The Church's quality debate - settled!

[SimonC]

I thought this might interest a few people. I was in a vintage clothing store this afternoon and they had a pair of NOS Church's. I only managed to take one blurry photo of the soles before the staff told me photography wasn't allowed, but you can see the following features;

- Channelled sole
- Bevelled waist
- Fully-nailed heel

The shoes were just marked internally as per Church's mainline (i.e. nothing special). I'm not making the comment specifically about Church's, but I think it shows how the quality of mass-produced benchmade shoes has declined over time. Indeed, last weekend I saw a similar-quality pair of Crockett & Jones boots...

 

[Tarmac]

these 3 features aren't necessarily indicative of quality. also, those pictured shoes are barely beveled

 

[Francisco]

+1

 

[SimonC]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

these 3 features aren't necessarily indicative of quality. also, those pictured shoes are barely beveled

I'm not going to get all defensive - I'm still learning. The point I was trying to make, which I hope is still valid, is that they look a lot better than present Church's production.

 

[Wrenkin]

I don't see how fully nailed heels are indicative of quality. There are good reasons not to have them.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Wrenkin

I don't see how fully nailed heels are indicative of quality. There are good reasons not to have them.
elaborate please

 

[entrero]

^crazy glue

 

[Macallan]

We can discuss the drop of quality of RTW shoes and not just Church's; however, the points mentioned are not the foundation of a good debate. Below is an image of the Lowick model from Church's, which is on the 108 and was purchased this year.

Channelled soles does not mean the sole is more robust, it is a nice feature to have but nothing more. Tricker shoes have channelled soles that wear down quickly. Bevelled waist make for a nicer fit; however, the Church's mentioned in the original post do not have a bevelled waist.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by Macallan

Bevelled waist make for a nicer fit; however, the Church's mentioned in the original post do not have a bevelled waist.

since when? no offense, are you sure, you know what bevelled waist means?

 

[Kaplan]

Originally Posted by SimonC

- Channelled sole
- Bevelled waist
- Fully-nailed heel

How old are these?

FWIW, I bought a pair of Church's about 20 years ago and they don't have any of these three features.

 

[upnorth]

If you take a look at the new cheaney website, it would appear that every other shoemaker these days are aiming for the fiddleback waist and painted channelled soles ala G&G.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

Originally Posted by Wrenkin

I don't see how fully nailed heels are indicative of quality. There are good reasons not to have them.

+1 they look to me like a speedy trip down a flight of stairs.

 

[Oriental Centipede]

I think this type was made in 1950's.

 

[babyfish1]

Dear all,
I bought another pair of church shoes... unfortunately I had many many problems due to their quality and CHURCH is not supporting in any way.
I brought my sohoes back ti the Churck store and they gave me those back after 2 months with the same problem...
SInce that moment I m still trying to get support from CHurch UK but without any success...
Did anyone of you have any similar experience? what have you done?
Please help me!!!
Hy