Just this weekend, I purchased a pair of Allen Edmonds Williams, so I figured I'd share some thoughts and photos here.
I found them on Amazon discounted to $240. Then, I used Amazon's 20% off shoes promo code, a gift card from Christmas, and some rewards points from my Amazon credit card to bring them down to $55 taxed & shipped.
They're part of the Independence Collection, which AE claims to be their highest quality shoes (Joe reviewed another model, the Rutledge). These are built on the 222 last, which is also used for the AE Player's Shoe, which is one of my favorites. The leather does seem to be softer and a bit thicker than other AEs I have. The detailing isn't perfect, but it does seem to be a bit of a step up from the mainline AEs. Here are some pics:

They came out of the box looking a little dull.

Here they are after a condition & shine (one coat of AE Cleaner/Conditioner, several coats of AE Dark Brown Premium Polish, a couple coats on the toe and heel of neutral AE carnuba wax)


The wheeling on the welt is a nice touch.
I wore to work yesterday, and I was on my feet quite a bit. There was a bit of slipping in the heel, though that abated after a couple hours (due to the sole softening up, I believe). My feet didn't hurt at all once the day was done, and I credit that to the added padding in the insole.
All in all, these are great shoes, especially for the price. They fill a spot in my wardrobe that has been open for a long time: dressy dark brown brogues.
I found them on Amazon discounted to $240. Then, I used Amazon's 20% off shoes promo code, a gift card from Christmas, and some rewards points from my Amazon credit card to bring them down to $55 taxed & shipped.
They're part of the Independence Collection, which AE claims to be their highest quality shoes (Joe reviewed another model, the Rutledge). These are built on the 222 last, which is also used for the AE Player's Shoe, which is one of my favorites. The leather does seem to be softer and a bit thicker than other AEs I have. The detailing isn't perfect, but it does seem to be a bit of a step up from the mainline AEs. Here are some pics:

They came out of the box looking a little dull.

Here they are after a condition & shine (one coat of AE Cleaner/Conditioner, several coats of AE Dark Brown Premium Polish, a couple coats on the toe and heel of neutral AE carnuba wax)


The wheeling on the welt is a nice touch.
I wore to work yesterday, and I was on my feet quite a bit. There was a bit of slipping in the heel, though that abated after a couple hours (due to the sole softening up, I believe). My feet didn't hurt at all once the day was done, and I credit that to the added padding in the insole.
All in all, these are great shoes, especially for the price. They fill a spot in my wardrobe that has been open for a long time: dressy dark brown brogues.
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