C&J Belgrave/PRL Benton owners - I need your help!

[apropos]

Hey guys,

My new pair of C&J Belgraves arrived today, and they look/feel comfortable on my feet. I like them a lot. I did have a minor 'whoa' moment when I realised how elongated they are, but I got over it quickly and am in love now with them.

Given my mildly obsessive nature, I have a few questions though about the fit/cut of this pair of shoes, and would appreciate some help with them.

1. Shoes feel snug - but not tight - on my feet with thin dress socks. How much will they stretch with wear? Should I go a half-size down?

2. The crease line on my pair runs ~0.5-0.75" behind the semi-brouging on the toecap. Is this normal?

3. There is a bit of gap above my toes, such that I can 'lift' them up a little off the sole (i.e. point my toes to the ceiling with my foot flat on the ground) without hitting leather. Is this normal?

4. There is ~1.25" of space in front of my toes - I must admit that I did not expect the 337 last to be this elongated! Is this normal?

As you can see, I worry. Quite a bit. About what's 'normal'.

Thanks all!

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

If you can walk around in them for a day without them causing any discomfort or feeling loose then that is all that matters, stop worrying so much

 

[lee_44106]

The Benton is my favorite go-to shoes. I've got the basic black and the basic dark brown, both on sale.

Yes the 337 last is quite elongated, but that's what makes it sleek. I do notice that the leather creases quite easily, but I'm OK with that.

Don't think too much. If you like the look, if it fits your feet well, then all is GOOD.

 

[spence]

I went down 1/2 size on my only 337 lasted Polos, and I'd say I'm just on the smaller side of a true 12D. If you had both at the same time you'd know for sure. I remember the 12D just being simply too long, where as the 11-1/2 fit perfectly right out of the box.

Generally speaking, if you're posting about it your gut is trying to tell you something. Do you have the option to try a 1/2 size smaller?

-spence

 

[NH_Clark]

I have the C&J Belgraves and find them to be the most comfortable pair of shoes I have. Snug but not too tight.

 

[Frogger42]

To question 2: yes

I love the shoes and they are definitely the most comfortable shoes I own.

 

[Mute]

If your foot isn't sliding around inside the shoe while you walk and it is comfortable, it's fine.

 

[jsherman02]

Good old Goodyear welting....some of my C&J still ache after a few hours. About 6-7 wearings deep, they feel like they were made for your feet.

 

[Tarmac]

I think they run true in size, so you should be getting the same size as Brannock measured.

 

[apropos]

Originally Posted by apropos

4. There is ~1.25" of space in front of my toes - I must admit that I did not expect the 337 last to be this elongated! Is this normal?
Anyone have any comments about this one? I'm especially concerned about it.

 

[Mute]

If the toebox is keeping your feet securely in place (not binding your feet uncomfortably) and it's not sliding around in the shoe, I wouldn't worry about that extra space.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by apropos

Anyone have any comments about this one? I'm especially concerned about it.

The space in front of your toes has nothing to do with fit. Your toes are never supposed to touch the front of any shoe. If they were bespoke needle-point elf shoes for Peter Pan on Broadway they would have 15 inches of space, it doesn't change the fit.

 

[sartort]

I have a pair on today (Polo Benton) and figured I'd help the OP out. I have 1 - 1.25" of toe space. And there is no way I could size down, so I would say that length in the toe box is ok. No one but yourself can say whether or not they fit, since fit is so subjective.