Hello, could I get some advice on these shell cordovan AE park avenues that I just bought? While inspecting them before the first wear, I discovered a hard lump in the shell cordovan. I squeezed the lump between my fingers, but it didn't seem to depress any, which means it might be between the inner lining and the outer lining or part of the leather itself. Does anyone know if lumps like this are common on shell cordovan or if it constitutes a defect in the leather? The position of the lump on the shoe is such that it would normally be covered by my pants while I'm standing, but revealed while I'm sitting. Should I return them to AE and request for a replacement or just live with it since the may be hard to notice if viewed from far away? If I keep it, is there any way to fix it and smooth it out? If you were me, what would you do? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Is this a defect in shell cordovan?
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Good luck. If they can remedy it, then all the better. Otherwise, nothing wrong with waiting for the job to be done right.
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13,646 Posts
⇧ this. Good luck, you are entitled to have that issue fixed (to your satisfaction) or a new pair provided as replacement.
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14,999 Posts
It's a clear defect. Nothing unreasonable.
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27,866 Posts
+1.
The only other raised dots I've seen on shell were slight and the result of having gotten wet, but which disappeared upon drying. As stated, this looks like some debris trapped between the lining and the upper.
Too bad, as they otherwise look to be well made.
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13,646 Posts
And because of that, they'll be gobbled up when they'll show up as a "seconds" somewhere for 30-50 cents on the dollar.
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Apparently, the horse had a pimple on its rump. Make AE exchange them. Don't let them con you into keeping them.
Tick bite?
If I picked them up as seconds at 30c on the dollar, or used on fleabay for half that, I'd (happily) live with it.
If I waited 8 weeks for probably my most expensive pair of shoes to be spec'd and assembled to perfection, I'd expect perfection and bring 'em back. Perhaps ask for loaners during the subsequent wait.
If I picked them up as seconds at 30c on the dollar, or used on fleabay for half that, I'd (happily) live with it.
If I waited 8 weeks for probably my most expensive pair of shoes to be spec'd and assembled to perfection, I'd expect perfection and bring 'em back. Perhaps ask for loaners during the subsequent wait.
So I went to AE and a sales rep said that bump was probably the imprint that was left by the machine where it was holding the shoe and that it would go away once worn in. I didn't believe that story one bit because it felt like a hard lump that didn't go away when I pressed it between my fingers. If I had followed his advice and worn them, then I would be SOL if the bump is still there afterwards. They eventually took them back and put me on the crafting wait list. I wish they had more in stock so I could have just swapped them, but it seems like the cordovan line is short on stock after the Christmas $200 off sale. That is also when I bought mine, but I expected a flawless shoe since they crafted it for me. If I had bought it as seconds or on ebay, then this would have been a non-issue.
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13,646 Posts
Good for you for standing your ground / bad for AE for putting you in that position. IMO, they should also have bumped you to the top of the queue since it is AE's fault that you have to have the shoes crafted again.
I've been in the exact position you've been in and it is exhausting and demoralizing. It's one of the reasons I have negative feelings toward Brooks Brothers' MTM effort - they did a poor job on a pair of MTM trousers once and tried every excuse in the book to not have to remake them.
After that experience, I went to Polo for MTM and, in over ten years and, literally, for over 30 MTM item, I had only one problem and Polo took full responsibility without any pushing on my part (they called it out to me before I even saw the item).
I know it probably doesn't matter a bit, but it's why I always encourage Polo MTM on this site when it comes up and note my negative BB experience.
The manager I spoke to said I'll probably have to wait 8 weeks again but it could be faster this time around. I was hoping to wear them to some upcoming job interviews, but I guess I'll get them after the interview process is complete. I wish I had thought to press for being put at the top of the list.
When it comes to MTM, I think customer service is king. I know a tailor/bespoke suit maker who values customer service and always treats me right. Admittedly, he is more expensive than others, but the quality of work and service has always been outstanding. Because of that, I always go to him and recommend people to him.
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You did the right thing! I hope the replacements meet your entirely reasonable expectations.
Problem is that AE uses the customer as QC.
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1,222 Posts
I wouldn't keep them if I paid full price for them.
This seems like such a careless mistake to make that would be so easily caught if they bothered to look at the shoe while making it.
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10 Posts
Return to AE as soon as possible. A return on a material's defect like this needs to be made within thirty to sixty days. They should accept the return and give an equal replacement without any cost to you. I've had very good experiences with AE in having to return shoes with defect problems. Good luck......73s
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