C&J Handgrade Clifford VS Alden Whiskey Cordovan

[bboysdontcryy]

Hi guys, I've got an opportunity to purchase either the C&J Clifford or Whiskey/Ravello Cordovan Alden Long Wings. The Clifford is 580 USD and the Whiskey/Ravello is 730 USD.

Was hoping to get some expert advice on which is the preferable option and which is the better quality shoe and, finally, is it worth it to pay 150 USD more for the Alden Whiskey/Ravello?

Let me know guys. Here are links to the shoes:

Crockett And Jones Clifford
http://shoes.cogimator.net/Chaussure/Details/418

and

Alden Whiskey

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index...hiskey_282.htm

Alden Ravello

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/index...avello_283.htm

 

[NORE]

They are entirely different beasts. One's a longwing and the other a winged balmoral. One's chunky and one's sleek. Make a choice, son.

 

[makewayhomer]

right, you also may want to consider if you would want one of these or dinner at The French Laundry

 

[bboysdontcryy]

It's precisely because I don't have much expertise with these shoes which is why I'm seeking advice =)

Will probably be wearing them with slimmer fitting pants - to work (on a forthnightly rotational basis), and possibly dinners.

Any opinions, color wise or quality wise?

Thanks guys

 

[dreamtripper]

I've seen quite drastic variations in whiskey so if at all possible, I'd suggest checking them out in person if you decide to go with that option.

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by bboysdontcryy

It's precisely because I don't have much expertise in shoes which is why I'm seeking advice =) Will probably be wearing them with slimmer fitting pants - to work (on a forthnightly rotational basis), and possibly dinners. Any opinions, color wise or quality wise? Thanks guys
if you don't have much expertise in shoes, for the love of god don't go spending $700 take 6 months to learn and figure out what you want. your list will surely go much deeper and broader than the choices you laid out here

 

[bboysdontcryy]

I do know what I want and when I say I don't have expertise, I'm referring to these two specific brands. Because I don't any shoes from these two brands, I'd like some advice from people who have had experience with them or can offer some advice on these shoes.

And if I try and ask a few questions but get shot down, then where/when does the learning process begin? =)

 

[Grayland]

Get the Clifford. It will look better with the slimmer pants you mention and it's just a great looking classic shoe. That color shoe will also look great with denim. To be honest, I'd prefer a darker brown though as it's more versatile.

One thing to consider with shell cordovan is the "spotting" that occurs in rainy weather. I have 9 pairs of shell cordovan and all except one show raised welts in the rain. The welts eventually go away, but considering the expense of shell cordovan, I have stopped wearing them in wet weather. Since I live in upstate NY, that means I have a lot of days that I don't wear my shell cordovan.

No knock on Alden shell cordovan, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay $730 for a pair of shoes I have to be very careful about wearing. Handgrade C&J for $150 less = no brainer.

 

[Mr Herbert]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

if you don't have much expertise in shoes, for the love of god don't go spending $700

take 6 months to learn and figure out what you want. your list will surely go much deeper and broader than the choices you laid out here

bad advice. people act like a good pair of shoes is like an expensive fly fishing real and you shouldnt buy one until you have proved your salt. its strange. if you enjoy the shoes by them.

therefore, get what you prefer. i persoanlly prefer the C&Js

 

[zippyh]

Did you notice that the AoC Ravellos are on the crepe sole?
I've got both the Whiskey and those particular Ravellos. But I wouldn't pick the crepe sole for my first shell shoes.

 

[greekgeek]

Split the differenceand buy the shell cordovan C&J for RL Darlton Wingtip.

 

[NiFTY]

i don't like longwings, but yes the darlton

 

[jrd617]

Originally Posted by greekgeek

Split the differenceand buy the shell cordovan C&J for RL Darlton Wingtip.

I realize that those are btinl's (image name), but those shoes need bar lacing!

 

[dreamtripper]

Agreed, no need to over-analyze. If you make a mistake, not a major problem - it's a pair of shoes! Most likely, you'll be able to re-sell them on here and get something else.

Originally Posted by Mr Herbert

bad advice. people act like a good pair of shoes is like an expensive fly fishing real and you shouldnt buy one until you have proved your salt. its strange. if you enjoy the shoes by them.

therefore, get what you prefer. i persoanlly prefer the C&Js

 

[Don Carlos]

+1 on Darlton rec.

I love me my Darltons, which is probably why I somehow justified the expense of buying three pairs. They're slowly turning into my One Shoe.