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Allen Edmonds vs. Alden vs. Beckett Simonon vs. Carmina: Which Makes the Best Dress Shoes?

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Allen Edmonds vs. Alden vs. Beckett Simonon vs. Carmina: Which Makes the Best Dress Shoes?

When we choose a pair of dress shoes, we usually focus on the quality of the materials of the shoes to ensure longevity. Besides, you'll also be drawn to some kind of style definer, like color or texture. Allen Edmonds, Alden, Beckett Simonon and Carmina are four of the most popular dress shoes brands in the world today. You can find the best oxfords, derbys, brogues, boots and loafers from these four btands. They are absolutely the best dress shoes for men. They cansync up well with the trappings of standard business casual attire, but they'll also look at home elevating your biggest weekend fits. But which brand of them makes the best dress shoes? Which brand has the best formal shoes? Is Allen Edmonds a luxury brand? Are Allen Edmonds high quality? Are alden shoes worth the price? Are Carmina shoes handmade? In this Allen Edmonds vs. Alden vs. Beckett Simonon vs. Carmina guide, I will tell you answers by compare them from history, price, design and quality!

Cover Photo:carminashoemaker.com

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds Brand History and Origin

Allen Edmonds is an American upscale shoe manufacturing and retail company. It began in 1922 with a singular focus on exceptional shoes expertly handcrafted in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

The company made shoes with responsive cork insoles instead of the awkward metal nails and shanks used in footwear at the time. Due in part to his own abilities as a salesman, Allen's groundbreaking designs quickly found a following with anyone who appreciated a lighter, more flexible dress shoe that was much more comfortable from the very first wear.After supplying footwear to the US Army and Navy during WWII, they gained a life-long fanbase among returning GIs.

As of the end of 2017, Allen Edmonds operates some 78 stores, an increase from 2006, when it had 18 stores. It manufactures its shoes in the United States and Dominican Republic.

Source:allenedmonds.com

Prices: Men's Dress Shoes: $139-$695; Men's Dress Boots: $249-$725

Allen Edmonds Shoes Design & Style

Dress shoes is core to Allen Edmonds' DNA. Essentials that define sophistication for generations of their enthusiasts. As the nature of work changes, the most sought-after styles are evolving too. From reimagined lug sole dress shoes to elevated sneakers, this is the next era of must-haves everyone needs in their closet.

Some of these styles are: Strandmok Brogue, Park Avenue, Sullivan Street, Addison Penny Dalton wingtip, McAllister wingtip, Strand, and Fifth Avenue.

The Park Avenue - First introduced in 1982, this sleek-yet-substantial cap-toe is a forever dress shoe worn by business leaders, cultural figures and several US presidents. It is arguably the only dress shoe most men will ever need; The Randoph was released in 1992, Ttheir streamlined slip-on instantly became one of their most popular designs; The Strandmok - Since 2013, this more casual update to Strand dress shoe has raised the bar for workplace style with its combination of standout brogue detailing and durably comfortable Dainite rubber soles.

Source:allenedmonds.com

Allen Edmonds Shoes Quality - Material & Durability

Allen Edmonds has been handcrafting footwear in America using the finest materials from around the world since 1922. It's a time-tested practice that involves 212 different steps, 48 pairs of hands and results in what they're proud to call real shoes.

In addition to their handsewn collection, Allen Edmonds also utilizes the Dominican Republic factory to cut and sew the uppers of their Goodyear welted collection of shoes. Similarly to the "American Made" handsewns, these welted uppers are shipped to the factory in Wisconsin, where the remainder of the lasting, welting, and soling are completed.

Built with best-grade leathers, comfortable footbeds and iconic bench welt that allows for recrafting, Allen Edmonds dress shoes collection of refined styles has set the standard for impeccable dressing for decades. Allen Edmonds has an amazing variety of sizes and use-cases. If you need a dress shoe or boot that’s waterproof and you have a unique foot size, Allen Edmonds is the best place to start looking.

Source:allenedmonds.com

Where to Buy Allen Edmonds for the Cheapest?

allenedmonds.com (3-4% cashback)

nordstrom.com (0.4-0.6% cashback)

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Alden

Brand History and Origin

The Alden Shoe Company is a shoe company founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts.

Alden is considered a heritage, family-owned brand. In the 19th century, there were once hundreds of shoemakers in New England, but now Alden is one of only a few factories. Most of the companies who remained in New England could not compete in the demanding post-war economy.

Alden specializes in handcrafted men's leather boots and dress shoes, such as Oxfords, Blüchers, loafers, and Chukka boots. It sources its leathers mostly from small tanneries in Europe and the U.S. – its shell cordovan comes from the last such tannery in America, Horween Leather Company. Alden has used Horween as their leather supplier since 1930, and is their largest cordovan customer.

Source:aldenmadison.com

Alden Shoes Prices: calfskin shoes: $483-$688; shell cordovan shoes: $300-$930; suede shoes: $563-$683; boots:$300-$911

Alden Shoes Design & Style

Best known for their tassel loafers, Alden has so many styles constructed under the brand ranging from chukka boots to ordinary leather dress shoes.

Alden dress shoes have long wearing rubber dovetail heels with leather inserts. Solid brass slugging gives secure attachment yet allows for easy rebuilding. Hand stained and polished to the classic patina that is the hallmark of the custom bootmaker's art. Classic patterns, crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. Made on exclusive lasts, designed for comfort and refined appe arance.

Plain Toe Blucher, also known as PTB - This is certainly one of the most versatile classic and minimalistic shoe designs without any stitching or brogue pattern. Popularised by their appearance in the movies, The "Indy boot" became Alden’s bestseller and a staple of classic footwear that not only lend the wearer an esteemed sense of fashion. Yet they are also comfortable work boots that will endure the test of time and last for years to come.

Source:aldenmadison.com

Alden Shoes Quality - Material & Durability

Alden was originally made as a practical shoe with orthopaedic origins, designed to fit and to be comfortable. The toe shape of their lasts is not a fashion-oriented as their lasts were originally designed for people with specific foot, leg and back problems. Beneath the insole is a layer of natural cork, providing additional resilience and insulation.

Using the centuries-old method of pure vegetable tannage and hand finishing, the single tannery still producing genuine shell cordovan today is indeed practicing a rare art. The tanning process takes a full six months to complete and produces leather that is soft, supple, and very durable. Alden's classic patterns take on a unique character when made from genuine shell cordovan. Every Alden New England shoe has a leather lining chosen from their special stock of supple glove linings and smooth, glazed linings.

Source:aldenmadison.com

Where to Buy Alden shoes for the Cheapest?

nordstrom.com (0.4-0.6% cashback)

aldenmadison.com

Beckett Simonon

Brand History and Origin

Nicholas Hurtado and Andrés Niño, two longtime friends, had a small leather goods business early in their careers. Called “Hasso,” the brand was successful and eventually sold in some 13 countries. Beginning in the early 2010s, this small leather goods manufacturer has evolved to feature a full range of reasonably priced dress shoes, loafers, boots, sneakers, and bags.

Their vision for success is based on more than offering a great price. They believe in providing an exceptional experience to customers, and to craftspeople. They are passionate about fashion and leatherwork, and saw that the skills of the shoemakers in El Restrepo were not being used to the maximum. Beckett Simonon manufactures their shoes in Bogota, Colombia. While the country flies somewhat under the radar, it has a rich heritage in fine leatherwork. It taught us how to work with noble material and also revealed an ugly truth: the traditional retail system is broken.

Source:beckettsimonon.com

Beckett Simonon Shoes Prices: Men's Oxford Shoes:$209; men's Derby shoes: $209; men's Loafers: $209; Men’s Monkstrap Shoes: $209; Boots: $239

Beckett Simonon Shoes Design & Style

Beckett Simonon offers many beautiful dress shoes for you. The Beckett Simonon handcrafted Oxford lace-ups are the perfect addition to any gentleman's wardrobe. They condition their leather with shea butter and carnauba wax for a deep color with a natural luster.

The Beckett Simonon Derbies are meant to last you for years, looking great in every season. Simply put, the classic look of a Derby shoe will never go out of style. The best part of the Derby shoe is the leather looks better with age.

If you're looking for a classic, high-quality, comfortable shoe, the Beckett Simonon Loafer might be the perfect fit. For a classic yet casual look, go with the Hoyt Suede Monkstrap. It’s similar to the Hoyt Monkstrap with the two buckles but is made with a beautiful suede material that looks great in our dark and chestnut colors.

Source:beckettsimonon.com

Beckett Simonon Shoes Quality - Material & Durability

Beckett Simonon formal shoes are handcrafted with care and passion by master artisans. The outline of the upper is traced and cut with a deft hand and put on the last. The uppers are left on the last for 72 hours and allowed to air-dry instead of quick-drying with an artificial system. Each shoe goes through around 150 steps, and the process is oddly satisfying to watch.

Beckett Simonon Oxfords are made from full-grain Argentinian leather, guaranteeing a soft, durable feel that only gets better with age. The true mark of quality footwear is in the stitching. Beckett Simonon Oxford soles follow the Blake method, stitching that attaches the upper, insole, midsole, and outsole. This produces a lighter, more streamlined shoe than a traditional Goodyear welt. You can feel the sturdiness of their Oxfords without ever compromising extreme comfort. The loafers are made from full-grain Argentinian leather, which guarantees a soft, durable feel that only improves with age.

Source:beckettsimonon.com

Where to Buy Beckett Simonon for the Cheapest?

beckettsimonon.com

Carmina

Brand History and Origin

Carmina began in 1866 in Majorca, Spain, beginning a family tradition of shoemakers that has continued to present day. They are now the fourth generation of shoemakers based in Mallorca. Matthias Pujadas was basically a shoemaker and had a workshop there, but his son Matteo started one of the first shoe-making factories in Spain in 1905. In particular, they focused on Goodyear welted shoes.

A few decades later, in 1961, the great-grandson of the founder, Jose Albaladejo Pujadas, expanded the company into one of the largest shoe factories in Spain. Since that time the tradition of design and quality have continued, and Carmina’s reputation for superb shoes has spread across the world. In 1997, Jose, together with a few of his sons and his wife, started Carmina with the goal of producing high-quality shoes at an affordable price.

Source:carminashoemaker.com

Carmina Shoes Prices: men's dress shoes: €169 -€3471; women's shoes: €169 -€3125.

Carmina Shoes Design & Style

Carmina 's shoes combine theclassic modelssuch as oxford shoes, derbys, loafer shoes, monk strap shoes, and contemporary styles as chelsea boots and chukka boots. They are the specialists in genuine shell cordovan shoes and boots.

Carmina has a collection of over 200 different lasts, both in their archives as in the making. Some of them also come in different width settings, which is quite impressive and it allows you as a wearer to find a last that works best with your foot. Besides, they offer custom dress shoes that you can get rather close to a bespoke fit.

Exclusive oxford shoes for men are availble in classic oxford shoes models: cordovan, whole cut, longwing or wingtip. You can choose from different styles in Carmina loafers for men that will stand out from the rest: penny, tassel and cordovan. Every loafer has it’s unique features depending on the finishing details.

Source:carminashoemaker.com

Carmina Shoes Quality - Material & Durability

Carmina follows a strict shoe quality process and confer all their formal shoes with durability, elegance and feet comfort. With a construction process that has over 190 steps performed by skilled craftsmen, Carmina does not sacrifice on quality, including using a Goodyear Welted stitch. Carmina shoes are made using traditional Goodyear stitching and are submitted to a strict quality control process. At Carmina , they create the lasts for their shoes following the same process as their ancestors.

Materials are meticulously selected from the best sources, and stored at an ideal temperature until they acquire the right texture for cutting. Carmina offers 30 different types of leathers, including box calf shoes, suede, cordovan, but also exotic skins, such as lizard, crocodile, alligator, and even peccary.

Cutting is done by hand, and the pieces are carefully sewn together. The uppers are then molded over the lasts, where it rests for 4 days before stitching of the welts and soles are done. Finally the shoes are painted and shined, with other finishing touches to ensure brilliancy and a beautiful patina.