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A comparison of EG and Cleverly RTW Wholecuts

Jermyn

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Having purchased wholecuts from both Edward Green and Cleverly in the past month, I would like to share pictures of the shoes and invite SF to share its opinions on them.

Firstly, a pair of Edward Green wholecuts on the 888 last (9.5D) in Chameleon.

IMG00123-20110110-1858.jpg


IMG00124-20110110-1858.jpg


IMG00126-20110110-1859.jpg


IMG00127-20110110-1900.jpg







And now the Cleverly wholecut in Black Calf, also 9.5D (designated as 5813 on the inner window, presumably the number of the last)

IMG00149-20110130-1929.jpg


IMG00150-20110130-1929.jpg


IMG00152-20110130-1930.jpg




And now a side by side comparison of the two:

IMG00154-20110130-1932.jpg


The Cleverly has, in my opinion, a sleeker and more elegant line (albeit at the expense of a little extra length).

The EG Chameleon leather is absolutely unique though and has drawn many favourable comments. I also prefer the medallion punching that EG uses.

I realise that Cleverly's house style, the chisel toe, has both fans and detractors whereas praise for the 888 tends to be more universal. However I find both to be equally attractive.



A comparison of the soles:

IMG00153-20110130-1931.jpg



Here, the differences are very pronounced. Cleverly has a far smaller heel and a narrower waist. Both are bevelled to a moderate degree.

Comfort-wise, both shoes are excellent (although I have yet to wear the Cleverly shoes outside the house). The arch support and lightness of these shoes makes them a pleasure to wear.

Of particular note however is the price difference between the two:

Edward Green £440 (reg £630)
Cleverly £225 (reg £395)


Here, Cleverly has the clear advantage.


What are SF's experiences in comparing these two makers?
 

BlackShoes

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The leather used for the EG is fugly, though I prefer the medallion.

I wouldn't pretend to have an informed opinion about the make, though do you know who manufactures the Cleverly?
 

Merlino

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Originally Posted by BlackShoes
do you know who manufactures the Cleverly?
How 'bout Cleverley? P.S.: I like the EG's best, leather's great and the medallion is nicer. But I think it'd be better to compare similar colours, like black to black and brown to brown.
 

Ich_Dien

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Quite sure those Cleverley's are rebadged C&J Handgrade.
 

pebblegrain

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Originally Posted by Ich_Dien
Quite sure those Cleverley's are rebadged C&J Handgrade.

Normally I would concur, except I don't recall CJ ever using a window like that. And it's close to 337 shape but not quite.

Regardless, I much prefer the shape and appearance of the EGs
 

Jermyn

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The Chameleon colour is certainly not for everyone, I find that paired with some brown corduroy trousers it works superbly.

Much though I would like to be able to compare wholecuts in the same colour, my shoe collection hasn't quite expanded to the point where I am able to justify buying near identical shoes in identical colours!



As far as £220 being a steal. I quite agree. Although an even bigger steal was to be had if you could manage to squeeze into a pair of uncollected bespoke shoes. All sale bespoke shoes were £450.

There was a man in the Cleverley store on Saturday buying all of the remaining sale stock (I'd watch eBay over the next couple of days), I imagine he was only permitted to do this as it was the last day of the sale and room had to be made for new stock.



I asked the gentleman running the shop, where the shoes were made and he told me that they were made upstairs. After further probing he revealed that some parts were done by hand in store and other parts were not.

I think it is generally accepted that Cleverley's RTW shoes are made in C&J factories (amongst other premises) but to Cleverley's own specifications as opposed to simply being a 're-badged' C&J.



Another interesting piece of information emerged when the name of Tony Gaziano was mentioned, "he is a thief a cheat and a liar and the thing is he'd probably be happy that I said that to you" said the gentleman running the store. This was said with several other people listening (I wouldn't have repeated this had it been said in confidence).

I know Tony used to work for Cleverely but had not heard that the split was anything other than amicable.

Does anybody know anything else about this?
 

barims

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I wish I'd made it to Cleverley in time to hear that micro-tirade on Saturday

I prefer the Cleverley's colour, medallion styling and last, but they're both fine styles. Moreover, the Chameleon's medallion better suits its colour than anything less simple
 

NORE

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At one time I regurgitated that EG uses a "dainty" heel. Now I see Cleverly clearly has them beat on this front.

Not a fan of chiseled wholecuts but to each his own.
 

Xiaogou

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Originally Posted by SpooPoker
The real question is that since you are my size and I like them both, when are you going to sell them to me?

Spøö, trade some ties!
 

Xiaogou

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Originally Posted by SpooPoker
Lets do it brah. You a 9.5?

11.5

Actually I might be getting some unworn Phillip IIs in dark brown museum calf.
 

Jermyn

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Originally Posted by NORE
At one time I regurgitated that EG uses a "dainty" heel. Now I see Cleverly clearly has them beat on this front.

You're right, I was quite frankly shocked at how much more 'streamlined' Cleverley's offering is.
I'm wearing the Cleverleys at work today and it almost feels like I'm not wearing shoes at all.


As to the comment about the 'window' inside the shoe. I was told that this was originally a Cleverley concept used in their bespoke shoes only. It later emerged that "other companies" were using this as a gimmick and Cleverley decided to introduce the window on all of their RTW models in order to compete.

A kind of very docile arms race, if you will.

Spoo, I have not yet reached the point where I am selling shoes after less than 10 wears. I am sure that as I approach Internet Bigtimer status, this will change!
 

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