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Shoes that look better with age...

mizanation

By mizanation
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fre-co

fre-co

Posted
Posted

amlai - that just sounds like classic english service to me....

Greg - I have been to the C&J factory in Northampton. Not inside apart from the shop and stairwell though. It is a great place.... very typical, imposing Victorian factory with old fashioned signage above a tall wooden entrance, surrounded by terraces of cottages built for the workers over 100 years ago and cobbled streets. Very atmospheric. Next time I go I'll take photographs.

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Chicken
Chicken

been going cheep: 1/4/10 1/4/10 purchased these clarks desert boots a while back. after moving to sunny california, i kind of got tired of hauling around in heavy duty boots, so i thought these

coleslawyum
coleslawyum

Minor update on my Toys McCoy Railman boots. 4 years. Vegetable tanned cowhide. Built like tanks.

riff
riff

I posted these on my tumblr a while back & realized I forgot to post here - my current workboot rotation:

synthi

synthi

Posted
Posted

Did someone say Shannon?

eg_5.jpg

On the 82 last in (ironically given the forum this thread is on) midnight blue antique. It's not a great shot, their beauty is elusive to photography ;) I have another pair on order due in January, hopefully in time for my 30th.

My C&J Villiers, ordered back in May are only just ready. They've been sent back to the factory to get sunken toe taps installed.

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synthi

synthi

Posted
Posted

A quick separate note re. comments above about service, and not to spark a debate at all, in many situations in life if one's appearance does not match what is expected people can make all kinds of assumptions about you. A man in a bespoke suit walking into a sneaker shop would probably get the same kind of welcome. My first experience at EG was far from warm but as I displayed knowledge and passion my interest was quickly entertained. To the point when I went in to pick up the above they didn;t need to see my ticket to know what I had come to pick up and went over and above the call of duty to pick materials and options for my 2nd pair.

It's easy to criticise, especially when you're right. But give people a chance and usually they'll surprise you ;)

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theetruscan

theetruscan

Posted
Posted

Those are one of two pairs of shoes on my desperation list. if it weren't for my travels to three continents next year, I'd find a way to fund a pair. Though, I'm having a lot of sizing trouble. I know I'm exactly a 317 Last 11 G in C&J, but no one is comfortable with what that means in EG. While we're posting shannon porn though, does anyone have a pic of those dark green ones from SF (the imageshack file is dead)?

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amlai

amlai

Posted
Posted
in many situations in life if one's appearance does not match what is expected people can make all kinds of assumptions about you. A man in a bespoke suit walking into a sneaker shop would probably get the same kind of welcome. My first experience at EG was far from warm but as I displayed knowledge and passion my interest was quickly entertained.

I felt that when I went in, I was pretty knowledgeable about what I wanted (which last, which model, etc.) and made it pretty clear I was interested in making a purchase, but I needed to be fitted for the correct size. I believe I even apologized for my lack of preparation (for wearing thick athletic socks) after having just got off a red eye and my hotel not letting me check in. Even so, I felt that I got the cold shoulder. In any case, despite how nice their products are, I have very little incentive to patronize the London store again, and would much rather give my business to someone who is knowledgeable about their products and gives good customer service. I guess in this case it may not matter to them as I'm not sure when I'll be back in London.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming. ;)

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fre-co

fre-co

Posted
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I think to a degree Synthi is right here.

But, I was only half joking when I said that is classic English customer service. In my experience when you patronise this type of establishment you almost have to prove your worth (or perhaps wealth) before they will recognise you as a worthy human being. This I believe is very typical of theservice surrounding English bespoke or premium goods. It is all based on the very rigid class system that still exists to a certain degree here. The fact that the shoemaker/tailor/etc cannot recognise anymore the real customers from the riff raff is the problem for them as even wealthy, well to do people can dress in denim and the trashiest nouveau riche can dress with opulence.

The difference I guess in the US is the customer service culture is different to here and anything below going the extra mile is not good enough, and this service is extended to all who walk through the door.

My experience is of Savile Row, which obviously has a very similar atmosphere to Jermyn Street shoemakers. I was in my mid-twenties and was probably wearing denim when I went looking for a tailor and a bespoke service and got a very frosty reception in all establishments until they recognised that I was serious about parting with a large sum of money.

Of course once you are in the club, you are treated to the fantastic service.

Anyway I have gone on way too much.

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Denim Phenom

Denim Phenom

Posted
Posted

I saw these shoes on ebay and thought someone might be interested. They look like low top semi dress whites, 10 1/2.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1940s-THICK-sole-Leather-WORK-boot-Shoes-10-1-2_W0QQitemZ180198131208QQihZ008QQcategoryZ48862QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This isn't my auction so i'm not spamming, just figured someone would want to know. Also, i'm sorry if I blew up someone's spot.

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coleslawyum

coleslawyum

Posted
Posted

I was at Turnbull and Asser recently, and I have to admit C&J have some very elegant lasts. It definitely has a more traditional English vibe to them. I remember travelling to Italy and shoe shopping. I couldn't believe how crazy some of the designs could get. Totally different philosophy than C&J.

C&J is definitely up there (outside of bespoke) if you're looking for that old English well-made shoe. Recommeded, 2 thumbs up.

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GregNYC

GregNYC

Posted
Posted

I've been to Lobb too, but their prices are disproportionately higher. And their shoes are more, er, delicate than C & J's. Since my primary interest is boots, that makes me prefer C & J, at least for what I can find here in NYC. I'll probably be wearing these later this evening:

cons.front.gif

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GregNYC

GregNYC

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how does the fit compare between coniston and skye Greg?

Maybe an illusion but the skye looks a touch wider?

It's hard to attribute the fit/feel to the cut alone, so there are two things I think. 1 - the Skye's leather is a lot stiffer than the Coniston's soft scotch-grain. 2 - I think the Coniston's 325 last is a tad wider across ball of the foot. They are some of my most comfortable boots period!

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GregNYC

GregNYC

Posted
Posted
how does the fit compare between coniston and skye Greg?

Maybe an illusion but the skye looks a touch wider?

It's hard to attribute the fit/feel to the cut alone, so there are two things I think. 1 - the Skye's leather is a lot stiffer than the Coniston's soft scotch-grain. 2 - I think the Coniston's 325 last is a tad wider across ball of the foot. They are some of my most comfortable boots period!

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