I just bought my first pair of AEs off ebay tonight (blk Chesters for $55) but I'm new to the shoe world and am wondering what makes AEs that much better than Stafford Ashtons? To me my Ashtons look great, fit perfectly and were dirt cheap. Will I see an appreciable upgrade in looks and feel or is it mainly a durability thing?
Rubber vs leather sole. The leather quality of the AEs are much better. The AEs are sewn where as the Staffords are probably glued. Durability is a huge issue. The Staffords may last you a few years, the AEs could last you your whole life if you have them resoled when the sole wears out.
What redfod says. Although I will disagree with the "whole life" comment. AE Calf skin shoes should lasts you around 15 years with regular use, but cordovan shoes can last you generations. I'm assuming the stafford is half grain as well no?Originally Posted by Redford
So many things. Redford is right about the soles (I assume they have leather soles with a good year welt), they will last a lot longer. I'm sure the construction is much better too. It's also the quality of the leather. There are different grades and qualities of leather just like there are with any material (wool etc...). I think the Ashton's are a good shoe for the price but I'm sure the ae's are much better.
I recently picked up a pair of Ashton's and own a pair if AE's I picked up from Nordstrim Rack. The feel and craftsmanship of the AE's is unmistakeable. I think the JCP line has its place in your wardrobe and mine but I'm much happier knowing I have a durable, classically styled shoe for years to come.
"Rubber vs leather" is NOT a quality difference. AE also makes some fantastic rubber-soled shoes (as do all quality shoemakers. That's what you should be wearing in winter!)
Things that actually have to do with the quality of shoes:
- Quality of the soles themselves, whether leather / cork, dainite, vibram, or crepe. A high quality shoe can be resoled (goodyear welted or better), a low quality one will be glued on and can't be replaced. This is the main thing that allows one pair of shoes to last decades while others only last a few years.
- Quality of the uppers. Top grain leather is soft, supple, strong, and beautiful. Cheap shoes will have corrected-grain leather, bonded leather, or plastic.
- Construction of the uppers. Wholecuts are the most durable and most expensive (they have few seams). Cheap shoes tend to have extra seams. Low quality stitching can fall apart.
- Lining. Good quality shoes will be leather inside and out. Cheap ones might have a canvas interior.
Can't believe I missed the rubber sole comment earlier. Yes this is true a rubber sole doesn't necesarily mean bad quality.
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