3 hour drive to Ben Silver Charleston?

[PuppetBoy]

I may have an excuse to travel to Charlotte, NC in a couple of months, and I want to determine how worthwhile the drive down to Ben Silver in Charleston would be before deciding whether or not to push for the trip.

I'm really interested in trying some C&J hand grade, and this would provide an opportunity to see, touch and try some on. I've been leaning towards the Weymouth from plal, and Ben Silver carries this model, but lists them in US sizes. Does anybody know if I see the box if it will have the UK size listed?

Also, after seeing this shoe recently in another thread

I'm really quite taken by it, even though I'd be paying full retail.

So, I guess a couple of questions are...

Is the drive really manageable in around 3 hours as MapQuest indicates?

Does the shop have a pretty decent inventory, particularly of shoes?

Am I likely to learn my UK sizes on C&J lasts if the shoes are marketed with US sizing?

Also, what last is the Albany Captoe shown above built on?

thanks all.

 

[minimal]

Originally Posted by PuppetBoy

Am I likely to learn my UK sizes on C&J lasts if the shoes are marketed with US sizing?

Also, what last is the Albany Captoe shown above built on?

thanks all.

In my experience, the Ben Silver shoes have interior markings in the original UK sizes. So if you order a "12" the shoe says "11.5" on the inside, for example.

 

[Artisan Fan]

I can only add that I have bought Santoni FAM from them via phone and the customer service is terrific. My younger brother John lives there and the store is said to have a very good reputation. C&J Handgrade is a good shoe.

Also, check out the Factory Outlet if you go there. Might get a deal.

 

[PuppetBoy]

Thanks minimal and Artisan Fan.