Last edited by Marc Grayson (2006-06-30 17:46:14)
Not just about shoes
I wore Loakes in the early stages of my lifes and then progressed to C&J simply because the shoe shop I used to frequent had them in their portfolio. They fit very well, with virtually no break-in period. They are relatively affordable, and they need to take quite a beating in their lives. EGs would be a shameful waste, given the life they would have to endure.
I dont care about rankings, but I care about fit and overall value for money. C&Js are the best compromise. For me.
I thoroughly concur and agree, C&J's represent the best affordabable quality shoe that competes with the John Lobb's, EG's and Church's of this world and can out compete them. The only shoes I've had a decade and more use out of are C&J's, the likes of Aldens simply cannot compete. I've a pair of Chepstow's I bought when I first came over to the Netherlands and they've been well worn and sometimes without a rotation and other than some dark scuffs when I fell off my bike, they still look and feel the biz.
Other makes I consider on par with C&J's in the fit and quality stakes at affordable prices, when you consider the longevity, are Tim Little's on the TL14 last, their toe cap gibson is an absolute classic of this work shoe style; and Foster & Son, including their Henry & Maxwell line that really competes with C&J's dainite soled shoes.
I consider C&J's the shoe world equivalent of Longines watches.
I should add, I've been wearing C&J's since I could afford them and that's over two decades now.
Last edited by 4F Hepcat (2014-09-21 05:39:09)
Yes, Longines or Omega.
Shoes are the most worn and abused part of a man's wardrobe. However well they are made, they will detoriate faster than a tie or a shirt.
You guys make me see a whole new world where I would once have just seen a pair of shoes.
The essential is often invisible.....