Allen Edmonds has long been a staple in American footwear, renowned for crafting high-quality shoes and boots with a rich heritage dating back to 1922. Known for their commitment to recraftable designs and timeless styles, the brand has earned a loyal following. However, with the recent acquisition by Caleres, there’s been growing concern about a perceived dip in quality, leaving long-time fans wondering if the brand’s reputation still holds true. Our review of the Higgins Mill Boot, based on Six Star Review’s core criteria—Quality, Value, Price, Customer Support, Ease of Use, and Durability—paints a mixed picture.
Quality: 3/6 Stars
The Higgins Mill boot has its strengths but falters in execution. Made with Horween Chromexcel leather, the material delivers a premium feel and is incredibly comfortable. However, construction inconsistencies are hard to overlook. Frayed threads, uneven stitching, and discrepancies in look and feel between the left and right boots detract from the high-quality reputation Allen Edmonds strives for. An even more glaring flaw is the use of man-made materials in the heel stack, which shrinks when exposed to water—something unexpected for a boot at this price point.
Value: 3/6 Stars
The value of the Higgins Mill boot hinges on how much you pay. At full price, it’s difficult to justify the cost given the inconsistencies in quality and the use of subpar components. That said, the boot’s comfort and overall aesthetic can make it a worthy investment when purchased on sale. If you’re lucky enough to snag a discounted pair, you might feel you’re getting fair value for your money.
Price: 2/6 Stars
Retailing at a premium price, the Higgins Mill doesn’t deliver the consistent excellence you’d expect. Considering the combination of construction flaws, man-made components, and poor customer service, the price feels steep. With so many excellent competitors in this price range, Allen Edmonds needs to tighten its quality control to justify the investment.
Customer Support: 2/6 Stars
Allen Edmonds’ customer support leaves much to be desired. Returns are slow, and there have been instances where customers receive visibly used or second-quality items sold as first-rate. For a brand positioned as a premium shoemaker, this is a major drawback. The lack of responsiveness and resolution speed further diminishes the overall experience.
Ease of Use: 6/6 Stars
This is where the Higgins Mill boot shines. Straight out of the box, the fit and comfort are outstanding. With virtually no break-in period, these boots feel great from day one and only improve with wear. Among Allen Edmonds’ offerings, the Higgins Mill stands out as their best-fitting boot, outshining other styles like the Normandy or cap-toe boots, which often have fit issues.
Durability: 3/6 Stars
Durability is a mixed bag. While the leather upper and welt construction are solid, the heel stack’s man-made leather board undermines the boot’s longevity. Shrinking and separating from the sole due to water exposure is unacceptable in a boot designed for versatility. It’s baffling that Allen Edmonds would cut corners here, given the otherwise thoughtful design.
Final Verdict: 4/6 Stars
The Higgins Mill boot is a tale of two shoes. On one hand, it offers unparalleled comfort, premium leather, and an appealing design. On the other, inconsistent construction, questionable material choices, and subpar customer service tarnish the overall experience. For the price, it’s hard to recommend at full retail. However, if you can snag these on sale, they become a more compelling option. With a bit of quality control improvement, this boot has the potential to regain its place as a standout in the Allen Edmonds lineup.
Bottom Line: A good boot if bought on sale, but Allen Edmonds’ recent missteps make it hard to recommend as a full-priced purchase.
