C&J Connaught vs. Alden Cordovan Oxford

[tim_horton]

Familiar story: I'm in the market for a nice pair of brown/burgundy dress shoes, oxfords to be specific. I've narrowed it down to the Crocket & Jones chestnut Connaught vs. the Alden Cordovan #8 oxford.

I've never worn a cordovan shoe; from what I understand they last a long time. However, I've also heard that C&J workmanship is quite good and also lends itself to a durable shoe. Both are at the high end of what I'm willing to pay - as in, I know C&J makes cordovan shoes but it's a bit too rich for my blood. I think both shoes both look great to my untrained eye, but am only in the market for one pair of shoes right now.

So I come to the SF gurus. Any pros/cons to either? Or is it simply a matter of taste?

I'll be using them for work but I'm not in a rigidly formal environment - a university hospital practice, not a high end law firm. Also, I do have big feet for my size; I run 10.5 to 11 (US) and I'm 5'6".

 

[Tarmac]

i think the Alden shape looks better than the Connaught. I would raise you 20 and go with the Alden oxford but in Cigar shell, not #8

 

[tim_horton]

I prefer burgundy myself...