These were mostly from vintage shops and eBay. Cleverley made me some boots with cordovan around the bottom and a hatch grain calf at the top. But, cordovan doesnt get those salt stains, so there is less advantage in the rubber. How do you find they look against more formal, refined trousers (e.g. Your first pair of nice shoes was probably a Goodyear-welted dress shoe or boot. I have recently purchased color 8 #2210 in Aberdeen going with my normal width (D width) but so far it has not been a pleasant to wear them with as it is a bit snug on the ball of my foot. Its something I will look at correcting at some point, perhaps by stretching them a little. Its certainly thicker than calf. I know readers appreciate them too. Enjoy. If were talking about just cordovan in Color 8 colour, then: 1) To an extent, though I think the brown has to be pretty dark No I wouldnt. Viberg Color 8 Shell Cordovan Service Boot via Viberg. Great read and nice pictures as always. I just went with a cordovan 8 Alden full strap penny loafer as my first loafer. In particular, how many of the shoe leathers are by products of meat production I know its a lot, but less at the top end. Later in the day I read this article. On very large or very tall men, there might be issues. The vamp is very low, so I went down half a size in length and up a size in width to find the right fit with no slippage. They sold for $8,000 at their store on Madison Avenue that no longer exists. Footwear can be exciting but your initial investment (emphasis on investment) should give you the most return. It seems both are in fact lower maintenance than calf leather. In both cases the material is just one factor. 1) Can I say cordovan shoes can be worn with both black and brown belts alike in most outfits? How would you compare no 8 to John Lobbs museum plum color? It also added a layer of love visiting the Horween tannery in Chicago last year (shown below). Next time youre in NY it might be worth the 2 hour flight to Atlanta to visit Sid Mashburns flagship store here. Much appreciated. Crockett & Jones has several boot models and perhaps even a shoe or two available in cordovan. Of course, there is also the much broader point that killing animals to use their meat or skin doesnt mean you dont respect them. It doesnt seem like the retailers carrying the brand have them on a regular basis. Thanks! If it is the same (quality level) of raw material, and making allowances for the sole and other ancillary materials, that would make the $1,300 difference between Alden/Carmina and EG entirely down to make/finish, which seems like a lot. I have covered them a little here, but thats all for the moment, I order this up for clients all the time. This should remove any spotting, and help protect it against future spotting. Shell is not leather and doesnt have the same layers of leather so there is no corium really in shell. Im afraid I dont know any UK retailers of Aberdeen full strap loafers, either. See something like my oundles from Edward Green for example. Thanks! Is this correct? Dark brown suede is versatile and I love it, but not quite the same edge to it. Incidentally, which Blackhorse lane model are you jeans Simon? The search continues for a boot that can go with nice denim and smarter trousers. Shell cordovan has a number of advantages over traditional cowhide. Its something I will look at correcting at some point, perhaps by stretching them a little. i have the same full strap loafer from the alden x brooks brothers collab, bought 8 years ago and still look like they were bought 2 weeks ago. No worries Henrik these posts are never old, as you can see from the regular comments over the years. Michael, I wouldnt personally Michael. I would appreciate your thoughts and maybe another recommendation! I have black calf Alden tassels on the aberdeen last and black calf EG Belgravia do you think one is better than the other for jeans, or would both work? Loafers in France are usually either elongated in the Italian style, or chunky (boxy ?) 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. Cordovan works well in combination with calf leather if you are going down the bespoke route. Traditionally cordovan has not been that popular in the UK probably due to supply (and cost). Mine is quite a gab and is a great resource on shoe information and will even look over an Ebay listing for you to inspect: them. Both pairs were saddle loafers Or did you size down 1/2 on the barrie? Id seen a few examples of #8 shell fading to medium brown with lots of wear. It cost me 20% of my (then) monthly salary. It sounds like maybe the wider last of the Barrie suits your feet more, perhaps? 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. Many shell cordovan consumers love the natural patina that develops from the migration of oils and UV fading that occurs over time. Alden Shoes - Aging of Color #8 Shell Cordovan. I live in Atlanta but regularly travel to NY for work and have been trying to plan a work trip for next week to coincide with the NY pop-up; sadly I dont think it will work out but will hopefully get an opportunity next time in NY or London. Thanks, Simon. And cordovan is essentially waterproof, because it doesnt suffer any long-term damage from being splashed or soaked. The reason I did that was that Id always found the classic Van-last loafers to be too chunky for me. Ive got two where the cordovan has a hatch grain to it. Maybe Alden uses JR soles as well but, even then, there does not appear to be any advantage to Alden. And given how the shoes will be worn (mostly denim) the slimness was not that much of a concern. Is it in general or specifically their cordovan? Perhaps that loafers look different on different bodytypes. I think I will acquire one pair of Alden boots. For more information, please see our Your BB were by Alden and pretty sure all Alden Shell Cordovan has this acrylic finish, most others dont add that to their shell. Loafers seem popular, but I see markers also offering boots which given your comments seem heavy and perhaps less comfortable. If its something smarter, to wear with tailoring mostly, you might want it as fitted as a regular dress shirt. 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! Hopefully this clarifies the question! I know its fine for the vast majority of makers and people, but that doesnt necessarily mean it will work for him and you. BTW, Shellac is like a lacquer, used in felt hat making too. 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. I cant really comment on the first issue, but I think the second sounds exaggerated. Any thoughts? Thank you for the high quality of your columns. 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? I especially enjoy it punched and brogued. Natural cordovan on a pair of Saint Crispins shoes, after a rainy day. They are truly priceless, especially when in good condition. Cordovan will not really stretch on its own. Lovely. edward green) but in towards economic climate, is a decent shoe in terms of quality/price ratio. I purchased them at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco during a close-out at a substantial discount about 10 years ago. Then, lightly dab & swirl stiff waxes, buffing a single droplet of water across the surface, will bring out the highest reflective shine. I think its unlikely theyll stretch. Deer bones are traditionally used to help smooth the creases, assist in the absorption of oils, and spread the waxes on the surface. A grain Piccadilly can still fit with a pair of denimisnt it? This will allow you to begin buffing with water droplets, for a mirror shine. 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. Priceless. But whether it was the best choice depends a lot on what you else you wear? Since I had them resoled with R. double soles they are still going strong. They simpy cost too much to take the chance, in my view. It was a great decision in that the loafers look lovely. Its probably subjective, but that style and colour of shoe is very much an old mans shoe for me, or a certain type of posh west Londoner. Is this material superior for avoiding creasing of the straps? Id wear a wider trouser probably, and lean into that style. Ive walked around Canada, the US, the UK (even some hills in the Lake District), France and Switzerland in these shoes. I think the jumper boot is smarter, and thats why I went for that rather than the Indy. (This is not a feature of the shoe a sort of suede and cordovan shoe. The jeans are great, as are my others from BHL, but never quite as good a fit as bespoke ones. Dont know if you have seen something like this can this be treated or is it just even cordovan giving up after too much abuse? And when its grey denim, black shoes actually look best. Ive seen some people in more casual cities pull off balmorals or derby boots like a Galway with quality denim, but Im a little young to pull off that kind of boot in general. Can a cordovan upper really add 500 to a boot and be worth it? Yes, I know what you mean. Thank you, To be honest Hugh I wear them the same as any normal black shoe, and its fine. Do you wear your loafers a half size larger than your jumper boots? Ive avoided all creams, but rub and buff with standard kiwi polish and use trees to keep the shape. Does the colour 8 vary that much from pair to pair? Hopefully next time. Some people describe colour 8 as burgundy, but for me its much closer to a mix of purple and black. I have relatively slim legs compared to my feet width. Ah, I see. Henrik Gilde: I have owned several pairs of cordovan shoes through the years, never liked them though, so Ive always sold them off. What would be your thoughts about cordovan colour 8 wholecut? 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). No I didnt have that issue with this Trunk one. Your Aldens might look great with suits. Id lusted after a pair of shell cordovan shoes for a long time before I was able to get my hands on a pair for myself. I have some vintage shell cordovan shoes that I want to ensure keep the same exact colorwhat should I use? For years I read how fantastic Cordovan was in Rain, and my only pair Anthony Cleverly stained like mad, and was confused. I assumed that you thought about stretching the width of these shoes (and not the length Perhaps you didn`t need to? They seem to be comparable in last and style, but on the screen it is hard to say Do you guess there is a difference in quality? That occurs on my Alden cordovan monks, even though I dont use anything on them. Ive been wearing Alden cordovan shoes for thirty years now. Love it! You can minimize the likelihood, but can never 100% prevent it. after Elliots brother found him in the river! My two pairs of Cordovan Derbies are now 20 years old and they still have more than enough fat in them. 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. Id love to see something one day on leather alternatives for shoes. Some water spots become more difficult to remove if you dont address them quickly. 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. AE has a low-vamp, penny loafer very similar to Aldens but half the price. Lighter color Shell Cordovan are more difficult to source. 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. Curious how your Alden full straps fit now? Really? I would sincerely appreciate your guidance as I am currently deciding which way to go for a pair of cordovan tassel loafers. Or do you think cordovan is less versatile in boots? Thanks, nice to know youve found it so helpful. No worries at all all comments are always welcome, on any vaguely related post. Most leathers for shoes are by-products of the meat. I was getting desperate. Ive heard that you can smooth out rolls with a metal spoon too, in lieu of a deer boneany truth to that? I never understood what the bone should do, either. Who should do this instead of me next time? Thank you. The patina, or the color age gives to the leather, is something to really behold. I conditioned themhuh, the leather now feels sorta weirdly stiffand I put them back in the sun. 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. You may be the only person on the net with good information on Cordovan! Sign up for the Ashland Newsletter for the latest on new products, leather care tips and sales. last year (shown below). Try to keep the rest a little smart too eg a white oxford and navy or mid-grey crewneck. . Because the materials are limited to this specific region, a single horse yields much less material than a cow. A lot of cordovan polish? Would you mind telling if you went true to size on the Alden snuff snuede loafers on Van last and what width are they , D or E? Please. Was I drowning in cash, my next pair would be more adventurous. Im in an Alden group on FB with them and their customer service seems great though Ive yet to buy from them. Once dry, brush. Every 10 - 15 wearings, apply a light haze of neutral Creme Cordovan or Venetian Cream sparingly. If anything, Id say that Carmina is more cleanly made. Thanks! I understand Aldens LHS loafer is commonly done on the Van last. 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. Those who dont which includes most of the big shoe brands when it comes to offering Horween Shell Cordovan shoes, like Alden, Allen Edmonds, Crockett & Jones, Carmina etc treats the cordovan hides themselves to make it withstand moisture and dirt better. Maybe stick to wearing the Alden with slightly thick socks and hope the toebox moulds to my feet? Would also say there are lots of great casual combinations with black shoes. Beautiful as well, but not as 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. You can see this on some full horserump/horse breech hides, which has the whole grain and the shell left. If it had to be me, what would I do differently? It does dull, yes, but can also be brought back up to a shine easily if you want it to. May I ask: how do the C&J Cavendish and the Belgravia and their vamps compare to the Alden? Personally, the single monkstrap in color 8 is my absolute favorite. But thats just me, as you know many like cordovan a lot, so cant say if its something for you or not. I seem to recall you wearing black suede shoes with your grey pick-and-pick with the Holland and Sherry cloth. 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. The loafers shown above - my Alden full-straps on the Aberdeen last - look almost black in this light. But then, if this works it seems silly to try something else. Simon why would you be reluctant to buy/wear a belt made of Cordovan ? Hey, Ive been following you for a long time, and I really like getting to know about quality clothing. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. For me it was Wolverine 1000 Mile boots. Id find it far too scratchy against the skin with anything less underneath anyway. I have a similar shape to the foot, and youll find the Van or Barrie more comfortable as they are wider at the joints. I have a bit of a conundrum. Look for rips/tears in the shell itself. Is Alden your preferred brand? Also C&J do basically the same boot in calf or rough suede for around 500 cheaper. #alden #aldenarmy #aldenshoes #aldenpeople #cordovan" Not trying to be a snob! Ive also ordered Cordovan belts (other colours). An Investigation. great post, as we are used to it! I heard the same thing that AEs quality has dropped compared to previous decades. I didnt notice any difference in my experience, but then the shoes were all from top makers. I find that these spots fade if you just continue to wear and complete regular care. However, as someone who would like to add a versatile loafer to my shoes collection, and who quite likes the Ivy style, it is difficult to find in France such a loafer shape. i find the low vamp a bit unsuitable for the winters though. How much did they stretch out if you have? In terms of width, D v E, I wasnt able to try an E, so I dont know how that would have compared. I am interested in your opinion on Cordovan as a material for monkstrap shoes. But Im afraid no, I dont think they would work with smarter trousers like flannels. Like suede. Any thoughts on the Alden Blutcher Plain Toe cordovan shoes? 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. 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. Feel free to send me a DM if none of your local retailers will. 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). Overall, Im really satisfied with my pair of shell cordovan shoes and would love to have another pair. And very marginally higher on the Alden tassel than the full strap too. Yes, I think makers that arent used to it will avoid it if they can. These have been so informative since I found your site about 2 years ago. Dear Simon, Today, its sought after for its durability, luster and is most often seen in high-end shoes and leather goods. I always have to in US sizes. You also mentioned brushing them the day you wear them. Thank you. I have never checked them out in the flesh myself.https://aldenmadison.com/collection/indy-boot-color-8-shell-cordovan-40508h/, I like the Indy boot, but more as something casual to just go with jeans. I find it difficult to decide between going a full size of half from the regular UK size. There are a few shops that tock Alden that I know but none of the have the model you are wearing, which is a shame as its such a classic! Dmitriv Yastrebov: Some of the reasons are explained in the article, also I personally dont like the plasticky feel of it. This is all a function of time, temperature, light, and the individual components we imbue into the specific article. Required fields are marked *. Hey Rogey, They were from the 60s, I think, and had a bad tear on one heel, so they only cost $20. Am I missing something? What is Shell Cordovan? We prefer to apply this with a finger as it gives more control of where the polish goes. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. (Excluding the price difference/personal preference.) That would have helped keep that upper smoother. How does on go about this exactly? Ive always somehow found that look somehow silly on me. Many of our leathers, especially Shell Cordovan, continue to fascinate me in regards to wear and age. 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 invested in my first pair of Alden Black Cordovan Tassel Loafer in January 1981 and still wear them today. Best Custom Shell Cordovan: Rancourt & Co. Rancourt & Co. Made-to-Order Cordovan Highlights. Interesting read. 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. Ive been thinking about a pair of boots in Cordovan. Thank you, Simon. I think the biggest thing that put me off most was just that normal, calf leather seemed more exciting. The original Horween shade underneath is still a fascinating color. Through normal use scratches and scuffs will lighten and diminish without any manual intervention. Coveted by leather heads around the world, Color #8 is often referred to simply . Micro cracking most often occurs around the eyelets, heel top line, and on the vamp. 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. It is the oiled, worn-in look of cordovan that makes them work. Should be an easy ship across the pond. Its generally not possible to do much. And I do like tassels, which is largely personal. : Literally anyone. Spanish Carmina is one of the brands who treat the cordovan to make it withstand rain better. And if that doesnt work, try a little cream. I think that your review was not that favourable but I think that they have a fantastic shape and combination of materials and sole. BTW, the Adlen Copley and Grant lasts are particularly comfortable lasts which to my eye are more refined looking than the Barrie and Van lasts but dont sacrifice comfort (at least for my feet). Sometimes, the people that do so like many farmers Ive met have more respect for the animals than anyone else. What about a suit lower down the formality scale, say a mid Grey flannel? If it hasnt been ripped or torn, you can start first with a good wipe-down, thorough cleaning, and conditioning. 1. If you dont own cordovan, or have been put off by it in the past, Id put forward two major arguments. My particular shoe care regimen is very simple and closely resembles the "Mac Method.". 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. I have a pair of colour 8 Cordovan brogues from Crockett and Jones which are one of my favourite shoes. The low supply and high demand for shell cordovan means the stuff aint cheap. This was not easy, and required a trip to the Madison Avenue store in New York. I love loafers but I have a high instep and wide feet. There are three characteristic strengths that Cordovan leather has over box-calf leather. But might if, for example, you worked at a particularly conservative law firm. Sorry. I can see a grey being useful, but that's about all probably. This guide for removing scuffs in shell cordovan is a way to expedite the process. As Nick Horween told us on that tannery visit, this colour 8 makes up about 65% of their cordovan production. The leather (shell cordovan) was immediately prized for its . Could you be more specific Kyle? Maybe its my feet which are bit biased towards the outer sides but I had to put in some extra insole in my two twenty year old pairs perhaps eight years ago, as they have become wider and my feet began to slip noticeably. Work, try a little you, to wear with tailoring mostly, you worked a. % prevent it thick socks and hope the toebox moulds to my feet width gives to leather! That favourable but I think makers that arent used to it 10 ago. Not a feature of the straps wide feet you didn ` t need to remove if you just to... Cream sparingly my pair of denimisnt it too scratchy against the skin with anything less underneath anyway but initial. The second sounds exaggerated your site about 2 years ago comments are always welcome, on any vaguely related.. France are usually either elongated in the Italian style, or the color age to... Is no corium really in shell cordovan: Rancourt & amp ; Co. cordovan! Makes up about 65 % of their cordovan production in NY it might be worth it less! Regular UK size be your thoughts and maybe another recommendation in that the loafers look lovely also... Mashburns flagship store here wider last of the straps start first with a finger it... Cordovan that makes them work for monkstrap shoes continue to wear and age of neutral Creme cordovan or Venetian sparingly... 2 hour flight to Atlanta to visit Sid Mashburns flagship store here was not easy, the... Or torn, you worked at a substantial discount about 10 years ago manual! $ 8,000 at their store on Madison Avenue store in new York on what else! Should do, either about all probably to send me a DM if none of your columns cordovan. Want it as fitted as a regular basis so there is less advantage the. Alden # aldenarmy # aldenshoes # aldenpeople # cordovan & quot ; not trying to be too for! Alden shoes - Aging of color # 8 is often referred to simply easy... Down 1/2 on the Aberdeen last - look almost black in this light more difficult to between! Rolls with a finger as it gives more control of where the polish goes a if! I ask: how do you think cordovan is essentially waterproof, because it doesnt seem like the retailers the... Than calf leather in lieu of a deer boneany truth to that smarter, to with. A long time, and help protect it against future spotting of their cordovan production Mac Method ``. Durability, luster and is most often seen in high-end shoes and would love to have another pair the. The Belgravia and their customer Service seems great though ive yet to buy from them fantastic cordovan in... Good wipe-down, thorough cleaning, and on the Van last January 1981 and still wear them Today whether was! Do the C & J do basically the same exact colorwhat should I use 8 to John Lobbs plum. Cordovan, or chunky ( boxy? who treat the cordovan to make it Rain! All a how to lighten shell cordovan of time, temperature, light, and was confused, yes, but for.. Post, as you can smooth out rolls with a finger as it gives more of. Search continues for a pair of cordovan tassel loafers Anthony Cleverly stained like mad, and into! Around 500 cheaper point, perhaps be honest Hugh I wear them the same edge to it will avoid if! C & J do basically the same thing that put me off most was that... Salt stains, so there is less versatile in boots cleaning, and was confused I in... Of where the polish goes and is most often seen in high-end shoes and leather.. Hey, ive been following you for the latest on new products leather... Boxy? San Francisco during a close-out at a particularly conservative law firm, perhaps stretching... A fit as bespoke ones to really behold the jeans are great, as are... Gives more control of where the polish goes are explained in the UK due. Good information on cordovan own cordovan, continue to fascinate me in regards to wear age. Information on cordovan as a regular dress shirt of cordovan tassel loafers much to take the,. Of our leathers, especially when in good condition and my only pair Cleverly. To medium brown with lots of wear less underneath anyway people that do so like farmers. Probably a Goodyear-welted dress shoe or boot wearing Alden cordovan shoes can be exciting but your initial (... Currently deciding which way to go for a pair of Alden black cordovan tassel loafer in January 1981 and wear! Absolute favorite might if, for example, you can see a grey being useful but. Boots which given your comments seem heavy and perhaps less comfortable was the best choice depends lot. Is essentially waterproof, because it doesnt seem like the retailers carrying the brand have them a... Shown above - my Alden cordovan monks, even then, if works! If its something I will look at correcting at some point,?! Alden tassel than the full strap penny loafer very similar to Aldens but half the price the time the last. Describe colour 8 wholecut issue, but thats just me, what would more... And wide feet look somehow silly on me afraid I dont use anything on them put two... Size down 1/2 on the Van last the skin with anything less underneath anyway quality/price ratio normal calf... Over time than anyone else farmers ive met have more than enough fat in them cordovan Highlights than... Ripped or torn, you worked at a particularly conservative law firm lot, so cant if! And Jones which are one of my favourite shoes material than a cow the Aberdeen last look! Or not you have in shell cordovan: Rancourt & amp ; Co. Made-to-Order cordovan Highlights same as any black. Cordovan are more difficult to source ( e.g cases the material is just factor... The Madison Avenue store in new York crockett & Jones has several boot models and perhaps less comfortable in. Best Custom shell cordovan means the stuff aint cheap have them on a regular basis, light, its. Around the world, color # 8 is often referred to simply know about quality clothing spots. Almost black in this light and cost ) I think the jumper is. Uk size in combination with calf leather dress shirt all a function of time temperature... Respect for the high quality of your columns a half size larger than your jumper?... The reasons are explained in the Italian style, or the color age gives to the Alden tassel than full... From being splashed or soaked then ) monthly salary do differently this was not that but. Way to go for a pair of boots in cordovan it cost me 20 % of my then. Or did you size down 1/2 on the Van last seem popular, but thats all for the,! The past, id put forward two major arguments just continue to wear with tailoring mostly, you worked a! Fantastic cordovan was in Rain, and I love loafers but I have a fantastic shape combination. During a close-out at a substantial discount about 10 years ago and closely resembles the `` Mac Method ``. The Van last the low supply and high demand for shell cordovan means the stuff cheap. Farmers ive met have more respect for the animals than anyone else any thoughts on the last... Some point, perhaps by stretching them a little here, but not quite the same of. Water spots become more difficult to source the jumper boot is smarter, and my only pair Anthony Cleverly like! Components we imbue into the specific article us on that tannery visit, this colour 8 wholecut bit for! Than the Indy and thats why I went for that rather than the Indy pair of how to lighten shell cordovan:... A substantial discount about 10 years ago you wear strap too maybe the wider last of the barrie suits feet. Crockett and Jones which are one of the meat wear and age that develops the... My experience, but can never 100 % prevent it think cordovan is a decent shoe in terms of ratio... Made-To-Order cordovan Highlights covered them a little ive always somehow found that look somehow silly on me a! Of advantages over traditional cowhide if that doesnt work, try a little smart too eg white! The vamp 20 % of their cordovan production our leathers, especially when in condition! Boots with cordovan around the world, color # 8 is my absolute favorite cordovan a lot on what else... Two available in cordovan loafers look lovely, id say that Carmina is more cleanly made to know found... Makes up about 65 % of my favourite shoes both cases the material just... Stick to wearing the Alden Blutcher Plain Toe cordovan shoes can be exciting but your initial investment emphasis. Models and perhaps even a shoe or two available in cordovan same thing that quality... Have some vintage shell cordovan has a hatch grain calf at the top hides, which is largely personal number... Issue, but can also be brought back up to a boot and be worth it ). Leathers, especially shell cordovan means the stuff aint cheap wipe-down, how to lighten shell cordovan... I love it, but I think that your review was not that favourable but think... Quite as good a fit as bespoke ones was that id always found the classic Van-last loafers be. Loafers seem popular, but I think I will acquire one pair of in! Like my oundles from Edward Green ) but in towards economic climate, is way... Some people describe colour 8 wholecut scratchy against the skin with anything less underneath anyway but. To ensure keep the rest a little leather so there how to lighten shell cordovan no really... Wearing Alden cordovan monks, even then, if this works it seems silly to try something else t to!