Church's Shoes

hossoso · Dec 6, 2007

I bought NOS/pre-Prada brogues on ebay a few years ago and they are gunboats. Good quality, good wear, a little heavy but they are developing a nice patina after only 15 or 20 wears/shines. I have heard that the post-Prada shoes are **** but have not bothered to check them out myself.

GeorgePaul · Dec 7, 2007

Originally Posted by Tarmac

isn't Prada-era Church's... right now?
Yes, that's right.

thegaviero · Dec 8, 2007

I own more than 35 pairs of English shoes. The oldest pair I still use was purchased by me in Cambridge in 1977, a Yanko, and the most recent pairs were an Edward Green and a Trickers.

The criticism of Church's shoes post-Prada is totally unwarranted. There has been NO slippage in quality.

But my own (whimsical) ranking of English shoes would be the following:

1. Grenson -- Excellent leathers, modern but elegant lasts, always innovating
2. Church's + Crockett & Jones
3. John Lobb -- Well made shoes but I do not like their lasts
4. Edward Green
5. Alfred Sargent, usually made for others

Sadly, Yanko has shut down.

Sator · Dec 8, 2007

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

Inelegant lasts (particularly # 100). Quality on the level of Allen Edmonds with pretty much the same aesthetics. Huge protruding 360 welts. Poorly defined heel pocket. Clunky and old fashioned but sold at $600+

This more or less sums them up to a tee. In fact, many of AEs lasts are a lot sleeker and elegant than Church's bulbous offerings. If it weren't for their reputation and their "Made in Northampton" pedigree nobody would look twice at them. I do own a couple of pairs purchased on deep discount, but I wear my AEs more frequently. Churchs are also dreadfully stiff and uncomfortable.

GeorgePaul · Dec 8, 2007

My old and well-worn Church's Custom Grade "Ashley":

dkzzzz · Dec 8, 2007

Recent development.

My church combination sole pebble grain bluchers are loosing thread in one spot (where laces meet the uppers) I have to take it to cobbler to stitch it back at some point. The heel on left shoe is delaminating. Yes delaminating, it is a rubber heel and I have never ever seen rubber coming off in layers like a dead skin. I took scissors to it and trimmed it, hopefully it will stop delaminating further, but I have to say that is one ****** quality material to behave like that.

I will not be buying Church's shoes.

I have never had these problems with any other shoes including cheap ones.

Salsalocust · Dec 8, 2007

Church "Kenford 2" on the 108 last

[/IMG]

No polished binder..... no corrected grain...... no clunky lasts......no dodgy stitching...well cut...... clean styling.....NO PAYLESS JOKES!

[/IMG]

GeorgePaul · Dec 8, 2007

Originally Posted by Salsalocust

Church "Kenford 2" on the 108 last
....

No polished binder..... no corrected grain...... no clunky lasts......no dodgy stitching...well cut...... clean styling.....
Looks good. Thanks for setting the record straight.

lee_44106 · Dec 8, 2007

Originally Posted by Salsalocust

Church "Kenford 2" on the 108 last

[/IMG]

No polished binder..... no corrected grain...... no clunky lasts......no dodgy stitching...well cut...... clean styling.....NO PAYLESS JOKES!

[/IMG]

eh, the shape may be OK, but that broguing is just not right. It does not quite have the austere simplicity of a captoe, nor does it have the casual nonchalance of a long wingtip. It's an in-between mutant, lacking any distinct identity.

GeorgePaul · Dec 8, 2007

Originally Posted by lee_44106

eh, the shape may be OK, but that broguing is just not right. ...
What brogueing? I don't see any brogueing at all.

TKDKid · Dec 9, 2007

Originally Posted by GeorgePaul

What brogueing? I don't see any brogueing at all.

I think he means the oversized pinking/gimping along the edges of the leather.

Compare with, say, the C&J Tavistock:

DocHolliday · Dec 9, 2007

Originally Posted by TKDKid

I think he means the oversized pinking/gimping along the edges of the leather.

Compare with, say, the C&J Tavistock:

This the how an austerity brogue should look, in my book. I don't know that I've seen a nicer version.

Salsalocust · Dec 9, 2007

Originally Posted by lee_44106

eh, the shape may be OK, but that broguing is just not right. It does not quite have the austere simplicity of a captoe, nor does it have the casual nonchalance of a long wingtip. It's an in-between mutant, lacking any distinct identity.

'An in-between mutant lacking any distinct identity' seems unnecessarily pejorative.

I'm sure it wasn't made to deride

since, if consistently applied, you are condemning the styling similarities of the C & J Tavistock or the EG Beaulieu .... and that would never do

Now in terms of quality... the Beaulieu and the Tavistock are out of sight. That is not the point of argument here.

Regards,

Graham

Vashin · Dec 12, 2007

Hi,

I don't know much (read anything) about shoes and was wondering if anyone could give me more info on these shoes...

I picked these up for $10 at a local thrift store. If anyone could give me more info and general care tips it would be much appreciated.

well-kept · Dec 12, 2007

If they fit you, you did well for ten dollars. Those are older Church's, quite well made, and they seem to still have their original heels.

To care for them it is important to get shoe trees of the correct size and insert them when the shoes aren't being worn. Polish them with Meltonian cream. Every few times, follow the cream polish with an application of wax polish such as Kiwi. Don't wear them more than one day in a row. Allow them a day to rest. They should serve you well for a long time.

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