This is an excellent video! Thank you for the great comparison. As someone who wears 3e (eee) width shoes I am a firm lover of the 201 last. I have the Hopkison, and a couple of boots no longer sold that have this last and they are the most comfortable in my rotation. Unfortunately the 65 last is far too narrow and in one case caused my podiatrist to ban them from my rotation.
Great and fair comparison vid. You make an excellent point, people need to realise a last is really a personal thing for comfort and taste, best to try shoes on BEFORE buying online. Nowadays it's tricky though if you can't go into the store because of restrictions, or if you don't live near a shoe store that carries those brands.
I’ve never been impressed by any of the three pairs of AEs I own. I’ve only been impressed by the two pair of Alden’s that I own. No comparison in my experience.
Excellent review! I own a Black Bartlett and it fits my business attire well. It's been love at first wear and getting better with time. I think that the Independence Collection is a better value but when it comes to supporting made in the USA products, you can't go wrong with either.
@@chalkboardshoes You gave the Brown Bartlett a 4.5 last July. What would you give the Alden? Also it would be interesting to do a one year follow up on that Brown Bartlett, if you wear it often enough.
@@chalkboardshoes Thank you. I just ordered Alden 907s and hope to do a measurement comparison vs. Park Ave. Your video helped with many of my concerns.
At full price you have to pick Alden. AE has a better concept but on the Independence line the execution is just not there. Give me the Strand all day over both of those makeups.
@@chalkboardshoes with the Indy line I had to get several before I found one acceptable. I can buy many Strands before one does not measure up. Plus I like the stiffer leather of the Strand.
Allen Edmonds I am sorry to say is walking down the road of mediocrity. Alden is much superior. Allen Edmonds are always on sale where Alden I have never seen on sale. I owned a pair of the 5 series A&E that are made in Italy (very stylish) but after needing the heels fixed I found that they are made of compressed paper. I own both Alden and A&E, Alden is superior and worth the extra money; quality is remembered after you forget the extra $100.00. A&E is now building shoes in the Domicican Republic (casual/sale shoes). In all fairness however the casual import from the DR is pretty good.
This is an excellent video! Thank you for the great comparison. As someone who wears 3e (eee) width shoes I am a firm lover of the 201 last. I have the Hopkison, and a couple of boots no longer sold that have this last and they are the most comfortable in my rotation. Unfortunately the 65 last is far too narrow and in one case caused my podiatrist to ban them from my rotation.
Great and fair comparison vid. You make an excellent point, people need to realise a last is really a personal thing for comfort and taste, best to try shoes on BEFORE buying online. Nowadays it's tricky though if you can't go into the store because of restrictions, or if you don't live near a shoe store that carries those brands.
I’ve never been impressed by any of the three pairs of AEs I own. I’ve only been impressed by the two pair of Alden’s that I own. No comparison in my experience.
Excellent review! I own a Black Bartlett and it fits my business attire well. It's been love at first wear and getting better with time. I think that the Independence Collection is a better value but when it comes to supporting made in the USA products, you can't go wrong with either.
@@chalkboardshoes You gave the Brown Bartlett a 4.5 last July. What would you give the Alden? Also it would be interesting to do a one year follow up on that Brown Bartlett, if you wear it often enough.
Nice video, thank you 🙂👍
Great comparison, man! Following now!
Isn’t the Bartlett worse for high arch feet? I have the Stuttgart and they are a nightmare for me
Great side-by-side. Did you buy the same size and width for each?
@@chalkboardshoes Thank you. I just ordered Alden 907s and hope to do a measurement comparison vs. Park Ave. Your video helped with many of my concerns.
How is the size and width comparison between Strands and Bartletts?
@@chalkboardshoes thanks pal I have the notifications activated
@@chalkboardshoes looking forward to see the video
At full price you have to pick Alden. AE has a better concept but on the Independence line the execution is just not there. Give me the Strand all day over both of those makeups.
@@chalkboardshoes with the Indy line I had to get several before I found one acceptable. I can buy many Strands before one does not measure up. Plus I like the stiffer leather of the Strand.
Allen Edmonds I am sorry to say is walking down the road of mediocrity. Alden is much superior. Allen Edmonds are always on sale where Alden I have never seen on sale. I owned a pair of the 5 series A&E that are made in Italy (very stylish) but after needing the heels fixed I found that they are made of compressed paper. I own both Alden and A&E, Alden is superior and worth the extra money; quality is remembered after you forget the extra $100.00. A&E is now building shoes in the Domicican Republic (casual/sale shoes). In all fairness however the casual import from the DR is pretty good.
They always have sales but raised their regular price.
It's just a pricing strategy, like Tyrwhitt, Jos. a. Bank, Paul Frederick, etc.
AE finishing 😠