[rhz]

I have read that the policy of charging a $25 restocking fee is not always applied when returning a pair of factory seconds to Allen Edmonds. I'm wondering what if anything was the common factor among those who have (recently) avoided paying the fee.

The reason I'm asking is because I have a ridiculously difficult foot to fit and have found huge variability in Allen Edmonds sizing conventions (up to a full size). Also, I cannot go to an AE store and try on shoes, since I wear a B width. In some instances, where the style is still being made, it's possible to order a pair of firsts to investigate fit, but I really would not want to do this repeatedly. Also, there are many no-longer-made factory seconds which appear attractive.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

[JLibourel]

Given that there are two A-E stores in San Francisco and one in Walnut Creek, it shouldn't be too difficult to visit one of them and find out which lasts are the best fit in your size. It might be nice to purchase a pair of shoes when you do this or at least stock up on polish and other supplies. There should be plenty of shoes in "B" width. When I was younger, I was either a "B" or a "C", and I never had trouble finding boots or shoes that fit. Consider my poor brother-in-law, who is a 15AA!

 

[rhz]

Given that there are two A-E stores in San Francisco and one in Walnut Creek, it shouldn't be too difficult to visit one of them and find out which lasts are the best fit in your size. It might be nice to purchase a pair of shoes when you do this or at least stock up on polish and other supplies. There should be plenty of shoes in "B" width. When I was younger, I was either a "B" or a "C", and I never had trouble finding boots or shoes that fit. Consider my poor brother-in-law, who is a 15AA!

Thanks. At least in San Francisco (Sutter St), I have found that they really only carry in stock one or two shoe models (usually 65 last). Similar experience in WC.

 

[JLibourel]

Well, I have only been in the Sutter Street store, and they seemed to have an extensive array A-E styles. This was only a little over two years ago, and I can't imagine things have changed that much. An awful lot of what A-E makes these days seems to be on the 65 last, which I think is the same as the old 5 last. When I was buying A-Es (I bought a lot, nearly all seconds, between 2003 and 2007), the #4 last was my favorite--a little less slender and elegant than #5 but decidedly more comfortable if I had to do much walking.

 

[jts287]

I'm a B and I've purchased two pairs of seconds; one fit like a dream right out of the box, the others needed length and width stretching. Just the risk you run with seconds...

 

[rhz]

I'm a B and I've purchased two pairs of seconds; one fit like a dream right out of the box, the others needed length and width stretching. Just the risk you run with seconds...

Thanks.

Do you think that was because they were seconds? My experience with firsts is that there was a huge amount of variability.

Do you remember the specific models (or, at least, the lasts) of the shoes you bought?

 

[jts287]

McNeils (97 last) were right on, Leidens (1943) were probably an 11.5A (I'm a 12B); enough to conjure up some nasty blisters. They stretched out just fine though, fwiw.

I have to think that mis-sizings would qualify for the waived shipping, but obv can't say for sure. I have Vernons and Larchmonts in first quality, both great fits.

All that said, I'll check the 2nds when my next purchase is due.

 

[mreams99]

There is no charge to “exchange” the shoe for a different pair. The charge only applies to returns for a refund.

 

[rhz]

There is no charge to "exchange" the shoe for a different pair. The charge only applies to returns for a refund.

Thank you. Is that true via the main AE website, the shoebank site, or on a per-individual-factory-second-outlet basis? Didn't see any mention of it on shoebank, and it seems that the main AE site is down at the moment. Thanks, again.

 

[mreams99]

Thank you. Is that true via the main AE website, the shoebank site, or on a per-individual-factory-second-outlet basis? Didn't see any mention of it on shoebank, and it seems that the main AE site is down at the moment. Thanks, again.

This is what I was told by a Shoebank/outlet store sales associate.

 

[Hebrew Barrister]

I've always been given a free return label if I call the main AE customer service number to return a pair of shoe bank shoes.