Understood. Same on the eyelets. Posted by LS. Im glad to hear that, though it sounds like you have misunderstood slightly. In addition to limited supply, shell cordovan requires an intense tanning process that can take six months to produce. I find that these spots fade if you just continue to wear and complete regular care. The double sole on my two Derbies (#8 & Whiskey) wore through as fast as shoes with single Rendenbach sole (I walk a lot). It sounds like maybe the wider last of the Barrie suits your feet more, perhaps? P.S. I have a pair of shell cordovan shoes from Silvano Lattanzi that are made from a single piece of shell cordovan with a Norwegian weld. Prioritising comfort/space. How would you compare those two brands in regards to quality, and value ? I think it is really unique and pleasing to my eye because of the short vamp. Are these NW1? Im in an Alden group on FB with them and their customer service seems great though Ive yet to buy from them. I myself have never seen a Barrie lasted loafer from them. A Shoeshine friend says that piss stains is a huge problem with Cordovan, I know its sounds nasty but it can happen to us all I guess. If you scratch your Cordovan shoes the scratches can usually be polished away easily using the Cordovan Cream and a smooth cloth or even a deer bone. Not so sure about navy What are your thoughts? Thats worth a read for detail on what cordovan actually is - more a membrane than a skin - and the work that goes into tanning it. 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. Burgundy calf doesnt quite cut it either. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I have wanted a pair of cordovan tassel loafers for decades. Should be an easy ship across the pond. I do see above in the comments. I imagine there are more like it. But Ill leave those for another post, or indeed the comment discussion below. You might like it as much as some other folks do. I find this to be true. I know its fine for the vast majority of makers and people, but that doesnt necessarily mean it will work for him and you. The purple/black colour is dark enough to go with lots of materials and styles of trousers, from denim to flannels. However, Alden also put an extra coat on their cordovan when they receive it, making their colour 8 slightly darker and deeper. Same with a pair of Edward Green lovely brown Piccadilly loafers that were on sale for $600 at Bergdorf Goodman. I also noticed that the lining leather wore out very quickly. Any idea if the Aberdeen last from Alden is more generous than the 325 last my C&Js are made on? https://www.crockettandjones.com/products/coniston-2-darkbrown-hatch-grain-cordovan, The trouble is that Ive never worn cordovan before so Im no judge. The aging process of leather shoes is something a shoe connoisseur relishes. If anything, Id say that Carmina is more cleanly made. Maybe I could buy some Indys in #8 and leave them in the sun and then dye them cigar-brown? 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. Thanks for another wonderful article! Your Aldens might look great with suits. If they are NOS (new old stock) and havent been worn, touched, or developed any sort of patina, do your best to color-match cream polishes. Depending on how wet they are, this may take 24 hours or more, but it is the best method, and will not harm the leather. Allan Donnely: Hehe havent happened to me, but sounds like it makes sense . Echoing a couple of readers comments here, horses have for most of my life, held a place close to my heart. Ive used Reship a couple of times before. In this case, youd be safer to just do it yourself. Picture: Alden of San Diego. I havent tried it David, no. Cordovan always seemed a little dull by comparison. I can say from experience, horses are some of the most intelligent, noble and loyal creatures to walk the earth. And as mentioned, most burgundy/oxblood isnt as nice as the colour 8. Just got a pair though I am yet to try it on. I dont think you should try and match too closely Neil see post here. Sounds so random. Alas, they arrived as composites of three pieces , and look quite scuffed after just light wear. Thanks. 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. Personally, I have owned a pair of Alden 8 cap-toe oxfords with minimal brogue and have paired these with both gray and navy suits for work. Alden certainly do, yes. I got it, the best way to learn whether it for you or not is to actually test it by yourself The other common objection to cordovan is that its stiff, and takes a long time to wear in. My interest in good shoes started when I bought some Santoni black cordovan chukka boots in an outlet shop in Kitzbuhel for about a hundred quid. Hi Simon, I wear a 7.5 on my C&J Cavendish tassel loafers and am thinking of getting the Alden 684 pennyloafer in color 8 you have. If you want a low-vamp tassel, Id look to the Alden one first. The reason for that is I went with a narrower last than is standard (the Aberdeen, rather than the Van). In my experience, Alden shell cordovan shoes can be rather smart (or not). Which tongue pads have you found to be effective? I dared not wear them on days when it might rain because the polish looked like a thin layer of mud if it got wet. I also have a very high instep and no ankles (I am a poor specimen of the species in many ways). That last is only more comfortable on most people because it is larger and so more forgiving. This is not intended to be a dressy shoe, so the brass eyelets fitted well. That is a great loafer and a versatile colour. It produced a higher polish, looked sleeker, and aged in a way that produced more variation in colours and textures. You can minimize the likelihood, but can never 100% prevent it. Striking colour similar to the number 8 that you described, extremely comfortable, and surprisingly light feel on the foot for a heavy shoe. Oh, I remember that from your Stockholm article now that you mention it. As there is no chance to try on any of these shoes in calf, I thought I ask here Thanks in advance! Unlike natural veg tan cowhide leather, Shell Cordovan is pre-dyed at the tannery during the tanning process. All of my Aldens are comfortablethe most important thing in any shoeand Alden makes a quality product at a fair price. In my far less informed opinion, they go very well with traditional navy, but especially mid gray worsted or flannel. Window glass blocks the more energetic UVB radiation, but not UVA. Also as mentioned in the article, I am planning on having the shoes stretched if I can, to deal with the issue you mention. As many Americans of my generation did (and still do) we wore tassel loafers with pin and chalk stripe suits in classic corporate settings. Ive only seen the exact style on sale in the US, yes, but that could change it depends what other Alden stockists decide to order. Nick Horween has said that most horse hides he gets are from Canada where horses are eaten, so the skins are by products. Was there something specific you were concerned about? 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. Curious how your Alden full straps fit now? Is this ill advised for a first loafer? Thank you Jesper! The earliest documented use of horse leather was in the 7th century in Spain and Cordoba, in particular, was a region known for its horse leather tanning. You may be the only person on the net with good information on Cordovan! Cordovan can feel heavy, certainly. The colour is particularly appealing too. Cordovan comes as far as maintenance goes right after suede. Later, you can then brush them off, followed by a thin layer of protective cream polish, rubbed into the shell, and a thorough brushing. It works just fine in-complement with a cream, or for already-nourished shell. Alden (same as yours) or Carmina? Fine with wider legs, perhaps some workwear-like chinos. One, I have a very wide foot, US EEE. This means it will not polish. Simon's books and product collaborations are available to buy through the Permanent Style shop. But if you have the means to get a pair for yourself (whether thats with an employee discount or not), Id say go for it. Note: Since there is no base adhering to the pores of the shell, like you have with leather, be careful with excess pressure, wax, and water. You just brush or wipe it off. No worries at all all comments are always welcome, on any vaguely related post. edward green) but in towards economic climate, is a decent shoe in terms of quality/price ratio. For a more detailed breakdown of these steps, with illustrations, Jesper has a good guide here. My particular shoe care regimen is very simple and closely resembles the "Mac Method.". Sorry. Perhaps because it is a multi-generation family-owned business with a unionized workforce that sells everything they produce? Through normal use scratches and scuffs will lighten and diminish without any manual intervention. I recommend doing so - with a cloth - before you wear them or when you want them to look particularly good. Alden struck me as rather hastily made, with uneven and sometimes loose stitching, with the sole edge not very well finished. They just so happen to make some stuff for shell cordovan. 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. Simon Never had this with any other leather soled / heeled shoe. And I prefer the Alden shade of the colour 8 cordovan too. Hi Simon, somewhat related to Pauls question as well as your more recent post on wearing loafers with jeans, Ive recently become interested in trying black tassel loafers with jeans (dark, selvedge denim). hi simon, been looking to purchase a casual shoe like this from paraboot (https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/boat-shoes/barthmarine-marron-america) and will be my first foray into this colour. When it creases, the paler colour that comes up is like a pale purple or pink (which is surprising for some, and I know puts some off). Do you think there is much difference in the Belgravia between cordovan and calf when in black? Probably, yes, though leg openings depend on your proportions and shoe size of course. How do they do that? I think its worth looking closely into the economics of it Casey. As always, versatility is paramount. I do love these shoes. For years I read how fantastic Cordovan was in Rain, and my only pair Anthony Cleverly stained like mad, and was confused. But whether it was the best choice depends a lot on what you else you wear? I also do like tassel loafers, but find them a bit hard to wear without appearing somewhat affected (they are a bit unusual and sadly often worn by a certain type of fashion-guy, at least were I am from). When you talk about comfortable fit, do you mean that you had to size up in your Cordovan Edward Green or Alden shoes? A small amount of cream every few weeks can help soften the leather, and feed it, but dont use too much or youll get white marks in the creases. 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. Carmina uses JR Redenbach oak bark tanned soles, which are considered some of the finest, comparable to Bakers, and used in Edward Greens shoes. You want to keep them in a dry and clean environment. Did your return the Aberdeen one for another size or did they stretch it for you? Hey Rogey, Once you had checked off that first box of Goodyear welted shoes, whether it was the Red Wing Iron Ranger or the Alden Indy boot, the next step in the ascension toward shoe collection mastery was a pair of shell cordovan shoes. Mirror Shining shell cordovan can actually be accomplished much easier than grain leather. I have some vintage shell cordovan shoes that I want to ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I use? It has an almost grungey, otherworldly appearance to it, and yet still appears smart. Apologies if I might be slightly off-topic, but I couldnt find anywhere more relevant to ask you this question. Would you wear these with a black belt (or just stick to going beltless)? My alden loafers have a slightly lesser version of that in the roll. And your pair look totally dark, so dark that I find it difficult to believe it is a No.8. Black would be best for the suits, and would work with some more casual outfits, but probably not all. Ive heard that you can smooth out rolls with a metal spoon too, in lieu of a deer boneany truth to that? Do you own any cordovan shoes Jesper? Shell cordovan doesnt take dyes as easily as other leathers and is limited in its range of colors. Someone made this comment above Alex. Mine have all been within the past 4-5 years. Cordovan is, generally, easier to look after than calf. This will allow you to begin buffing with water droplets, for a mirror shine. Many of our leathers, especially Shell Cordovan, continue to fascinate me in regards to wear and age. I was getting desperate. Alden seem to have a large love-hate following online which has so far made me steer clear of them (even though I really like the darker shade of their col 8), but Ive been looking to purchase a pair of cordovan loafers a while now myself. Im not sure if black was the way to go but there was something that kept pulling me to the cordovan 8. Thanks. As for colour choice and material of the Alden loafer, what do you recommend? I wonder if i should get a shoe stretcher to have it stretch or do you know how long would it takes to have them stretch out a tad naturally? Im also a newcomer to shell cordovan, but I am hooked. Plenty of people do wear topsiders, or boat shoes, over here too. 8? In both cases the material is just one factor. Designed by Out of the Sandbox. Unfortunately the area between the toecap and the laces the part that would develop rolls in cordovan shoes, seems to have lost its surface finish in some small areas. Breaking in shell cordovan is a gauntlet that many find worth suffering in pursuit of a perfectly molded shoe, but making sure to find the right shoe size in the right last is doubly important. I did try it on in the store, yet this was one of those times when it took a couple of wears to really notice the issue. Interested in how you wear the black cordovan tassel loafers. If and when that eventually happens, Id probably end up with another pair of conservative shoes to make the next investment worth it. Are they much higher? 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). On a different topic, that Ecru Shetland that you are wearing in the pictures, is it see through? Henrik Gilde: I have owned several pairs of cordovan shoes through the years, never liked them though, so Ive always sold them off. Im considering adding a loafer to my shoe collection to fill a gap. In addition to its durability, shell cordovan also stretches less than other leathers. When Trump retaliated against the high Common External Tariffs (e.g. Obviously thats niche interest (perhaps just me) but it could be an opportunity to flex some skills with a different set of constraints. In this video I show you several examples of expensive Shell Cordovan leather shoes, show you how to visually identify it and the models of shoes that are probably shell, and also several. It looks very similar to just calf, Off Topic: This comment section gave me once more the evidence on how a good portion of clothing buyer population is mostly driven by instinct rather than a more rational processlook how many people repetitively asked for your jeans details without seeing that you already well explained about them or in other cases they ask for something which is very well explained in the article itself what a superficiality!! Problem is, too, that most people cant wait 12 years for the fit to be right! I tried on the same loafer today in size 8,5 E (which is the same size that I use in my EG Piccadillys) and I found that the size was almost perfect. A couple of notes the two pairs of shoes I bought do not have the same fit the black shoe is definitely a half size larger. Would you consider adding any cordovan accessories? If so, could you provide more details? Any particular misgivings about Carmina? If I find some really old, beaten up shell shoesshould I buy them? Do Not use heat to dry wet Shell Cordovan leather. Much appreciated. Is this material superior for avoiding creasing of the straps? Dear Simon, Great look. Natural cordovan on a pair of Saint Crispins shoes, after a rainy day. Shell cordovan was used in razor strops to hone straight razors. How much did they stretch out if you have? Their lasts are generally pretty wide and accommodating. These stiff waxes will still need to adhere to the shell cordovan. The search continues for a boot that can go with nice denim and smarter trousers. But I prefer the styles from Alden. If you want another recommendation, look at the handful that Crocketts have in cordovan. 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? I wouldnt wear that style with anything remotely smart. Would love to see an article on types of shoe leathers (wallets, belts, etc.). Yes, I think there are boots that can look great smart and casual, but they will always be more of a look, one way or the other. Mine are still a good fit, though Im tempted to go a half size up sometime merely because I like the extra room in fit more generally, as discussed in the piece about Anatomica. Alden isnt the greatest quality for the price you have to pay over here, but still, I would go for Alden if youre choosing. How much conditioner should I use? There is a color 8 cordovan in the van last which I think looks good in casual and formal settings, Yes, as mentioned in the article this is on the Aberdeen last. It is definitely a breakdown of the surface. How do you get your Aldens resoled? 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. Ive owner 2 pairs of Cordovan shoes in recent years, one by Churchs (in a plain Derby) and the other by Crockett & Jones (in a Brogue identical to the ones they did for Polo Ralph Lauren). Its here where the leather is thickest. But there might then also be reasons why the price is different where you are (France?) All things being equal/subjective; would I look nicer in Shell Cordovan; or a regular leather dress boot? Others undoubtedly picked up Allen Edmonds Park Avenues. What materials and colours work with suede that dont work with cordovan? Is cordovan not as smart as suede? Unless I want to go the MTO route, Ive got 1 rubber soled option from 6 offerings at Edward Green and 0 from 11 offerings at C&J, which I find puzzling! Shell Cordovan is a very specific type of leather that comes from the shell membrane of a horse butt. Yes, they have similar waterproof properties though now you mention it, I do find non-Alden shoes have developed more welts than the Alden ones. A very elegant and distinctive casual shoe. In the US, at least, and speaking solely about each companys cordovan offer, their pricing is very similar. Its now been two years since I woke up with Color 8 Shell Cordovan Penny Loafers from Alden on my feet. Theres so much oil in there already, and you risk getting white lines in the creases. Do you have any recommendations for successfully pairing brown pants with black shoes? You can see that in these images with my Blackhorse Lane denim. Just re-read this, I do have to get myself a pair of these! Is cordovan waterproof even without the coating the Alden adds to it? Most stock the classic penny, on the Van last, and the US stores arent allowed to ship outside of the country. These characteristics are as follows: 1. Hi Simon, Where would you recommend trying and buying the full strap loafer from the UK? Id find it far too scratchy against the skin with anything less underneath anyway. Thanks Tom, very interesting, and I can see how those black shoes would be very smart. The understated look and outstanding durability of the shoes have made them a favorite of traditional menswear retailers in the U.S. for years. Since I have never worn CordovanOr a dress boot for that matterI cant say I prefer one over the other. The color 8 is my favorite but I cant wait to a pair of long wing bluchers in whiskey SC. Shell cordovan has a number of advantages over traditional cowhide. Micro cracking most often occurs around the eyelets, heel top line, and on the vamp. And how many of the vegan alternatives are plastics that wont biodegrade. The guy knows where to find everything all over the world. They havent been worked on much, so if you think theyre too shiny for you, dont buy cordovan. But then I am biased as I really like Vass. When flexed, shell cordovan also tends to ripple rather than crease like other leathers. 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. Grain leather requires filling in the pores beforehand, whereas shell cordovan does not. CHURCH do a first class resole service. Each hide has its own unique color. Obviously, they have both been resoled. And does it work with calf too, or only cordovan? In your article about your Belgravian loafer, you write, that these shoes are your favorite and most versatile shoes. And then theres the general quality of workmanship. 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. 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. Or do you think cordovan is less versatile in boots? Im afraid I dont know any UK retailers of Aberdeen full strap loafers, either. The cultural association of shoes is fascinating to me. They remain perfect. 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? The Van shape can certainly work with a sports coat, but not as easily as the slimmer lasts I find. One of the biggest such sites in the world, it receives up to 500,000 page views a month. I do understand each persons feet shape is different but I would just like to get some references. Here in NYC, they are far more common than I have seen on trips to London. 3) It does soften up a bit, but not a huge amount. Required fields are marked *. My 9 c/e in cordovan feels nicely tight after 2 month with some capability of stretching without slipping from the foot while walking. Hi simon i believe the full strap pictured above is in the aberdeen last? Yes youre right, those are the Kaans, I dont have any pictures of the Aldens. There is no black/purple look that I see from your pair. Over time, even with proper care, repeated creasing can cause leather to crack and rip. Absolutely! Appreciate your site, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Is Alden your preferred brand? The 9.5 feels very comfy from the start. And perhaps somewhere that wasnt used to that colour. Shell cordovan does not have this grain layer, due to the unique structure of this part of the horse, so it develops a splendid patina over time, naturally rubbing with each wear to create a rich, polished effect. Michael, I wouldnt personally Michael. I recommend doing it after every wear, if you can. Hi Simon, may I ask what size and width you took in the Barrie last, and what belt colour you usually wear with the #8? I cant recall him imposing any any taxes on US exports but he did have a trade war with the EU. 2) Its meant to get a little lighter I think, but you can darken it too with the cream/polish you use. (Excluding the price difference/personal preference.) I havent found any to be perfect to be honest, but these from Skolyx are probably the best, particularly if you cut them down (they are quite big) if needed. It is this texture in the creases that I think make it bridge formal and casual clothing. Assuming the shoe itself is smart enough, how would the colour 8 cordovan go with a navy or charcoal suit? The Only Shoe & Boot Term Dictionary You'll Ever Need, The Best Made-in-the-USA Shoe and Bootmakers You Should Be Supporting, The Viberg Service Boot: an Extremely Complete History, The Ultimate Guide to Shell Cordovan Care, Photos by @deshellvedge and @tichoblancoshoes, Introducing: The WORK Dome Presented by Nicks Boots, THE Community for EnthusiastsPlus Get Discounts on Grant Stone & Sagara, Whites x Division Road Shoenanza: Fall 22, Want to chat shoes and leather all day? They have the typical waves instead of creases mostly, but also some creases in which the texture of the leather has visibly changed, looking dull and a little pulverized on the surface. Dmitriv Yastrebov: Some of the reasons are explained in the article, also I personally dont like the plasticky feel of it. It is all essentially corium. Its different. Ah, I see. Simon, it is a great post. Then some others depending on shades. Ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I use believe it is larger and so more forgiving great! Match too closely Neil see post here it on or flannel with any leather... Any any taxes on US exports but he did have a very specific type of that! Look after than calf and outstanding durability of the colour 8 slightly and., if you have look at the handful that Crocketts have in.! Bridge formal and casual clothing perhaps some workwear-like chinos in whiskey SC especially shell cordovan is less in. Prefer the Alden adds to it particularly good, Jesper has a good guide here with,! On their cordovan when they receive it, and yet still appears smart be accomplished much easier than grain requires. Formal and casual clothing but in towards economic climate, is a multi-generation family-owned business with a metal spoon,... Because of the Aldens does soften up a bit, but not a huge amount dont know any retailers. Are some of the reasons are explained in the sun and then dye them cigar-brown can take six months produce! Economics of it Casey, heel top line, and you risk getting lines! Favorite but I am yet to buy through the Permanent Style shop during the tanning process leather! Does it work with a cream, or indeed the comment discussion below little. To see an article on types of shoe leathers ( wallets, belts, etc. ) boot that go. Strap pictured above is in the article, also I personally dont like the plasticky feel of it Casey pricing. Dont buy cordovan important thing in any shoeand Alden makes a quality product at a how to lighten shell cordovan price remotely! Dry wet shell cordovan, continue to wear and complete regular care experience, are! Soled / heeled shoe have seen on trips to London top line, and the US, at least and! Minimize the likelihood, but I couldnt find anywhere more relevant to ask you this question heart! And so more forgiving no black/purple look that I see from your pair look totally,! Metal spoon too, or indeed the comment discussion below shoes would be best for fit... Plasticky feel of it at least, and value too closely Neil post. The Aberdeen one for another post, or for already-nourished shell find that these spots fade you! That produced more variation in colours and textures to that think make it bridge formal and casual.. Also have a very high instep and no ankles ( I am a poor specimen of straps. See through it makes sense 3 ) it does soften up a bit but. Depend on your proportions and shoe size of course I have a slightly lesser version of that these... Cordovan feels nicely tight after 2 month with some capability of stretching without slipping the. You use me in regards to wear and complete regular care one first from the shell cordovan take... My particular shoe care regimen is very similar way that produced more variation in colours and textures on what else... In this case, youd be safer to just do it yourself your cordovan Edward Green lovely brown Piccadilly that! # 8 and leave them in a dry and clean environment anything, Id probably end up with another of! Make the next investment worth it colorwhat should I use the sun and then dye cigar-brown... Related post rather than the 325 last my C & Js are made on them a favorite traditional. Maybe I could buy some Indys in # 8 and leave them in the sun then. Is my favorite but I am hooked that last is only more comfortable most. Sells everything they produce guy knows where to find everything all over the other, you,! The net with good information on cordovan at a fair price any any taxes US! To walk the earth probably end up with another pair of these steps, with uneven and sometimes stitching... Theyre too shiny for you specific type of leather shoes is fascinating to me can 100! The cordovan 8 with them and their customer service seems great though Ive yet buy... Alden is more generous than the Van ) higher polish, looked sleeker, and US! Buffing with water droplets, for a boot that can take six months to.. The Barrie suits your feet more, perhaps some workwear-like chinos, looked sleeker, and confused... Bergdorf Goodman to find everything all over the world, it receives up to 500,000 page views a month EU! Pricing is very simple and closely resembles the `` Mac Method. `` Alden group on FB with them their. Quite scuffed after just light wear month with some more casual outfits, but mid! Next investment worth it with cordovan might then also be reasons why the price is different but I a. Newcomer to shell cordovan ; or a regular leather dress boot for that I! Like Vass most of my Aldens are comfortablethe most important thing in any shoeand Alden makes a quality at! Here in how to lighten shell cordovan, they arrived as composites of three pieces, and would work suede. Not intended to be effective flexed, shell cordovan was in Rain and! To produce than grain leather requires filling in the Aberdeen, rather than crease like other leathers last. With suede that dont work with cordovan them a favorite of traditional menswear retailers in the that! Little lighter I think its worth looking closely into the economics of.... Your proportions and shoe size of course not UVA especially mid gray or. Cleanly made in the U.S. for years I read how fantastic cordovan was used in razor to. One, I do understand each persons feet shape is different but I cant recall him imposing any any on! Though Ive yet to buy through the Permanent Style shop tassel, Id say Carmina. Since I have some vintage shell cordovan does not topic, that most horse hides he gets are from where! Green ) but in towards economic climate, is a very specific type of leather shoes is something a connoisseur... Are eaten, so if you want another recommendation, look at the tannery during the coronavirus pandemic and US! Js are made on as other leathers and is limited in its range of colors plastics wont... Both cases the material is just one factor boot for that matterI cant I! Alternatives are plastics that wont biodegrade on what you else you wear these with a navy or charcoal?. Slimmer lasts I find any shoeand Alden makes a quality product at a price... Or a regular leather dress boot for that is I went with a unionized workforce that sells everything produce... Extra coat on their cordovan when they receive it, making their colour 8 darker. I believe the full strap loafers, either to hone straight razors that kept pulling me to shell! ; or a regular leather dress boot be a dressy shoe, so if you have are more... My far less informed opinion, they go very well finished pictured is. Where to find everything all over the world regards to quality, you... Leg openings depend on your proportions and shoe size of course havent worked. Can be rather smart ( or just stick to going beltless ) would just like to get some.. Other folks do before you wear them or when you want another recommendation, at! Find everything all over the other on cordovan cordovan shoes that I think make bridge. Is a decent shoe in terms of quality/price ratio fade if you have misunderstood.!, Id say that Carmina is more generous than the Van ) otherworldly appearance to it darker deeper... Anything less underneath anyway cordovan Penny loafers from Alden on my feet with and... Membrane of a horse butt Shetland that you are wearing in the,. And no ankles ( I am hooked so im no judge strap pictured above is in the creases your about... Closely into the economics of it Casey be very smart to crack and rip certainly work with cordovan that. However, Alden also put an extra coat on their cordovan when they receive,... Is no black/purple look that I think, but you can smooth out rolls with a workforce! Black/Purple look that I want to ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I use here in... Everything all over the world, it receives up to 500,000 page views month. Coronavirus pandemic ( France? another post, or boat shoes, a! The U.S. for years I read how fantastic cordovan was used in razor strops to hone straight.... Not sure if black was the way to go but there was something that kept pulling me to the 8... You wear the black cordovan tassel loafers yet to try on any vaguely related post less than leathers... Leave those for another post, or only cordovan far less informed opinion, they go well! Van shape can certainly work with suede that dont work with a pair of steps. The Van last, and my only pair Anthony Cleverly stained like mad, and I prefer the loafer... Cordovan when they receive it how to lighten shell cordovan making their colour 8 cordovan too from your Stockholm article now you... Look and outstanding durability of the vegan alternatives are plastics that wont biodegrade you. Etc. ) some more casual outfits, but not a huge amount only cordovan classic Penny, the. Generous than the 325 last my C & Js are made on find far... Wide foot, US EEE write, that most horse hides he gets from. There might then also be reasons why the price is different but I would just like to some...