Spring is always an exciting time of year. After the sports pages have covered the Winter Olympics, enthusiasts and columnists will quickly turn again to baseball and spring training. Even in the depths of the Snow Belt, February and March usually bring a few days of sunshine when rubber-coated baseballs and trusty mitts are brought out, only to be returned to the closet when the proverbial March Lion roars again.

Spring this year is especially exciting at Allen Edmonds. We have a talented line-up of new shoes just now hitting the stores. Here are a few highlights:

As mentioned in my last blog, it’s the PARK AVENUE’S 30th Anniversary as The Great American Business Shoe. The new walnut pebble grain P.A. responds to the current movement to “Authentic Americana” (as Newsweek called the new fashion trend). Now the P.A. not only looks great in black calfskin with a dark suit, it also looks fantastic with jeans or khakis in walnut grain.

The early results in our retail stores tell us that we’ve once again connected with our loyal customers with the re-introduction of two additional Timeless Classics – the BENTON and the WALTON. The WALTON, with its double oak sole retro-profile, seems especially exciting to new and younger customers given the fashion momentum toward authentic and classic Americana. In the same vein, the MACNEIL long wingtip has become more versatile in its new navy, walnut and burgundy leathers. The LOMBARD is a blucher wingtip on the tasteful Executive Collection rubber sole.

The younger man’s “look” in business casual settings or at social gatherings today is an untucked white shirt with a patterned inside collar and cuffs, a pair of dark blue jeans and a pair of brown or walnut WALTONs, MACNEIL s, LOMBARDs or STRANDs. To see why, try our new pants comparison feature on our wwwallenedmonds.com website with the STRAND.
The CHARLESTON, AUGUSTA, BOSTON and WESTCHESTER offer fresh new takes on some classic leather-bottom silhouettes – a mocc toe, a medallioned balmoral, a monk strap and a classic penny loafer.

To our collection of Italian-made shoes, we’ve added a couple new winners. The FIRENZE is a comfort-first, rubber-soled slip-on with a bit more fashion-forward toe shape and the RIMINI is a penny with that sleek, thin Italian leather sole and superb ultra-soft leather. Both are perfect under khakis or other lightweight pants in spring and summer, with socks or without.

Finally, take a look at a couple new Weekend Collection shoes. The WINTHROP is an incredibly supple but durable driving moccasin that we’ll put up against any in the field in terms of leather quality and construction. And the BOULDER Venetian slip-on promises to be the power-hitter of this roster. It has a thicker drop-in sole with ergonomic cushioning built into the sole’s interesting pattern. The BOULDER’s mudguard rim with the sole’s side extensions, plus the water repellant leather treatment we’ve added, make this the perfect transition shoe – it’s great in spring but also fully capable to handle winter’s last roar.

Lots to like this year….

Best wishes,



Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

This year, Allen Edmonds’ all-star performer, the Park Avenue, celebrates its 30th Anniversary as The Great American Shoe for Business. Our company couldn’t be more proud. After 30 years in the marketplace, the Park Avenue still remains our #1 selling style. Thirty years at the top of any “bestseller” list is an incredible accomplishment. From coast-to-coast and in business centers around the world, men heading to board meetings, C-suites, corner offices, important client calls, closing courtroom arguments and the first day on the new job have been trusting the Park Avenue to help make the right impression.

Sometimes 1980 seems like just yesterday, at least until I realize what was going on in 1980. Jimmy Carter was finishing his last year in office, Americans were still held hostage in Iran, the U.S. boycotted the Moscow Summer Olympics, CNN went on the air to revolutionize television, Christopher Cross cleaned up at the Grammy Awards, Ordinary People won Best Picture, and Al Michaels asked and immediately answered that unforgettable question, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” as a bunch of young bucks from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Massachusetts beat the great Soviet hockey juggernaut at Lake Placid.

I began my business career in 1980 and I can’t tell you how many pairs of Park Avenues I’ve seen on impressive leaders in all walks of life over the many years. Although we fell short in January 2009, Park Avenues had been on the feet of every President since Ronald Reagan when taking the Oath of Office. In my first few months on-the-job here at AE, other heads of state ordered up Made in USA Park Avenues before meeting their cohorts. The next time you see a photo of global leaders lined-up for a photo opp at a summit meeting, take a look at their shoes and notice the Park Avenues.

The Park Avenue has set the standard for long-lasting quality across the shoe industry. Many a man still has the first pair of Park Avenues he ever owned and they’re still in good shape. They may have been recrafted a couple or even several times, but they’re as sturdy, comfortable, tasteful and impressive as ever.

In celebration of 30 great years and to help the next generation of Park Avenues last well into the middle of the 21st Century, until March 12th 2010, we’re offering a free pair of commemorative shoe trees to absorb harmful moisture and help the shoes hold their shape for many years to come. If you don’t have a pair of these shoes, they belong in your collection in black, burnished brown or maybe the very versatile walnut pebble grain appearing beneath jeans as often as blue suits these days. That’s the nature of classics -- they speak to succeeding generations in both familiar and new ways.

Happy Birthday, P.A.!



Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

Dear Allen Edmonds Customers:

The year 2009 has finished with an exciting flourish in our business here at Allen Edmonds. It seems that style trends, as recently reported in the press, definitely are favoring authentic, classic American looks. We're pleased to be able to serve our longstanding and new customers with our promise to be the Great American Shoe Company.

At this special time of year, we pause even more than usual to reflect on the importance of loyal customers and friends to our company and our employees. We thank you very much for your support.

To you and yours from all of us at Allen Edmonds -- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for Good Health, Happiness, Peace and Prosperity in 2010!

Warm regards,


Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

It’s always tough to shop for men in December. Golf courses across the north have taken in the flagsticks, only die-hard cyclists risk the winter wipe-out, favorite hunting seasons are suddenly past and after-work sunlight is a long way off. Some logical gifts for the man’s favorite pastimes would sit for weeks, maybe even months, in a closet before becoming usable. No wonder the guys themselves often shrug, “I dunno.” when asked what’s on their wish list, causing much frustration among would-be gift-givers.

Wives, girlfriends, kids, friends, work colleagues, grandparents, in-laws … stress no more this year! Allen Edmonds has a new line-up of gifts that are sure to put a smile on that man’s face -- not just this month, but even in those dark days of January and February, and then throughout the year. Watch the video below for some great gift ideas.

Batting first (literally), I’m absolutely thrilled to announce here that Allen Edmonds has just entered into a partnership with Major League Baseball. Both organizations thought that “the Great American Pastime” and “the Great American Shoe Company” ought to do some fun things together. While shoes and other products are being prepared for Opening Day, we do have some great new gifts to introduce soon. We have team logoed tie racks, belt racks and shoe trees that will greet the man every morning with thoughts of sunny days, fields of dreams, a childhood hero (our family dog is named after Harmon Killebrew), that impossible catch, a game-winning hit or a championship season. Every guy needs to have these items in his closet, why not give him one that goes way beyond the function? You can hear James Earl Jones right now… “Baseball, Ray. Oh yes, they will come.”

Batting second, French cuffs are back in style in a big way. I’ve been wearing my MLB baseball cufflinks this fall and all sorts of guys are walking up saying, “Cool!” Believe me, “cool” is not a word so often heard at my age. I love the classy yet fun nature of these sterling silver cufflinks. Check them out. My 17 year-old son wants both the baseballs and the Yankee Stadium links.

Batting third, in pockets around the U.S. there are men who wear only Vineyard Vines ties, and with good reason. Made in the U.S.A. of fine silk, these ties are All American. They don’t cost some silly fashion house price well over $100. Not at all. Yet, they look fantastic and there’s often something subtle to smile about in the patterns. (For instance, the key lime pie tie inter-mixes keys and limes.) Vineyard Vines is also a MLB licensee. Their team ties are the classiest looking team ties, even corporate logo ties, that I’ve ever seen – definitely wearable in professional situations. For the true Allen Edmonds fan, how about giving the new Park Avenue tie? 2010 is the 30th anniversary of America’s great business shoe and Vineyard Vines created a shoe tie to help us celebrate. As they always do, they made it both fun and classy.

Batting clean-up, small leather goods made out of the best leathers in the world. Many wallets, money clips and cardholders are made of weak leather and sewn with weak seams. No wonder they wear out so fast (hey, that sounds like a lot of imported shoes today…). Our new leather goods are made in the U.S.A. out of the same strong calfskin and even shell cordovan leathers as our long-lasting shoes. Like our shoes, though, we priced them to be accessible. They’re an incredible value.

Batting fifth, how about custom engraved shoe trees? We all know it’s the thought that counts. Why not engrave that thought in something the man will see every morning? Personalized sayings of affection, appreciation, admiration, congratulations or encouragement – any of these can be put where he’ll see it every day and his name can be added, too. It’s like a great greeting card that doesn’t get thrown out after a few days. And you’re the author, so the thought counts more than ever.

Batting sixth, real shearling-lined calfskin slippers with a driving moccasin sole. Our new Banff style may be the most perfect slipper we’ve ever come up with. There’s nothing second-rate about them – great shearling, great leather, great stitching and a sole that feels great inside the house or out. I wear mine all weekend long.

Batting seventh, Bobby Jones watches. Men like to have choices in what watch to wear, without investing a ton of money. I’ve had a couple of these Bobby Jones watches for the past two years, and I also have a dressy Swiss watch. Nobody ever comments on my Swiss watch, but my Bobby Jones watches get noticed at work as well as on the weekends. I like wearing them. They’re more comfortable, very durable and I don’t have to worry about throwing them in a golf bag, a TSA checkpoint bin at the airport or in my briefcase. I initially called them my “free-time watches”, but now I’m wearing them all the time.

Batting eight, the right belt. Seriously. Most guys think the right belt is something that’s close in color to the black or brown shoes they’re wearing. Typically, they wear some old belt with three different buckle marks in the leather caused by, ahem, adjusting the sizing for their “added maturity”. Just a fresh new belt might be a great idea. If they have favorite Allen Edmonds shoes, the exactly matching belt could be even better.

Batting ninth, a shoe care kit and the right polishes. OK, this is pretty functional but, if he has great shoes, he ought to take great care of them. Many spit-polishers in airports and clubhouses make the world’s best leathers look plastic-coated by the time they’re done. The patent-leather look isn’t right for our great black and brown calfskins. This is a terrific stocking-stuffer idea.

Pitching, Christmas shoes. These aren’t the “Christmas Shoes” in the song that’s being made into a movie. These are great red and green shoes for the neighborhood party, the gatherings of family and friends and the home movies taken around the tree. I wore my first pair to church on Christmas Eve last year and got high fives all around. Talk about spreading some goodwill, good cheer and good smiles on a cold dark night, these are sure to brighten the Season.

There you have it: an All Star line-up for the guy whose most articulate answer to your stressed-out question is, “I dunno.”

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year from all of us at Allen Edmonds!!!

Warm regards,


Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation

I remember that cold day in 1980. I was trainee in Chicago just a few months out of college and standing crammed in an over-crowded #22 Clark Street bus, wearing my winter coat, sweating through my shirt as the malfunctioning heater blasted hot stale air, with the predictable bus-ride headache brewing. My attention turned to the center column of my Wall Street Journal, which back then was where they ran eclectic human interest stories. It was the only page I could get to without elbowing the four people crushed around me.

The article was about how men should dress for work. Owning only a couple of “entry level” suits, five permanent-press shirts, a totally business-inappropriate plaid sport coat that I nonetheless wore once a week, and a pair of really bad dress shoes that I wore every day, I was sorely in need of the advice. “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have” was the main message. A sub-message was to avoid pale green ties that reflect an unhealthy pallor onto your face (I remember that part specifically because I was starting to feel like I could achieve the pallor without the tie). It was just after that ride that I invested in some cotton shirts and decent dress shoes like I had seen on the feet of the Vice Presidents around the office. And I stopped wearing that sport coat – not just to work, but to anywhere.

Fast forward sixteen years: I was now in charge of a department and a good man was in my office gunning for a promotion that was a stretch for him. We were in the advice-giving business where appearance matters when you’re trying to win clients’ trust. He obviously hadn’t read that WSJ article and nobody had ever said anything to him about his misfit wardrobe. It’s always hard to give dress advice in work settings, yet it’s sometimes the difference between deserved success and not-so-much. I finally decided to tell him he needed to invest in higher quality attire if he wanted a better chance at the job. He did invest – that same week – and sometime later he got the promotion he wanted. What’s more, when I spoke to him about his attire, he thanked me for being so candid and unexpectedly helpful.

Why is it that so many guys will invest maybe $1000-2000 for an impressive tailored suit, shirt and tie…and then finish it off with, well, really bad shoes? You’ve seen them, I’ve seen them, all over the country. Yet, their role models have usually figured out that good shoes complete the impressive look. If you’re a boss or mentor to somebody in cheap-looking shoes, maybe it’s time for some candid and helpful career advice.


Best wishes,


Paul D. Grangaard
President & CEO
Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation