Allen Edmonds Dress Shoes
by Allen Edmonds
7 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
Handmade leather dress shoes built with a resoleable construction for long-term wear.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Redditors report multi-decade longevity: one pair bought in 1987 still looks and fits great nearly 40 years later, and a pair of Leeds Cordovan Derby oxfords has lasted 20+ years with just one resoling plus regular brushing, polish, and leather-lotion care.
What owners say
Commenters note that used Allen Edmonds can require a break-in stretch, with several cautioning that fit is unpredictable in secondhand pairs and that a too-narrow width (e.g. a 'C') won't stretch enough to become comfortable. Others say the shoes are worth the risk: one buyer has purchased three pairs of used AEs for about $50 each, calling them 'such a steal' next to cheap dress shoes that wear out within a couple years due to 'terrible materials and faux leather.'
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as June 2025
Show 3 more mentions
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Allen Edmond shoes (many)
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Allen Edmonds ... You can't go wrong with these
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
I always snag Allen Edmonds dress shoes when I find them in my size
I bought the Allen Edmonds Liverpool and it's great.
I got a couple of pairs of used Edmonds and there was definitely a little stretch with them... if they fit pretty well to begin with, they should turn out fine.
I have 4 pairs of handmade Allen Edmonds dress shoes that I bought in 1987 that still look and fit terrific.
I've bought three used AEs on ebay for like $50 each, they're such a steal used... I blow through cheap crappy brands every couple years with their terrible materials and faux leather... love used AEs.
I made the mistake and bought a 'C' and it was crazy narrow... It will not stretch. I donated mine to the Salvation Army.
I have a pair of Allen Edmonds Leeds Cordovan Derby black oxfords over 20 yrs old, never used shoe trees and they are good as new