A good businessman should always do at least one of two things (if not both): treat their employees well and listen to the concerns of their customers in regards to the product or service offering. Edwin Neo, taking into account the reputation of his company�Ed Et Al, and the shoes that fall under that brand, did just that and has most recently revamped his shoe offerings in order to fix the concerns laid out by those who voiced an opinion with regards to the quality of the product. That being, there were generally two concerns: the attention to detail with regards to the finishing, as well as the quality of the upper and sole leathers. So, Edwin took them both into account, sourced new leather for both the sole and the uppers and then told his workers that the finishing on each pair of shoes needed to be a whole lot tidier. To go along with this new refreshed product, Mr. Neo, also decided to add 10 more styles to accompany the revamped brand, 9 of which to me, all look amazing!
In order to get a truly honest and unbiased opinion, Mr. Neo wanted me to review his newly revamped collection in comparison to his old product. As I am undoubtedly a shoe whore, as well as being curious to see the difference, I gladly accepted the offer. He therefore sent me the Merlion II in what he calls his cognac color. As his shoes come in an F width, he sent me a 6.5, which much like the 40 he recommend last time, fit great. That being, if you are usually an E width, I would recommend sizing down, as they seem to run a bit big. Upon receiving them, I could instantly see the differences in quality between sole, upper and lining leather. It was all upgraded and looked and felt a lot better. The finishing was far superior than the initial pair that I received, as they now added a fiddleback and bevelled waist, with design detail to match. The stitching as well as the line that goes from heel to sole at the forefoot was a lot cleaner and fluid looking. Even the closing on the upper was lot tidier, free from any crooked errors. Overall the shoe looked and felt amazing and was definitely well worth the extra �10 that the new models cost (circa �150).
The only things that slightly concerned me were the fact that the buckles were quite dirty when they arrived, with a bit soot on them. Luckily I had a silver cloth polisher that fixed them right up, but the average person might have been a bit put off by this. The other thing is that while the upper leather seems to be a definite higher grade, it does not take kindly to touch. That being, it shows marks quite easily. It’s not something that can’t be buffed out with some polish but something worth noting nonetheless. But these two problems, in my opinion, are miniscule compared to the upgrade (and tiny extra cost) that have been to the new collection.
As you can see, I have attached a few pictures of some of the new collection as well as a few MTO/Bepsoke examples. For further viewing of the new models please refer to the lookbook,�HERE. They are currently under construction with the new website, but if you wish to make any inquiries or purchases, feel free to contact them at [email protected]. I hope that you have enjoyed this review and I will say that that with this upgrade in quality and finishing, that Ed Et Al shoes are hands down, the best bang for your buck in the entire shoe industry……
On a side note, I have upgraded my Shoe Snob accessory range offering, whereby I have now added some shoe brushes and shoe trees to purchase. Please view my�Shoe Snob Accessories Page�to view the entire collection or go straight to The Shoe Snob Shop.
All the best,
Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Just commissioned a tri-fabric monkstrap from Edwin, but more importantly: Where are YOUR shoes bro?
In your opinion are they worth the price / shipping etc. with the 70sgd shipping they work out to around 180 which sounds great but are they worth it compared to say a pair of similar cheaney’s (non imperial of course)
The reason I ask is I need a new black pair of shoes and I hate paying too much for black. I have no issue in paying for eg’s c&j etc but black which go with less and I don’t wear to work I become a bit of a tightwad
I love what Ed et Al are doing, but I wish they’d added half sizes instead of doubling the size of the range! It’s the only thing that stopped me buying a pair to date.
Yes, Eds, half sizes please! And maybe width options next? In the mean time, loving the new designs.
Congratulations on your expanded accessory range, Justin – are they available with you at G&H/Selfridges too? And do you have your mink oil-based renovator back yet?
P.S. Seconded on your shoes – I want to pre-order; we need pics and colourways!
Justin, I would like to buy your ligthweight travel plastic shoe trees, but at your ebay-site there are two different sizes showing UK 7? (6-7 and 7-8). Which one shall I pick? I have shoe size UK 7.
Benjy – Nice one!! Would love to see it when you get it. My shoes will be here soon. As soon as I get all of my sample, polish them up, I will display them on the blog to give you all first pick! Will be officially for sale by Feb 2013
Anon – Always appreciate someone who is willing to admit their faults, but fret not, because they are definitely worth it, and better than a Cheaney, especially the Cheaney’s at that price….I say go for it!
The Linoleum Surfer – that makes sense…maybe Edwin will read this and do something about it….thanks for sharing!
Alex B – yea, they are available at Selfridges (but with their lovely mark up in price – so stick to eBay), but they are not yet available at G&H….will wait until I launch my shoes to add them to my G&H stock…lots involved to get a new product on their system, which i just don’t have time for now…
Pics of my shoes will hopefully come in Dec., when I should have all of my samples in pairs, polished up and professionally photo ready. Then I will list them and see about pre-ordering…still need to figure out how I will take money as a guarantee.
Anon – I would go with the UK7/8, that 39/40 is a UK5/UK6…..it’s a typo that I need to correct.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
I just received the Outram in black. I’m not a black fan, but needed something for a wedding soon, and this fit the bill. Beautiful. Very well made and a steal at the price.
I normally wear a 11 to 11.5 US. I was concerned about sizing, so Mindy helped me select it based on a trace of my feet. I went with EU45, which is the largest size they have, and it fits very well. I’m slightly narrow usually, so was a bit concerned with them being balmorals. But they fit like a glove.
I have my eye on the Istana next.
John Koontz – Thanks for sharing John!! Glad to hear that they worked out well for you.
-Justin
Hi Justin,
I just recently discovered your blog – it’s probably the best source of inspiration for shoes – congratulations!
Your second post on edetal is a bit confusing to me: what quality issues are you referring too? Are the Amoy Quee shoes you reviewed lower quality than these monk straps? I’m considering ordering a pair (without seeing them being based in Europe) but wouldn’t like to get the lower quality…
Thanks again for your insights
Best
Ed
Ed – Firstly, thank you for your kind words! I am glad to hear that you have been enjoying the blog.
As per your query, the issues on the first shoe, were not so much issues but just remarks, as they were a review. Let me start off by saying that for the price of the Amoy Quee, it is a GREAT SHOE. However, in comparison to their new models, the leather quality and attention to detail (aka the finishing) is much higher and of better quality….
I hope that this makes sense. Do pull the trigger on the Amoy Quee, you won’t regret it….
-Justin
Hi Justin,
Thanks for the helpful article above and for your site in general, I’m a big fan.
I’m about to buy a pair of EdEtAl as I work my way up to owning a pair of your new collection. I was hoping I could get your expert opinion on sizing though. I’m a pretty standard UK 8 regular width, so should I go for the 42 in EdEtAl sizes or are there other considerations?
Thanks again for the great blog and best of luck with the new collection!
Thanks for the kind words my friend, I do appreciate them. As per the sizing, well I don’t believe that they have half sizes, so i think that sticking to the 42 would be good. Certainly if you are quite standard a 41 would not work…. I have a very slim foot so going down made sense for me….I think that you should be fine in that 42
Thanks for commenting!
Justin
I would say that edetal’s sizing is a lil tricky…
yea, I was lucky to get it bang on the first time around
I didn’t have trouble with sizing. I sent them a trace of my foot and it worked out perfectly on both pairs I have. I did have a problem with a third pair, but it was from their sample sale and I was told it ran small.
thanks for sharing John!
Hi Justin, How would you compare these to Meermins? Would they be comparable to the Classic or Linea Maestro line? Thanks!
they would be comparable to the LM line….different but comparable IMHO….Meermins are handwelted, but the Ed Et Al’s felt just as study…leather quality is not as good, but it still feels nice on the feet
I recently purchased a pair and they are a complete disappointment. I actually don’t even want to wear them. I definitely will not purchase another pair… I was really hopeful about this brand
sorry to hear that TIm, I think that since writing this they have taken a steep decline in quality.
I am sorry to hear as well. I have extremely good experience with this brand around 10 years ago, not because Edwin is my country man but really because back then in 2012/2013, locally to get a good pair of shoes we gotta spend a lot on luxury brands. We could get shopping centre/departmental store brands in higher quality but they are usually extremely conservative in style. Or hunt ebay used Aldens or AEs for cheaper, but ultimately those are used shoes. Shoe buying is an very involved experience and nothing beats buying a new pair from the maker himself.
When Ed Et Al appeared and knowing its a local startup it was exhilarating for local shoe enthus. I still remember the day I found time between juggling 3 jobs going to Edwin’s shop on the other side of the island where I lived, despite my car breaking down. The shop was crowded with customers and I managed to snatch a pair of burgundy longwing blutchers. The leather was thick, yet soft and supple, the finishing almost flawless, the silhouette and the last fit was just fantasy! Couldn’t believe the deal I was getting, a pair like that should had worth 2-3 times more. Within a week or two I was convinced that was the best shoe I ever worn and I went back for another pair of Shenton IIs, and months later a pair of boots. The Shenton became my daily and the heels got darkened due to my driving habits and Edwin repaired FOC for me. His staff was wonderful as well. Life got busy and I forgot about shoes, or taking care of appearances or dressing up. Can’t fit the shoes since I grown way too fat.
Lately was thinking of another pair for the fat feet, and then I was surprised to learned the brand had a lot of really bad customer service reviews in recent years. A Linkedin search shows that Edwin had actually left the company he built since 2019? Don’t know what happened! Maybe that’s why the brand went down, the founder, the brain and hands behind the brand is no longer there.
Thank you for sharing AC. Yes, it is a tragic tale indeed. Edwin was a pioneer in many ways to the shoe culture of Singapore. Maybe one day he will pop back up!