Also as mentioned in the article, I am planning on having the shoes stretched if I can, to deal with the issue you mention. Yes, Im generalising of course, and a more casual suit, with a smarter style and last of cordovan shoe, might be fine in many places. You just brush or wipe it off. I bought second hand a pair of long wing bluchers that is probably older than me, the leather has developped a wonderful patina and is still going strong (Im actually wearing them today). 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). They sold for $8,000 at their store on Madison Avenue that no longer exists. If and when that eventually happens, Id probably end up with another pair of conservative shoes to make the next investment worth it. Is this material superior for avoiding creasing of the straps? Would you consider adding any cordovan accessories? Hi Simon, nice to see you moving into this area of things, been a reader for about 8 years now and this is my first time commenting I think. Absolutely! Get Three Free Months of Stitchdown Premium With Any Indy Purchase From Alden Madison, The Shoecast Is Back With The Stitchdown Bootbate (Its a Debate About Boots), Easy Mocs Greg Cordeiro on Re-Growing the Maine Handsewn Moccasin Traditionand Big Shoe Biz vs Niche, Toe Taps: What They Do, Why Theyre Important, and How Theyre Installed, The Responsible Shoe Buyers Guide: How To Spend Money Wisely, and Truly Enjoy Your Pairs. Especially if you are contemplating ordering your first pair of cordovan shoes, it could be good to read this through first so you not only have one side of the story, so to speak (as always, things can be experienced differently by different people). I like the comfort, the all day wearability. last year (shown below). We adapted the tannage slightly by increasing its fat and oil content to make it more supple. Curious how your Alden full straps fit now? Yes, I know what you mean. I now deeply regret the non-refundable downpayment on the shell-bleaching greenhouse. Kind of like the abrasions you can get on suede where you get light streaks in the nap. I have been talked out of purchasing cordovan shoes by Alden and others because of two issues. You probably wont be able to resize shell shoes very easily, as shell is not stretchy like calfskin. No worries Henrik these posts are never old, as you can see from the regular comments over the years. Viberg Color 8 Shell Cordovan Service Boot via Viberg. When flexed, shell cordovan also tends to ripple rather than crease like other leathers. If you want another recommendation, look at the handful that Crocketts have in cordovan. Would you consider an article about how to wear tassel loafers sometime? Hi,Simon Appreciated your recommendation and I will go for a brown leather/box calf loafer. To see if this would work, I bought some Florsheim Imperials on Etsy to do some testing. Like you, I have been putting off investing in a pair, but you may have convinced me. I am glad you have become a convert to shell cordovan, Simon. In shoes where the volume isnt a tight-fit, it will be more difficult to fix the flex point, and likewise, fix the rolls to a set point. Am I missing something? Thats the most important time. They havent been worked on much, so if you think theyre too shiny for you, dont buy cordovan. If my shoe size is UK 8.5 and most of my trousers leg openings are 18.5-19cm, do you think I should instead look for the slimmer lasts than Barrie lasts? This is all a function of time, temperature, light, and the individual components we imbue into the specific article. Alden struck me as rather hastily made, with uneven and sometimes loose stitching, with the sole edge not very well finished. I know readers appreciate them too. Deer bones are traditionally used to help smooth the creases, assist in the absorption of oils, and spread the waxes on the surface. The Carmina styles often seem like a bit of a mismatch to me too smart a style (eg thin welt) for the leather. I have wanted a pair of cordovan tassel loafers for decades. They were nice and Id always wanted a pair but like most things, the wanting was better than the having. I quite like the cream sweater you are wearing in one of the photos. For a more detailed breakdown of these steps, with illustrations, Jesper has a good guide here. Scott: It will crease the way that cordovan does, if that is superior or not I cant really say. Still, at shell cordovans current price points, I cant say that Ill be picking up another pair any time soon. Even though I noticed that the Aldens are slightly wider/more roomy when compared with my EG`s especially in the heal area. Powered by Shopify, Through normal use scratches and scuffs will lighten and diminish without any manual intervention. Ive avoided all creams, but rub and buff with standard kiwi polish and use trees to keep the shape. I was curious about the width since you wrote in your article that after five or six hours of being out and about in town, [the alden loafers] start to hurt. Whatever yours was, it probably wasnt made from shell cordovan leather. So, for example, there are shoes that can only be purchased from Shoemart or Leffot or their Madison Avenue store, etc. The Colour 8 also can have a light fastness issue the San Francisco store noted that they have to rotate display models that have received too much California sun. Because of my experience in Barrie I ordered the 684 in 7E as well, thinking theyd be somewhere in between my previous two considering the slimmer Aberdeen last. As always, versatility is paramount. I dont have the Ivy associations, Ive bought Alden tassel loafer and Trickers PTB at 40% OFF via site I found on Reddit: https://sartoism.com/collections/shoes, Hi simon one of the things that put me off buying cordovan (apart from the price) is how shiny the shoe is. Im considering adding a loafer to my shoe collection to fill a gap. Sounds so random. As Nick Horween told us on that tannery visit, this colour 8 makes up about 65% of their cordovan production. Thoughts on grained cordovan? Brown calf seems to work fine but I wonder if there is something especially formal about black calf that makes it not versatile. In early June, I left them out when it rained a bit. But I still dont quite understand your preference for Alden over Carmina on quality/value grounds. I tried to increase the leg openings for some trousers (up to 20cm, especially for tailored trousers) during the bespoke process, but they didnt look great. If you do want a style thats only available in the US, I think you need to travel out there, or convince a friend out there to buy them and ship them to you. Have you been happy with your boots in general? You might like it as much as some other folks do. Yes thats right. J&M no longer makes anything worthwhile . As mentioned before, shell cordovan comes from the thickest part of the horse and is less prone to stretching. Compared with calfksin, shell cordovan can easily cost 30-50 percent more. Cordovan always seemed a little dull by comparison. This is extreme, but show how it can be. So with that, heres everything you need to know about shell cordovan care. Simon I like the cut on your Blackhorse Lane jeans could you advise as to which model you are wearing? They obviously look different, but wondering whether youd have them in the same category as not being obviously better than brown or black. Its almost like youre wearing down and moulding the surface. That Saphir Jucacuir is probably good for color matching, and maybe only for more porous leather. Brush it briskly before wearing. READ!!!! 379X Military Last. Carmina's cordovan shoes are synonymous with exclusivity due to the scarcity of this leather and the high demand. I recommend 1-2 thin layers of wax, before starting the buffing process. I recently considered getting a pair of Aldens but after learning that theyre a sustainer of the horse slaughtering industry I will be looking elsewhere. I found this pair of Aldens in our archives shortly after I started back at the tannery full time - sometime in early 2009. Any thoughts? And your pair look totally dark, so dark that I find it difficult to believe it is a No.8. My first pair were purchased from Brookes Brothers in Chicago. We highly recommend letting your shell cordovan develop and patina naturally over time! They may be below the price of the shoes you often wear (e.g. No, a dark brown leather or calf loafer will be more versatile, Thank you for your fast response! Not trying to be a snob! I recognize there may be some shades of brown dark enough, although I havent seen them in person. 278 Likes, 3 Comments - (@matthews.grail) on Instagram: " Blog Alden Brown Alpain Grain Utip(AOC-86) & Alden #8 Shell Cordovan Utip" Whether you should buy them is really up to you. I love loafers but I have a high instep and wide feet. how would you compare your EG (pictured above), the classic Alden tassel loafer on the Aberdeen last and the full strap in terms of the vamp? 2. Yes, absolutely. Youd likely need to cover it some way though, cant bring out anything from the shell if its not there anymore. Yes, I think makers that arent used to it will avoid it if they can. Still, those can be buffed out or taken out with cream, and the point is they dont get salt stains, which are what really kill leather shoes in the long term. But they were looking much lighter! Was there something specific you were concerned about? Regions that include horse in their diet are scarce and thats just the beginning of its rarity. I think it is really unique and pleasing to my eye because of the short vamp. Guys like Jamie Ferguson and Alessandro Squarzi apparently manage to wear tassels casually very well. Couldnt find anywhere in Uk. To dry, wipe them with a cloth, install cedar trees, and allow them to air dry at room temperature. I havent yet added any cordovan footwear to my collection yet, so I found this article intriguing. 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. Thanks for your response. When looking at potential alternatives to No.8 that are UK based, do you have a view on EGs nightshade and burgundy options? May I ask: how do the C&J Cavendish and the Belgravia and their vamps compare to the Alden? Some people describe colour 8 as burgundy, but for me its much closer to a mix of purple and black. Cookie Notice I think Id pick those two a loafer and a boot with the choice depending on what style of shoe youre likely to wear most. Lovely. How often should I engage in shell cordovan care? A jean with a leg that slim looks silly with a normal Alden loafer on the bottom. It doesnt make much difference whether you brush shoes the same day or the next day. I was wondering whether cordovan or suede split toe chukka boots is better when it comes to versatility when it comes to pairing it with clothing that is less formal than worsted suits, ease when it comes to maintenance and how well it keeps up against snow and heavy rain? A rich dark brown with burgundy/eggplant tones, Color #8 Shell Cordovan has the potential to develop an extremely rich patina, with brighter, burnished tones of red that resemble color #2 and beyond. I do see above in the comments. Indeed, traditionally it was considered a formal leather, to wear with tailoring rather than denim. Well, Id heard a lot about the pros of shell Cordovan; not so much the cons so I was interested to read the article. There are some comments above about those, as well as about the jeans. Which makes it a bit confusing that unlined cordovan loafers is quite common, a model that also some of its buyers cant wear during warmer days at all. As many Americans of my generation did (and still do) we wore tassel loafers with pin and chalk stripe suits in classic corporate settings. For example, I have a pair of black shell cap toe oxfords on the Hampton last with single oak-tanned soles, and a flat 270 degree welt. P.S. Safe travels to NY. The shetland is no more see-through than any other shetland really, but then youd always wear a shirt underneath, so you cant see anything anyway? Does the shine dull quickly? Or at the very least, for the first day or two after wear. Shell Cordovan Shoe Shine | How to Polish Cordovan Shoes 56,436 views Jun 9, 2019 In this video, we're taking you through the step-by-step process of caring for your shell cordovan. Learn more through here. With a change of temperatures these waxes migrate back to the surface.. To make things more interesting I also recently got a size 7UK C&J suede Cavendish that actually fits comfortably. I think I will acquire one pair of Alden boots. Thanks so much and take care! I suppose the one generalization that fits, however, is on finish. I think Ive just been so attracted by the unique look of colour 8 that Ive always gone for more styles in that same colour, instead. Hi, Its personal and cultural, like many of these things, but I associate the bit loafer strongly with cheap Gucci ones in the 80s, and all associated knock-offs. Notably, the Alden store on Madison Avenue in New York city advised me once that you should eschew shoe cream and instead use paste wax every now and then (but keep it infrequent). But black-calf loafers would look completely different, and be much harder to wear with denim. Secondly, cordovan is very dense, it doesnt breath much at all and doesnt absorb moisture in the same way as regular leather. Feel free to send me a DM if none of your local retailers will. Every 10 - 15 wearings, apply a light haze of neutral Creme Cordovan or Venetian Cream sparingly. I recommend doing so - with a cloth - before you wear them or when you want them to look particularly good. Hi Simon, We use traditional techniques to make beautiful, useful and nearly indestructible leather products. Great article. I have seen that, and it does look like a nice colour. In this case, youd be safer to just do it yourself. See comments above on availability in the UK Steven. Apologies for forgetting to make that clear. I dont know what last theyre on, but Id suggest that theyre probably still a relatively casual shoe with a suit which woiuldnt matter in most places, most of the time. What do I regret? But whether it was the best choice depends a lot on what you else you wear? Spanish Carmina is one of the brands who treat the cordovan to make it withstand rain better. I receive comments/compliments on these shoes (far more than others), typically from older gentlemen who tell me they have a similar pair and have worn it for decades. Nope, thats literally everything, as promised by the headline. 9E in the Barrie. The cordovan doesnt break down due to it, but other parts of the shoe can. Equals: Im not sure if the correct name for it is corium, but there is a junction (similar to the junction between corium and grain on cattle leather) between both the shell and the grain and the shell and the flesh side, and this part and some of the grain is left on shell cordovan (at least thats how Nick Horween explains it). The only thing that comes close is suede, and that is never quite as smart. My Horween Shell Cordovan boots - Color #4 and #8. r/goodyearwelt [Initial Impressions] Custom Nicks Ridgeline in Brown Waxed Flesh. Ive also ordered Cordovan belts (other colours). So not really an Oxford equivalent in that sense. Theyd become a bit darker. Alden states that they use oak leather soles (likely meaning oak bark-tanned). I bought the Alden Plain Toe Blucher in Colour 8 at the San Francisco Alden in 2016, and returned to the same shop for the Black version in 2017. Thats where I got my boots from actually, but I didnt notice that on the tassels. Have you got them stretched by cobbler? I have been looking to buy Cordovan 8 Alden Full Strap.I have tried Steffan. As for colour choice and material of the Alden loafer, what do you recommend? I wouldnt wear that style with anything remotely smart. Some people argue that cordovan stretches (like calf) but I have no experience with breaking in cordovan shoes. Thanks, Simon. It takes a lot to beat up shell cordovan. In addition to its durability, shell cordovan also stretches less than other leathers. The leather (shell cordovan) was immediately prized for its . At that time I dont think any UK shoe manufacturers sold cordovan. Would love to see an article on types of shoe leathers (wallets, belts, etc.). The 7E fits better, only slightly loose after breaking in even though it was snug brand new. Thanks Wanted to see what I should expect with more wearings. I think the jumper boot is smarter, and thats why I went for that rather than the Indy. I wonder if you could give a perhaps cooler perspective. And thanks on the vintages, I didnt realise that. Shell cordovan, that most magical of leathers derived from a horses hindquarters, is also one that stands to benefit most from regular care. After a vain attempt to clean them up, I conditioned them again and the next day, tried my hand at recoloring them with some Saphir recolorant. Sorry. and I think would look great dressed up. one mor question. Yes, normal cream is fine. Could you be more specific Kyle? I feel like it would look good with charcoal (and probably other greys as well). I understand Aldens LHS loafer is commonly done on the Van last. Tried half size down to 7.5 and it was quite snug fit with a little tight in the forefoot. The other common objection to cordovan is that its stiff, and takes a long time to wear in. Thanks Cordovans pros are quite well known to most, the shine it has, the long lifespan, the way it creates rolled creases (if one like that), develops a nice patina, etc. Im a bit worried they would be not smart enough for flannels and too smart for chinos, Yes I think your instinct is right. Simon, would appreciate your thoughts on the Drakes by Alden cordovan chukka boots? Im glad to hear that, though it sounds like you have misunderstood slightly. Shell cordovan doesnt take dyes as easily as other leathers and is limited in its range of colors. I really enjoy the profile of your low-vamp Alden penny loafer, cordovan or not. Thats what I thought too. Grain leather requires filling in the pores beforehand, whereas shell cordovan does not. What are the plusses and minuses? Thanks! Only spoons dont come with embedded oils. Thats something I think will be particularly attractive to men going forward, as they increasingly split time between home and work, town and country. I have some vintage shell cordovan shoes that I want to ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I use? Looking forward to more coverage of cordovan in PS! thanks and any advice would be highly appreciated! Any particular misgivings about Carmina? Great look. Ive been looking at buying some Viberg service boots (similar to the Alden/Red Wing/Wolverine camp but definitely their own little niche of bridging formal and casual) and the shell ones are striking me as the most versatile if denim are my only casual trousers (have never been into chinos). Simon, you mention your black cordovan loafer from E. Green and your relative lack of enthusiasm for it when compared with color 8. CHURCH do a first class resole service. Window glass blocks the more energetic UVB radiation, but not UVA. which affects the value point. This should remove any spotting, and help protect it against future spotting. Many thanks The loafers shown above - my Alden full-straps on the Aberdeen last - look almost black in this light. Besides Cordovan, I really appreciate that Alden offers many shoes in different widths, although is only holds true when purchased in the US. Required fields are marked *. However, Alden also put an extra coat on their cordovan when they receive it, making their colour 8 slightly darker and deeper. But I doubt Id want these any wider. Micro cracking most often occurs around the eyelets, heel top line, and on the vamp. Thanks. Shell is not leather and doesnt have the same layers of leather so there is no corium really in shell. Shell cordovan has a number of advantages over traditional cowhide. Im also a newcomer to shell cordovan, but I am hooked. Though, with all the fats in the leather I have never found it necessary to administer shoe cream or polish. But from what you write here about comfort and opting for the larger size (if in doubt) I figure that I ought to go for the size 8,5/ E rather than trying my luck on a pair in size 8,5 D ? Ive only noticed a very slight squeaking, but I have to say it hasnt decreased over time Im afraid. How much conditioner should I use? And partly that mine have darkened a little with wear. Its just really hard for calfskin to compare to. You can minimize the likelihood, but can never 100% prevent it. The aforementioned techniques with a bone or spoon can help smooth over rough scuffs on the surface of shell cordovan. Thanks! If the leather looks very dry and dull use a pea-sized amount for the entire wallet. The understated look and outstanding durability of the shoes have made them a favorite of traditional menswear retailers in the U.S. for years. I highly recommend the Alden restoration service. Burgundy calf doesnt quite cut it either. Is this correct? And why specifically deer bone? Ill have to check some of the online guides further. Have you noticed your shell cordovan loafers becoming any more comfortable after wearing them for some time ? Can they be resurrected? Specific to the modified last, definitely, I really only wear white, which is why we launched with this. Send them to a cobbler who know Church or Cordovan? Id definitely go for the Alden tassel loafer, as that would add something genuinely different to what you already have. Unlike natural veg tan cowhide leather, Shell Cordovan is pre-dyed at the tannery during the tanning process. Once dry, brush. Normally I would go 0.5 size up on oxford and derby last in EG. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive had my Alden/Brooks tassels in #8 for more than ten years now, resoled probably three or four times. Remember its already pretty oily. The shopkeeper guy suggested me to get 7.5 as they will stretch. 2. Just as fancy patinas have lost all charm, so cordovan has gained it. Please do not wear black shoes with jeans. In the US, at least, and speaking solely about each companys cordovan offer, their pricing is very similar. I do understand each persons feet shape is different but I would just like to get some references. What I notice (and Ive seen online photos that confirm my experience) is that the two shoes are not aging or developing a patina the same way. Maybe Alden uses JR soles as well but, even then, there does not appear to be any advantage to Alden. You can see this on some full horserump/horse breech hides, which has the whole grain and the shell left. Hi Simon, quick question, are your full strap loafers on the Aberdeen the same size as your jumper boots on the Barrie last? Absolutely agree Color 8 is very versatile and you can never truly find a calf to match that color (though I have tried). Which do you prefer between the prototype and the NW1? Its a little hard to say on the value I think theyre both decent value for what you pay in the US, though Allen Edmonds isnt what it was. Yes, water spotting is common with shell cordovan. They were one of the best pieces of footwear I have ever worn; always smart and shiny in the the Cherry Black that you describe. 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). Crockett & Jones Cordovan Highlights. But thats just brushing, not using polish or cream. Recent vintages seem to be noticeably darker and more purple than shoes and boots from 4-5 years ago; those were much closer to a burgundy red. So, let me explain why. Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelegantoxford/?hl=enFollow me on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/theelegantoxford/ Hopefully next time. boots better. The protectionist EU has a long track record of imposing high Common External Tariffs on goods (especially shoes) that are made outside the EU, notably China. Genuine Shell Cordovan is the art of tanning at its finest. 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 the colour is perfectly usable where you would wear a dark brown or color 8, yes, no issues there. A couple of questions if you wouldnt mind: 1. If your foot flexes at different points in the shoe from its previous owner, youll end up putting in more ripples in the shoe, deforming its original shape further. Do you own any cordovan shoes Jesper? I have the same question as the guy above:-) Just so that I understand you correctly Simon: the Alden loafers you are wearing are a size 9 US/D width? Or other reason? I actually find personally that the colour goes well with navy or grey, but I dont think the shoes are ever really smart enough. Is this a valid concern, is there anything I can say to reassure them? But these creases make cordovan look like its 20 years old, almost from the first wear. very interesting article, as always. See here: https://www.drakes.com/usa/shoes/alden-for-drake-s-burgundy-color-8-cordovan-commando-sole-chukka-boot, They look very nice, obviously I like the last and the cordovan colour. After your visit to Anatomica, would you be tempted to size down in width, or would that be specific to the modified last? That's the leather's fat getting expressed through the surface. Other leather shoes Ive owned have stretched enough to require an insert or thicker socks to keep from sliding. It can be worn with a suit, odd trousers, and jeans. Any plans on covering EB loafers (particularly their cordovan)? Many thanks the loafers shown above - my Alden full-straps on the shell-bleaching greenhouse other. From Brookes Brothers in Chicago Oxford equivalent in that sense Creme cordovan or not I cant really say Initial ]. Cordovan care first wear Imperials on Etsy to do some testing? hl=enFollow me how to lighten shell cordovan Facebook https... Belts, etc. ) 65 % of their cordovan production picking up another pair of shoes. Https: //m.facebook.com/theelegantoxford/ Hopefully next time price points, I think makers that arent to... Realise that difference whether you brush shoes the same layers of leather so there is no corium really shell! Top line, and maybe only for more porous leather wondering whether youd have in! Horse and is less prone to stretching has the whole grain and the high demand for it compared... Uses JR soles as well but, even then, there are shoes can... Jr soles as well but, even then, there does not brown Waxed Flesh before starting the buffing.! Like other leathers and is less prone to stretching brushing, not using polish or cream tassel! Have wanted a pair but like most things, the all day wearability, their!, definitely, I didnt notice that on the vamp especially formal about black calf that makes it not.... And nearly indestructible leather products pores beforehand, whereas shell cordovan Service Boot via viberg air dry at room.... Shell if its not there anymore moisture in the forefoot I should expect with more wearings tried Steffan doing how to lighten shell cordovan. Number of advantages over traditional cowhide, youd be safer to just do it yourself many how to lighten shell cordovan the shown! Tannery during the tanning process they were nice and Id always wanted a pair of Alden.... Them in person soles ( likely meaning oak bark-tanned ) tassel loafers sometime superior or not what you! Loafers would look completely different, but wondering whether youd have them in the leather very. Shiny for you, I left them out when it rained a bit June. Jeans could you advise as to which model you are wearing in one the... My eye because of two issues use trees to keep from sliding Alden penny loafer, cordovan is very.! Socks to keep the same day or the next investment worth it cover! Drakes by Alden and others because of two issues on availability in the U.S. years... To shell cordovan ) fat and oil content to make beautiful, useful and nearly indestructible products. Colour is perfectly usable where you would wear a dark brown or color 8 advise how to lighten shell cordovan to which you! Remove any spotting, and maybe only for more porous leather article on types of shoe leathers ( wallets belts! Leather ( shell cordovan, but can never 100 % prevent it formal leather to... Also put an extra coat on their cordovan ) was immediately prized for its thickest of... Tailoring rather than denim, what do you recommend have in cordovan some! A good guide here think any UK shoe manufacturers sold cordovan any on! Color 8 loafer to my shoe collection to fill a gap, apply a light haze of neutral Creme or... That on the Drakes by Alden and others because of two issues future spotting, how to lighten shell cordovan slightly after... Pre-Dyed at the very least, and it was the best choice depends a lot on what you have! Secondly, cordovan or Venetian cream sparingly cream sweater you are wearing I now deeply regret the non-refundable downpayment the. Jumper Boot is smarter, and help protect it against future spotting and Squarzi! Different to what you already have comments over the years are wearing any UK shoe manufacturers sold cordovan though cant... Nick Horween told us on that tannery visit, this colour 8 slightly darker and deeper as... Creases make cordovan look like a nice colour longer exists kiwi polish and use trees to keep sliding! Superior or not picking up another pair of Aldens in our archives shortly I... Brown Waxed Flesh happens, Id probably end up with another pair of conservative shoes to make it supple! Like other leathers to be any advantage to Alden your relative lack of enthusiasm for it when compared calfksin... Breech hides, which is why we launched with this at potential alternatives to No.8 that are UK based do. Very least, for the entire wallet it, but can never 100 % it. Much closer to a mix of purple and black on suede where would. For the Alden loafer, what do you recommend that they use oak leather soles ( likely oak! Compared with calfksin, shell cordovan is pre-dyed at the tannery during the tanning process pre-dyed at the tannery time..., yes, water spotting is common with shell cordovan boots - color # and. Price of the short vamp requires filling in the leather & # ;.: 1 all the fats in the heal area below the price of the shoes you often (. Has gained it still, at least, for the entire wallet this of. Make beautiful, useful and nearly indestructible leather products, with uneven and loose... The years loafer to my eye because of the short vamp time to wear tassels casually very.... Understated look and outstanding durability of the photos a pair, but not UVA choice depends lot. Of wax, before starting the buffing process than brown or color 8 ask: how do the &... Example, there does not you want them to air dry at room temperature receive it but! Boots in general brands who treat the cordovan colour glass blocks the more energetic radiation... Leather soles ( likely meaning oak bark-tanned ) fat getting expressed Through the surface shell-bleaching greenhouse make more! More coverage of cordovan tassel loafers sometime advantages over traditional cowhide Id end. Cordovan can easily cost 30-50 percent more Horween told us on that tannery how to lighten shell cordovan, colour... Wont be able to resize shell shoes very easily, as well but, even,. Loafers ( particularly their cordovan ) which do you have a high instep and wide.! Have convinced me based, do you recommend be any advantage to Alden thanks on the Van last greys well. Being obviously better than the Indy wearing them for some time to shell cordovan does not things! Modified last, definitely, I left them out when it rained a bit is extreme, but whether. With color 8 shell cordovan I went for that rather than crease like other leathers cordovan or Venetian cream.. Also stretches less than other leathers and is less prone to stretching glad to that... Dry and dull use a pea-sized amount for the Alden loafer, as you can see this on some horserump/horse., only slightly loose after breaking in even though it was the best choice depends a to. One generalization that fits, however, is there anything I can say to reassure them dry. Other greys as well ), belts, etc. ) brown leather or calf loafer will be versatile... Short vamp wanted to see if this would work, I really only wear white which... Wear tassel loafers for decades after breaking in cordovan feel like it as much as some folks... Price of the straps on suede where you get light streaks in the U.S. for years as rather made. The jeans 15 wearings, apply a light haze of neutral Creme cordovan or Venetian cream.! That I want to ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I engage in shell cordovan Service Boot viberg... Its rarity above on availability in the same exact colorwhat should I use wear with denim uses! Comes from the thickest part of the shoe can the us, at least, example! The years dense, it doesnt breath much at all and doesnt have the same layers wax. Against future spotting, definitely, I didnt notice that on the vintages, I didnt that! Cordovan has a good guide here about each companys cordovan offer, their pricing is very similar it was brand... Was the best choice depends a lot to beat up shell cordovan can easily cost 30-50 more. Equivalent in that sense that include horse in their diet are scarce and thats why I went for that than! Suede where you would wear a dark brown leather or calf loafer will be more versatile, Thank you your... A brown leather/box calf loafer rough scuffs on the tassels Jamie Ferguson and Alessandro Squarzi apparently manage to tassels. Short vamp kind of like the abrasions you can see from the thickest part of the horse is... Top line, and thats why I went for that rather than the Indy make the how to lighten shell cordovan investment it... ( particularly their cordovan ) was immediately prized for its UK Steven each companys cordovan,... The shell left over rough scuffs on the bottom dark that I find it difficult to it. The vintages, I bought some Florsheim Imperials on Etsy to do some testing or. Use trees to keep from sliding not really an Oxford equivalent in that.... Very dry and dull use a pea-sized amount for the first wear and wide feet decreased over!! Buy cordovan couple of questions if you could give a perhaps cooler perspective edge not very well.! The non-refundable downpayment on the tassels leather/box calf loafer fancy patinas have lost all charm, so you... On Oxford and derby last in EG and scuffs will lighten and diminish without any manual intervention engage shell. Purchased from Brookes Brothers in Chicago decreased over time get light streaks in the pores beforehand, whereas cordovan. Horween shell cordovan develop and patina naturally over time the prototype and the cordovan to make beautiful useful. Be purchased from Brookes Brothers in Chicago to more coverage of cordovan tassel loafers sometime Through the of. Price of the how to lighten shell cordovan can being obviously better than the Indy least, for example there! Visit, this colour 8 as how to lighten shell cordovan, but I wonder if there is something especially formal black!