comments/questions on these c&j ?

[james48]

just picked these up (c&j leeds) - since im relatively new to "expensive" shoes, i havent really paid attention much in the past to shoe styles. Question is, would these be considered relatively conservative? meaning will i look like a shmuck wearing these in 5 years, or no? also, can anybody recommend a shoe tree that fits these (337 last i believe). I tried brooks brothers which practically fits without pushing against the spring at all, and AE trees which almost push the spring to the max. Thanks

 

[Roger]

Those are very, very nice shoes and definitely represent a pretty basic and longstanding style--the 5-eyelet Norwegian-toe blucher. These appear to perhaps have hand-stitching around the apron, which, if true, would make them even nicer! They are C&J Handgrades, which makes them a very high-quality shoe (I think most on this forum would agree with that). The only thing about that model that is just ever-so-slightly unusual for such a shoe is the last. Norwegian-toe bluchers are much more commonly made on less tapered, sleek, and slightly square-toe lasts than the C&J 337. However, you should have absolutely no fears about them looking dated or wrong in the future. As for trees, any of the Woodlore, Rochester, A-E, etc., cedar models with the fatter heel piece and split front should work fine. Perhaps the A-E one you tried is one size too large for the shoes. These can be regularly found for great prices (somewhere around $14) on eBay.

 

[Strokeman]

It depends on what conservative means to you. In most law firms, probably not. On "casual Fridays" or those with business casual policies, then they'll be fine, but then ex hypothesi "conservative" isn't necessarily the touchstone...

 

[james48]

roger, thanks - the apron is hand stitched, the sales lady mentioned that a few times. The AE tree's are a small, maybe they do fit right just feels like they are too tight. Strokeman- i didnt mean conservitive in that sense, i meant in the sense that they will last a few years without looking dated.

 

[Strokeman]

Originally Posted by james48

roger, thanks - the apron is hand stitched, the sales lady mentioned that a few times. The AE tree's are a small, maybe they do fit right just feels like they are too tight. Strokeman- i didnt mean conservitive in that sense, i meant in the sense that they will last a few years without looking dated.

Sorry, I should have read your post more carefully! I think you should be fine, even though trends in "fashion" may have moved onto the next thing. Congratulations on your acquisition.