C&J Pembroke vs. Cardiff

OK, I posted yesterday on trying to find these Alden longwings. Some research led me to the RL Marlow scotch grain wingtip bluchers that went for $795. I guess I can't find them anywhere so I found out here from Srivats that that shoe is the C&J Pembroke. Question is...how are rubber soles vs. leather soles? I'm on my feet all day as a high school teacher so I'm thinking rubber... The scotch grain...better than the smooth look? The color.....good with khaki / navy chinos? All feedback welcome and most of all, appreciated. Paul

I prefer the Cardiff in calf. Not really a fan of scotch grain. IMO C&J's dainite sole isn't any more comfortable than leather. If you're looking for comfort, go for something with a gumlite sole like the Latimer in snuff suede (G fitting only I believe) or the Grasmere, though neither is a brogue.

Any of these would look fine with chinos of any color, especially as a high school teacher. If you're buying C&Js I'm sure you're already better dressed (or at least shod) than anyone at your school.

Pembroke for many reasons, mainly that they're exactly what you want from a country brogue.

C&J danite is no less comfortable than double leather soles. However, it will last much longer than leather and will handle wet weather conditions *very* well. Also, it goes well with the pebble-grian look (as Ich-Dien) pointed out.

Either shoe you posted will be good with chinos. I like pebble grain leather for casual wear, but if you are looking for something more dressy, go with the plain calf.

i agree, as i told you yesterday srivats, i like the natural sole, and with the rubber, i would think itd be a bonus...the pebble grain is what i am unsure of

Originally Posted by balaskonis

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i agree, as i told you yesterday srivats, i like the natural sole, and with the rubber, i would think itd be a bonus...the pebble grain is what i am unsure of

Look a NYR's recnt pics on WAYWRN ... he has posted these shoes with brown wool trousers and khakis. Looks great, imo ... if your workplace is not fully dressy, pebble grain is a fantastic idea. Where do you live, btw?

C&J will do the Pembroke with leather soles for a little upcharge. I personally prefer the scotch grain but don't like the dainite sole. I have been reconsidering this lately,dainite is very good for rainy weather and we are getting plenty of rain where I live,not a usual thing.

I agree, I would not want to pay more for that sole however. I don't mind the rubber sole, as the sides appear like it's a natural leather sole. I live in CT lower Fairfield County, been raining here a lot the last month.

I do own a number of C&J's on leather sole, and 4 models on dainite sole.

As far as I am concerned, the dainite is way more comfortable than a full leather sole. It's more flexible, so it doesn't require as much of a "break-in" period. These are the shoes I take with me when I travel and spend a long time walking in airports, transfers etc. They also handle rain better.

I personally like the scotch grain of the Pembroke, which I find suits well this style of full brogue.

Then again, if it was me looking for this style of shoe, I would go neither for the Pembroke nor the Cardiff, but for the Swansea.



The 341 last is s bit more modern, and it makes for a more civilized and versatile look. It also has a dainite sole which, you've understood, has my preference for "heavy duty" shoes.

All 3 models would look good with khaki chinos. For navy chinos, perhaps the darker hue of the Swansea would look better.

Which is the 3rd shoe in the OP

Even I am considering the Pembroke which I prefer over the Cardiff. The choice for me is between the Pembroke and the Swansea in suede. I am leaning towards the Pembroke as the Swansea is not 'country style' enough for me.

Does the Pembroke come in any other leather besides the tan scotch grain.

For example what color is the shoe in the attached pic

aj_del...the pic of the 3rd shoe is the Alden Longwing 976 in calf. I've learned it was an offering through J Crew.

The pic you attached...what are those?

flanker, you're killing me....now you give me yet ANOTHER option. you make good points about the swansea, as I do like a slightly more modern look to the wingtip.

Pembroke vs. Swansea I guess it is...since the Alden longwings are more scarce in the color I want.

Any other pics of Swansea?

found some...what do you guys think?

Swansea have an elongated last I really like the Pembroke, perfect for Jeans and chinos

Originally Posted by balaskonis

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found some...what do you guys think?

This is the Swansea, right ?

yes, but on Plal you can't seem to get pebble grain