The Allen Edmonds Park Avenue is the all you can do pair. You cannot go wrong with these and they are classic. They make me feel like a million bucks. When it's a night out of town and your wanting to feel classy, put these on. My normal wear when I feel like having fun are my Walnut Strands but when I mean business, the Park Avenue are my go to shoes. Gotta love these, if you only have one pair of shoes this is it. Get these in black and your done, showtime.
Bought these for my boyfriend during the anniversary sale and he couldn't love them more! He keeps saying how comfortable and versatile they are. He's already looking into purchasing another one in black!
I wanted a pair of Allen Edmonds black Park Avenue shoes for a long time and finally bought a pair. They seem well made in every way--even the shoe strings are nice. They're also made in USA.
I was grateful to Nordstrom for placing these popular shoes on sale.
Yes, spending $400 on a pair of shoes seems like a lot of cash to drop. But if you are serious about your footwear, there is simply no other alternative to a well-made leather Oxford.
Pros: - Timeless look; The Oxford is simply the most classic, most sophisticated men's dress shoe you can buy. It is tempting to buy a Derby/Blutcher, or something with a "Bicycle Toe" or Brogue-ing, but *don't do it*. Buy a black leather Oxford with either a cap toe or plain toe. They will almost certainly be more expensive, but they look so much nicer, and they last so much longer. - Comfort; These shoes take a bit to wear in, but eventually they do soften up.
Cons: - I'm now in the habit of wearing a different shoe on my right foot when I drive (when practical). This isn't really a "con", just something I'd think about so that you don't unnecessarily wear out the heel on your $400 right shoe. - Stiff at first, as most higher-end dress shoes tend to be - Leather soles are elegant and classic, but probably not as comfortable as rubber soles
FYI: I'm a 12.5 on the foot measurement instrument, and I wear a 13B "Narrow" in AE. The 13D "Medium" was much too roomy around my ankle. I don't consider my foot to be especially "narrow", either.
