TLB is such a good shoe value!

Thanks for the great review! I am having an eye on the Westbournes for two years now. However I haven’t pulled the trigger so far, because they do not fit perfectly and I am not sure of the problem remains after the break in period. After watching this video I will definitely try the TLBs. Thanks again!!

Interesting note about the closeness of the brogue strip stitching on the CJ. That is something I’d normally not notice.

I own quite a view pairs of CJ shoes, both from their Handgrade and Maincollection and must say, that the quality decreased over the years significantly. Shoes with defects on the leather are now sold and go into regular retail and the finishing quality dropped significantly as well. For example, the soles are not fully painted, defects on the welt, the heel on the left shoe is crooked and so on. I am not even talking about the "minor" issues like the gap between the heel and welt being visible from a mile with my newer models. The fudging well made on one half of the shoe and not excitent on the other. When I look at my older models, they are so well made, the Handgrade line on par with the likes of Edward Green, now I feel like they do not care anymore about quality and only use their name to sell their shoes.

@kojiattwood

3 жыл бұрын

I'm very sad to read this. My first "serious" pair of shoes was a C&J captoe handgrade on the 337 last which I recently resoled, and is now on its 21st year of enjoyment. Definitely a quality shoe back then.

@wishoeguy

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been very fortunate that my four pairs of CJ have been defect free. It’s possible because I buy them from small outfits instead of direct and they add a layer of QC. They’ve delayed shipments to make the shoes perfect before. Both Pediwear and Bodileys have been wonderful to work with.

@KMaybach1

3 жыл бұрын

@@wishoeguy Maybe the retailers that you bought your shoes from inspect the shoes better and return the once with issues. I always bought my shoes from small official retailers. Maybe CJ is more important to their business and they do not want to report back to CJ that the shoes are not the best. However, half of the shoes that I own, were ordered by the retailer upon my purchase and came directly from CJ, no MTO though.

Me and 3 of my buds are making a road trip from Rockford IL to Port Washington this Sunday. If I don't buy any AE, the TLB are getting ordered for sure.

12:30 That’s the thing that bothers me about the Allen Edmonds brogue oxfords. The punching is huge and way out of proportion for the kind of shoe it’s on. Wouldn’t look out of place on a more casual shoe, though.

@wishoeguy

3 жыл бұрын

Brogue size is a great differentiation between shoes and while it impacts formality it is very subtle.

Can you advise what the TLB last is ? Thank you !

@wishoeguy

Жыл бұрын

This is the Picasso last

It would be nice if you record in better quality.

Thank you for the review! I am looking for an elegant and sleek pair of wholecuts for around $500 to pair with a tuxedo for my wedding. I am currently looking at these which can be found at about $500 or lower if I shop around: C&J Alex, TLB Mallorca Artista whole cuts (Picasso or Van Gogh), Carlos Santos William 6903, Cobbler Union Miquel, Carmina Wholecut 910 rain. Which one would you recommend from these without considering price? Any others you would recommend instead? Thanks again!!

@wishoeguy

2 жыл бұрын

I really like the last on the Alex best of all of the ones you listed. Without regards to price that’s what I’d choose.

@juggyy5429

2 жыл бұрын

@@wishoeguy thank you so much, appreciate the reply

I love the narrow waist on the TLB, but what’s your opinion when it comes to flat feet, did those waist and flat feet will work together?

@wishoeguy

3 жыл бұрын

As someone with collapsed arches, I find them very comfy. I don’t have flat feet though so can’t comment there.

@niniengineering

3 жыл бұрын

@@wishoeguy thanks for the reply. I’m about to order custom TLB’s but I’m afraid about the fit and sizing, because I need a wide shoe, so sadly no chance to buy them ready to wear.

@wishoeguy

3 жыл бұрын

@@niniengineering is write to TLB and ask them. They’re very accommodating and communicative to these questions.

@niniengineering

3 жыл бұрын

@@wishoeguy I ask tony about the size. He told me it’s the same as at my Carmina’s on the Rain last. But I’m Still a bit nervous. Because my Oxford’s on Rain in EEE fit near perfect, the V has a slight gap on top in new condition, so when the insole and kork was broken in, it will be perfect.

I notice you don’t add a rubber topy or other anti-slip measures to your leather outsoles. All I keep hearing is about people slipping and falling when wearing leather outsoles.

@wishoeguy

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve never had that happen after the first day of wear. May be more of a problem to those on marble floors or linoleum like in a hospital. In winter even I am usually ok, though about 1/3 of my shoes have some sort of rubber soles.

@eyeheartsushi2212

3 жыл бұрын

Wi Shoeguy Good to know. My building has marble floors (at least I think they’re marble). I’ll have to keep that in mind if I ever decide to try shoes without a rubber outsole.

With C&J's latest price increase, how do you think these two brands stand up now?

@wishoeguy

2 жыл бұрын

I just got fresh pricing. £412.5 for CJ ($542.50USD) and 351.24€ ($388.10USD) both without VAT. This is through a dealer and not discounted. The CJ site charges $725. Leather quality on both is very good and while the sole work on the bottom of the TLB Artista is very nice, a year later they’re still very close to equal. They’re worth the price charged but if I could only have one the TLB value to price is higher.

@Tailorandbarber

2 жыл бұрын

@@wishoeguy Thanks so much for the response!

What is the last for the TLB?

@wishoeguy

Жыл бұрын

Picasso

Damn get to the point everyone knows c&j is a better shoe SMH on allen edmonds