I have several pairs of AEs. I have had little to no issues, however I will admit they are on a rotation. Some pairs get worn once every couple of months.
Overall I like the shoes and boots. I just don't like the way the leather is wearing in on the WP Higgins. This is only aesthetic, as they are still high quality.
Your 2016 Higgins aged like fine wine. WOW. The Cole Hanns creasing looked fine to me and is comparable to the CXL. I've seen a lot worse from shopping mall shoes (like how your Daltons around the 8 min mark turned out). For the heel gap, as long as the boot/shoe is both stitched and nailed, you should be fine. A lot of Aldens end up like that too
the dalton is a beautiful boot. these days there are so many other options where you can even buy hand welted boots for less than AE like black bird or bridlen.
I bought Allen Edmond boots specifically made for rain and snow. Wore them during snow and they absorbed so much moisture and became so heavy that i couldn’t wear them again. Terrible waste of almost $500.
Hey! Why don't you get some Grant Stones? You should try them! Especially the Diesels's which is a plain toed boot that is similar to the Higgins Mills. I bet you won't have any of these issues unless you're an AE fanboy and only buy AE.
I've heard of grant stones, but I enjoy the Landon cap toe and dalton. If I'm going to go casual, I'll just go to Thursdays. I also like cap toe and wingtips much more than plain toe. AE has been discontinuing their good boots lately, but I like that they have stores and lot's of different sizes in their shoes.
@@tommilano5431Grant Stone does have a cap toe boot if you are looking down the line. I have a pair of Diesel boots and a pair of Higgins Mills and I can say the Diesel is better built.
It's possible. I think the Weatherproof liner is on the inside, but they also seemed to use less quality leather. These are from 4 -5 years ago, so maybe they've improved them for 2024-2025.
@@tommilano5431 it is. It's a different, leather. Doesn't have the same luster as the CXL and why the chili's look more brown than chili. They went all in on weatherproofing the Higgins mills.
I haven't checked their backpacks, but I think all "nice" backpacks are a bit of a scam. Heavy, and lack support. I have a few nice all black backpacks from osprey, and they still look stylish, while having more space, sternum and waist straps, and rain covers. Also probably a fraction of the price.
Even looking at them you aren't going to know what is fiberboard and what isn't unless you cut them in half. Nor will you know that the park ave shoe is mostly leather and the boot has fiberboard. This is not only false claims but criminal acts and their management needs to face jail time.. how many people have been injured, lied to, and spent their hard earned money only for their cobbler to show them the trash inside....
That’s funny ! Really jail time ? What strange world do you live in ? How many pair of Ae’s do you own ? How many pairs of shoes/boots do you own ? Just curious what makes you an expert ?
Looks like they bought b grade sides of leather and are also terrible at clicking. Like a pair of Grant Stone Diesel boots that were run over by a steamroller. Those Higgins Mill are just terrible, relegated to mowing the lawn.
Tom, What brand would you recommend for boots and dressy casual for men with 3E and 4E widths??? AE is definitely sliding in my opinion. New sub….great videos!!! Bob
I have several pairs of AEs. I have had little to no issues, however I will admit they are on a rotation. Some pairs get worn once every couple of months.
Overall I like the shoes and boots. I just don't like the way the leather is wearing in on the WP Higgins. This is only aesthetic, as they are still high quality.
Saphir now makes a brown polish for CXL boots. Works real well with the Higgins Mill CXL
I'll give it a try, but I think the damage is already done.
Your videos are great Tom. Big fan from New Zealand.
Cheers from across the pond! I appreciate the support.
Your 2016 Higgins aged like fine wine. WOW. The Cole Hanns creasing looked fine to me and is comparable to the CXL. I've seen a lot worse from shopping mall shoes (like how your Daltons around the 8 min mark turned out).
For the heel gap, as long as the boot/shoe is both stitched and nailed, you should be fine. A lot of Aldens end up like that too
Thank you!
the dalton is a beautiful boot. these days there are so many other options where you can even buy hand welted boots for less than AE like black bird or bridlen.
Agree!
I bought Allen Edmond boots specifically made for rain and snow. Wore them during snow and they absorbed so much moisture and became so heavy that i couldn’t wear them again. Terrible waste of almost $500.
That sucks. For beater boots, I prefer Ecco Track 25, Cole Haan Waterproof Chukka, or Thurdsday boots.
Hey! Why don't you get some Grant Stones? You should try them! Especially the Diesels's which is a plain toed boot that is similar to the Higgins Mills. I bet you won't have any of these issues unless you're an AE fanboy and only buy AE.
I've heard of grant stones, but I enjoy the Landon cap toe and dalton. If I'm going to go casual, I'll just go to Thursdays. I also like cap toe and wingtips much more than plain toe.
AE has been discontinuing their good boots lately, but I like that they have stores and lot's of different sizes in their shoes.
@@tommilano5431Grant Stone does have a cap toe boot if you are looking down the line. I have a pair of Diesel boots and a pair of Higgins Mills and I can say the Diesel is better built.
You think the wrinkling might be due to the weatherproofing construction?
It's possible. I think the Weatherproof liner is on the inside, but they also seemed to use less quality leather. These are from 4 -5 years ago, so maybe they've improved them for 2024-2025.
@@tommilano5431 it is. It's a different, leather. Doesn't have the same luster as the CXL and why the chili's look more brown than chili. They went all in on weatherproofing the Higgins mills.
AE backpacks are too heavy to actually carry anything on them.
I haven't checked their backpacks, but I think all "nice" backpacks are a bit of a scam. Heavy, and lack support.
I have a few nice all black backpacks from osprey, and they still look stylish, while having more space, sternum and waist straps, and rain covers. Also probably a fraction of the price.
Good video
Thank you.
Check out Grant Stone. They’re known for their flawless construction and quality material.
I've heard that. Maybe I will some day, but I have too many boots already!
Even looking at them you aren't going to know what is fiberboard and what isn't unless you cut them in half. Nor will you know that the park ave shoe is mostly leather and the boot has fiberboard. This is not only false claims but criminal acts and their management needs to face jail time.. how many people have been injured, lied to, and spent their hard earned money only for their cobbler to show them the trash inside....
Overreaction
That’s funny ! Really jail time ? What strange world do you live in ? How many pair of Ae’s do you own ? How many pairs of shoes/boots do you own ? Just curious what makes you an expert ?
Looks like they bought b grade sides of leather and are also terrible at clicking. Like a pair of Grant Stone Diesel boots that were run over by a steamroller. Those Higgins Mill are just terrible, relegated to mowing the lawn.
Yeah, it's a shame they look so rough. Great boot otherwise.
Tom,
What brand would you recommend for boots and dressy casual for men with 3E and 4E widths??? AE is definitely sliding in my opinion. New sub….great videos!!!
Bob