Deciding on jodphur boots: Crockett & Jones Cottesmore vs. Alfred Sargent Alex

Crockett & Jones Cottesmore








Alfred Sargent Alex






Between the two, my vote goes to the Crockett & Jones Cottesmore.
I find its toebox more appealing and the colour, at least to my eyes, is far more attractive.

I own the Cottesmore and love it although it is overpriced imo. Quality is great, almost handgrade quality with exception to a few details like a channeled sole.

The Cottesmore is growing on me fast. I may pull the trigger on a pair but unable to try on in store here in Toronto.
Namor what is sizing like (UK to US) ? Size down one size from US?

They are on the 341 last so they fit tts. I took a 11UK. I am a tts 12D

The Cottesmore is incredibly captivating. I took delivery of a new pair one week after I discovered them.

My vote also goes to C&J. 

Captivating is the perfect word indeed. Congratulations on your purchase of them. I am becoming weaker by the moment on these. Thank you for the sizing information. Much appreciated.

I know this will seem odd, but have a look on page 32 of this catalog.

http://blackjackboots.net

These are all MTO and made to measure and you can select several features including toe shape and heel. Of course, you can also choose different colors and types of leathers.

For regular leather, the price is about half of the cost of the C&J. I have not seen a pair of these in person but given the price, I am kind of intrigued.

I dont exactly know which shoe you are referring to but I did not like any of them. 

Regarding quality - the new AS Exclusive line includes oak bark tanned leather soles and as you can see from the pictures the soles are detailed more like a dress shoe than the detailing on the soles of the CJ model (concealed welt stitch, fiddle waist). If you are happy with the quality of the AS Premier range you will be over the moon with joy over the quality of the AS Exclusive range. The quality of the leather and finish is approaching CJ's handgrade line. As they are MTO you can select any leather color from the AS Exclusive grade collection without upcharge.

The CJ boot is from their benchgrade line - the soles are not oak bark tanned and as you can see from looking at the pictures are detailed more like a boot (thicker and unsculpted on the waist). In the CJ benchgrade line the leathers and finish are nice, but not quite up to AS Exclusive. You can MTO these with any leather color but there is normally an upcharge.

They are both built similarly in terms of construction, welting, etc.

If you look at both closely you'll see that the AS is sleeker, all the way down to the buckles. Much more like a dress shoe than a boot.

Perhaps I am superficial but to me it would come down to aesthetics - do you want a boot that is more refined for wearing with dress trousers etc. etc. (AS) or one that is more boot like for wearing with jeans (CJ).

By the way I saw the CJ boot in the store just this week. It looked great - I was sorely tempted.

I was looking at the Alex as I want a black boot , but there is a 50 pound up-charge from A Fine Pair of Shoes to change the colour, are these available elsewhere without this charge?

I was not aware of this upcharge simply to change leather color as all of them are MTO anyway. Curious.

Yes, I don't really understand it, and I hate to pay more for black...but with the VAT refund and the SF promo it works out to $405 pounds, pretty good price for nice boots, I'm probably going to pull the trigger.