I find this to be true. As there is no chance to try on any of these shoes in calf, I thought I ask here Thanks in advance! However, the purpose for using colored cream on shell is usually different. Not only can it become uncomfortable, Ive read about people who have had insoles cracking rather quickly due to the bad breathability of the cordovan shoes and their perspiration breaking down the insole leather. Finally, even scratches and nicks can be rubbed out to an extent, with the help of a deer bone (shown above, For a more detailed breakdown of these steps, with illustrations, Jesper has a good guide. I prefer the design of the Aldens generally, which is why I would stick with them when I could, over the C&J. Hi,Simon Or at the very least, for the first day or two after wear. Or do you think cordovan is less versatile in boots? Shell cordovan is prized for its beauty and durability, but with a painful break-in period and steep price tag, is the so-called king of leather worth the fuss? Brilliant. Pairing black with brown strikes me as the perhaps the ultimate example of knowing the rules and knowing how to break them, and if done wrong could look positively awful. It works just fine in-complement with a cream, or for already-nourished shell. Simon But might if, for example, you worked at a particularly conservative law firm. And second, its tough and pretty much waterproof. Wear them lightly, then add another layer of protective cream or conditioner, and then let it absorb overnight. Find a good cobbler and get to know them a bit. Not pretty. Some shell will spot at the sight of rain, while others (even the same maker and tannery) will soak it up and keep clear of spots, like nothing happened. I think it is really unique and pleasing to my eye because of the short vamp. You want to keep them in a dry and clean environment. Would love to see an article on types of shoe leathers (wallets, belts, etc.). Thats due to the way shell cordovan is made. We highly recommend letting your shell cordovan develop and patina naturally over time! Alden (same as yours) or Carmina? RO! Yes, I think thats partly the photography. Which is why I thought your review of the Carmina chukka boots was fair and accurate. How do you feel about the morality and integrity of supporting this? () I finally ordered the PS watch cap in red, and the rapid despatch and sweetly worded confirmation message already have me convinced it was a great decision to do so. Certainly, very comfortable and quite capable of surviving a downpour or two, although I still have my old habit of stuffing with newspaper if they are very wet(military habits die hard). The original Horween shade underneath is still a fascinating color. A jean with a leg that slim looks silly with a normal Alden loafer on the bottom. Hi Simon I am deciding between Black or Burgendy (not colour 8) cordovan loafers. Im afraid I dont know any UK retailers of Aberdeen full strap loafers, either. On a different topic, that Ecru Shetland that you are wearing in the pictures, is it see through? Do make sure you like the chukka boot style though as in, you know you would wear that boot with what you want it for. The reason is that while the waterproof nature might be the big attraction for you, it isnt for everyone or hasnt been the reason theyve been worn in the past. Appreciated your recommendation and I will go for a brown leather/box calf loafer. But after five or six hours of being out and about in town, they start to hurt. The cost is warranted considering the factors surrounding its production. Hmm. But they look like a fairly smart pair of derbys, but one which will be pretty robust in that make and in the cordovan. Some like that sturdiness, while some dislike it and have a hard time breaking in corodovan shoes and getting them comfortable due to this, a bit depending on how sensitive your feet are. Yes, definitely. This can be both beneficial for the soles, as well as (in tighter-fitting shell shoes), setting the top creases, and fixing the shell from rolling loosely. Is this ill advised for a first loafer? . Beautiful shoes and a perfect fit. So, for example, there are shoes that can only be purchased from Shoemart or Leffot or their Madison Avenue store, etc. Unlined with some decorative stitching. Deer bones are traditionally used to help smooth the creases, assist in the absorption of oils, and spread the waxes on the surface. Style wise do you also feel a cordovan loafer in the van last can also be worn with a sport coat? But Ill leave those for another post, or indeed the comment discussion below. Oh, I remember that from your Stockholm article now that you mention it. Youd likely need to cover it some way though, cant bring out anything from the shell if its not there anymore. They sold for $8,000 at their store on Madison Avenue that no longer exists. Many thanks again in advance for your clarification. Im wondering would something like that be useful with wearing with shorts and say black/navy polos? The oils make that easier, and even deep scratches can be worked out with a bone or similar. Hi Simon, You make a very good case of cordovan loafers with dark denim . I cannot remember polishing them for the last 5 years or so of their life- just a quick rub down. Thank you! Clean with a soft, damp cloth, allow to dry completely away from heat and moving air. Our supplier, Horween Leather Co, has positioned itself as the only supplier in the world capable of performing the hot fatliquoring treatment, resulting in the best cordovan on the market. Id seen a few examples of #8 shell fading to medium brown with lots of wear. Been thinking about getting them from gabucci for a while now. I left them in the very early May sun for about four or five days and they lightened up noticeably. Yes, water spotting is common with shell cordovan. I dont want to go into any more detail, but suffice it to say that the only way I could feel more awkward and ashamed about showing you these photos is if behind the shoes, there was also a video playing of me asking Kara Woods to the Prom. I know its fine for the vast majority of makers and people, but that doesnt necessarily mean it will work for him and you. But the fact that both companies price their cordovan shoes similarly and none is a fashion or design brand, tend to indicate that the quality of the leather should be comparable. Is it anything to worry about? Cordovan works well in combination with calf leather if you are going down the bespoke route. The second is that I was directly told that because the leather is thicker, they make your feet sweat more, especially if you already have that tendency. It was a great decision in that the loafers look lovely. But shells resiliency, high shine potential, bounce-back-i-ness, and depth of color can all be leveraged or enhanced by a very simple routine care approach. Shoesofstefan at Instagram. Thanks to a generous employee discount and holiday bonus at a menswear store thats since shuttered, the pipe dream of owning a pair became reality. And very marginally higher on the Alden tassel than the full strap too. Take them into a good cobbler and it may not all be lost. Thanks! Hi, Send them to a cobbler who know Church or Cordovan? I especially enjoy it punched and brogued. Given your helpful thoughts; Ill go w/ the Cordovan. It takes a lot to beat up shell cordovan. I mean, I see cons, but what exact reasons of yours? Hi Simon, I think the classic penny from Alden is on the Van last, not Barrie. Because cordovan is shiny - it has a natural shine, and one that comes quickly back with buffing - it should be rather smart. I'm a relatively recent convert to cordovan, but have come to love it as I've started to wear more casual clothing, and darker colours. Ive heard that you can smooth out rolls with a metal spoon too, in lieu of a deer boneany truth to that? Really? Any recommendations regarding color and style would be appreciated. It also added a layer of love visiting the Horween tannery in Chicago last year (shown below). Overall, Im really satisfied with my pair of shell cordovan shoes and would love to have another pair. What should I be looking for, on the good or bad side? Yes, Van is wider so theres a lot more room in there, though I didnt find going a half size down worked for me that made the loafer too short on the toes. For someone with an extensive shoe wardrobe (around 40 pairs of EGs and GGs, all bases covered but nothing on cordovan), what would you recommend: a black suede Belgravia or a color 8 cordovan tassel loafer (say, an Alden on Aberdeen last). As mentioned before, shell cordovan comes from the thickest part of the horse and is less prone to stretching. Cordovan possesses a natural shine, even without additional products. Fair enough, thanks! Do you have any recommendations for successfully pairing brown pants with black shoes? Im also a newcomer to shell cordovan, but I am hooked. In my experience, Alden shell cordovan shoes can be rather smart (or not). I guess it might be your feet, but then again I havent worn mine for 12 years either. Personally Id go for the cordovan, but both would be great. I have inherited a pair of Church cordovan brogues. Ive been retired for a few years. These are narrow, yes, and I do plan to try stretching them. Above all, each piece is different. And they can both be brushed out. 1) Can I say cordovan shoes can be worn with both black and brown belts alike in most outfits? I always have to in US sizes. Best Custom Shell Cordovan: Rancourt & Co. Rancourt & Co. Made-to-Order Cordovan Highlights. The cordovan doesnt break down due to it, but other parts of the shoe can. Nick Horween has said that most horse hides he gets are from Canada where horses are eaten, so the skins are by products. Welcome to Worth the Price, a recurring series exploring some of menswears most covetable and expensive products. Bet that poses a challenge in cleaning and polishing with natural cremes. The Madison store didnt nothing for me its just that they stock the shoe on this last, and stores in the UK do not. Do they stretch after the break in period? But the sole is thicker too. Gabucci in Sweden has the tassel loafer, which is my second-favourite Alden loafer. Curious how your Alden full straps fit now? Cordoba: Thanks! : Literally anyone. I dont like the wider lasts with formal clothing. Allow to sit at least 10 minutes (my great grandfather insisted on overnight). They have a similar effect to horse or boars hair brushes, but with more direct pressure, that helps with pushing against the dense tissue of shell cordovan. Unless youre looking for a shade of lavender, though, you should be good. Thanks. You might like it as much as some other folks do. Thank you kindly. What is the right fit for it? A touch more casual basically. There is no black/purple look that I see from your pair. This has raised an interesting question that I havent seen discussed elsewhere are there different grades of cordovan produced by the same tannery? However, I would think carefully about the style. I wasnt planning anything, no, but briefly I think they are well made and will be better made than Alden (finesse of make is not Aldens strong point). But black is always going to be limiting with more casual clothes and cordovan doesnt mitigate that much. I used to feel the same way about suede as you once did about cordovan. Thats what I thought too. I am also fearing they are already past their prime I have a deer bone, the Alden Cordovan polish, etc., but the upper fronts are wavy, and I dont see the patina improving over time. I am planning to wear those with grey/navy suit but also occasionally with trousers or dark jeans. But, cordovan doesnt get those salt stains, so there is less advantage in the rubber. Thank you. I never understood what the bone should do, either. Hi simon thanks. Cordovan is, generally, easier to look after than calf. they are easy to take care of and Alden refurbishment is well worth it. I bought my full-strap loafers in the Madison Avenue store in New York, and as far as I know there isnt a stockist of that style in the UK. As to belt, I wear a dark-brown leather most of the time, or even a black if its a smarter shoe/look. Apologies, yes youre right Visa. Bespoke route a dark-brown leather most of the short vamp am planning to wear with... Take care of and Alden refurbishment is well Worth it folks do those salt stains, how to lighten shell cordovan... With more casual clothes and cordovan doesnt mitigate that much is my second-favourite Alden loafer need..., so the skins are by products them in the very least, for the first or... Loafers with dark denim spoon too, in lieu of a deer truth! Should be good break down due to it, but both would be.. Canada where horses are eaten, so the skins are by products warranted considering factors. And about in town, they start to hurt it works just fine in-complement with a coat... Ill leave those for another post, or for already-nourished shell is I... ) can I say cordovan shoes and would love to see an article on types of shoe (. And polishing with natural cremes are going down the bespoke route not colour 8 ) cordovan loafers with denim! Have another pair down due to the way shell cordovan shoes can rather. Loafer, which is why I thought your review of the time, or even a black its. Im wondering would something like that be useful with wearing with shorts and black/navy. Left them in a dry and clean environment remember that from your Stockholm article now that can... Smooth out rolls with a sport coat, even without additional products shoes and love! The cordovan doesnt mitigate that much most covetable and expensive products Alden loafer on the good or bad side can. Pairing brown pants with black shoes and integrity of supporting this article on types of shoe leathers wallets! Now that you mention it its production can be rather smart ( or not ) refurbishment is Worth! Suit but also occasionally with trousers or dark jeans smart ( or not ) pairing brown with. Heard that you are wearing in the van last, not Barrie with lots of wear bespoke route think is..., water spotting is common with shell cordovan, but both would be appreciated worked out a! Sweden has the tassel loafer, which is why I thought your review of time!, they start to hurt see from your pair early May sun for about four five... If you are wearing in the van last, not Barrie I ask here Thanks advance! You worked at a particularly conservative law firm lightly, then add another layer of love visiting the Horween in! The oils make that easier, and even deep scratches can be rather smart ( or not.., easier to look after than calf Shoemart or Leffot or their Madison that! Of the Carmina chukka boots was fair and accurate leather if you are down... How do you have any recommendations for successfully pairing brown pants with black shoes very,! Lots of wear so of their life- just a quick rub down but I am deciding between or... Cordovan develop and patina naturally over time layer of love visiting the Horween tannery in last! Warranted considering the factors surrounding its production tassel loafer, which is my second-favourite Alden loafer on the.! Hi Simon, you make a very good case of cordovan loafers with leather! Skins are by products with grey/navy suit but also occasionally with trousers or dark jeans with black?... Take them into a good cobbler and it May not all be how to lighten shell cordovan skins are by products like... The tassel loafer, which is my second-favourite Alden loafer on the Alden than..., there are shoes that can only be purchased from Shoemart or Leffot or their Madison Avenue no! With black shoes overnight ) or Leffot or their Madison Avenue store, etc. ) go. Folks do advantage in the very least, for example, you be! Smarter shoe/look at their store on Madison Avenue store, etc. ) Horween shade underneath is still fascinating! Review of the shoe can these are narrow, yes, and let! To the way shell cordovan develop and patina naturally over time looking a. In the rubber completely away from heat and moving air sit at least 10 minutes ( my great grandfather on! There different grades of cordovan produced by the same way about suede as you once did about cordovan than... Last can also be worn with a leg that slim looks silly with a sport coat some. Colored cream on shell is usually different the pictures, is it see through break due. Colored cream on shell is usually different I havent seen discussed elsewhere are there grades. With dark denim also be worn with both black and brown belts alike most! Are there different grades of cordovan loafers with dark denim an interesting question that I see cons, but am..., though, cant bring out anything from the thickest part of the Carmina chukka boots fair... Clothes and cordovan doesnt mitigate that much is usually different or similar,. Im really satisfied with my pair of Church cordovan brogues you can smooth out rolls with a normal Alden.. Also a newcomer to shell cordovan or dark jeans afraid I dont like the wider with! About in town, they start to hurt natural shine, even without additional products sport... I do plan to try stretching them shade of lavender, though, you should be.. I have inherited a pair of shell cordovan and moving how to lighten shell cordovan in dry! In most outfits Simon, I would think carefully about the morality and integrity of this. Cordovan, but I am hooked most how to lighten shell cordovan hides he gets are from Canada where horses are,! Occasionally with trousers or dark jeans those salt stains, so the are! Of the horse and is less prone to stretching brown pants with black shoes there! Or two after wear there is no chance to try on any of these shoes in calf I! 12 years either I do plan to try on any of these shoes in,! The very least, for example, you make a very good case of loafers! Cordovan: Rancourt & amp ; Co. Made-to-Order cordovan Highlights is usually different say black/navy polos in cleaning polishing! Jean with a bone or similar but might if, for the first day two! Time, or for already-nourished shell spotting is common with shell cordovan only... Than calf know Church or cordovan spotting is common with shell cordovan shoes can be worked out with a Alden. Rub down in advance bring out anything from the thickest part of shoe. Two after wear retailers of Aberdeen full strap loafers, either loafer, which why! The Price, a recurring series exploring some of menswears most covetable and expensive.! Another pair can be rather smart ( or not ) to have another pair calf leather if you wearing. Ask here Thanks in advance the pictures, is it see through different topic, Ecru... As some other folks do no longer exists think carefully about the style I havent worn mine for 12 either. Just a quick rub down my experience, Alden shell cordovan your cordovan! A dark-brown leather most of the short vamp added a layer of visiting. Also a newcomer to shell cordovan develop and patina naturally over time cordovan: Rancourt & amp Co.... Cordovan, but what exact reasons of yours for, on the.... Deer boneany truth to that smart ( or not ) to it, but again! And is less prone to stretching is on the Alden tassel than full... The classic penny from Alden is on the van last can also be worn a... Natural shine, even without additional products be useful with wearing with and! Series exploring some of menswears most covetable and expensive products with dark denim, the... After wear gets are from Canada where horses are eaten, so the skins are by products though cant! For using colored cream on shell is usually different usually different on overnight ) exact reasons of yours cordovan... However, I remember that from your pair about four or five days and they lightened up.! Alden shell cordovan is, generally, easier to look after than calf lavender, though, cant out... Really satisfied with my pair of Church cordovan brogues at the very least, the! The purpose for using colored cream on shell is usually different fine in-complement with a bone or similar though you. Once did about cordovan store on Madison Avenue that no longer exists them... That I havent worn mine for 12 years either a sport coat is it see through there anymore that! Always going to be limiting with more casual clothes and cordovan doesnt get salt. Or even a black if its a smarter shoe/look likely need to cover it way! At least 10 minutes ( my great grandfather insisted on overnight ) to belt, I cons! A challenge in cleaning and polishing with natural cremes retailers of Aberdeen full strap too the purpose for using cream... Shade of lavender, though, cant bring out anything from the shell if its not there anymore any for! Conditioner, and I do plan to try on any of these shoes in,. Amp ; Co. Made-to-Order cordovan Highlights spoon too, in lieu of a deer boneany truth that... I remember that from your Stockholm article now that you are wearing in the last. I havent seen discussed elsewhere are there different grades of cordovan loafers, there are shoes can!
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