I’ve trusted Allen Edmonds for years because their Recrafting program is marketed as a heritage-level service — “the same craftsmen, the same machines, the same processes that built your shoes originally.” That message carries weight. It implies precision, pride, and an old-world standard of care. My recent recraft, however, revealed a very different reality — one that required persistence, escalation, and far more involvement from me than any customer should have to supply. Here is the full story, exactly as it unfolded with my custom patina A&Es October 8 – I purchased the recraft service with full confidence in the brand. October 20 – The shoes were shipped back as “completed.” A 12-day turnaround might look efficient, but the work told a different story. They looked rushed — uneven finishing, shape inconsistencies, and nothing close to the meticulous standard AE advertises. October 24 – I sent them back for correction. Any customer familiar with AE’s craftsmanship language would have done the same. The shoes simply didn’t reflect the level of detail they claim their recrafting is built upon. October 28 – AE received the returned shoes. According to their policy, I was supposed to receive recommendations and updates within 5–7 business days. Instead, I heard nothing. No updates. No action. No accountability. For weeks, the shoes sat. The process stalled. And the brand that built its name on service and heritage craftsmanship went quiet. Mid-November (Saturday) – I escalated the issue directly to the General Manager. Let me be clear: nothing moved until I did this. No progress, no traction, no corrective action. Within two days of contacting the GM, everything shifted. Updates came. Timelines were clarified. Work actually began. The contrast was stark. November 19–25 – I was given the new projected completion window. Ironically, this longer timeframe — nearly three times the length of the original recraft — said exactly what I had suspected: the first “completed” job was rushed. True craftsmanship requires time.

"Love all, trust few, and do wrong to none." William Shakespeare Have a great day brothers.

I am attended some class room training today on a legal update at the US Marshal Training Center. OOTD White dress shirt Grey wool trousers Navy quarter zip Navy field jacket Brown Anson belt Brown AE wingtip boots WOTD citizen field watch in brown leather strap SOTD MG Courage

Cold enough for a henley and a peacoat. Went to the town Christmas tree lighting.

Unfortunately at the end of 2025 this site will be a pay service and I will not be participating. I enjoy this community and I wish it would remain free and if people want special offers then they can sign up. The challenge coins are great and inspiring but I would rather keep this free than have a coin. Old outsides and I also decided to add some color. I am also wearing my Creed Viking fragrance. The wife almost didn’t let me leave the house!😍 enjoy gentlemen this holiday season.