Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
I personally hate sneakers made by companies that specialize in dress shoes primarily, I think they look lazy. I don't know what would compel someone to buy something like this when they could buy these for 1/3 of the price and arguably look better.
As far as shoes that are closer to a sneaker, go with a brand that makes sneakers and find their nicest shoes. They're far better than going with a brand that makes dress shoes and finding their take on a sneaker. |
Here's the thing: for the most part, those sneakers are going to be made in a factory in Europe that makes similar sneakers for a bunch of luxury brands. Allen Edmonds isn't making them itself. In other words, you actually are getting sneakers made by a sneaker manufacturer - they're just designed by someone at AE (who, in turn, is almost certainly just ripping off popular styles from other brands, because AE isn't a fashion house). There was a period in the late 2000s where there were like 10 different brands that all manufactured sneakers in the same place and you could tell because they all used the exact same sole. Lanvin actually switched to an entirely new sole design just to differentiate itself (
before the switch /
after the switch)
I have a pair of Allen Edmonds Canal Courts, which I got at O'Connors during a sale for less than Adidas wants for those Stan Smiths in the link above. There's just no comparison in terms of the quality of materials and construction. They're more substantial, more comfortable, and while the styling is a bit of personal preference (though I prefer the more understated look than even the relatively mild adidas branding), the materials just make the shoe look better. I only have the one pair, but I'd describe them as not quite Common Projects level but they're not miles away from it either.
So, even at full price, I wouldn't balk at a sneaker just because it has AE branding on it, if it looks good. But when you can get them on sale, they can be a real bargain.