My Chelsea boots journey

[GodAtum]

I would like to give some thoughts on my journey to buy a pair of Chelsea boots in London. I visited the following stores and have noted some of my opinions.

Cleverly - Unfortunately none in stock
C&J - Friendly and knowledgeable staff. The price was reasonable (£330).
Edward Green - The lady in there did not seem to know much about shoes or what a Chelsea boot was. This was a shame as I was looking forward to buying some Edward Greens.
John Lobb - A bit overpriced from what i could tell. Also did not have any boots with rubber soles in stock.
Jeffrey West - Friendly staff but boots were not of great quality
WS Foster - Nice staff but no rubber soled boots in stock.

I decided to go for the C&J Chelsea 5 boots. They seen to be good quality (I'm a novice). I'll post some pics later.

 

[MyOtherLife]

Congratulaions and we await photos! Crockett and Jones would have been my choice as well.

 

[GodAtum]

Thanks My photos are in my blog:

Crokett & Jones Chelsea Boots

Do I need to polish them before first use?

 

[Thrifter]

I have the same boots and intend to wear the hell out of them this winter. Enjoy!

 

[rabiesinfrance]

I'm after a pair of Chelsea boots and went on a similar trip.

My criteria was chestnut burnished calf, slightly rounded toe, excellent quality.

Edward Green - no chestnut. Very expensive.

C&J - chestnut, but on the 238 last which is horrible and 'fluted'. I don't fit it anyway. I wonder why they don't simply make it on the 341 last so that it is the counterpart of the Cottesmore boot. It's very shortsighted.

Alfred Sargent (made for New & Lingwood) - spot on, but overpriced and I was worried about the quality.

Cleverley - none in stock

W.S. Foster - absolutely right (C&J made, Handgrade quality). However quite 'short' - other boots are about 2cm higher on the vamp. Fitted perfectly but left a 'smile' when I put them on (leaned forward and the top part of the leather bulged out too much). I wrote to Foster and they informed me that they may be bringing in a new boot - either with a slightly rounded toe or made slightly higher. I genuinely think they mucked up the design and designed it too short. It doesn't look and feel right when it's on.

Tricker's - beechnut only, but traditional. Perfect.

So no winners! I'm yet to see a boot that meets my criteria.

 

[chogall]

Try RM Williams?

 

[GodAtum]

The C&J boots are slightly too wide so I had to get a size down. They are still a bit loose even with thick socks but the assistant said they will wear in.

rabiesinfrance what makes them not fit?

 

[rabiesinfrance]

Far too tight in my usual size and far too loose at half a size up.

RMW - excellent. The whisky is best.