Heel problems with Edward Greens

[K-tie]

I own several pairs of Allen Edmonds and Church and decided a few months ago to upgrade to a pair of Edward Greens. Although they are comfortable like nothing else I have tried, the heel cap is sort of being skewed or "slides" out to the right. First I though it could be the narrow heel base of an Edward Green vs e.g. Allen Edmonds. But then the heel on my Church's is the same and I don't have any problems with them. It almost seems like the leather used for the heel cap is too soft and cannot hold my weight.

I spoke to my local shoemaker/ repairer in Norway. He just started importing Edward Greens in limited quantities for sale in his small work shop. He also sells e.g. Allen Edmonds and Alfred Seargent and tells me that he has not seen this problem with any of these brands. He has however experienced this specific heel problem on several pairs of Aldens, as well as less costly brands, that he has received for repair.

Has anyone experienced this problem? Do I need a broader heel base? My shoemaker friend plans to visit the Edward Green factory next year and present them with the issue. However, it would be interesting to know if this is an isolated problem or if any of the members of LL have experienced something similar.

[DD MacDonald]

the heel cap is sort of being skewed or "slides" out to the right.

K-Tie, sorry to hear about the shoes. Can you provide a bit more information? It sounds like the heel counter (the structural " cup" surrounding the heel) is not attached to the welting. What did your shoe guy say?

The folks at Greens, both at the factory and the shop on the Burlington Arcade are great to deal with. If it is a manufacturing error, I'm certain that they'd put it right.

Good luck. DDM

[K-tie]

Dear DDM

Sorry for the late reply. My shoe guy's opinion was that the heel counter was of poor quality. He will bring the shoes with him when he visits the factory of Edward Green in the next month or so. I'll wait and see what comes out of that.

Thanks for your help.

K-Tie

[Peterboy]

K-tie,
To me, it sounds like there could be two alternatives;
1) It could be the shape of Edward Greens last and a poor stiffener, but...
2) It could also be the shape of your heel, or the way your foot move inside the shoe when you walk. Most people are not consious about how the foot moves inside their shoes!
Since, you mentioned that you had the same incident with your Church, I thought it might be the solution to your problem. Can´t tell, of course, without seeing the foot and the shoe!

Peterboy
bespoke.shoes@mac.com