[irishboy]

I'm a big Allen Edmonds fan. I've had a pair of Park Avenues since my college graduation in 1997 that I've maintained, cared for, recrafted, shined, etc. I still wear them weekly. This is the second pair I ever bought (maybe 23 years ago?). They were brown calf AE Senecas. They've been recrafted twice and this model hasn't been made for years. I'm attaching some pics so you get the idea of what cannot be fixed (I live in a harsh winter climate - and even with overshoes, it's tough). In this case, it's okay to let go, right? They've seen me through a lot - it doesn't seem right to throw them in the garbage! Needing your support. I finally replaced them on Black Friday with a pair of AE Windsors in Chili. Does anyone think I'm making a mistake?

 

[Mike Petrik]

I'm a fan of holding onto shoes as long as possible, especially if I like the model and it cannot be replaced. While these shoes are in pretty poor shape, AE has a terrific recrafting service. I would give them a call and ask. You might be able to email them the photos. Even if not, they will probably suggest you send the shoes in for evaluation. They will then tell you if they are an acceptable candidate for recrafting.

 

[irishboy]

Thanks, Mike. I think this is a good option. I'll give it a try and follow up if people are interested.

 

[Peak and Pine]

I think this [recrafting] [again ] is a good option. I'll give it a try and follow up if people are interested.

You've had these for twenty three years, recrafted them twice and they look really bad. Toss them. Literally, get rid of them, don't donate them. Worn out, torn, stained cracked stuff should not be donated. An ethical thrift shop will thank you as you donate, toss them as you drive away. Cut out the middle man, do it yourself.

How do you like the new pair you just got, the AE Windsors? Quite a deal, a $400 shoe for around $235. A pretty plain jane affair though, compared to your departed Senecas. I think AE still makes a couple of Norwegians, you weren't interested in replacing yours?

 

[irishboy]

Just to clarify I would NEVER donate these shoes. As a thrifter myself, I have standards. My two options were recraft (again) or throw in the trash.

I haven't broken in my Windsors yet. I was looking for something plain this time around. I should clarify... I've collected seven or so pairs over the years including one LaSalle and one Delray, the latter which I particularly love. And the Windsors were $199 last week! Can't go wrong at that price.

 

[Charles Dana]

Follow Peak and Pine’s suggestion. To the letter. It’s difficult to get to the point where one is able to ruthlessly cull the wardrobe. But once one is there, tossing out what no longer works—and without a single regret—becomes easier.

Free yourself of those shoes. You’ll have a spring in your step.

 

[Peak and Pine]

I've collected seven or so pairs over the years including one LaSalle and one Delray, the latter which I particularly love. And the Windsors were $199 last week! Can't go wrong at that price.

I share your like for the Delray. Mine have a thick lug sole. (For those unfamiliar, it's a Norwegian.)

Nice price on your new Windsors. I was also dealt well on my one November apparel purchase, an AE Strand in turmeric suede. Or ginger, since I don't know what turmeric is. They were $149 from The Shoe Bank. With tax and shipping, $163

 

[triklops55]

If you love them, they can be salvaged with a good recraft, and I don't mean by Allen Edmonds. You'd have to send them to a place like Bedo's Leatherworks. Will probably cost you more than getting a new pair, but hey, they will end up better than before and will serve you for the rest of your life.

 

[CC3]

Alden

 

[The Great Garbanzo]

I purchased the above Loro Piana cashmere blazer from Brooks and of course the image pops up on my computer all the time.

So while reading this thread I popped over to the Allen Edmonds site to check out the Windsor....lookee who AE is using as a model!

To the OP....That looks like salt damage. Try blotting several times with white vinegar. If that doesn't help I'd toss them...coming from a guy who just donated 22 dress shirts!