If there is one shoe that no matter how much time has passed but you keep coming back to, for me it’s the Allen Edmonds Nashua Tassel Loafer.
Before I discuss the shoes, for those not familiar with the company, Allen Edmonds is an upscale shoe/retail company from the United States and is based in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Originally established in Belgium, Wisconsin in 1922, the company has maintained its identity worldwide of being a trustworthy, upscale shoe/retail company. And the company has gone through several ownership, the most recent in 2016 with the company being acquired by Caleres (formerly known as Brown Shoe, which operates Famous Footwear, Diane von Furstenberg, Ryka, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, Lifestride and many more shoe brands).
The company is known for providing shoes to the US Army and US Navy during World War II, creating a brand loyalty which has been passed down to generations and those who hear about the quality and amazing brand but also how one can extend the life of their shoes. Currently the shoes are manufactured in the Dominican Republic or Italy and some models are finished in the US.
For some people, Allen Edmonds is seen as the next step up for those who have a passion for quality shoes and are willing to spend several hundred dollars on a shoe. Or not spending several hundred dollars as Allen Edmonds also offers a Factory 2nd version of their shoes. For those not familiar with the term, “Factory second” are factory rejects that are sold to the public for a reduced rate.
But one thing that Allen Edmonds offers that many shoes companies don’t is “Recrafting” services.
You can extend your life of your favorite shoes by sending shoes that are in need of new outsoles, new leather heel bases, new toplifts, new cork-inlays, new welting, refinished and hand-polished uppers and new laces.
Allen Edmonds will refinish the shoes or provide heel services which include standard and prestige packages. In fact, through the recrafting service, you can change the soles to Oak Leather, Butyl Leather, V-tread, Othello Rubber or Dainite Rubber.
So, there are benefits of going with purchasing a pair of shoes from Allen Edmonds. Your one purchase may last a lifetime!
The shoe that I am going to write about is one of my favorite casual loafers and they are the Allen Edmonds Nashua Tassel Loafer.
I wanted a shoe that was comfortable, could be worn any season (well, here in California). It’s important to note that I own a lot of loafers, I do not use these as dress loafers but as casual loafers. For me, I wear 11D (D is standard) and works best for me. Granted, for those who have worn dress shoes and get the pinching, you will want to go E for more width.
Bare in mind also, if you are the type who wears socks, no socks or no-show socks (my preference) for loafers and because I go with no-show socks, for me personally, I added heel grips.
The Nashua Tassel Loafer comes with a Hamlet rubber sole and is a classic fit, so it’s true to size. And you can get these in two tone Black Grain Calf with Brown Trim or English Tan Dublin Leather.
The shoes feature a moc-toe with a single shawl and tassles,
The shoe itself features a handsewn construction, built on the handsewn 114 Last, features two-tone premium grain calfskin leather with leather liner and are recraftable. Granted, the price of these shoes are typically $275 (or $179 for factory seconds), so you can decide on buying a new pair or sending it back for recrafting.
Now, for those wondering if they buy online, if its the original or the factory seconds, Allen Edmonds typically puts a mark or indentation right near the heel and logo (sometimes the mark is a tiny shoe). Or holes are drilled into the soles and you will see pen markings for returned items (Nordstroms tends to do this).
Now what if the shoes were returned, Allen Edmonds marks a “W” near the heel which means worn or “FR” for Factory Rejects.
You can learn more on this Reddit forum topic.
Now, how can you tell if you have an older Nashua or a newer Nashua. Typically on the insole, the newer shoes have ALLEN EDMONDS in one line in a sans-seriff font.
Mine is old, so it has the original Allen Edmonds logo such as below:
Now, it’s important to note that the Nashua tassel loafer has been around for decades, so there are other shoes companies that have something similar to it and are much cheaper. I actually own an older G.H. Bass MICHAEL KILTIE WEEJUN as well. Johnston and Murphy has something similar called the Aragon.
G.H. Bass – WEEJUNS MICHAEL KILTIE TASSEL LOAFER
Johnston & Murphy Aragon Kiltie Tassel Loafer
Someone told me they have a CLARK two-tone loafer.
But while they are similar in look, they are very different. For me, the Nashua has been my go to and find it to be a shoe that lasts. And if I need it recrafted, $125 is cool with me.
But if anything, if anyone is looking for a tassel loafer that is comfortable and will last you a lifetime, definitely give the Allen Edmonds Nashua Tassel Loafer a try!
