Redding = C&J?

[Thurston]

Cross posted in the Polo sale thread.

I received my Polo order today via Fedex. I'm amazed because I placed the order very early Thursday, but selected the free ground shipping. Anyway, they got 10/11 items right on the money - including the Redding boots. I already own the cheap Made in Italy Brendell version and the Reddings are far superior.

They are most definitely English benchgrade +. They have channeled soles and feature the following inside markings.
118381/49857
ALM60961
I believe that the former series of numbers would indicate a 381 last. According to my C&J catalog, there is no such last. It is definitely an elongated last.

I also picked up a pair of Darlton cordovan bluchers. I was pleasantly surprised to find them much more attractive in the leather than online. I wore them out for about 5 hours today and they are very comfortable, if a bit heavy. The color is beautiful. Their interior markings are
1119347/40143
ALM46120
Again, I believe the first series indicates a last 347 that doesn't appear in my catalog.

 

[HitMan009]

Is it possible for C&J to have some sort of modified last they use for Ralph Lauren? It could be a 337 with slight modifications. Does anyone know if their last are a single piece of wood(or some other material) or a bunch of pieces fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle?

 

[grimslade]

Here is what my own investigation turned up regarding the Benton and the Holland. I didn't order the Redding.

http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...&postcount=141

 

[thinman]

FAIK, the C&J for Polo shoes use the usual C&J lasts, but the numbers in the shoes don't correspond to last numbers. According to email from C&J, the Polo Darltons are made on C&J's 325 last and the Darlton wingtips are called the "Pembroke" by C&J. I find them roomy in the toe box. For the 337 last, I went down 1/2 size from my usual size to get a good fit (i.e. I bought a US size 11.5D Polo Alton on the 337 last instead of my usual US 12D. My Altons are a tad snug, but a good fit, overall). FWIW, I also own a pair of the Polo MacCallum chukka boots made by C&J and I believe they are also made on the 325 last, though I have no confirmation from C&J.

The C&J for Polo Redding boots should not be confused with the C&J Reading monkstraps, benchmade on the 348 last.

 

[heavyd]

Just got my Reddings. They fit the same as the other Polo (Chucka) boots made by C&J - but those are a much heavier cordovan leather whereas these are lighter.

Seem very well made, awesome brass tacks in the heels. Old school bench style. Heavy leather sole. Cool narrow toe suitable for wear with suits even?

I took them to the cobbler for leather soles, taps, polish and a quick stretch so they are ready for Chicago winter.

 

[grimslade]

I love my Holland boots. I'm wearing them now and they're sumptuous. They're so good, I regret not picking up a pair of Reddings too. At the time I told myself I had a pair of black chelseas already (RMWs), but maybe a pair of brown suedes would have been nice...