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Crockett & Jones - Chelsea Boots

cloud9eleet

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Any thoughts on the C&J Chelsea boots with the rubber soles? What would be more versatile, leather or rubber soled and which color?

Also is Plal the best place for C&J? I noticed they have pretty steep discounts compared to Barneys.
 

lisapop

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I used to own a pair of Chelsea boots from John Wildsmith that were actually made by Crockett & Jones, but there was an element of authenticity missing from those boots, and, candidly, there was a certain cheapness about the leather and construction qualities. They did not have the elegance I thought they had when I first purchased them. And, I generally like C&J shoes. My favorite Chelsea boot designs are from John Lobb ready made, which do have the elegant lines I wish the C&J boots had. Unfortunately, JL Chelsea boots are hideously expensive, something like $800 or more. Hope springs eternal they go on sale, but those hopes are dashed for the moment with the current sale in NY. Their boots, however are only made with leather soles, not rubber. JM Weston used to make their version of a Chelsea boot with a thin rubber sole, but last time I visited, I was told they no longer made that boot.
Grayson
 

tattersall

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I've got them in black with the leather sole - my first purchase through PLal about a year and a half ago. Personally, I find the leather soles more versatile as I can wear the boots with trousers or dress them down with jeans. I get a lot of use out of mine and many compliments on the chisel shape of the toe. I think this kind of boot is definitely a wardrobe staple.

I certainly agree with Grayson that they're not as well constructed or as beautiful as my better shoes (like Edward Green) but they were my first foray into English shoes and I'll keep a soft spot in my heart for them. I hightly recommed PLal as your source for C&J - just don't be in any hurry to get them.
 

montecristo#4

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I have these C&J/RL Chelseas: http://www.bluefly.com/pages....duct+ID I picked them up on sale at the local Polo store on substantial discount at their post-holiday sale. I really like last, and the construction seems pretty good to me. Nice shoe, albiet a bit Captain Kirk-like.
 

lisapop

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For what it's worth, C&J's Chiltern suede Chukka boot is among my favorite shoes, and most comfortable. Have a couple versions with the Dainite studded and Ridgeway rubber soles. Very versatile, can be worn with everything from jeans to flannel trousers. Only regret is I purchased them from John Wildsmith who just put his name in the shoes and doubled the price over C&J's price. I guess you can say he has no sole
smile.gif
Grayson
 

TKDKid

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I've got them in black with the leather sole - my first purchase through PLal about a year and a half ago. Personally, I find the leather soles more versatile as I can wear the boots with trousers or dress them down with jeans. I get a lot of use out of mine and many compliments on the chisel shape of the toe. I think this kind of boot is definitely a wardrobe staple. I certainly agree with Grayson that they're not as well constructed or as beautiful as my better shoes (like Edward Green) but they were my first foray into English shoes and I'll keep a soft spot in my heart for them. I hightly recommed PLal as your source for C&J - just don't be in any hurry to get them.
I've been meaning to get a pair of those for ages - I really like the 238 last. Â But the Handgrade version ("Cowdray") looks quite nice as well: C&J Paris Souliers Not sure if it's available outside of Paris yet though (but I think I saw a pair of seconds at the factory shop a coupla months ago).
 

NoVaguy

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The Cowdray looks very much like the RL Halmore Chelsea that someone else linked to above. Â Here's some more pics of the Cowdray/Halmore in brown: http://www.oldvic.jp/items/index.php...view&i=0500049
yeah, you're right. Â the RL chelsea by C&J does look closer to the handgrade cowdray than the benchgrade chelsea. now i'm regretting passing them up at $315, including shipping. Â if they were handgrade, that would be a decent discount. Â if they were benchgrade, still an ok discount, but not "must buy". edit : I might have looked at the wrong benchgrade chelsea model - C&J has two benchgrade chelseas on the french site - the chelsea and the chelsea 5. The RL chelsea isn't that much different in appearance than the benchgrade chelsea.
 

cloud9eleet

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So what are the final thoughts? Rubber sole, leather sole?  Black, Brown, etc?

Looking for a versatile boot/staple to start off my collection while not looking like someone who commands the Star Ship Enterprise.

And is it really worth paying double for the John Lobb Chelseas?
 

lisapop

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My vote goes to the JL boots hands-down, black or brown, or black *and* brown if you're feeling in a good mood.  The lines of the boot, the quality of the leather, and the finish of the leather are far more attractive.  Far more elegant where the CJ boots are somewhat clunky. But, it's easy for me to spend others' money.  I have yet to step up to the plate myself.  Actually prefer the JL ready-made boots to their bespoke version as I'm not crazy about the appearance of the hand-stitching of the elastic piece on the bespoke shoes.
Grayson
 

TKDKid

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The Cowdray looks very much like the RL Halmore Chelsea that someone else linked to above. Â Here's some more pics of the Cowdray/Halmore in brown: http://www.oldvic.jp/items/index.php...view&i=0500049
Pretty sure it's not the same model - the Halmore is on last 238 (a benchgrade last) and looks like it has double leather soles (albeit channelled), whereas the Cowdray's on last 337 and has single leather soles.
 

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