Who makes the best looking Cordovan Long Wing Blucher?

[kageboshi]

I'm looking to buy a couple of versatile shoes this year and I think that a burgundy LWB is very versatile. I did a search on the forum and there was a thread about this topic a couple of year ago, and most seemed to recommend the Alden LWB...



Which looks very nice, and a couple of years ago the Alden was probably the best shoe in it's price range. hat being said, after the Alden price increases and the Euro and GBP depreciation with respect to the USD, a couple of other LWB now cost about the same as the Alden. There is the Crockett and Jones Cheviot 2...



And there is the Carmina LWB...



The Alden LWB retails for about $715, The C&J one about $770, and the Carmina $750 (Incl Shoe trees). Considering the price is not that different anymore, is the Alden still the best option? also, is there any option better than these 3 at a higher price point?

 

[SpooPoker]

Alden.

 

[ReppTiePrepster]

For the LWB, Alden is top notch. I think C&J shortwing blucher (Cardigan IV) is the best of its kind. Carmina makes a fine shoe but they’re not in the same league when it comes to bluchers, imho.

 

[brillopad]

I love C&J for their short wing blucher (Pembroke), but might as well go for Alden for the shell LWB since that's what they're known for and the prices are similar.

 

[Blake Stitched Blues]

Carmina. Alden's are awfully frumpy and the acrylic glaze they add to their shell looks plastic-y.

 

[SuitedDx]

Alden.

 

[GBR]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

 

[Skanstull]

Are the C&J Cheviot and Cardigan models discontinued? I cannot find them on the C&J website.

 

[brax]

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