Daniel Craig said the Islay boots he wore in Skyfall survived a week filming an underwater scene and still came out in great shape. He kept the boots for himself.
I lived opposite the CROCKETT & JONES factory for a number of years. I would recommend their factory shop has some real bargains (if you hit it right). You have to get in there early though. If you are a common size like 8 or 9 those sizes go quick. Also, Limited opening hours I would check before making a long journey. Great content Ash as always!
I live in Northamptonshire borders often visit, bought my Coniston rough out suede there, I'm a 9 you are right 9 is limited, loads of 8 they told me 9 and 10 are the biggest sellers. I also go to Trickers factory shop and bought my blue suede Henry there in December
I got my pair a week ago. This video was my final push. Just letting you know, i do not regret it. My first crocket and jones but they are very nice so far
I had been admiring C&J for almost 20 years. Not getting any younger, I jumped in after watching reviews. These things have reverse sticker shock: at first you think "that's a lot of $", then, once you wear them, you think "how can they be so good, even at the price?" These things are giving me something of a foot fetish.
@@brentoncrowhurst8338 I loved my islay so much I bought a harlech I think I love even more. Both are great. Now I have leather sole harlech and the rubber islay
No other film has influenced me more to better myself than Skyfall, it got me into mens age appropriate smart casual clothing, it helped to motivate me in getting fitter (the getting from a mess to fit theme of the film) influenced The Watch i wore, the Car drove and the attires to wear (London Suits, Macau Tux, The Scotland & Shanghai outfits) and the first 3 Items I lusted over the most were the Watch, the Wax Coat and the Islay Boots. I think it was 2015/16 when I finally got my pair (as well as a Omega Seamaster 300 and Barbour Beacon Waxed Jacket. Boots Cost £510 back then. Still got them, still look new, still my goto smart casual footwear while the watch and wax jacket haven't been worn in well over a year (due to other items taking their place). A fantastic investment, well recommended and will last a life time if looked after (Brown Scotchgrain with dainite sole is certainly the bst).
C&J make beautiful boots. The broguing on the boots make them inherently more casual, so it seems the black with the chunky sole would be to reinforce the casual nature of the boot when finished in a formal color. The grained leather is the final piece that completes the trifecta of casual design. I think if you wear a lot of dark colors that boot could be great in black.
Thanks Ash. After seeing this video I went out and bought the brown ones you liked. I've had them a week and I love them. They are more comfortable than I thought they would be. I can walk all day in them. They are built like a tank. The color is interesting. Under some light they appear a flat brown color but in different light the color really pops and you get some contrasting honey type colors. Highly recommend.
I bought the Islay 2 years ago. Ive always loved them, but they got me a little bit perplexed in the beginning. Depending on how you wear them, they can look either formal or casual and even a bit aggressive, as they are a really high pair of boots. And with that quality of boots, everyone will notice a faux pas. So you have to be sure of what style you want to have in what moment, and not mix it up (i think). Once i mastered that, i loved them even more :)
Finally a subject that I am somewhat knowledgeable about. I recently bought a pair of Islay boots in dark brown and feel as if my journey towards chap nirvana, at least as far as footwear goes, has reached its zenith. I own other boots in the $400 US range so I can answer first hand the question of whether the Crockett and Jones, at $850, are worth the price of admission. Let me say that the Crockett and Jones Islay boots are amazing. The quality of materials and workmanship can actually be felt when I put them on. While these are dressy boots you'd be doing them a disservice if you never wore them off pavement. These boots are begging to go into the field. They're sort of the Range Rover of footwear. The best part is that I bought them on eBay from a gentleman in Perth Australia for about half the retail price. Now that I've worn them I wouldn't hesitate to pay full retail if that was my only option. I plan to buy the matching belt soon.
I have the Islay boots in brown and they are wonderful and beautifully made boots. I live in the country but often have to visit city for work. As discussed in the video they are equally at home in either environmental. I have worn them for a number of years now, and despite having many, many miles on them, they look better and better each time I clean them. I would thoroughly recommend considering a pair if you are in the market for this type of footwear.
Sorry to have to have to correct you Ash but Islay is pronounced EYE-LAY! Presumably the boot is named after the Scottish island of Islay where you would find whisky distilleries for Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Agree it is a beautiful boot and I think the combination of the mahogany, pebbled-leather patina, the broguing and the street sole would make for a very practical and versatile boot though probably not for very muddy conditions.
@@meiko_kajiI second this. I’ve seen the pronunciation written as ai-luh. A beautiful island to visit and some of the best whiskies in the world. Thanks for the video Ash!
I recently bought a similar pair of boots, although without the brogue work. They are Loake 1880 Roehampton derby boots in oxblood colour. I never would have thought I could justify the cost for boots like that, but I found an amazing deal at a local menswear store. They had a single pair in stock and they were in my size, priced at the equivalent of about £115. I could not pass them up. They look great.
C&Js Islay in Rough-Out Suede are next on my list for motorcycle boots, now that I've acquired these Cheney's Thruxtons. Rough-Out Suede is traditional for classic motorcycle boots, as it doesn't show scuffs from the gear shifter or oil stains.
I owned and wore the Loake Bedale Dark Brown Grain Leather for quite some time and found them to be great boots. However, I transitioned to the C & J Islay Dark Brown Scotch Grain and have found them be to noticeable better in leather quality and overall construction. The Loake Bedales have hole lacing up the ankle which can be tedious to get on and off. The C & J Islays have metal eye lips up the ankle which makes putting on and pulling off much easier in comparison to the Loakes. Have you considered selling some of your Loake Brogue boots and using the funds to purchase the C & J Islay boot?
What are your thoughts on the Tricker’s Stow Country Boot vs the Crockett & Jones boot you just reviewed? I discovered your channel about a month ago and follow your channel.
Crockett and Jones boots are highly recommended! I don’t own the Islay boots, but my conistons are probably my favourite boots! Be aware though, my C&J collection grew quickly after acquiring these boots… Love the Barbour border too, one of my long-time faves! Keep up the great work!
The danite sole is very versatile. The vibram mini lug that now comes on the Red Wing Iron Ranger and Blacksmith perform well also. They give a nice visual profile, while providing good grip in a lot of conditions. Great video Ash!
I have two pairs of Allen Edmonds boot one dress boot the Hamiltons that are Oxford with daynigh soles. The others look very similar to the Islay boots they are called longbranch and have the commando sole and are burgundy. I wear them a lot in fall and winter with a tweed jacket or jumper and Barbour. The Islay is a good choice. Beautiful Boot. Cheers Ron
Another great boot of C&J is the Coniston which is slightly shorter with a captoe and no brogueing. Currently looking at their Oxford shoes and considering the Hallam and Audley models
I briefly had a pair of brown Islays. I purchased them for a ridiculously good price as a worn pair from a shoe dealer in NYC. They ended up having a manufacturing defect and I had to return them. I wanted to purchase a new pair right away, but couldn't find any for a good price. The Islay's are what got me started with my love for fine footwear and I now have quite a large collection of shoes and boots (still haven't replaced the Islays yet).
Owner of them in dark brown scotch grain since 2019. Purchased Burlington Arcade as a treat. Serous boot. Feel 3 inches taller. Dress up or down with jeans or grey flannels - no problem. Picked them up in the 400s
Recently fell in love with boots. Except I’m a Texan, so cowboy boots are my standard, with Chelsea boots rotated in on occasion. A nice pair of cowboy boots are “American chap” fashion.
Recently acquired the similar-looking Scotch grain Coniston with Dainite sole. Great boots that complement corduroy and moleskin trousers with tweed sport coats under my old Barbour Moorland (Beaufort model in a heavier fabric).
Whether we're talking about dress shoes or dress boots, I believe that brown is a more versatile colour than black. -Like you, Ash, I vastly prefer the brown boots to the black version shown here. Unfortunately, in Canadian dollars, and including shipping fees and import duties, these boots would wind up costing me somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1,200.00, which is more than I am willing to pay for a pair of boots. I can find a pair of Allen Edmonds dress boots, slightly used on Canadian eBay, for about a third of this price -and even this approaches the limit of what I would be willing to pay. Of course, these Crockett and Jones boots are very beautiful, and if properly cared for, would likely last for decades, meaning that on a cost-per-wear basis, they're ultimately more affordable than some cheaper alternatives.
These look great, especially the brown/burgundy and the brushed suede. Now I've gone to their website - lots of options and beautiful quality - and I'm left with 2 burning questions: 1) how the heck do I style these? And 2) how well do they really hold up to inclement weather? I'm Canadian, and if a boot's going to be worn late-fall to early-spring, it's got to handle rain, ice, snow, and salt. *Taking as a given use of leather conditioner, wax polish, and a sealer.
The black Islay boots have a durable Vibram sole, but the brown ones do not. Do you know why? Is it possible to order a Vibram sole for the brown boots??
To your American viewers. There’s a company here called Thursday Boots that do marvelous things at half the price one would expect. I intend to buy a pair of loafers for summer wear in a few weeks, and am giving thought to their chukkas for next fall.
I bought a pair of Coniston by Cheaney in 2001. A first class field boot worn for hunting; as these boots should be. I see trendy types in east London wearing them with jeans thinking they are being all hip and cool. It rather makes us smile.
Great stuff, Ash! Gorgeous boots. Have to second your opinions vis-a-vis brown over black. That said, I struggle to find a "best use" case for boots like this, especially at a £600+ price point. I wouldn't wear them to muck out the barn or walk in the muddy, wet English countryside. And yet the elaborate lacing system makes them a tad impractical for "smart casual" wear. They'd be pain to take on and off when going into people's houses. I personally get better mileage out of Chelsea or suede Chukka boots. Beautiful boots. But not a good fit for my lifestyle.
This dark brown Isley boot as kong been my dream boot as well the kind of a boot (brogued derby) that is missing from ny boot collection. Hooefully I’ll bring it home for next fall/winter season.
Hi Ash, they’re a beautiful pair of boots, if it wasn’t for me owning the Loake bedale burgandy grain ones I’d definitely be tempted! P.s I believe it’s pronounced “aisle-a” (Scottish island).
Hello Ash, love your videos and life’s journey podcasts. I recently purchased from your recommendations, Loake 1880 Country Collection Burford calf leather boots. How would you rank those boots with the Crockett & Jones Islay boots? Living in Florida, I only get to use them a few months out of the year. I bought them new directly from the Loake this past January.
Good question sir. Well, the clues begin in the price point, the C&J Islay boots runs at more than twice the price of the Burford (which I own by the way). So we would expect a higher level of detail, components and finishing. I believe the higher level of product in the C&J product justifies the increased price. I have worn Burfords for many years. But when you pick up a pair of Islay boots - wow, you know you are handling a higher level of shoemaking, and so you should at that price.
Other than being Crockett, why have them and the burgundy Loake laced up boots that you previously featured? I got a similar pair of Loakes on eBay and enjoy those boots. Spending that amount of money tromping through damp countryside is overkill compared to US LL Bean duck boots (muck boots in UK?) that you likely could get for 150 -200 pounds.
Crockett and Jones really is one of a kind and I proudly own a couple of their shoes. Probably going to buy the Islay as well in the near future. It looks fantastic and combines both worlds. The only question is how many brown boots a man can own? As I very much love your input on everything, I can't help but ask about a topic that has really been bothering me lately. It is about affordable spring/summer knitwear. Is there any? I mean high quality British or Italian cotton knitwear. I don't want to break the bank every time I buy something and I have already done it this year a lot. For example I bought the Dent's creme de la creme peccary leather gloves for an insane price following your video.
Hi Ash. For those of us who can’t quite stretch to C&J prices, what are your thoughts on a pair of Loake Bosworth boots in dark tan? They look very similar and also have the dainite sole option. Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks
Any Loake 1880 product offers a great level of affordable footwear - just avoid the lower level Loake offerings. They are not at the quality point for the discerning gentlemen.
They cost $1,179.86 in Canada and that does not include Customs. C&J does have 3 stockists in Canada if you want to have them bring them into the country.
I have purchased the islay boot twice and had to return them, i found the fit a little snug around the top of the toe box, i tried 2 different sizes and they both just felt a bit tight, i went for some churchs in the end and the are a g fit, while the islay boot is an e fit i think. My question lol does the e fit islay break in over time and get a bit more roomy not in the length but in the height and width of the toe box?
That may be true sir, but you ended up with a £200 foreign-made boot an not a C & J Islay, so don't get too excited - also, I absolutely denounce the theft of intellectual property rights, so even worse than having a cheap boot, you actually have a cheap, knock-off boot. My condolences.
Well I have many boots from that supplier over past fifteen years. I am unsure of the quality compared to C&J, but feel they are comparable to my RM Williams. Over time I have upgraded all of my shoes to this producer, all based on a foot sketch in their store 15 years ago. You raise an interesting point on intellectual property. I have previously just sent them a photo of the shoes I want, and they tend to copy in more detail than I proposed. For instance, I sent a photo of some Penny loafers in patent leather, just assuming that they were shiny shoes, and I got a pair in patent leather. My intention is not like a fake Rolex, something that is passed off as the real thing. But rather, hand-made shoes that suit a specific design. I think if you said to a Hong Kong tailor make me a double-breasted jacket like this photo, it would not be intellectual property theft. But I would also steer away from a premium for a brand. I watch your channel with interest, and I have often wondered why you don't look at the made to order shirts and suits from Hong Kong Tailors visiting western cities.
Daniel Craig said the Islay boots he wore in Skyfall survived a week filming an underwater scene and still came out in great shape. He kept the boots for himself.
He must have strong lungs
I own Crockett and Jones Coniston in rough out suede and Chelsea boots in blue, amazing quality, you can't go wrong with these and Trickers
I lived opposite the CROCKETT & JONES factory for a number of years. I would recommend their factory shop has some real bargains (if you hit it right). You have to get in there early though. If you are a common size like 8 or 9 those sizes go quick. Also, Limited opening hours I would check before making a long journey. Great content Ash as always!
I live in Northamptonshire borders often visit, bought my Coniston rough out suede there, I'm a 9 you are right 9 is limited, loads of 8 they told me 9 and 10 are the biggest sellers. I also go to Trickers factory shop and bought my blue suede Henry there in December
Amazing boot! Loving the video's. Just a note Islay is pronounced eye-la. All the best from a whisky lover.
I got my pair a week ago. This video was my final push. Just letting you know, i do not regret it. My first crocket and jones but they are very nice so far
That is awesome!
I had been admiring C&J for almost 20 years. Not getting any younger, I jumped in after watching reviews. These things have reverse sticker shock: at first you think "that's a lot of $", then, once you wear them, you think "how can they be so good, even at the price?" These things are giving me something of a foot fetish.
@@brentoncrowhurst8338 I loved my islay so much I bought a harlech I think I love even more. Both are great. Now I have leather sole harlech and the rubber islay
No other film has influenced me more to better myself than Skyfall, it got me into mens age appropriate smart casual clothing, it helped to motivate me in getting fitter (the getting from a mess to fit theme of the film) influenced The Watch i wore, the Car drove and the attires to wear (London Suits, Macau Tux, The Scotland & Shanghai outfits) and the first 3 Items I lusted over the most were the Watch, the Wax Coat and the Islay Boots. I think it was 2015/16 when I finally got my pair (as well as a Omega Seamaster 300 and Barbour Beacon Waxed Jacket. Boots Cost £510 back then. Still got them, still look new, still my goto smart casual footwear while the watch and wax jacket haven't been worn in well over a year (due to other items taking their place). A fantastic investment, well recommended and will last a life time if looked after (Brown Scotchgrain with dainite sole is certainly the bst).
C&J make beautiful boots. The broguing on the boots make them inherently more casual, so it seems the black with the chunky sole would be to reinforce the casual nature of the boot when finished in a formal color. The grained leather is the final piece that completes the trifecta of casual design. I think if you wear a lot of dark colors that boot could be great in black.
Thanks Ash. After seeing this video I went out and bought the brown ones you liked. I've had them a week and I love them. They are more comfortable than I thought they would be. I can walk all day in them. They are built like a tank. The color is interesting. Under some light they appear a flat brown color but in different light the color really pops and you get some contrasting honey type colors. Highly recommend.
You are a lucky chap sir. Thank you for the review.
I bought the Islay 2 years ago. Ive always loved them, but they got me a little bit perplexed in the beginning. Depending on how you wear them, they can look either formal or casual and even a bit aggressive, as they are a really high pair of boots. And with that quality of boots, everyone will notice a faux pas. So you have to be sure of what style you want to have in what moment, and not mix it up (i think). Once i mastered that, i loved them even more :)
Finally a subject that I am somewhat knowledgeable about. I recently bought a pair of Islay boots in dark brown and feel as if my journey towards chap nirvana, at least as far as footwear goes, has reached its zenith. I own other boots in the $400 US range so I can answer first hand the question of whether the Crockett and Jones, at $850, are worth the price of admission. Let me say that the Crockett and Jones Islay boots are amazing. The quality of materials and workmanship can actually be felt when I put them on.
While these are dressy boots you'd be doing them a disservice if you never wore them off pavement. These boots are begging to go into the field. They're sort of the Range Rover of footwear.
The best part is that I bought them on eBay from a gentleman in Perth Australia for about half the retail price. Now that I've worn them I wouldn't hesitate to pay full retail if that was my only option. I plan to buy the matching belt soon.
I have the Islay boots in brown and they are wonderful and beautifully made boots. I live in the country but often have to visit city for work. As discussed in the video they are equally at home in either environmental. I have worn them for a number of years now, and despite having many, many miles on them, they look better and better each time I clean them. I would thoroughly recommend considering a pair if you are in the market for this type of footwear.
Sorry to have to have to correct you Ash but Islay is pronounced EYE-LAY! Presumably the boot is named after the Scottish island of Islay where you would find whisky distilleries for Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Agree it is a beautiful boot and I think the combination of the mahogany, pebbled-leather patina, the broguing and the street sole would make for a very practical and versatile boot though probably not for very muddy conditions.
@@meiko_kajiI second this. I’ve seen the pronunciation written as ai-luh. A beautiful island to visit and some of the best whiskies in the world. Thanks for the video Ash!
Spot on!@@meiko_kaji
I'd love to visit Islay and Skye as well, they are the best whiskies!
Have the Brown Islay boots. Bought them on Jermyn street in London. Probably my all time favorite pair of shoes.
I recently bought a similar pair of boots, although without the brogue work. They are Loake 1880 Roehampton derby boots in oxblood colour. I never would have thought I could justify the cost for boots like that, but I found an amazing deal at a local menswear store. They had a single pair in stock and they were in my size, priced at the equivalent of about £115. I could not pass them up. They look great.
i'm french and i've just bought the brown in paris today :)
Tricker's Stow. Sublime. Kudu leather versions remarkable.
I have a pair of dark brown Crockett and Jones rough-out suede chukka boots. They go with anything. Well worth the extra outlay.
C&Js Islay in Rough-Out Suede are next on my list for motorcycle boots, now that I've acquired these Cheney's Thruxtons. Rough-Out Suede is traditional for classic motorcycle boots, as it doesn't show scuffs from the gear shifter or oil stains.
I owned and wore the Loake Bedale Dark Brown Grain Leather for quite some time and found them to be great boots. However, I transitioned to the C & J Islay Dark Brown Scotch Grain and have found them be to noticeable better in leather quality and overall construction. The Loake Bedales have hole lacing up the ankle which can be tedious to get on and off. The C & J Islays have metal eye lips up the ankle which makes putting on and pulling off much easier in comparison to the Loakes. Have you considered selling some of your Loake Brogue boots and using the funds to purchase the C & J Islay boot?
Oh yes I have sir, and I hope to go down the Islay route for next winter.
@@TheChapsGuide I think it is a road you will be pleased that you ventured down.
What are your thoughts on the Tricker’s Stow Country Boot vs the Crockett & Jones boot you just reviewed? I discovered your channel about a month ago and follow your channel.
It's an outstanding boot for about the same price (a little cheaper). But for me, the Islay has the edge with the styling and colour.
Crockett and Jones boots are highly recommended! I don’t own the Islay boots, but my conistons are probably my favourite boots! Be aware though, my C&J collection grew quickly after acquiring these boots… Love the Barbour border too, one of my long-time faves! Keep up the great work!
I bought the CROCKETT & JONES 'ISLAY' dark brown. Had to wait 6 weeks! Nice boots!
Ai-lah
The danite sole is very versatile. The vibram mini lug that now comes on the Red Wing Iron Ranger and Blacksmith perform well also. They give a nice visual profile, while providing good grip in a lot of conditions. Great video Ash!
I have two pairs of Allen Edmonds boot one dress boot the Hamiltons that are Oxford with daynigh soles. The others look very similar to the Islay boots they are called longbranch and have the commando sole and are burgundy. I wear them a lot in fall and winter with a tweed jacket or jumper and Barbour. The Islay is a good choice. Beautiful Boot. Cheers Ron
Another great boot of C&J is the Coniston which is slightly shorter with a captoe and no brogueing. Currently looking at their Oxford shoes and considering the Hallam and Audley models
Good video👍
I briefly had a pair of brown Islays. I purchased them for a ridiculously good price as a worn pair from a shoe dealer in NYC. They ended up having a manufacturing defect and I had to return them.
I wanted to purchase a new pair right away, but couldn't find any for a good price. The Islay's are what got me started with my love for fine footwear and I now have quite a large collection of shoes and boots (still haven't replaced the Islays yet).
Owner of them in dark brown scotch grain since 2019. Purchased Burlington Arcade as a treat. Serous boot. Feel 3 inches taller. Dress up or down with jeans or grey flannels - no problem. Picked them up in the 400s
I would be interested to hear your take on RM Williams boots Ash.
Ian Harold better than RM Williams I know I've owned both
Recently fell in love with boots. Except I’m a Texan, so cowboy boots are my standard, with Chelsea boots rotated in on occasion. A nice pair of cowboy boots are “American chap” fashion.
Recently acquired the similar-looking Scotch grain Coniston with Dainite sole. Great boots that complement corduroy and moleskin trousers with tweed sport coats under my old Barbour Moorland (Beaufort model in a heavier fabric).
Whether we're talking about dress shoes or dress boots, I believe that brown is a more versatile colour than black. -Like you, Ash, I vastly prefer the brown boots to the black version shown here.
Unfortunately, in Canadian dollars, and including shipping fees and import duties, these boots would wind up costing me somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1,200.00, which is more than I am willing to pay for a pair of boots.
I can find a pair of Allen Edmonds dress boots, slightly used on Canadian eBay, for about a third of this price -and even this approaches the limit of what I would be willing to pay.
Of course, these Crockett and Jones boots are very beautiful, and if properly cared for, would likely last for decades, meaning that on a cost-per-wear basis, they're ultimately more affordable than some cheaper alternatives.
Really interesting & enjoying these daily videos. Thank you!
I think they’re a great investment & will last a lifetime!
These look great, especially the brown/burgundy and the brushed suede. Now I've gone to their website - lots of options and beautiful quality - and I'm left with 2 burning questions: 1) how the heck do I style these? And 2) how well do they really hold up to inclement weather? I'm Canadian, and if a boot's going to be worn late-fall to early-spring, it's got to handle rain, ice, snow, and salt. *Taking as a given use of leather conditioner, wax polish, and a sealer.
These are not boulevard boots sir - they are action boots and manufactured to the highest standard found on this planet.
Black Islay can be worn with Deep Blue Denim, black jeans, charcoal chino, as well as a suit.
The black Islay boots have a durable Vibram sole, but the brown ones do not. Do you know why? Is it possible to order a Vibram sole for the brown boots??
With your last name, C&J should give you a 50% discount.
I wish!
To your American viewers. There’s a company here called Thursday Boots that do marvelous things at half the price one would expect. I intend to buy a pair of loafers for summer wear in a few weeks, and am giving thought to their chukkas for next fall.
I have bought a few pairs of footwear from Thursday and they really are good value.
I bought a pair of Coniston by Cheaney in 2001. A first class field boot worn for hunting; as these boots should be. I see trendy types in east London wearing them with jeans thinking they are being all hip and cool. It rather makes us smile.
I have a burgundy pair, Dainite sole. They just get better and better. Worth the investment imho.
Great stuff, Ash!
Gorgeous boots. Have to second your opinions vis-a-vis brown over black.
That said, I struggle to find a "best use" case for boots like this, especially at a £600+ price point. I wouldn't wear them to muck out the barn or walk in the muddy, wet English countryside. And yet the elaborate lacing system makes them a tad impractical for "smart casual" wear. They'd be pain to take on and off when going into people's houses. I personally get better mileage out of Chelsea or suede Chukka boots.
Beautiful boots. But not a good fit for my lifestyle.
This dark brown Isley boot as kong been my dream boot as well the kind of a boot (brogued derby) that is missing from ny boot collection. Hooefully I’ll bring it home for next fall/winter season.
Hi Ash, they’re a beautiful pair of boots, if it wasn’t for me owning the Loake bedale burgandy grain ones I’d definitely be tempted! P.s I believe it’s pronounced “aisle-a” (Scottish island).
Hello Ash, love your videos and life’s journey podcasts. I recently purchased from your recommendations, Loake 1880 Country Collection Burford calf leather boots. How would you rank those boots with the Crockett & Jones Islay boots? Living in Florida, I only get to use them a few months out of the year. I bought them new directly from the Loake this past January.
Good question sir. Well, the clues begin in the price point, the C&J Islay boots runs at more than twice the price of the Burford (which I own by the way). So we would expect a higher level of detail, components and finishing. I believe the higher level of product in the C&J product justifies the increased price. I have worn Burfords for many years. But when you pick up a pair of Islay boots - wow, you know you are handling a higher level of shoemaking, and so you should at that price.
Really nice boots those Ash. I do feel that there is definitely a Japanese style influence if I’m not mistaking.
Other than being Crockett, why have them and the burgundy Loake laced up boots that you previously featured? I got a similar pair of Loakes on eBay and enjoy those boots.
Spending that amount of money tromping through damp countryside is overkill compared to US LL Bean duck boots (muck boots in UK?) that you likely could get for 150 -200 pounds.
James Bond, a powerful character for sponsoring the best products out there.
Crockett and Jones really is one of a kind and I proudly own a couple of their shoes. Probably going to buy the Islay as well in the near future. It looks fantastic and combines both worlds. The only question is how many brown boots a man can own?
As I very much love your input on everything, I can't help but ask about a topic that has really been bothering me lately. It is about affordable spring/summer knitwear. Is there any? I mean high quality British or Italian cotton knitwear. I don't want to break the bank every time I buy something and I have already done it this year a lot. For example I bought the Dent's creme de la creme peccary leather gloves for an insane price following your video.
Peregrine is my go-to knitwear brand for almost all woolens of all kinds.
It is definitely beyond my reach. But then again, some dreams are best if they remain a dream...just with my dream car: the Morgan.
I have the roughed out version and highly recommended (but i am no builder) and another quality Made in UK product that will last more than 20 years
Hi Ash. For those of us who can’t quite stretch to C&J prices, what are your thoughts on a pair of Loake Bosworth boots in dark tan? They look very similar and also have the dainite sole option. Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks
Any Loake 1880 product offers a great level of affordable footwear - just avoid the lower level Loake offerings. They are not at the quality point for the discerning gentlemen.
They cost $1,179.86 in Canada and that does not include Customs. C&J does have 3 stockists in Canada if you want to have them bring them into the country.
I have purchased the islay boot twice and had to return them, i found the fit a little snug around the top of the toe box, i tried 2 different sizes and they both just felt a bit tight, i went for some churchs in the end and the are a g fit, while the islay boot is an e fit i think. My question lol does the e fit islay break in over time and get a bit more roomy not in the length but in the height and width of the toe box?
Unlikely - better go with a Trickers Malton sir. A much more country last.
@TheChapsGuide thanks for that advice pal 👍
I was expecting you to do some keepy uppies with the football!
I sent a photo to Lui's Bootery in Thailand a photo of the Islay boots and they made a pair in top quality leather for less than 200 pound
That may be true sir, but you ended up with a £200 foreign-made boot an not a C & J Islay, so don't get too excited - also, I absolutely denounce the theft of intellectual property rights, so even worse than having a cheap boot, you actually have a cheap, knock-off boot. My condolences.
Well I have many boots from that supplier over past fifteen years. I am unsure of the quality compared to C&J, but feel they are comparable to my RM Williams. Over time I have upgraded all of my shoes to this producer, all based on a foot sketch in their store 15 years ago.
You raise an interesting point on intellectual property. I have previously just sent them a photo of the shoes I want, and they tend to copy in more detail than I proposed. For instance, I sent a photo of some Penny loafers in patent leather, just assuming that they were shiny shoes, and I got a pair in patent leather.
My intention is not like a fake Rolex, something that is passed off as the real thing. But rather, hand-made shoes that suit a specific design.
I think if you said to a Hong Kong tailor make me a double-breasted jacket like this photo, it would not be intellectual property theft. But I would also steer away from a premium for a brand.
I watch your channel with interest, and I have often wondered why you don't look at the made to order shirts and suits from Hong Kong Tailors visiting western cities.
What are your favorite footwear options for long distance city walking?
Dainite soles are a requisite for me, they absorb the miles and offer better traction on wet, slippery pavements.
Put the boot in.
How do they fit? I’m typically a 9UK (10 US)?
True to size I am reliably informed sir.
I've bought myself a pair of Jim Green buffalo African rangers. They are just ugly enough to be worn with any attire. I love them.
Agree 💯
It's pronounced Eye-lay my friend, as in the Scottish Island 😉
Dont the companys pay for the exposure in the past never knew the name of the merchandise
Solevair oxblood. Done. Oi oi oi
Mostly my cloth is grey and blue
The boot is pronounced Ila as per the Scottish island it is named after….
Nice boots . The latter ones could be worn with a suit.
Pronounced Eye-Lah 🙂
Great video. Research how to pronounce Islay.
Stylish yet uncomfortable boots. Many C&J last are uncomfortable
Do you keep hobbits in your backyard?
Now that's a nice-looking boot, but it's out of my price range,
Pronounced “Ai-lu”!
Only if you are into boots. Not really for me. Thanks
Nice boots. I don't think my wallet could ever stretch to a pair though 😔
🫡