Shoe store etiquette/advice

[rjc149]

Is this a better time to try on?

Yes. Over the course of the day, gravity brings blood down to accumulate at your lower extremities. Additionally, your feet will swell from heat and sweating. You want to make sure your shoes will fit comfortably when your feet are the largest.

 

[rjc149]

Exactly. I think for the most part both stores have good reputations for customer service. The only advice I would have is to ask questions about the instep. Sizes marked on shoes denote length and width, but not volume.

For example, I have a low instep, and my feet are basically swimming in the popular Carmina Rain last. But the Simpson last has less volume, and therefore fits better for me.

I have low arches and pretty much all dress shoe lasts are roomy in the instep for me. All of my dress shoes have tongue pads, which fill that volume comfortably.

 

[ter1413]

I don't think that I have ever purchased a pair of shoes w/o trying and maybe saying.....can I try a 1/2 or size smaller/larger.

Then I am out.

Buying shoes for me is pretty straight fwd....and I have some nice shoes.

 

[JFWR]

It is perfectly reasonable to tell people you are coming in with the hope of finding a fit and model that suits you very well, so you may need to try on multiple shoes. I'd also suggest getting brannock sized at the store.

The Carmina people might get somewhat annoyed based on my experience with their so-so service. If you go to Carmina, you may want to go to the one that is back behind Grand Central Terminal, rather than the one about 10 blocks North.

Furthermore, if I had to choose between the two brands? I'd 100% always pick Crockett and Jones. Crockett and Jones is the absolute best; however, the US price is BS.

 

[Phan84]

It is perfectly reasonable to tell people you are coming in with the hope of finding a fit and model that suits you very well, so you may need to try on multiple shoes. I'd also suggest getting brannock sized at the store.

The Carmina people might get somewhat annoyed based on my experience with their so-so service. If you go to Carmina, you may want to go to the one that is back behind Grand Central Terminal, rather than the one about 10 blocks North.

Furthermore, if I had to choose between the two brands? I'd 100% always pick Crockett and Jones. Crockett and Jones is the absolute best; however, the US price is BS.

I heard the Carmina on Madison has the best stock. My plan is to go to C & J first - I like the Grantham, Sydney, Boston, and Cavendish. I’m going to try Carmina if those don’t work. I also like the drivers. It looks like $150 more for a similar shoe at C & J. I like Alden as well but the one time trying on I had trouble - might try again. I’m hoping to come away with 2-3 pairs.

I always seem to have trouble buying shoes for some reason. Only in NYC for 2 days.

 

[nmprisons]

Consider going down to Leffot.

 

[JFWR]

Consider going down to Leffot.

Leffot has Edward Green and the owner is really cool.

 

[A12321]

It is perfectly reasonable to tell people you are coming in with the hope of finding a fit and model that suits you very well, so you may need to try on multiple shoes. I'd also suggest getting brannock sized at the store.

The Carmina people might get somewhat annoyed based on my experience with their so-so service. If you go to Carmina, you may want to go to the one that is back behind Grand Central Terminal, rather than the one about 10 blocks North.

Furthermore, if I had to choose between the two brands? I'd 100% always pick Crockett and Jones. Crockett and Jones is the absolute best; however, the US price is BS.

I heard the Carmina on Madison has the best stock. My plan is to go to C & J first - I like the Grantham, Sydney, Boston, and Cavendish. I’m going to try Carmina if those don’t work. I also like the drivers. It looks like $150 more for a similar shoe at C & J. I like Alden as well but the one time trying on I had trouble - might try again. I’m hoping to come away with 2-3 pairs.

I always seem to have trouble buying shoes for some reason. Only in NYC for 2 days.

I was at Carmina on Madison a few days ago. They have the best stock and did not seem to get annoyed at all. Maybe just the ponytail manager guy but the ladies working were very nice and helpful.

 

[Shawl Lapel]

If you're going to check out Leffot be sure to visit Justin Fitzpatrick too

 

[noclevercreation]

A sort of side topic regarding etiquette……be careful not to look at anyone trying on shoes. I‘ve done this unintentionally in the past, and the guy quickly looks back at you. It’s apparently a sensitive moment for people.

 

[trufunk]

Any good salesman is going to offer to measure your feet, and should know which shoes will fit your feet best. They should bring you a few to try on. Then you pick the shoe that fits best! Just be upfront with them to say your gong to look at the other brand. I prefer knowledgeable, customer service oriented sales person than someone who is just there to sell you shoes.That makes a difference.

 

[smittycl]

I visit the C&J store every time wifey and I visit NYC. The salespeople are very helpful and knowledgeable. Trying on multiple pairs was never an issue.

Only been to Carmina. Couldn't get a good fit there so never went back.

 

[clee1982]

If you want to minimize “waste time”, you can also describe your fit issue so they might recommend certain last

 

[madhat]

It is perfectly reasonable to tell people you are coming in with the hope of finding a fit and model that suits you very well, so you may need to try on multiple shoes. I'd also suggest getting brannock sized at the store.

The Carmina people might get somewhat annoyed based on my experience with their so-so service. If you go to Carmina, you may want to go to the one that is back behind Grand Central Terminal, rather than the one about 10 blocks North.

Furthermore, if I had to choose between the two brands? I'd 100% always pick Crockett and Jones. Crockett and Jones is the absolute best; however, the US price is BS.

I’d pick Carmina and their slightly less friendly but helpful (in my experience) staff over C&J’s favoritism of certain customers. I had to get the manager involved just to get a salesman to sell me a shoe. Also, he mentioned wife and low volume. C&J is not a good fit more me, which will likely mean the same for him

 

[marioccontreras]

Hi All

So I am planning a trip to NYC soon and am hoping to buy a few pairs of shoes. I want to go to C&J and Carmina. I like the look of both but I am really most focused on fit (after a failed attempt at buying online).

What is the best way to be respectful of the stores/associates but also try on multiple shoes/sizes to make sure I get the right fit? I don’t want to waste anyone’s time but I’d really like to try on at both stores (they are a block away from each other).

You are not expected to Shop at Carmina's or at Crockett. If the salesman do not understand that, he doesn't deserve your bussiness. Say nothing and decide what is Best for You. Period.