treeincIs the fit correct and comfortable? Is the cut of the leather symmetrical with no physical damage to the leather or major stitching flaws? If yes, and all that is wrong is the stain, I think you got a good pair of 2nds. You could send them to either AE on your dime or your local cobbler and perhaps they can restrain them. Not sure what you expected for sight unseen no returns but 2nds, function trumps aesthetics. Either way you have a great beater boot. When it comes to AE, either stick to 1st on sale, clearance or 2nds by phone when you can ask what is flawed prior to shipping and you have the option to return or exchange which is not offered on the AE made for Massdrop.
pattgsmI've purchased seconds before. This is well below that quality. I'm not buying seconds for some third rate shoe company. AE seconds are usually really good. the messed up stain is beyond that, and sending it back to AE for a rework would end up costing what i could've gotten these for firsts. Not sure why you want to defend a poor job here.