This is a very good, reasonable review. I like your perspective. Allen Edmonds makes a nice shoe, if you buying at the price they are routinely reduced to, you’re getting a reasonably good value. It’s just that simple. Superb job going through the nuances, the little details with respect to the dish that’s being served up. Cheers.
Thanks Teik, What are your thoughts on the Allen Edmonds Chelsea Boot? I notice they have some factory seconds in my size and curious about your thoughts on quality and value for money compared to RM Williams (which make up the most of my small collection).
Just ordered mine on sale. In part for the non-metal shank (TSA precheck), in part because the boot and the horweeen leather are both made in my region of the world.
Neither pair of Higgins Mills I've been into had leather insoles in the traditional sense. The AE-advertised "CustomCork insoles" are glued-in inserts comprising foam heel pads, strips of fabric, and thin leather top layers. Pulling those out, I see the uppers lasted over boards-I'm guessing Texon-not leather slabs. I haven't been in from the bottoms yet, but I'm guessing typical canvas gemming and cork filler over the boards. There is something going on at the heels that's creating the depressions filled by the foam pads. Perhaps there's no rand, and they're just anticipating heel strikes will pound the cork down in time, where foam will keep bouncing back. I'm not bothered by any of this, particularly for a dressier shoe. But as you said, it's not quire Iron Ranger construction. Not inside or out. Then again, lighter weight.
It’s difficult to overestimate the quality of Allen Edmond’s “recrafting” service; I sent a pair of dress shoes in and was VERY pleased with the result. If these are eligible for that service, they would be a steal at that discounted price. As they’d probably last a decade plus without a drop of sweat.
I will mention, they do punch new holes in the uppers when replacing the welts. If getting as many potential resolves out of your footwear as possible is important to you, a good cobbler who hand stitches welts would be a better option. That said, it's great that they still offer the service.
Very disappointed in the Higgins Mill I bought . Being returned straight away. The good, they fit well and are comfortable. The boots were an obvious return and not repackaged properly, torn up tissue and bashed up shipping container and the shoe box was also damaged. Apparently they reused the shipping container because the chap’s address and information was under my label. Just and all around poor presentation for expensive boots. The boots themselves had defects in the leather, loose threads and scuffs and tears in the welt. I bought on sale but even so if you didn’t know better they were about the same quality as something you would get at a discount shoe outlet. Never again Allen Edmonds for me!
Teik they were not seconds. I bought them on the early sale this week for $399. I have the Freeport Loden suede(based on your review) that I like very much and the Courtside sneaker which is just okay. I got the Freeport on sale and the Courtside at a store which I have to say was an upscale customer service experience. I'd say this latest purchase was a failure in customer service somewhere in the supply chain. GS Crimson Diesel is on the way. It might be a while before I buy AE again. For guys who are thinking of AE, those occasional comments about QC are real. Also, watch out for the sale mentality. Selling a listed $495 boot for $399 when it's really a $250 quality boot is no bargain. Thanks for all your reviews, appreciate them! @@Bootlosophy
Great video Teik, my Higgins Mill was an easy break in right out of the box very comfortable. Also mine look more burgundy than brown. Love the Chromexcel leather, a lot of variation in the leather. For me the sizing in the Higgins Mill is True to Size from the Brannock device. Allen Edmonds should make a cap toe version of the Higgins Mill, do not like the Landon model.
The Higgins Mill by Allen Edmonds is the finest boot in an affordable price range bar none ! Made in Port Washington Wisconsin makes them even better in my mind . I have 4 pair and love them all , my absolute favorite are the shell in natural , they fit like a glove . Do yourself a favor and purchase a pair now , you will be very happy ! Great video as always !
Love your video. Yes to dam high 475.00 not worth it thanks to grant stone and parkhurst and so on. I like the higgins boot I have a 3 pairs two from ebay and one from shoe bank seconds , if I thought about paying 475 then I matters well go for the alden boots ..Hopefully someone at allen edmonds realizes they will market themselves into lower sales because of the over price boots . I say 350.00 should be .
My higgins mill in shell cordovan is my most comfy shoe ever. From my experience, this boot is snugg around the heels and allows the right amount of width for your toes. And i do agree thqt the inner lining feels so soft. I also got the grant stone diesel boot but i find the leo last to be slightly looser at the heels so my feet dont feel like its really planted at the back. Im now tempted to get other versions lf the higgins mill just bc i love my current ones so much
@@Bootlosophy but the prob with Iron ranger is that it's reviewed to be not comfy and painful to wear all day long, isn't it ? Please make me correct of I am wrong
I have this boot in brown waxed suede. I think the waxed suede makes this boot more casual than yours, but it’s still one of my “dressier” boots. It’s one of my favorites. Thanks for the review Teik!
Interesting. I read several places they ran 1/2 down from brannock. Higgins mill are next in my list. Then I want to try on in person the park avenue boot.
Because most heritage boots are not true to size. Buying one to your Brannock size would not just give you a “roomy toe box”. It would be too big, too long in length, too wide, and worst, too long from heel to ball where you need the boot to flex correctly.
I got my Higgins Mill in dark brown shell w dainite for $399 4 years ago. New. They were F2s which were actually MTO returns. Absolutely nothing wrong with them. I had a contact at their SCNC store before they closed and she would call me when returns with nothing wrong came in in my size. Ive got black shell daltons and navy 1st Ave that bedos leatherworks say were in mint condition when i purchased them. Steve installed toe taps on them and was surprised they were F2s. My Higgins are my favorite boots out of my boot collection
Agree about pricing comments, just got mine during AE 40% off sale. Seems they go on sale at least twice a year. So worth waiting. Dressed mine down by using leather laces from Truman boot. These lace are thinner than many others, but still stong.
The fact that they're still handmade in Wisconsin probably drive up the price quite significantly. But like you had mentioned, they do go on sale regularly and they are very well made.
I went true to size with the Higgins Mill, 11D, and am very happy with the fit, especially with med weight wool socks. I believe their sizing tool on the website sized me at true to size for that model/last.
I appreciate your reviews and, within them, your fit experiences and suggestions. Fit in the boot world! I don't recall as many fit issues in dress shoes. But I wasn't as into them as I now am into boots. It makes me feel less lonely, however, when so many collectors like yourself struggle to get it right. For some reason, I ordered my Brass Boots way too big, 10D. My Alden 403s are just right at 9D, half a size down from Brannock-but only if I wear them with thin wool socks: they won't accommodate medium weight and due to my high instep are a bit hard to get on. When I recently got sized for Iron Rangers, I learned that while my feet ARE medium width, they are right on the line between D and E. In the RW machine's reckoning, I should wear 9E, but the width they make is wider than that and slipped on my heels. So I got 9D, which feels rather snug, and I'm hoping break-in loosens them. And I'm wondering if I should have gotten 9.5D . . .
Any alternatives to these that are more affordable you can please recommend? I like these because you said they’re good for office so I’d like a pair for that use
Just got a pair in the waterproof dark brown on sale as factory 2nds. I think the chromex brown looks better. I wear a 13eee and these do have a VERY generous toe box. I'll probably wear with jeans and charcoal/navy suits. Many thanks for the discussion here!
I own a wax suede higgins mill, wolverine 1000 miles in chromexcel, a grandstone diesel in tan essex and I think the higgins mill is the most versatile of these boots, can dress then up or dress then down without any problem.
They’re kind of a poor version of the Grant Stone Diesel (I have both). One of my boots was really nice and smooth; the other had unsightly but tolerable for a while wrinkles.
Thank you for your very thorough review Tek (I didn't know the correct way to spell it). I'm on the fence between these and the iron rangers. I don't need a very rugged work boot so I'm leaning more towards these for casual wear I just hope they can handle some moderate abuse... light trail walking, riding on my motorcycle, etc. I'm tired of wearing sneakers for everything and prefer more of the heritage boot.
These hardly get discounted in Canada, and I was able to order a pair on sale this evening. I'm really looking forward to their arrival. Thanks for the content Teik, Cheers.
Hello there, just got the Patton cap toe in grey as I wear a lot of dark colors. I want to pickup a pair of these as well but am worried they are too dressy for chinos/t-shirt which is my company dress code. Any boot color suggestions for a dark chino/shirt outfit?
i'm not sure if they are still considering adding pizazz to their Higgins mill boot but the ones i have is a Higgins mill called three kings which has a huge graphic on the side with a flying skull designed by a Brooklyn tattoo parlor and another one which has camo panels on this brown cxl boot with an itshide commando sole.
Great review, as always! Teik I have to ask how do these compare when it comes to fit with a diesel boot for you: heel cupping, arch support and room for toe splay?
Hi Teik. Have you ever tried Alden 379x or modified last? Based on how you describe your foot (and preference for a combo last) I think you’d really like them. Cheers!
@@Bootlosophy Swear it’s a big difference. More like trubalance but cranked up for further support and secure fit in heel and waist. But still plenty of forefoot and toe width like you prefer.
@@RacksonRacksonRibss Are they wide in the toes? From what I’ve seen of the modified last it looks like it would be a really nice fit as long as the toes are wide enough
Crockett and Jones and Trickers both use wooden shanks as well. I'm not sure if it is tradition or whether there is some reason they think it is better,
I have to say, I enjoy your reviews, but the volume change between your intro sounds and your voice for the review itself is way to drastic. It's one thing when heard through headphones, but on speakers, your intro is either thunderously loud, or your voice is unintelligible.
Love to see your passion for finer boots . Could you please review mandicshoes . Sydney - Nsw based Australian shoe brand . They got finer kangaroo leather Chelsea boots
This is a very good, reasonable review. I like your perspective. Allen Edmonds makes a nice shoe, if you buying at the price they are routinely reduced to, you’re getting a reasonably good value. It’s just that simple. Superb job going through the nuances, the little details with respect to the dish that’s being served up. Cheers.
Thanks Teik, What are your thoughts on the Allen Edmonds Chelsea Boot? I notice they have some factory seconds in my size and curious about your thoughts on quality and value for money compared to RM Williams (which make up the most of my small collection).
Sorry, I don’t know them
Like to see higgins mill and diesel boot together video, that would be a good one
Hmm, good idea
My favorite boot. Super comfortable, and the refined simplicity is a huge strength IMO. Also the ideal travel boot with the non-metal shank.
Just ordered mine on sale. In part for the non-metal shank (TSA precheck), in part because the boot and the horweeen leather are both made in my region of the world.
Hello Sir can you kindly do the Rodd and Gunn Drury military boot.
Neither pair of Higgins Mills I've been into had leather insoles in the traditional sense. The AE-advertised "CustomCork insoles" are glued-in inserts comprising foam heel pads, strips of fabric, and thin leather top layers. Pulling those out, I see the uppers lasted over boards-I'm guessing Texon-not leather slabs. I haven't been in from the bottoms yet, but I'm guessing typical canvas gemming and cork filler over the boards. There is something going on at the heels that's creating the depressions filled by the foam pads. Perhaps there's no rand, and they're just anticipating heel strikes will pound the cork down in time, where foam will keep bouncing back.
I'm not bothered by any of this, particularly for a dressier shoe. But as you said, it's not quire Iron Ranger construction. Not inside or out. Then again, lighter weight.
It’s difficult to overestimate the quality of Allen Edmond’s “recrafting” service; I sent a pair of dress shoes in and was VERY pleased with the result. If these are eligible for that service, they would be a steal at that discounted price. As they’d probably last a decade plus without a drop of sweat.
I will mention, they do punch new holes in the uppers when replacing the welts. If getting as many potential resolves out of your footwear as possible is important to you, a good cobbler who hand stitches welts would be a better option.
That said, it's great that they still offer the service.
what is the consensus on sizing for higgins mill? should i size down 1/2 size??
I was told TTS and many here say it, but I feel I made a mistake and should have gone ½ down
Very disappointed in the Higgins Mill I bought . Being returned straight away. The good, they fit well and are comfortable. The boots were an obvious return and not repackaged properly, torn up tissue and bashed up shipping container and the shoe box was also damaged. Apparently they reused the shipping container because the chap’s address and information was under my label. Just and all around poor presentation for expensive boots. The boots themselves had defects in the leather,
loose threads and scuffs and tears in the welt. I bought on sale but even so if you didn’t know better they were about the same quality as something you would get at a discount shoe outlet.
Never again Allen Edmonds for me!
Did they advertise them as seconds?
Teik they were not seconds. I bought them on the early sale this week for $399. I have the Freeport Loden suede(based on your review) that I like very much and the Courtside sneaker which is just okay. I got the Freeport on sale and the Courtside at a store which I have to say was an upscale customer service experience. I'd say this latest purchase was a failure in customer service somewhere in the supply chain. GS Crimson Diesel is on the way. It might be a while before I buy AE again. For guys who are thinking of AE, those occasional comments about QC are real. Also, watch out for the sale mentality. Selling a listed $495 boot for $399 when it's really a $250 quality boot is no bargain. Thanks for all your reviews, appreciate them! @@Bootlosophy
Great video Teik, my Higgins Mill was an easy break in right out of the box very comfortable. Also mine look more burgundy than brown. Love the Chromexcel leather, a lot of variation in the leather. For me the sizing in the Higgins Mill is True to Size from the Brannock device. Allen Edmonds should make a cap toe version of the Higgins Mill, do not like the Landon model.
I don't think they look that dressy especially after paina after awhile and not shined up or with some min lug sole
The Higgins Mill by Allen Edmonds is the finest boot in an affordable price range bar none ! Made in Port Washington Wisconsin makes them even better in my mind . I have 4 pair and love them all , my absolute favorite are the shell in natural , they fit like a glove . Do yourself a favor and purchase a pair now , you will be very happy ! Great video as always !
Love your video. Yes to dam high 475.00 not worth it thanks to grant stone and parkhurst and so on. I like the higgins boot I have a 3 pairs two from ebay and one from shoe bank seconds , if I thought about paying 475 then I matters well go for the alden boots ..Hopefully someone at allen edmonds realizes they will market themselves into lower sales because of the over price boots . I say 350.00 should be .
My higgins mill in shell cordovan is my most comfy shoe ever. From my experience, this boot is snugg around the heels and allows the right amount of width for your toes. And i do agree thqt the inner lining feels so soft. I also got the grant stone diesel boot but i find the leo last to be slightly looser at the heels so my feet dont feel like its really planted at the back. Im now tempted to get other versions lf the higgins mill just bc i love my current ones so much
Could you please recommend me a boot brand that has a wider toe box as my toes are wider than regular size
Iron Ranger
@@Bootlosophy many thanks
@@Bootlosophy but the prob with Iron ranger is that it's reviewed to be not comfy and painful to wear all day long, isn't it ? Please make me correct of I am wrong
I have this boot in brown waxed suede. I think the waxed suede makes this boot more casual than yours, but it’s still one of my “dressier” boots. It’s one of my favorites. Thanks for the review Teik!
Scored my EUC pair for $50 on Poshmark! One of my most comfortable pair of boots.
Hey Teik, these are on sale NOW at 379. They also have the Shell Cordovan on sale. Which is rare.. Thx for helping me spend so much money. lol
Sorry
I advise getting your Brannock measured size. I have three AE boots, including the Higgins Mill and all are true to Brannock size.
Interesting. I read several places they ran 1/2 down from brannock.
Higgins mill are next in my list. Then I want to try on in person the park avenue boot.
Where has this channel been my whole life!
This is going to seem like an irrational question - why wear half a size down from brannock when you prefer a roomy toebox?
Because most heritage boots are not true to size. Buying one to your Brannock size would not just give you a “roomy toe box”. It would be too big, too long in length, too wide, and worst, too long from heel to ball where you need the boot to flex correctly.
I got my Higgins Mill in dark brown shell w dainite for $399 4 years ago. New. They were F2s which were actually MTO returns. Absolutely nothing wrong with them. I had a contact at their SCNC store before they closed and she would call me when returns with nothing wrong came in in my size. Ive got black shell daltons and navy 1st Ave that bedos leatherworks say were in mint condition when i purchased them. Steve installed toe taps on them and was surprised they were F2s. My Higgins are my favorite boots out of my boot collection
Agree about pricing comments, just got mine during AE 40% off sale. Seems they go on sale at least twice a year. So worth waiting. Dressed mine down by using leather laces from Truman boot. These lace are thinner than many others, but still stong.
Appreciate your detailed presentation.great tip to often brush the boots to stir up the oils .
The fact that they're still handmade in Wisconsin probably drive up the price quite significantly. But like you had mentioned, they do go on sale regularly and they are very well made.
I went true to size with the Higgins Mill, 11D, and am very happy with the fit, especially with med weight wool socks. I believe their sizing tool on the website sized me at true to size for that model/last.
You have to do a better job of moderating the volume. You speak low and softly, but then your music comes in full blast.
Do you mind me asking what device you watch/listen in? Thanks.
@@Bootlosophy I'm experiencing the same thing. I play the videos on my ipad 12.9, and listen on airpods.
I appreciate your reviews and, within them, your fit experiences and suggestions. Fit in the boot world! I don't recall as many fit issues in dress shoes. But I wasn't as into them as I now am into boots. It makes me feel less lonely, however, when so many collectors like yourself struggle to get it right. For some reason, I ordered my Brass Boots way too big, 10D. My Alden 403s are just right at 9D, half a size down from Brannock-but only if I wear them with thin wool socks: they won't accommodate medium weight and due to my high instep are a bit hard to get on.
When I recently got sized for Iron Rangers, I learned that while my feet ARE medium width, they are right on the line between D and E. In the RW machine's reckoning, I should wear 9E, but the width they make is wider than that and slipped on my heels. So I got 9D, which feels rather snug, and I'm hoping break-in loosens them. And I'm wondering if I should have gotten 9.5D . . .
so much great info and very helpful. many thanks.
Another great review! I also appreciate your sense of style and I think your recommendations in that line are right on the money.
Any alternatives to these that are more affordable you can please recommend? I like these because you said they’re good for office so I’d like a pair for that use
Thursday Captains
@@Bootlosophy i have and they're so uncomfortable for my feet for some reason they gave me painful blisters
Just got a pair in the waterproof dark brown on sale as factory 2nds. I think the chromex brown looks better. I wear a 13eee and these do have a VERY generous toe box. I'll probably wear with jeans and charcoal/navy suits.
Many thanks for the discussion here!
I'm not sure how the WP dark brown will wear, but the CXL has shown a great variation patina.
I own a wax suede higgins mill, wolverine 1000 miles in chromexcel, a grandstone diesel in tan essex and I think the higgins mill is the most versatile of these boots, can dress then up or dress then down without any problem.
I like Grant Stone but too dressy for me.
They’re kind of a poor version of the Grant Stone Diesel (I have both). One of my boots was really nice and smooth; the other had unsightly but tolerable for a while wrinkles.
Thank you for your very thorough review Tek (I didn't know the correct way to spell it). I'm on the fence between these and the iron rangers. I don't need a very rugged work boot so I'm leaning more towards these for casual wear I just hope they can handle some moderate abuse... light trail walking, riding on my motorcycle, etc. I'm tired of wearing sneakers for everything and prefer more of the heritage boot.
My cromexcel brown looks good with jeans. Dressing up cromexcel, nah.
These hardly get discounted in Canada, and I was able to order a pair on sale this evening. I'm really looking forward to their arrival. Thanks for the content Teik, Cheers.
Hello there, just got the Patton cap toe in grey as I wear a lot of dark colors. I want to pickup a pair of these as well but am worried they are too dressy for chinos/t-shirt which is my company dress code. Any boot color suggestions for a dark chino/shirt outfit?
This was very informative. Looking to buy a pair while they're on sale. I like my fits snug.
Best Part about this boot is the contrast suede tongue on the boot. Adds a little bit of flair, and virtually eliminates Tongue slip on the boots
Remaster the audio and reupload.s There is too much static. (Big fan!)
Caleres Used to be The Brown Shoe Company, known for Buster Brown and Mary Jane. They own many different brands.
Thanks, they’re not known in Australia.
Good morning, Teik.
We love and appreciate your hard work. What is your opinion about Horween Shell Corvodan leather??? Thank you!
Don’t have any experience of it myself but it looks great. Check out @aerosurferlv who has a lot of shell
i'm not sure if they are still considering adding pizazz to their Higgins mill boot but the ones i have is a Higgins mill called three kings which has a huge graphic on the side with a flying skull designed by a Brooklyn tattoo parlor and another one which has camo panels on this brown cxl boot with an itshide commando sole.
🫣
Thank you for your content! It really helps me relax.
Just snagged a pair on eBay 🎉
What a thoughtful intro. Subbed!
Beautiful boots!
Great review, as always! Teik I have to ask how do these compare when it comes to fit with a diesel boot for you: heel cupping, arch support and room for toe splay?
I prefer the fit of the Leo last IMO
@@Bootlosophy Thank you for the reply. I was oscillating between these and a new GS diesel boot 8E and your reply just swayed me in the GS direction.
Hi Teik. Have you ever tried Alden 379x or modified last?
Based on how you describe your foot (and preference for a combo last) I think you’d really like them. Cheers!
Their Barrie last is great on me
@@Bootlosophy Really? Barrie provides almost no arch support and has walls like a coffee mug compared to 379x and modified 😂
@@RacksonRacksonRibss Really.
@@Bootlosophy Swear it’s a big difference. More like trubalance but cranked up for further support and secure fit in heel and waist. But still plenty of forefoot and toe width like you prefer.
@@RacksonRacksonRibss Are they wide in the toes? From what I’ve seen of the modified last it looks like it would be a really nice fit as long as the toes are wide enough
Crockett and Jones and Trickers both use wooden shanks as well. I'm not sure if it is tradition or whether there is some reason they think it is better,
C&J ftw
I have to say, I enjoy your reviews, but the volume change between your intro sounds and your voice for the review itself is way to drastic. It's one thing when heard through headphones, but on speakers, your intro is either thunderously loud, or your voice is unintelligible.
Hi Teik, i wear 8.5D in RM Williams , what size should i get in Allen Edmonds..also scan you help me get a good deal with my purchase..
Love to see your passion for finer boots . Could you please review mandicshoes . Sydney - Nsw based Australian shoe brand . They got finer kangaroo leather Chelsea boots