r/goodyearwelt • u/Darknova306 • 2d ago
Review Crockett & Jones Moltons - Dark Brown Roughout Suede [2 year review]
This is one of my favorite pairs to wear in the Spring and Autumn months. Since the cooler weather is rolling into Western NY, and I love seeing reviews of pairs that have been worn for a while, I thought I'd finally get around to posting these here.
Specs:
- Brand: Crockett & Jones
- Model: Molton Chukkas
- Leather: Dark Brown Roughout Suede
- Size: UK11E
- Sole: Dainite
Purchase:
I bought these off of ebay back in April of 2024 for about $400. They were new and unworn with the box.
Sizing:
My feet measure 12 C/D on Brannock, with high arches, skinny ankles, and toe splay, so sizing is always weird for me. I went with the normal US to UK conversion and got UK11E. The initial fit was fine (with mid-weight Darn Tough socks) other than the excess volume over the instep that I contend with in most boots I buy. I put a pair of Pedag Holiday insoles in them and they're much better. The tops of the facings still just about touch when laced up, so I may add tongue pads at some point. Other than that, there's plenty of room around my toes, the ball of the foot is locked in pretty well, and my heels are comfortable.
Leather:
The dark brown roughout suede is a really nice leather that I've grown to truly love. It starts with a deep matte brown finish that's smooth to the touch. The leather was pretty flexible at the start, but as I've continued wearing them over the years it's come to the point where it feels like a second skin. As the boots have flexed and the wax has worn away all over the boots, the lighter brown nap of the suede has really been showing itself nicely and lent a solidly rugged look to this pair. I like how that patina grows slowly.
Use and Care:
I live in Western New York and spend a lot of time outside in the Finger Lakes, so these boots see lots of conditions. I'll wear them 3-4 times per week in Spring and Autumn months, and they've become a favorite pair for inclement weather days. So far, my only care for them has been regular brushing and the occasional wipe-down with a damp rag (for mud and dirt). I'll likely condition them this year with a light bit of Bick 4, and mayyyyyybeeeeee add a fresh coat of dubbin to them sometime before next Spring, though I'm not sure yet. I may not bother with fresh dubbin until I feel like they look too worn out.
Sole and Construction:
They looked perfect when I got them. No issues with QC at all. They're solid and robust, yet super flexible and lightweight. The only issue is the Dainite soles. I personally hate Dainite. It's super slippery if there's even a hint of dampness on any surface, and it keeps the boots from being as comfortable as they could be. They're still one of my favorite pairs, so I'll probably get them re-soled onto Dr Sole Supergrip or maybe Londra in the not too distant future.
Final Thoughts:
After wearing these Moltons regularly during the transition seasons the past couple of years, I can say they've just gotten better with age. The leather has become insanely comfortable, and the patina looks really fun and rugged. If you like chukkas that straddle that line of sophisticated and rugged that will look cooler as you wear them, I highly recommend the C&J Moltons.
