Allen Edmonds

One of the few benefits of Austin’s crazy growth to long-​time residents is that we’re now big enough for firms like Allen Edmonds to open shop here. I’ve been buying AE shoes for 30 years, during travel to larger cities or from their catalog. I still have the first pair I bought. They are more expensive to begin with, but the designs are classic and the quality and value are outstanding. Keep them in shoe trees, properly cleaned or brushed, and they may outlast you.
I recently bought my first pair from their shop on Congress Ave and was pleased with the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and attentive. They seem more interested in making you comfortable in a good pair of shoes than rushing a sale. I’ve been wearing the same size for a long time, but the person who helped me had a good idea for a slight change in size that worked out well.
Having a local shop also makes it easier to take advantage of AE’s commitment to what they sell. They have a well-​known refurbishment program, to resole and generally spruce up an older pair of shoes for a reasonable charge. Even before that, however, they stand by their quality promise. I brought in a pair of AE boots I got a few years ago that had a lacing grommet come loose. They had been purchased elsewhere, but the Austin shop took them in, shipped them to the factory, fixed the grommet and mailed them back to me, free of charge. You will not get that kind of service anywhere else in Austin. Long term, you won’t save money buying cheaper shoes.

If you’re looking for an elegant pair of dress shoes that will last you a long time, this is the place to go. All of the shoes are made in the USA of high quality leather, and they’re Goodyear welted, so they can be easily resoled when the soles wear out. The styles are classic and range from dressy cap-​toe oxfords to full-​brogue wingtips and longwings to single and double monk straps, loafers, and way more than I can think of.
The people in the store really know their stuff and will get you a pair that fits great. I came in thinking that I was a size 10D, but it turns out that a 9.5C fits me way better. Even if you know your Brannock size, Allen Edmonds builds different shoes on different lasts, and each last fits a little differently. It’s well worth stopping by and getting fitted.
The only real downside is the price. Just about everything is $ 385 per pair. If you can wait, there are significant sales several times a year — they’ll price match the Nordstrom anniversary sale in the summer, and the Rediscover America sale in the fall has good discounts as well. Additionally, Allen Edmonds has a factory shoe bank where you can order factory seconds and discontinued styles at a significant discount.