The Ed Et Al Shoe Review

The Ed Et Al Shoe Review

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ed et al shoe review

There are some brands that I follow the progress of for months and sometimes even years.  From time to time fortune smiles upon me and one of these brands will decide they would like me to review their products.  Such is the story with Ed Et Al, the young shoe brand from Singapore.

Singapore?  You may ask.  Yes, Singapore.  Not only is the brand based there but the shoes are also made there in Ed Et Al’s own workshop.  At first thought it sounds like a pretty random place for a dress shoe brand to be based.

ed et al shoe review

On a related note, I am of the opinion that the location of manufacture can have little effect on the quality of the end good.  Italian and English craftsmen can make both high quality and low quality shoes.  The same can be said for places like China, Mexico and Singapore.  The hard part is navigating the market to find the brands that make a good product at a fair price.  To be honest, Ed Et Al is the first Singaporean brand that I have dealt with; in fact, I don’t even know of any others.  But, if Ed Et Al is a good representation of what the Singaporean’s are capable of then we are in luck my fellow shoe lovers.

After some discussion, Ed Et Al sent me a pair of the Temasek II in size 42, which roughly equates to a US10.  The price of the shoes is $240 + $55 shipping (they covered the shoes and I paid shipping); but I was told that shipping may be more or less depending on where you live.  Since the shipping cost is so high (20% of product cost), it is important to factor that into the total cost of the shoes.  So I evaluate these shoes based on a $300 cost, not $240.

ed et al shoe review
As a rather odd aside, this is my first pair of derbies (bluchers).  I figured about about 20 pair of oxfords and dress loafers that it was time to add a pair of derbies.  What I like about these is that they are a more formal and sleek derby than many out there.  The lack of decoration on the toe really helps them keep a streamlined look, as does the 2 eyelet design.
ed et al shoe review
As you can see, the shoe is quite simple.  It has nice proportions to it and the pattern is set well on the last.  On the site, the shoes look like they have a good bit of burnishing on the toe, however, in person it is very slight which is fine with me.  I would rather there be only minor burnishing done well than more burnishing done poorly like was the case with the Beckett Simonon shoes I received.
ed et al shoe review
The shoes are cut pretty low on the foot, which help give them a more slender look.  They still, however, feel secure on the foot and fit well.  The leather used on the shoes is okay.  Certainly nothing to rave about though.  It has a decent feel and look to it but it could be a little more supple.  It also creases tremendously, which it is worth noting is not necessarily a mark of poor quality.
ed et al shoe review
The shoes are Goodyear welted.  Which is surprising for how light the shoes are.  Personally, I like the lightness and the fact that they are Goodyear welted.  The welting is clean and they keep it close to the upper, which I also like.  I am not a fan of shoes which the welting protrudes far out past the upper (like Allen Edmonds) because it looks clunky.
ed et al shoe review
Although the sole is painted to look like a fiddleback waist, it is indeed not.  Which is fine because it is not a detail I would expect to see at this price point.  Either way, the soles are still nice.
ed et al shoe review
Generally speaking, the construction and finishing on the shoes is good. The stitching is even and there are no loose threads or sloppy cuts on the leather. Which for shoes at this price I would not expect to see any of anyway.

For $300 the shoes are an okay buy.  They are not some earth shattering deal, however.  If the shoes were $240 with shipping included I would have to think otherwise though.  That said, are they better than what you will find at your local department store for $300?  Certainly.  But they are a harder sell when compared to other online direct to consumer brands like Meermin and Jack Erwin.  The quality is pretty good, my biggest take away is that the leather could be a little nicer.  But the construction, quality control and finishing are all well done.  I think Ed Et Al has some great styles, like the Temasek II.  They do a little different take on some classic designs, which for the most part are unique and tasteful.  For those of you looking for some good shoes under $300 you would be doing yourself a disservice to not look at what Ed Et Al has to offer.

-JLJ

 

Note: FYGblog did receive the shoes being reviewed for the purpose of review.  However, shipping was paid for.  As always, the utmost effort was taken to maintain an unbiased perspective on the brand and products at hand.

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11 COMMENTS

    • Jovan,
      I used to feel similarly about bluchers with the long tie and 2-3 eyelets. However, over time the style has grown on me greatly. That said, they do make a shoe look longer.
      -Justin

  3. Hey, nice read up! I am from Singapore by the way, and they can be considered our ONLY (one) manufacturing shoes since Singapore is a harbour city that imports > exporting(at least in the traditional goodyear, or there is no other more ‘famous’ ones locally).

    I have not went to the few stores they have (or retailer they partnered with), so thanks for the read up as I don’t like the feeling of disappointment when I first meet a brand, so this write-up does serve me well so I can lever my expectation bar at the correct side. Thanks!

  4. Hello, I am planning an order but I am wooried about the size. I wear a French 39/40 (small UK 6). According to Shaun (very good communication) and their chart, I should order a 41. What about your 42 ? Does it match their chart ? Thanks, Eric

  7. Hi

    Curious. How is having your manufacturing done in Singapore equate to low labor costs? They are one of the most, if not the most expensive city to live in the world, if not the highest. and among the top 3 in the world in terms of average income per capita. That would mean on average, people get paid a lot of money there

    http://www.cnbc.com/id/101462586

  8. Wow you are ignorant. “Low label costs” in Singapore? Are you kidding me?

    Also learn to pluralise properly. Apostrophes are only used for contractions or possessives.

  9. Chanced upon your website while looking for a pair of shoes for my husband. I’m a Singaporean and am actually quite surprised at a few things you mentioned in your review but I’m just going to delve into the one thing that shocked me the most in your review.

    Low labour cost? That’s very crazy to say because one would only ever say that if you’ve never been to our country, or picked up a magazine, or just did some general reading up. To rank us in the same breath as China and Mexico also shows just how very ill-read/travelled you are.

    To think you are writing for a very specific group of men and you demonstrated such ignorance is simply appalling. Here’s a suggestion – pick up a book today.

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