Noob C&J shoe question.

[Patek]

Alright, I'm new to this forum and I'm still learning about some of these things. I bought my first vintage watch a couple of months ago.

I have to admit that I have been a sucker for big name brands. All of my shoes are Ferragamo, Gucci, and Brooks Brothers. However, I want to get my first pair of quality English shoes.

I have been looking at Crocket and Jones, J.M. Weston (I know, they are French), Edward Green, and Even Church. I prefer the sleek looking shoes, but I know many English shoes tend to be more clunky.

The best "value" that I have found are the handgrade Weymouth in antique brown from Bodileys. They look like the sleek look that I like and come out to about $550 which I think is reasonable especially since they are $720 at Barneys.

I'm actually debating then in black over brown.

Anyone have any input on these shoes? Feedback? A place to find a better price?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[TC (Houston)]

I have several pair of C&J and I find them to be great quality for the price. The Weymouth is a beautiful shoe. I'm not sure what your application will be, but I find myself wearing brown shoes over black about 10:1, so I would go with the brown first. I've had great experience with Bodiley's, and you won't do much better on price anywhere for first quality C&J. It may take a month or so to fill your order if they don't have them in stock (this was the case with a pair I ordered about 3 weeks ago which is en route to me now). You can check also with Pediwear, which has similar pricing. Good luck!

 

[Brian278]

If you're comfortable figuring out your size, you should be able to get them online for around $475 with the exchange rate (unless it jumped a bunch in like a week since I checked it). And IMO, you're going to appreciate the quality of the leather (and the shape) a lot more in antique brown.

 

[LesterSnodgrass]

Over time, I like the 337 last more and more.

 

[Patek]

Thanks guys. These would be used for work so business casual with occasional suit wear. All of my shoes are brown with the exception of a pair of black Brooks Brothers wingtips, Gucci loafers that I got on Bluefly, and a pair or Hugo Boss Oxfords that are going in the trash (don't ask me what I was thinking).

So I was thinking that I needed at least one more pair of black shoes, but the browns are far more beautiful.

Sorry, what are 337s?

Also are the handgrade worth the difference in price over the regular oxfords such as Wembleys?

Are their shoe trees worth it or should I just get some at Nordstroms?

 

[Patek]

Originally Posted by cameroon

Your style of writing -pushy- is really not conducive to other people spending time giving you advice- that is my impression but others may differ

In any case a few pointers
337 refers to a specific C&J last- (look up what is a last)
AFAIC (C=concerned) shoe trees from high end shoe vendors are a rip off, but if got the money they won't hurt


Cameroon,

I appologize if I came across as pushy. I have been reading up and I want to purchase something in the next couple of days and I guess I get overexcited.

Thanks for the help though.

 

[TC (Houston)]

Originally Posted by Patek

Thanks guys. These would be used for work so business casual with occasional suit wear. All of my shoes are brown with the exception of a pair of black Brooks Brothers wingtips, Gucci loafers that I got on Bluefly, and a pair or Hugo Boss Oxfords that are going in the trash (don't ask me what I was thinking).

So I was thinking that I needed at least one more pair of black shoes, but the browns are far more beautiful.

Sorry, what are 337s?

Also are the handgrade worth the difference in price over the regular oxfords such as Wembleys?

Are their shoe trees worth it or should I just get some at Nordstroms?

If you wear brown shoes the most, get them in brown. They are going to be so lovely you will want to put them to diverse and regular use.

337 is the designation of the last.

I've only owned benchgrade but most people feel that the handgrades are worth the marginal premium. I have some handgrades that should be arriving in December so I hope that holds true.

Their trees aren't lasted, so most folks feel that a high-quality tree will be just as functional as the ones C&J sells.

 

[JamesX]

337 is a lovely Last

but I like 348 a bit more

 

[bleachboy]

Originally Posted by JamesX

but I like 348 a bit more

Ditto.

 

[JohnsNotHere]

Originally Posted by JamesX

337 is a lovely Last

I'm wearing those today

I'm thinking of getting the Clifford in tan as a xmas present to myself. What would you pair them with though? They are quite light in colour so I assume light grey only as far as suiting goes. Thoughts?

BTW, OP... I don't find your posts the least bit pushy

 

[griffon_id]

Is last 348 more narrow/elongated and slim?

 

[JamesX]

348 is narrower and tighter than 337, so if you are a standard D you might want to go half a size down instead of full size.

Some of the other maker's tapered last requires you to use the same UK size as US, but 348 is not that tight.

 

[Prince of Paisley]

Originally Posted by JohnsNotHere

I'm wearing those today

I'm thinking of getting the Clifford in tan as a xmas present to myself. What would you pair them with though? They are quite light in colour so I assume light grey only as far as suiting goes. Thoughts?

BTW, OP... I don't find your posts the least bit pushy

JNH - would recommend the C&J tan with blue, dark brown and even charcoal suits as well (as long as it doesn't look too close to black).

For me they are good pairings (wearing tan with charcoal today). Also over time they will darken and develop a great patina if treated well, but you probably already know that from your Belgraves.

 

[Viral]

Originally Posted by cameroon

Your style of writing -pushy- is really not conducive to other people spending time giving you advice- that is my impression but others may differ

In any case a few pointers
337 refers to a specific C&J last- (look up what is a last)
AFAIC (C=concerned) shoe trees from high end shoe vendors are a rip off, but if got the money they won't hurt

where the hell did this come from??? If anything, your reply is more inappropriate than his question.

OP.........you have nothing to apologize about. Do your thing and get the best shoes you can!

 

[Prince of Paisley]

They have higher standards of manners in Cameroon.