An afternoon with grensons at bennie's

I took a look at some of the newly arrived 350 pairs of Grensons today. Actually, more like 343 pairs, as not only were they 6 hours late in arriving, but many boxes had been rifled through, and 7 pairs were missing. If you see any very well-shod truck drivers in the next few weeks, call the cops. The shoes were great; once again including items that I had never seen before. I got a pair of the side-laced oxfords (no. 32 in 10D) in Cognac, with an EG-like two-tone sole, but with the man on-the-fence logo stamped on it. I have read complaints from forum members that small sizes were not being included in this batch, but if anyone is a 6E, a gold mine awaits. While I was there, a salesman said: "let me show you what I think is the best looking one of all." He walked me over to the rack and showed me one that apparently had come in with the first shipment, a size 6E. It was not labeled Grenson, but had the label "Henry Maxwell, London." It was in black leather with dark charcoal (nearly black) suede, sort of the same idea as the Piccadilly calf with grey suede here: http://www.shipton.fr/erol.html. However, it did not look like that shoe at all. Instead, it was a cap toe with a small amount of broguing at the toe. It had suede all the way around the shoe about 2/3 of the way toward the top, instead of forming just a U at the throat. Henry Maxwell has been to riding boots, what Lobb of St. James has been to shoes, for over 100 years. It used to be located beneath Huntsman, but is now in Foster & Son, on Jerymn Street. Henry Maxwell makes custom boots and shoes and obviously, must also sell some Grenson ready-mades. This one was fantastic, just the shoe to wear out-on-the-town at night with a bold chalk stripe grey or charcoal suit. Â Â Interestingly, while I was at the size 6 rack, I also saw two other items apparently from Grenson, with the label, "La Coronnerie Anglaise, Paris" and the Loc Ness monster logo stamped on it as here: http://www.lca-international.com/nse...ct/contact.htm There were two models, the Redford and the Bergman, both in burgundy. They were extremely stylish; English, but with a more elegant French twist. They were sort of decorated whole-cuts, the first being more of a wing; the latter a decorated cap toe. It was like Berluti comes to London. I would have bought both if they were in my size. There are a number of other Grensons on the racks in 6s, 7s, and 7.5s, along with a few J&M Handmades. As to larger sizes, most are in the back, in their boxes, with only a handful on the racks. Everything is there; spectators (see no. 14 in the 11D-WOW.)-here http://www.benniesshoes.com/grenson11.htm and nearly everything else; lots of oxfords and Radleys. KenCPollock

Ken,

Any narrow 13s (or 12 1/2s)? I mean, is it worth my bothering Louie at this busy time?

Mike

Ken,

Was there anything is suze 8 worth mentioning? I know that my question would be revelant to three or four others at least...

matt

I did not look at 8s specifically, but see http://benniesshoes.com/grenson8.htm Sorry, no new 12.5 or 13s in narrow widths.

Very interesting about some of the shoes coming with Henry Maxwell labels. My view of Grenson has certainly gone up after seeing these shoes. It also tells me that Grenson has done a truly awful job with its website -- I mean, there are about 6 shoes pictures on the Grenson website for the ENTIRE masterpiece line. Clearly, there are many, many more models that Grenson doesn't put on its website.

While I was there, a salesman said: "let me show you what I think is the best looking one of all." He walked me over to the rack and showed me one that apparently had come in with the first shipment, a size 6E. It was not labeled Grenson, but had the label "Henry Maxwell, London." It was in black leather with dark charcoal (nearly black) suede, sort of the same idea as the Piccadilly calf with grey suede here: http://www.shipton.fr/erol.html. However, it did not look like that shoe at all. Instead, it was a cap toe with a small amount of broguing at the toe. It had suede all the way around the shoe about 2/3 of the way toward the top, instead of forming just a U at the throat. Henry Maxwell has been to riding boots, what Lobb of St. James has been to shoes, for over 100 years. It used to be located beneath Huntsman, but is now in Foster & Son, on Jerymn Street. Henry Maxwell makes custom boots and shoes and obviously, must also sell some Grenson ready-mades. This one was fantastic, just the shoe to wear out-on-the-town at night with a bold chalk stripe grey or charcoal suit. Â Â

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On looking at the new pictures more carefully, it appears that the model with the "Henry Maxwell" label that I saw was either identical to or very much like no. 16 in size 8.5. See http://benniesshoes.com/grenson8.5.htm Nothing wrong with no. 29 there either, the "Felstead." Seems that you 8.5s have the best selection to choose from.

On looking at the new pictures more carefully, it appears that the model with the "Henry Maxwell" label that I saw was either identical to or very much like no. 16 in size 8.5. See http://benniesshoes.com/grenson8.5.htm

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That is indeed a beautiful shoe from the pictures... Pity that it isn't in my size. Is the nose as chiselled as it looks in the picture?

reviving an old topic - did anybody ever buy the #16 in 8.5? i would love to see a pic if someone would be so kind.

Do Bennies have a size 7 or 7.5 Are they in U.S sizing? (l am normally a size 7 England/ltalian, this means l would probably be a 7.5 American wouldn't it). l need help. The deals at Bennies are too good to pass up. Thanks: shooman.

reviving an old topic - did anybody ever buy the #16 in 8.5?  i would love to see a pic if someone would be so kind.

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Which #16 are you referring too? The one up on Bennies website now is a black captoe but I *think* the old page used to show a tan punched toe that was/is very handsome.

I believe I have them both; let me know which one you want a picture of.

V-

I'm confused. I just exchanged e-mails with Chris, who said they didn't have any new Grenson's. Do the various stores not communicate?

Please understand, the top post is from Sept, and we have not yet gotten any new shipments, however, I promise to make a big anouncement as soon as we do....hopefully within 6-8 weeks, we just are not sure at this point on a time frame...do continue to look for returns though, we still are getting some in daily.

Thanks

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(housemaidsknee @ 26 Oct. 2004, 11:21) reviving an old topic - did anybody ever buy the #16 in 8.5? Â i would love to see a pic if someone would be so kind.
Which #16 are you referring too? The one up on Bennies website now is a black captoe but I *think* the old page used to show a tan punched toe that was/is very handsome. I believe I have them both; let me know which one you want a picture of. V-
the handsome tan one with the floating medallion please.

I don't understand how people can buy shoes without trying them on. Every shoe maker has a different last, so a 7.5 from one maker might fit you while a 7.5 from another won't.

There's been many threads about this, people have compared the fits to other shoes with success, also you can always return them if they don't fit (and many have) When you buy $600 shoes for $150...