What Allen Edmonds shoes cost and why

Allen Edmonds is a Wisconsin-based shoemaker that sells dress shoes, casual shoes, and boots directly and through department stores. Their prices range from roughly $300 to $600 per pair at full retail, with occasional sales dropping prices 20 to 40 percent below that. The cost reflects the construction method — most shoes use Goodyear welt stitching, which means the sole is stitched rather than glued to the upper, and the shoe can be resoled when the sole wears out instead of being discarded.

The company manufactures some shoes in the United States and sources others from factories in Portugal and other countries. The domestic production and the welt construction are the main reasons the shoes cost more than mass-market dress shoes from department stores, which typically use glued soles and cost $80 to $150. Whether that price difference makes sense depends on how long you keep shoes and how much you wear them.

Key Takeaways

  • Allen Edmonds shoes use Goodyear welt construction, which allows the sole to be replaced rather than requiring you to buy new shoes when the sole wears out.
  • Full retail prices run $300 to $600 per pair, though the company runs sales that reduce prices by 20 to 40 percent several times per year.
  • Some Allen Edmonds shoes are made in the United States and others in Portugal; the product page or box will specify the country of origin.
  • The company offers a recrafting service that replaces the sole, heel, and other worn parts for a fee that varies by shoe style but typically costs $100 to $150.

How Goodyear welt construction works and why it matters

A Goodyear welt is a strip of leather or synthetic material that runs around the shoe where the upper (the part that covers your foot) meets the sole. The welt is stitched to both the upper and the sole, creating a seam that runs all the way around the shoe. When the sole wears out, a cobbler or the manufacturer can remove the old sole by cutting through that seam, then stitch a new sole in its place. The upper and welt remain intact.

Shoes made with glued soles — the standard method for shoes under $200 — cannot be resoled this way. Once the glue fails or the sole wears through, the shoe is typically discarded. If you wear a pair of shoes regularly for several years, the cost per year of an Allen Edmonds shoe that gets resoled once or twice can be lower than buying multiple pairs of cheaper shoes. If you wear shoes occasionally or replace them every year or two anyway, the higher upfront cost may not pay off.

Where Allen Edmonds shoes are made

Allen Edmonds manufactures some shoes at a factory in Port Washington, Wisconsin. Other shoes in their lineup are made in Portugal. The company's website and product pages list the country of origin for each style. If domestic manufacturing is important to you, check before you order — not all styles are made in the United States.

The Portuguese-made shoes use the same Goodyear welt construction and materials as the domestic shoes, and the price difference between them is usually small. The main difference is where the labor happens. Some customers prefer the domestic option for that reason; others find the price difference not worth the preference.

Allen Edmonds pricing and when sales happen

Allen Edmonds runs sales several times per year, typically around major holidays and at the end of each season. During these sales, prices drop 20 to 40 percent from the full retail price. The company also maintains an outlet section on its website with discontinued styles and overstock at reduced prices. If you are not in a hurry to buy, waiting for a sale can save you $100 or more per pair.

The company also sells through department stores like Nordstrom and Brooks Brothers, which sometimes run their own sales on Allen Edmonds inventory. Prices at those retailers are usually the same as Allen Edmonds' own website at full retail, but department store sales may offer deeper discounts than the manufacturer's own promotions.

The recrafting service and resoling costs

Allen Edmonds offers a recrafting service that replaces worn parts of the shoe. The service typically includes a new sole, new heel, and cleaning and conditioning of the upper. The cost varies by shoe style but generally runs $100 to $150 per pair. You can mail shoes to the company or drop them off at certain retail locations. Turnaround time is usually four to six weeks.

This service is one reason the higher initial cost can make sense over time. A $400 shoe that gets resoled once for $125 costs $525 total over several years of wear. A $120 shoe that you replace three times costs $360, but you have gone through three pairs instead of one. The math depends on how long you actually wear shoes before replacing them.

Comparing Allen Edmonds to other dress shoe brands

Other shoemakers use Goodyear welt construction and similar pricing. Alden, based in Massachusetts, makes welted shoes in the $300 to $500 range. Cole Haan, owned by Nike, makes some welted shoes but also makes many glued shoes at lower prices. Beckett Simonon, an online brand, makes welted shoes for $200 to $300. Crockett & Jones, a British maker, prices shoes at $400 to $600. The choice between these brands usually comes down to fit, style preference, and whether you value domestic manufacturing.

If you want a welted shoe at a lower price point than Allen Edmonds, Beckett Simonon is worth considering. If you prefer to buy from a store where you can try shoes on before purchasing, Allen Edmonds' presence in department stores and its own retail locations makes that easier than ordering online from a brand you have never worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resole Allen Edmonds shoes myself or at any cobbler?

Any cobbler with experience resoling welted shoes can resole Allen Edmonds shoes. You do not have to use the company's recrafting service. However, the quality of the resole depends on the cobbler's skill, and prices vary widely by location. The company's recrafting service guarantees consistency and uses materials matched to the original shoe.

Do Allen Edmonds shoes require a break-in period?

Most people find Allen Edmonds shoes require a break-in period of a few wears before they feel comfortable. The leather is typically stiffer than mass-market shoes. Wearing them for short periods at first and using shoe stretchers or conditioner can speed up the break-in. If a shoe does not fit after break-in, the company has a return policy — check the website for current terms.

What is the difference between Allen Edmonds shoes made in the US and Portugal?

The construction method and materials are the same. The main difference is labor location. Portuguese-made shoes are sometimes slightly less expensive. Both are covered by the same warranty and recrafting service. The choice is personal preference about where you want manufacturing to happen.

How long do Allen Edmonds shoes last before needing a resole?

This depends on how often you wear them and your walking style. Most people get two to four years of regular wear before the sole wears through enough to need replacement. If you rotate between multiple pairs, they last longer. If you wear the same pair every day, you may need a resole sooner.