Church's Appreciation Thread

[shoefan57]

All the classic styles are still there and just as good as they ever were.

Just now at ridiculous prices

 

[BlueSteel]

Just snagged a nice "final pair" deal from a retailer - new pair of Toronto oxfords in Ebony Nevada for $248 USD. Looking forward to their arrival!

These have arrived and they are very nice. Excellent (but not perfect) construction. One line of stitching on one toe cap could definitely be straighter. But overall a very high quality. Branded pair of shoe bags included in the box.

The ebony Nevada leather is lovely...a very dark, deep, rich brown that will be useful with grey or blue suits and trousers.

I took a chance on the "F" width (it was the final pair so I had no choice) even though I would have gone for a "G" if I was paying full freight. This Church's "F" is basically an American "D". My Brannock width is an E or even a bit bigger. Predictably, these do fit me tightly across the ball of the foot. I'm hoping that a slow break-in process - and wearing my thinnest/finest dress socks - will make these comfortable (in a snug way) over time.

Happy with the score!

 

[shoefan57]

These have arrived and they are very nice. Excellent (but not perfect) construction. One line of stitching on one toe cap could definitely be straighter. But overall a very high quality. Branded pair of shoe bags included in the box.

The ebony Nevada leather is lovely...a very dark, deep, rich brown that will be useful with grey or blue suits and trousers.

I took a chance on the "F" width (it was the final pair so I had no choice) even though I would have gone for a "G" if I was paying full freight. This Church's "F" is basically an American "D". My Brannock width is an E or even a bit bigger. Predictably, these do fit me tightly across the ball of the foot. I'm hoping that a slow break-in process - and wearing my thinnest/finest dress socks - will make these comfortable (in a snug way) over time.

Happy with the score!

A good result! You could always have a competent cobbler stretch them for you.

 

[shoefan57]

Does anyone know whether Church’s 2021 price hike gamble paid off?

 

[Lithium Br8kfst]

I’m new to Church’s and kindly in need of some assistance. Is anyone familiar with this oxford model named Murray? It appears to be on the 136 last. Church’s website is saying to size down a half size. Im a 10D US on the Brannock and a 9.5 in the Alden Barrie. Thanks gents.

 

[Isiah Tongue]

Does anyone know whether Church’s 2021 price hike gamble paid off?

The news is in and the answer is looking like a 'No'

Luxury shoe brand Church's down at heel as sales slide

That was 57 per cent down over the year before. Annual accounts showed pre-tax losses for the 149-year-old company widened by 53 per cent to £24.7m.

www.thisismoney.co.uk

 

[CWL317]

The news is in and the answer is looking like a 'No'

Luxury shoe brand Church's down at heel as sales slide

That was 57 per cent down over the year before. Annual accounts showed pre-tax losses for the 149-year-old company widened by 53 per cent to £24.7m.

www.thisismoney.co.uk

I heard the Church’s store in Leeds has recently closed permanently.

 

[shoefan57]

The news is in and the answer is looking like a 'No'

Luxury shoe brand Church's down at heel as sales slide

That was 57 per cent down over the year before. Annual accounts showed pre-tax losses for the 149-year-old company widened by 53 per cent to £24.7m.

www.thisismoney.co.uk

Interesting but how does it compare to similar shoemakers for last year. I suspect they were all significantly down so it’s a question of whether Church’s have fared the worst. I hope so, in a way, because the price rise, imo, was an act of hubris. However I don’t want them to disappear 🫥

 

[shoefan57]

I heard the Church’s store in Leeds has recently closed permanently.

Wow 😯

 

[dukenukem4ever]

6.1 million GBP!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?
They deserve to go under after that ridiculous price jump. Blame Prada.

 

[shoefan57]

6.1 million GBP!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?
They deserve to go under after that ridiculous price jump. Blame Prada.

Always do!

 

[JUAN MANUEL]

The news is in and the answer is looking like a 'No'

Luxury shoe brand Church's down at heel as sales slide

That was 57 per cent down over the year before. Annual accounts showed pre-tax losses for the 149-year-old company widened by 53 per cent to £24.7m.

www.thisismoney.co.uk

I always loved Church's, their 173 is one of the best for my feet, but after the price hike I didn't bought any shoe from them.

 

[shoefan57]

I always loved Church's, their 173 is one of the best for my feet, but after the price hike I didn't bought any shoe from them.

Ditto

 

[Shawnparker]

I've been trying to find some side-by-side comparisons among 73, 100, and 173 last, but no luck so far.
I would like to get a Grafton.

From online pictures, I rank 173 - 73 - 100 from most to least preferable (100 last seems too round from the photos).
Can anyone tell from experience if the 173 and 73 lasts are noticeably different, silhouette-wise?
If there is no big difference, I might open up to the Grafton 73 as well.

Also, how is the fit?
I have a Shannon 103 in 75 G, and it fits quite nicely but looks a little bulky and not as elegant.
I'm currently looking for a Grafton 173 in 75 G as well, do you think it will fit similarly but not look bulky?
Or should I just let go of a false hope and look elsewhere?

 

[Wrenkin]

I've been trying to find some side-by-side comparisons among 73, 100, and 173 last, but no luck so far.
I would like to get a Grafton.

From online pictures, I rank 173 - 73 - 100 from most to least preferable (100 last seems too round from the photos).
Can anyone tell from experience if the 173 and 73 lasts are noticeably different, silhouette-wise?
If there is no big difference, I might open up to the Grafton 73 as well.

Also, how is the fit?
I have a Shannon 103 in 75 G, and it fits quite nicely but looks a little bulky and not as elegant.
I'm currently looking for a Grafton 173 in 75 G as well, do you think it will fit similarly but not look bulky?
Or should I just let go of a false hope and look elsewhere?

I wear size 70G in the 103, 100, and 173 lasts. The 173 will definitely look sleeker than the 103. It also looks better than the 100, but I have both the Grafton (on 173) and Thickwood (on 100) and I think they're both fine.

For me, the 73 last is unwearably short (and tight through the vamp, at least in an oxford).