C&J 348 / Carmina Simpson / AE 3-333

[RingTail]

I've been looking at shoes in the $500 range with a sleeker last and these are the main options I have come across, only had the chance to see C&J Hallam and now own the AE Rutledge. Has anyone had a chance to see all three, I'd be curious to hear the comparison. When in search of a particular size and color C&J are quite hard to find.

C&J Westbourne on 348 Last



Carmina 80214 on Simpson Last



AE Rutledge on the 3-333 Last

 

[RingTail]

Are the brands too far apart to pique anyone's interest?

 

[wishiwasricher]

Ringtail,

Ive been investigating these choices myself (well the C&J and Carmina).
What exactly did you want to know? How they fit? How they look etc?

Most people who have the C&J and the Carmina rave about them. Im pretty close to pulling the trigger- just have to get over the "no trying on before buying" barrier.

 

[NAMOR]

get the westbourne. great shoe, especially in chestnut. I take a 10.5UK/11.5US (I am tts 12) in the 348. I find that it runs 1/2 size large.

No experience with Carmina or AE

 

[RingTail]

I was curious on opinions of comparable aesthetics and fit.
I too have trouble with the 'no trying before buying' or even worse paying return international shipping if sizing etc does not work.

I'm 9.5D US, Gdot suggested I should go with 8.5 UK for say a Merton also on the 348 last. When I got to try the 8 Hallam it was tight in the toe box skyvalet did not have 8.5 in stock, 8.5 double monk in the same last was good. Haven't had a chance to try the loafer, I'm also concerned about heel slippage.

 

[justinkapur]



I was curious on opinions of comparable aesthetics and fit.
I too have trouble with the 'no trying before buying' or even worse paying return international shipping if sizing etc does not work.

I'm 9.5D US, Gdot suggested I should go with 8.5 UK for say a Merton also on the 348 last. When I got to try the 8 Hallam it was tight in the toe box skyvalet did not have 8.5 in stock, 8.5 double monk in the same last was good. Haven't had a chance to try the loafer, I'm also concerned about heel slippage.

I am a true 10US and I bought the Carminas in suede in a size 9 and they fit really well. I had a little heel slippage but it was due to me breaking the shoe in a bit. After about 3-4 hours the shoe started to flex and it felt really comfortable.

 

[Gdot]

Quality wise the C&J and the Carmina are pretty comparible.

The Carmina's will probably net out at a slightly lower cost than C&J.

However, I would still personally go with the C&J for aesthetic reasons.

The pattern/style you are looking at is just most elegant to my eye on the C&J.

I have six pairs of C&J and two pairs of Carminas. To my eye the 'English Urban classics' are C&J's domain and the slightly eccentric and or more rustic shoes are Carmina's forte. Carmina truly deserves their reputation as shell cordovan experts, btw. and their shell shoes receive a higher standard of making/finishing than do their calf shoes. And their suede is very regarded (although I have no experience with their suede.)

In either case you can't go wrong with either the C&J or the Carmina. The AE just isn't even in the same category.

As for availability of the C&J you can email them directly from the website and they will check stock for you. They keep a huge inventory on hand between their three London shops. Availability direct from C&J is not usually a problem.

 

[RingTail]

Thanks for the info, when I tried contacting C&J online, they redirected me to the NY store and they have much higher prices than the London ones. I think I need to call them directly.

 

[Gdot]

I just PM'd you the name of my Sales Associate in London.

He'll fix you right up.