Any really difference btw C&J and Church's ?

[supera]

Can you really compare the premium models between Crockett&Jones and Church's.

The prices are quite same level (at least in UK). How about the quality?

If you've an opinion could you also give your arguments, thnx.

 

[Patrician]

No personal experience but I've heard that since Prada bought Church's the quality isn't what it used to be.

 

[habitue]

Originally Posted by Patrician

No personal experience but I've heard that since Prada bought Church's the quality isn't what it used to be.

Seems like everybody here has "heard" this.

With the shoe cuttings of the guys at depiedencap in mind I would say that C&J didn't make such a good impression either...

 

[A Guy from Shanghai]

Originally Posted by Patrician

No personal experience but I've heard that since Prada bought Church's the quality isn't what it used to be.

I heard this all the time...until I have experienced it myself. I don't own any church's prior to Prada era, but I bought a pair of chelsea boots made post Prada era. The leather is wonderful. It is very supple and has a depth to it. all the stichings were quite uniformly done, to my untrained eyes. The soles are unchanneled, however. I have worn this pair at least a donzen times already, and to date there are hardly any creases at all. This alone is certainly on par with or surpass any C&Js that I own. Maybe I just got lucky.

 

[literasyme]

I think stories of Church's decline have been somewhat exaggerated around here. That said, their operation is considerably bigger than C&J's (AFAIK, Church's factory is the largest in Northampton), and the shoes don't show as much attention to detail. Personally, I prefer C&J's lasts and leathers as well as their finishing -- they just feel like much more refined shoes. Nothing wrong with my Church's, but they have a more workaday air.

 

[observer]

I use CJ as well as Church. I find the Church shoes to be longer lasting

 

[ManofKent]

I've only got low-mid range shoes from both so take my comments for what they're worth...

Not a lot to choose between them - finishing seems pretty similar in quality as does leather quality (ditto for my Alfred Sargents, ditto for my custom grade Barkers...)

 

[Leather man]

I was in a shoe shop in Manchester UK earlier this week that sells both C&J's and Church's - a wide range of both. I asked the man who served me who has worked there for many years the same question. His answer was twofold. 1. There has been no decline in quality post Prada takeover. 2, C&J and Church's are on a par in quality terms but C&J have a slight advantage in being about £20 a pair cheaper. He went on to say that when you are spending £280 - 300 on a pair of shoes really the £20 price difference shouldn't swing it , rather you should buy the shoe you like and the make that gives you the best fit.

 

[apropos]

Originally Posted by habituÃ

Seems like everybody here has "heard" this.

With the shoe cuttings of the guys at depiedencap in mind I would say that C&J didn't make such a good impression either...
Thermoplastic toe cap = no C&Js?

 

[grimslade]

They all use em.

 

[gnatty8]

Originally Posted by Patrician

No personal experience but I've heard that since Prada bought Church's the quality isn't what it used to be.

I had not heard this.. Interesting.. I wonder if they are trying to increase margins by saving money on materials/construction, much the way they have with their own shoes?

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by gnatty8

I had not heard this.. Interesting.. I wonder if they are trying to increase margins by saving money on materials/construction, much the way they have with their own shoes?

You heard this from someone that doesn't really know anything about Church's quality.

Has anyone seen evidence of Church's decline in quality? Not heard but seen?

 

[Salsalocust]

Originally Posted by mr monty

You heard this from someone that doesn't really know anything about Church's quality.

Has anyone seen evidence of Church's decline in quality? Not heard but seen?

Yuo know you will get a response from the Anti Binder Brigade , the Pre-Prada Organisation or event the splinter faction the Corrcted Grain Liberation army!

Ludlow

Regards,

Graham

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by supera

Can you really compare the premium models between Crockett&Jones and Church's.

The prices are quite same level (at least in UK). How about the quality?

If you've an opinion could you also give your arguments, thnx.

I have both C&J and Church's. I love both. I have been having 2 Church's (Grafton and Chetwynd) for almost 8 years. These are IMHO, some of the best shoes one can buy. Impeccable lether. Worn also in rainy weather, On average twice a week for each. No soil change so far. They still look as good as new. So, I really don't see any decline in quality when one chooses Custom grades, despite what soem say here on SF.
From the other side, it is true that C&J are esthetically more attractive.
All depend on which shoe you like and fits best!

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by mimile

I have both C&J and Church's. I love both. I have been having 2 Church's (Grafton and Chetwynd) for almost 8 years. These are IMHO, some of the best shoes one can buy. Impeccable lether. Worn also in rainy weather, On average twice a week for each. No soil change so far. They still look as good as new. So, I really don't see any decline in quality when one chooses Custom grades, despite what soem say here on SF.
From the other side, it is true that C&J are esthetically more attractive.
All depend on which shoe you like and fits best!

Of course I meant OUTSOLE change.