Recommend shoes for a reasonable price?

[DonB]

Spend just over $400 and you have some great choices from C&J HG (from Plal) and Carmina (from Paris, or Spain).

I am currently contemplating on what brand of shoes I should choose (RTW). Basically, I have narrowed it down to Edward Green, Carmina and C&J. Does the quality of Edward Green justify the higher cost compared to Carmina and C&J?

Regards,
DonB

[whittaker]

Does the quality of Edward Green justify the higher cost compared to Carmina and C&J?

From a quality perspective, the higher cost is not justified. All 3, assuming you are looking at C&J's hand-grade, are excellent quality.

From a fit or design angle, the higher cost may well be justified. Each company has a different range; individual designs may appeal. Carmina are exceptional for cordovan; EG make the best black whole-cut and suede brogues. The differences are subtle. If the designs are all equal, then the cost is unjustifiable.

[Chris Rimby]

Does the quality of Edward Green justify the higher cost compared to Carmina and C&J?

From a quality perspective, the higher cost is not justified. All 3, assuming you are looking at C&J's hand-grade, are excellent quality.

From a fit or design angle, the higher cost may well be justified. Each company has a different range; individual designs may appeal. Carmina are exceptional for cordovan; EG make the best black whole-cut and suede brogues. The differences are subtle. If the designs are all equal, then the cost is unjustifiable.

While I have never worn or owned and EG or Carmina, I had a hunch that this was the case. I checked out several EG shoes at the Polo Mansion in NYC. They were good looking shoes but no better looking to my eye than C&J Handgrades. In fact I like the C&J 337 last better than most EG lasts. And when you compare the prices for C&J that can be found online at Plal.com to the EG retail prices, there is no comparison (for me at least).

[JG]

One difference worth noting: I have found that it is easier to get more styles of EGs in narrower widths. The C&Js that I have tried, even in the narrowest (readily) available widths, were too wide for me. Not sure if this is an issue for you, but I thought I would point it out.

I also think that, over all, the EGs have a nicer finish. But that doesn't mean they are constructed any better than C&Js.

[DonB]

Based on the posts above one should choose for Edward Green if the designs appeal particularly. Other than that the Crockett & Jones Handgrade line is an excellent alternative.

Where does Carmina fit in? I have seen Cordovan as well as shoes made of other types of leather.

Regards,
DonB

[Guest]

l've never bought C&J online, but if you know your correct size then C&J from Pediwear or PLAL represents excellent value.

[AJS]

If you fancy Allen-Edmonds be sure to check with the factory outlet stores for seconds on closeout. The blemishes that make the shoes seconds are usually indiscernible. I have gotten many excellent Allen-Edmonds dress shoes for $129 and even less.

Agreed. If you know your size and the model you want, call a factory second store and find out if they have it (they usually do, in my experience). They'll ship them at a reasonable price.

[edhayes]

brooks brothers has some lovely shoes, they are having a sale. I think alden is an excellent shoe and allan edmonds has improved.