Anyone have experience with C&J recrafts?

[JohnnyCrockett]

I have a pair of worn-in C&J Peals with channeled soles. I've been told that the channeled soles means they must get the "handgrade" recraft, which is not cheap (something like $200 or $250).

All the shoes need is new heels and new soles, maybe even a new welt. Can a decent cobbler do this (price would be $75)? I don't know how good the C&J recraft service is, how good the turnaround time is...would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[andyw]

I'm very satisfied with the C&J recrafts on two pairs of handgrade shoes. Each took about 2 months after leaving them off at the TA location in NYC. Both were as new when returned and I am very picky regarding the shape of the toebox and the proportions of the welting. I recall the resoling was more expensive than a local cobbler and more than the charge from Alden and AE.

That takes nothing away from the experiences of many on this forum who swear by the great work of their cobblers. But I'm a creature of habit when it comes to shoes, only buying shoes from makers that offer resoling back on the lasts they came to life on.

 

[flatfront]

I can only second what has been said the C&J "handgrade" re-craft is worth every penny IMHO. The shoes do indeed come back like new and are impeccable. All that time resting on the original factory last helps too.