Show us your new shoes (Vol 2)

[InductionRoar]

FreeLitres said:

Interesting question

The waist on those Carminas are lightly bevelled, as opposed to a full fiddleback, which presents a much easier prospect to the makers and can be accommodated with pre-assembled heelstacks.

As I have a lot of time on my hands today, I thought I would provide an example for those that are interested.

G&G Deco



The fiddleback flattens out before the heelstack, which enables the fitment of a generic item.

Edward Green



No fiddleback, but the heelstack is contoured to accommodate the slightly bevelled waist, as in the Carmina example.

Alfred Sargent Handgrade



As above, the waist is bevelled and the heelstack slightly contoured.

Zonkey Boot



Not particularly relevant, but interesting nonetheless, is the fact that the heelstack is canted to the one side (supposedly for comfort), which is evident from the picture, in addition to a slightly bevelled waist.

George Cleverley (Bespoke)



A proper fiddleback that is so pronounced you can see it from a side profile.



So in essence, Carmina are no better than their English counterparts, although they do present an enticing prospect at a somewhat lower pricepoint. I would personally go for Alfred Sargent at the £400 bracket, but I can see why Carmina would be a good alternative.

[FreeLitres]

Thanks for taking the time to explain with useful photos. That's a nice selection to be able to grab from the shelf!

I would have taken some similar example photos, but most of mine aren't beveled.... and have rubber soles.

[Goaty Bill 2]

FreeLitres said:

Thanks for taking the time to explain with useful photos. That's a nice selection to be able to grab from the shelf!

I would have taken some similar example photos, but most of mine aren't beveled.... and have rubber soles.

They just don't make a font small enough for that statement, given present company, do they?

[LordGrover]

FreeLitres said:

Thanks for taking the time to explain with useful photos. That's a nice selection to be able to grab from the shelf!

I would have taken some similar example photos, but most of mine aren't beveled.... and have rubber soles.

[bob-lad]

DRFC1879 said:

bob-lad said:

What are those, Bob? I quite like the look of them but the heel may be a touch high. Wouldn't mind trying some on if they're within budget.

They were £90 I think. didn't post the link as assumed to be too under budget.

ETA it was on https://www.shuperb.co.uk/

Edited by bob-lad on Tuesday 14th November 19:30

[Garvin]

InductionRoar said:

Lots of interesting and educational stuff and well illustrated to boot!

I love this thread. As they say, every day is a school day. Thanks.

[FreeLitres]

If anyone is after a traditional English made tan brogue, TK Max have just listed a bunch of Tricker's brogues in a range of sizes. Down to £179 from £375.

Tricker's is one of the long established Northants shoe makers and they make decent quality brogue shoes and boots.

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/men/best-brands/tanne...

[g3org3y]

FreeLitres said:

If anyone is after a traditional English made tan brogue, TK Max have just listed a bunch of Tricker's brogues in a range of sizes. Down to £179 from £375.

Tricker's is one of the long established Northants shoe makers and they make decent quality brogue shoes and boots.

https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/men/best-brands/tanne...

Already have too many brogues (is that even possible?).

Given the Oxfords a go.

Will report back when they arrive. Look like Regents

[FreeLitres]

InductionRoar - another question for you, as I think you will know the answer.

Are all the George Cleverly RTW shoes made by C&J? Many of them look similar to C&J Handgrade. Do they use the same lasts as C&J? Same leathers? Any differences in construction?

I've been looking to get some C&J Handgrades and I'm seeing if GC might offer something slightly different at a similar price point.

[InductionRoar]

FreeLitres said:

InductionRoar - another question for you, as I think you will know the answer.

Are all the George Cleverly RTW shoes made by C&J? Many of them look similar to C&J Handgrade. Do they use the same lasts as C&J? Same leathers? Any differences in construction?

I've been looking to get some C&J Handgrades and I'm seeing if GC might offer something slightly different at a similar price point.

I understand that all GC RTW shoes are made by C&J. There are, however, two GC ranges, namely RTW and Anthony Cleverley. GC's RTW range is comparable to C&J's handgrade offering, with Anthony Cleverley being termed as semi-bespoke and representing a slight step up in terms of finishing.

Last-wise, I believe the Anthony Cleverley range offer slightly different lasts, but I couldn't be sure as I have never handled a pair. Leather and construction will be the same across the respective ranges, although it is worth noting that the Anthony Cleverley range come with lasted shoes trees, which are hinged, and are far superior to any other non-bespoke shoes trees, aside from St Crispin's.

It is worth mentioning, however, that GC's RTW prices are £500 with the AC range coming in at £1,000. At AC prices I would be looking at G&G RTW, as they are finished to a far superior standard, although their shoe trees are an additional cost and are an inferior product.

A word of caution with both, however, is that I have seen questionable practices executed on even the AC range and I would assess each model on its individual merits.

[DRFC1879]

bob-lad said:

They were £90 I think. didn't post the link as assumed to be too under budget.

ETA it was on https://www.shuperb.co.uk/

Edited by bob-lad on Tuesday 14th November 19:30

Thanks Bob. No such thing as too under budget; I'll no spend more than necessary for the sake of it!

[FreeLitres]

Has anyone spotted any decent Black Friday shoe deals?

I find it difficult to turn down a bargain when I find something at a great discount. I'm starting to wonder if this is the correct approach though as I end up with a bunch of shoes that I kind-of like where I should have perhaps saved that cash and bought something I really like.

[Goaty Bill 2]

FreeLitres said:

Has anyone spotted any decent Black Friday shoe deals?

I find it difficult to turn down a bargain when I find something at a great discount. I'm starting to wonder if this is the correct approach though as I end up with a bunch of shoes that I kind-of like where I should have perhaps saved that cash and bought something I really like.

What's a 'Black Friday'?

HTH

[toastyhamster]

FYI for those buying Loake, they've had a data breach, not much lost, mainly customer email info:

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/22/loake_sho...

Beware any phishing attempts!

[Blown2CV]

toastyhamster said:

FYI for those buying Loake, they've had a data breach, not much lost, mainly customer email info:

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/11/22/loake_sho...

Beware any phishing attempts!

they sent out emails to all their customers a few weeks back. I guess a potential phishing scam could involve shoe offers that look too good to be true. Be on the watch! Also clearly apply the normal logic of checking where links in emails are sending you before blindly clicking them and filling your life away onto the resultant form.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

This link might be of interest to those looking for a cheap, but decent pair of shoes. Quite a range here too.

https://www.justinreece.co.uk/sale/men.html?dir=as...

I bought a pair of Justin Reece shoes (there's always an offer) back in Vol 1 and was really impressed with the quality for the price.

Not massively relevant perhaps, but the packaging rivalled just about anything else I've ever bought.

[FreeLitres]

I got a virus warning from that link for some reason.

[CharlesdeGaulle]

Works cleanly for me. I've just ordered a few pairs actually.

[VEA]

Disappointed, haven't really seen any good deals today.

[FreeLitres]

Same here. Everyone seemed to do a flat 20% off a selected range. Nothing tempting.