$200+ to recraft Crockett & Jones. Worth it??

[dshin]

I recently obtained a pair of Crockett & Jones in decent shape for $95 on ebay. I contacted Crockett & Jones to see how much it would cost to recraft them and this is the response I got:

The shoes go back to the factory in Northampton, England where they are re-lasted, re-welted, re-corked, re-soled, and re-lined. They are just like new except for the upper.

Takes about 8 - 10 weeks. REPAIR COST: Bench Grade: $210.00 Hand Grade: $220.00

I know Allen Edmonds's recrafting services are $125 or so. I'm wondering if I should spend the $210 or get a new pair of shoes.

Your thoughts??

 

[dibadiba]

well you said they're in decent shape. why not get more wear out of them and give them a good cleaning until you really feel they need to be recrafted?

 

[yfyf]

Um ... new shoes from PLal are $350 aren't they?

I guess it depends on how much you like them and what sort of condition they are in.

 

[distinctive]

Yikes, I'd send them to B Nelson: http://www.bnelsonshoes.com/

 

[dshin]

They are still very wearable but getting them recrafted would be nice. I'm just wondering if its money better spent on buying another pair of shoes.

 

[audiophilia]

The problem is the upper. If they are in great shape, it may be worth it. My AEs come back beautiful, but the uppers are in the same shape. And once in a while, that ain't good!

 

[dshin]

Oh and i should mention that these are suede with dannite soles.

 

[grimslade]

Note to self: I must try topying some of my shoes...

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by dshin

Oh and i should mention that these are suede with dannite soles.

This sounds like the type of shoe that would benefit least from recrafting. Are the heels worn down or something?

 

[blackplatano]

I vote new shoes

 

[Happydayz]

the price difference between a new pair and recrafting just does not make recrafting worthwhile.

Do the math: with your $95 purchase cost plus $220 recrafting fee you could almost purchase a new pair of C&J's from PLAL. When you factor in the ebay shipping and handling fee + the 10 week turnaround time for recrafting it is definitely a losing proposition.

How heavily bidded on were the shoes? If it was an intense competition you might benefit from just re-listing it, maybe taking a $20-30 loss, and just purchasing a new pair from PLAL

 

[The Deacon]

Nope!

 

[dshin]

Here is a link to the auction itself:

C&J shoes

The uppers are in good shape. The soles and heels are a little bit worn...nothing to drastic. I ws looking into the recrafting b/c it'd be nice. And in hindsite, had I known that it would cost $200+ to recarft them, I probably would have looked at buying a new pair.

 

[well-kept]

Are we sure it says RE-LINED? I've never heard of recrafting including re-lining. The lining is an intrinsic part of the upper. Can you clairify?

 

[academe]

Based on the pictures and what you've said, I was just enjoy these shoes as is and get a new pair after these wear down...They do have a quite a lot of life in them.