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Defect on C&J Harvard?

vncrz

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I recently received a pair of the C&J Harvard loafers in shell cordovan after a 6 month wait from an online retailer. I was so excited with the fit and look of them that only after several wears did I notice that something was off with the toebox seam on the right foot shoe. As you can see on the shoe on the left in the pic below, the seam along the toebox falls further down towards the sole on one side than on the other, which makes it look inconsistent.


photo-22.jpg

It is also visible from up top, although less evidently so, as the seam on the right shoe doesn't follow the shape of the toe box as the left shoe does.

photo-21.jpg

I plan on contacting the retailer but I wanted to hear your thoughts first. I discussed with a friend and she suggested that the handmade nature of the shoe may be responsible, but coming from a maker with such high standards, and not to mention the hefty price tag on the shoes, I do not think that is a valid excuse.

Thanks
 
Last edited:

Sonorously

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What's the return policy? I think at best you'll receive a moderate compensation, most retailers do not accept returns on used items. It does look off enough to bug me.
 
Last edited:

vncrz

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Thanks, I just sent the retailer an email. Their website says that they offer a full refund on faulty or damaged shoes. Although unfortunately I have worn them about five times before spotting the issue, I believe that that should not make a difference, since it's not like they would re-stock the faulty shoes as would be the case with a regular return. My interactions with the retailer have been quite pleasant so far so I have no reason to suspect that they will reject my request.
 
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alexSF

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This is unfortunately common with machine lasting, isn't a defect at all.
I've seen worst examples of misaligned medallions etc. on C&J and other big manufacters.
Your shoes aren't perfect but are in the standard, not so visible.
 
Last edited:

Harrydog

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Thanks, I just sent the retailer an email. Their website says that they offer a full refund on faulty or damaged shoes. Although unfortunately I have worn them about five times before spotting the issue, I believe that that should not make a difference, since it's not like they would re-stock the faulty shoes as would be the case with a regular return. My interactions with the retailer have been quite pleasant so far so I have no reason to suspect that they will reject my request.


Perhaps. But had you not worn them, the retailer could sell the shoes as a second or return them to the maker. As it is, with the shoe worn five times, you are basically asking the retailer to take the hit for the full cost of the shoe.
 

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