOmega]

I've heard you need to be careful buying from Amazon because some sellers will misrepresent factory seconds as regular stock.

 

[jackmccullough]

These are expensive shoes in my book, so I wouldn't be happy with these condition problems. I would return them for an exchange. I gather that the next ones you get may be better.

 

[irish95]

I believe those are seconds. I bought a pair of Dalton boots(2nd’s) about 7 years ago with a similar defect as your first picture in the shaft of the boot. It didn’t bother me at all, but it would have if they were advertised as first quality.

 

[mlenecare]

What is sold on amizon are very likely seconds.

 

[IT_cyclist]

I have a number of pairs of AEs. But I gave up buying more a couple of years back.
Many on this forum would say. "No, they didn't skip the QC department. QC has been outsourced. To the customer. " So, QC! Do your job!*

*W-2 not included.

 

[ctt]

I bought them from Amazon/Zappos and they said they don't sell factory seconds. They offered me 50$ off each pair, which would bring them down to $180 for factory seconds. I haven't decided if I will take them up on that or send them back.

 

[SG_67]

I bought them from Amazon/Zappos and they said they don't sell factory seconds. They offered me 50$ off each pair, which would bring them down to $180 for factory seconds. I haven't decided if I will take them up on that or send them back.

Send them back and get a refund, and then look elsewhere.

I'm a proud American but I've concluded that for the money English shoes are a better value. Your $180 will go a long way with Herring.

Herring Shoes - Luxury Men's Formal & Casual Shoes

Herring Shoes are specialists in high quality men's shoes. Our list of suppliers include Church's, Loake, Barker, Cheaney, Alfred Sargent, Trickers, Sebago, Wildsmith, Saphir and our own Herring shoes. Here you can find brogues, monk shoes, oxfords, boots and many other men's shoe styles.

www.herringshoes.co.uk

 

[ctt]

Send them back and get a refund, and then look elsewhere.

I'm a proud American but I've concluded that for the money English shoes are a better value. Your $180 will go a long way with Herring.

Herring Shoes - Luxury Men's Formal & Casual Shoes

Herring Shoes are specialists in high quality men's shoes. Our list of suppliers include Church's, Loake, Barker, Cheaney, Alfred Sargent, Trickers, Sebago, Wildsmith, Saphir and our own Herring shoes. Here you can find brogues, monk shoes, oxfords, boots and many other men's shoe styles.

www.herringshoes.co.uk

Have you had to return items to them? A little uneasy about buying shoes without trying them on first and having to ship them back internationally if they don't fit. I like the look of their shoes.

 

[SG_67]

Have you had to return items to them? A little uneasy about buying shoes without trying them on first and having to ship them back internationally if they don't fit. I like the look of their shoes.

I haven't personally but I know many here have and have had nothing but good things to say of the service.

Personally, I'm not a fan of buying shoes online unless you already know the fit. If the customer service is as reported, and your ability to source shoes locally limited, then it's a viable option.

 

[eagle2250]

I haven't personally but I know many here have and have had nothing but good things to say of the service.

Personally, I'm not a fan of buying shoes online unless you already know the fit. If the customer service is as reported, and your ability to source shoes locally limited, then it's a viable option.

I have purchased shoes from Herring on several occasions and each time the customer service has been an absolute pleasure and I have been thrilled with the fit and quality of the product received! Good luck in your quest for the perfect shoe.