** Quintessential Crockett & Jones Thread ** (reviews, quality, etc...)

[forex]

Can anyone provide feedback on how 236 last fits? Thinking about getting the connaught and would like to know how it fits, what are the comparable lasts in other makers such as EG, Alden, etc.

 

[Northampton Novice]



It would be naive for C&J to compete against G&G or even EG with their offerings. 

C&J are not direct competitors, but are ofcourse in the same market. So it's not naive to try to emulate a successful brand and interpret or apply it's style to your own products - that's how retail works.

 

[claes500]



According to Men's Ex, top 3 selling C&J in UK are Connaught, Hallam (348) and Audley (358).  All in black.



Ya.  Such a tragedy.  And Seymour 1 is getting hard to find, at least in Royal Arcade.



It would be naive for C&J to compete against G&G or even EG with their offerings.  Aside from the fashion forward new 358 designs, C&J do charge an obscene amount for MTO (£700 vs. £400s handgrade), especially compared to G&G or EG (£150 MTO surcharge for both).  They should really instead offer a real MTO program that let you choose design and last for at least competitive pricing.

+1

Can't figure out how CJ can charge so much for MTO, especially since Carmina are closing up and breathing down their neck with a more reasonable MTO surcharge

 

[theyare]

Wow - so basically $1100-$1200 for an MTO C&J?

Do they all "become" handgrade? What if you do a benchgrade model in another color?

 

[Northampton Novice]



+1
Can't figure out how CJ can charge so much for MTO, especially since Carmina are closing up and breathing down their neck with a more reasonable MTO surcharge

C&J Have always had an exorbitant MTO programme. Five years ago I was quoted £575 for a handgrade special, but I am glad, the high price prompted me to put in a few pounds more and I got my first G&G.

 

[Northampton Novice]



Wow - so basically $1100-$1200 for an MTO C&J?
Do they all "become" handgrade? What if you do a benchgrade model in another color?

Benchgrade in another colour, is £50 more than standard price - provided it is a colour C&J currently have on their swatches.

 

[chogall]

+1
Can't figure out how CJ can charge so much for MTO, especially since Carmina are closing up and breathing down their neck with a more reasonable MTO surcharge

Their factory production flow is probably not designed for MTO but for volume manufacturing. With all the volume they are enjoying OEM'ing shoes for other brands and Japan, a good MTO program will cost them much much more.

 

[Burton]



 
Their factory production flow is probably not designed for MTO but for volume manufacturing.  With all the volume they are enjoying OEM'ing shoes for other brands and Japan, a good MTO program will cost them much much more.

Yes. Agree with the above. C&J appear to have a business model similar to AE which is geared to larger runs rather than smalller more customized production. I think the large upcharge is a deliberate way of discouraging that business--or making it profitable to engage in. If I am going to pay $1000+ for shoes I am going to look to EG, AS handgrades, etc.

 

[bl@ster]

Yeah, I emailed the NYC store and they responded saying to have that shoe I posted the pic of made would be $1150 for MTO. So.... no go.

Guess I'll have to hope the shoe comes back to Ralph Lauren.

 

[zazaza]

I just listed a pair of BNIB Northcotes in 12D if anyone is interested.
they are absolutely stunning, but not quite for me

please see sig for details

 

[makewayhomer]

MTO is a pain probably, doesn't surprise me they charge so much

 

[fritzl]



Nothing like a test drive to know for sure. It will almost undoubtably fit you fine in width - you'll know soon enough if it's too long or not.
I think the Drummond is just about my favorite shoe on earth at the moment (for the price) - totally tasteful and traditional but clean and modern at the same time - good choice you made!

funny to see that people are afraid of length. e.g. in custom footwear it's normal to have toe space up to an inch. the bread and butter is the fit around the heel and the arch, imo.

 

[Gdot]

I agree.

Personally not afraid of length. As a matter of fact in general it is desirable to me to have a long shoe - but it does seem many people are very concerned about it.

My only logistical concern regarding length is that it can affect the location that the creasing sets up on ready to wear shoes - and that sometimes is a bugaboo.

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

...while deciding and contemplating on a couple of C&J, recent last/fit discussions has been very helpful..Thanks

 

[Gdot]



...while deciding and contemplating on a couple of C&J, recent last/fit discussions has been very helpful..Thanks

I think the last/fit discussions are among the most worthwhile topics we can deal with on a forum such as this one. As fit is the most important issue in general and it's a tough nut to crack when one can't try on the shoes in a retail setting.

Aesthetics and who likes what can be interesting - but ultimately hard to discuss/manage in a forum format.