Cheaney Imperial vs C&J

[norMD]

I think tlb artista is a good option as well.
Closed channel stitching, beveled waist and, in my eyes, nice lastes.

 

[Eucris]

In the market for a pair of really special Oxfords ( No more than $700 for Wholecuts or minimal design) and am torn between two Northampton makers.
Crockett and Jones offers its Main Collection variants for $660 and Cheaney Imperial runs at $570 for the maker's highest grade shoe.
The Cheaney Imperial collection seems like much better value than C&J.
Why is the latter more expensive for what seems like a more basic shoe?

Edgware Black Calf

Edgware, an oxford shoe with a delicately punched medallion on the toe. Made on last 348 from the finest black calf leather and single leather soles. From the Men's Main Collection.

us.crockettandjones.com

Lancaster Punch Capped Oxford in Black Calf Leather

Lancaster is part of the new Imperial Collection which has been updated on a new last to offer an elegant, sophisticated shape.

www.cheaney.co.uk

Its a bit more than basic; better leather quality, oak bark tanned soles, fiddle waist etc. The better comparison would be with the equivalent from the C&J handgrade range.

 

[DrapeCut]

Its a bit more than basic; better leather quality, oak bark tanned soles, fiddle waist etc. The better comparison would be with the equivalent from the C&J handgrade range.

Right, but I'm not gonna spend whatever C&J Handgrade costs. Sounds like you think the Cheaney Imperials are a better buy than C&J Main Collection...

 

[Eucris]

Right, but I'm not gonna spend whatever C&J Handgrade costs. Sounds like you think the Cheaney Imperials are a better buy than C&J Main Collection...

That's correct.

 

[Shoemog]

What did you end up go going with? How were they?

I think C& j handgrade use much better leather than the imperial (they say compatible to Edward greens which can be double the price). I'd say workmanship is fairly close so ultimately it will come down to fit / last / shape. I have found with a couple of my c&j that I went down half a size where as I wore same size for cheaney Imperial range despite narrower shoe / higher instep etc.