How many of you are into shoes... (Dress Shoes)?

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Although Carmina are good quality shoes if you buy the right C&J shoes then there is no doubt C&J are a cut above.

C&J makes more than just one line of shoes. If memory serves correctly it's Bench Grade, Hand Grade, and they even make shoes for Brooks Brothers under the name of Peal and Co. To further confuse they also used to make at least the Northcote boot in Cordovan under the Crockett and Jones label for Brooks Brothers. The Brooks Brothers Peal and Co shoes used to also include shoes from Alfred Sargent and I think it may at one time long ago include shoes from Edward Green. Anyway C&J Hand Grade and those labeled Crockett and Jones for Brooks Brothers were the top of their line.

I would say Carmina was pretty much on par with C&Js Bench Grade or Peal and Co shoes. But C&Js Hand Grade line was definitely a cut above Carmina.

I have a few Carmina as well as C&J and I might have a few more C&J shoes if it weren't for their shoe Lasts not being such a good fit for me. I do have a few of their boots though and their boots are extremely nice.

I appreciate the insight Dan.
I have a Brooks Brothers here locally, I will look into
Peal and Co. shoes, hopefully they still carry them.
You essentially answered my question. I am looking at the
Hand Grade C & J Audley oxford which is a cut above Carmina
and Bench Grade C&J if I understood correctly.