I just might get a pair.. they look great with Denim. But the reason Id be less likely to wear a cordovan belt is that it would be so stiff, and I dislike heavy, stiff belts, for example in bridle leather. Most of our ready to wear production goes from size 6UK to 12UK, but if you happen to wear a smaller or larger size, we can definitely help & specially make any pair from our collection for you. How do you find they look against more formal, refined trousers (e.g. These highly skilled processes take at least six months to complete, are unique to Horween Company practices, and what makes Shell Cordovan so well regarded amongst fine leather craftsmen. On very large or very tall men, there might be issues. Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. Thank you Simon, I would be interested to look into that too. 8? But I wouldnt use black cream or polish yet. 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. They simpy cost too much to take the chance, in my view. 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). Ive seen and worn many shoes over the years that were called burgundy, oxblood, or something similar, but I always felt they had nothing to recommend them over black or brown. Yes, normal cream is fine. Shell Cordovan. Both. Lots of details above in the comments sorry, too much to repeat here! I find the punching really stands out nicely on cordovan more than calf or regular steer leather. I dont find cordovan stretches as much as calf, no, but I also dont find calf stretches enough for it to affect my sizing choices. Orders Outside of Europe:Prices shown are now automatically exclusive of VAT. The stacks on the heels Alden uses are of bonded leather which loses form when it gets wet. Shinki Hikaku Shell Cordovan leather comes from Kobe, Japan. But if you like the latter just as much, maybe that works better for you. 2. Out of any leather in the world, it ages very well giving the wearer the perfect amount of patina. Any thoughts on the Alden Blutcher Plain Toe cordovan shoes? I do have dark raw indigo jeans,olive and khaki chinos and real mccoys beige chinos and later would add ecru jeans. The Aberdeen last wasnt available at the time. If you want another recommendation, look at the handful that Crocketts have in cordovan. This was a perfect primer for the unique characteristics of Cordovan. Thats the most important time. Any particular misgivings about Carmina? I prefer the design of the Aldens generally, which is why I would stick with them when I could, over the C&J. Dark Cognac Horween Shell Cordovan NST Boot - Meermin Shoes Shop Men Women Made To Order New Arrivals Gift Card About Get to know Us Stores Lasts Rewards FAQ Gift Card 0 Men Women Made to Order New Arrivals Features Rewards Gift Card FAQ Contact Us Shipping & Returns Stores Login/Register My Cart Your cart is currently empty. Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. However, I would think carefully about the style. 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. Continually pushing the boundaries of high-quality, casual-led footwear; Crown Northampton confidently produces what is now the ultimate handmade in England Dress Sneaker collection. For now, Id recommend going for a more comfortable fit with cordovan, if you have the chance. BTW, Horween has produced very differing shades of colour #8 through the years. I also wanted to buy a boot for myself in Color 8Shell Cordovan and as youve mentioned in this blog post as this boot make style bridges casual and formal. Accommodates single folded cash and many cards. I dont think they stock color #8, but usually have whisky and dark brown, which is a little different from Aldens Cigar brown. How would you compare Alden & Edward Greens Greenwich in Cordovan burgundy? A grain Piccadilly can still fit with a pair of denimisnt it? Shell cordovan leather comes from the fibrous membrane beneath the rump of the horsehide. This email was sent April 11, 2023 3:44pm Certainly compared to Europe as a whole. The oils make that easier, and even deep scratches can be worked out with a bone or similar. Great read and nice pictures as always. The answer is no, but there are a few exceptions. Hi Simon ! And it is expensive from the US, with Trumps latest tax on leather-soled shoes from the US making Alden etc even more expensive. Sorry. But I suppose I should reconsider those options if I really want that flexibility. Very well worn. These Alden on the Aberdeen last are size 9 US, so roughly 8 UK, D width. One of the reasons I find Color 8 so unique is that I havent found any other red or green hued colour of loafer that is anywhere near as classic or versatile, Many thanks as ever, seems a shame theres not something in that niche a bit closer to home when you think about the additional resource that would have to go into shipping them over! Definitely my favorite shoes. Both were in a burgundy. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. boots better. You make a very good case of cordovan loafers with dark denim . Slow vegetable tanned in pits where each shell is slowly steeped in gentle vegetable liquors, then shells are hot stuffed then slicked onto glass frames to dry. Crocodile is my favourite but can be fiercely expensive.but I dont feel the need to tell people when wearing them !!! Introducing our new Jumper Boot in the rare Dark Cognac Horween Shell Cordovan. Brush of dust and buff them, and youre done in 99% of cases. I guess it might be your feet, but then again I havent worn mine for 12 years either. I think it depends what you want out of the denim shirt. Finally, even scratches and nicks can be rubbed out to an extent, with the help of a deer bone (shown above, at Ludwig Reiter). Simon Crompton Im in an Alden group on FB with them and their customer service seems great though Ive yet to buy from them. Original Price USD 145.00 I have a similar shape to the foot, and youll find the Van or Barrie more comfortable as they are wider at the joints. It also added a layer of love visiting the Horween tannery in Chicago last year (shown below). Ill have to check some of the online guides further. All final purchase prices include delivery duty paid (DDP). Sole: High Quality Leather, Sanded and Buffed See upgradable sole options. Ive only noticed a very slight squeaking, but I have to say it hasnt decreased over time Im afraid. Gabucci in Sweden sells Alden and while it seems like their stock is running low, they at least still have tassels on the Aberdeen last in col 8. Hi Simon, I think the classic penny from Alden is on the Van last, not Barrie. Never had this with any other leather soled / heeled shoe. I really like the longevity of cordovan for shoes I will wear a lot. The double sole on my two Derbies (#8 & Whiskey) wore through as fast as shoes with single Rendenbach sole (I walk a lot). . It is then expertly tanned, stuffed, shaved and polished by hand to reveal the distinctive glossy signature finish that Shell Cordovan displays. The problem is I have no chance to try on Aldens in a shop where I live. Drakes also has different permutations. The Ultraflex System is our newest take on the Goodyear Welt construction A whole new system developed from scratch where Quality & Style meet real Comfort. Horween Shell Cordovan - the finest leather in the world Fully lined with tan cowhide Vibram 430 mini-lug outsole - highly durable Natural leather midsole with storm welt Antique brass eyelets Braided waxed boot laces Blake Welt Stitch Construction Made in Maine, USA Details Return Policy Last: 115 Write a Review 4.8 Based on 4 reviews 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. For me it was Wolverine 1000 Mile boots.Others undoubtedly picked up Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.Whatever yours was, it probably wasn't made from shell cordovan leather. I see youve mentioned they werent perfectly comfortable from the beginning. I feel like it would look good with charcoal (and probably other greys as well). I am really surprised about the off the box fit- I have the same model in suede and it wasnt as good at first, but here I have no noticeable pressure points after using them for some hours around the house. Obviously, they have both been resoled. Appreciated your recommendation and I will go for a brown leather/box calf loafer. Great look. Dark Cognac Horween Shell Cordovan Single Pass NATO, leather watch strap, Handmade CBailLeather (53) $104.00 FREE shipping More colors Full Horween Shell Cordovan Airtag and Moneyclip Wallet With Optional Key Fob Airtag Holder Avaiable In Multiple Colors Handmade in the USA LoFiLeathercraft (32) $25.00 FREE shipping On the waviness, are you keeping shoe trees in them after wear? I tried to capture in the pictures that the toe looks a little fuller on the dark cognac pair, but it's also quite similar to the cognac calf pair (which is 10D). You mention here, Simon, that you can remove certain scratches by brushing and buffing. The other common objection to cordovan is that its stiff, and takes a long time to wear in. Whats the verdict on the jumper boots? But, cordovan doesnt get those salt stains, so there is less advantage in the rubber. But then I am biased as I really like Vass. Fair enough, thanks! You will not be able to checkout on this store. (Excluding the price difference/personal preference.) Color. I would also concur that the break-in period is about on par with non-cord shoes. Thanks for your response. Do you think these in Dark Cognac cordovan would work with something like grey flannels as the top end of the formality scale? Thank you! Im not. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Pardon my ignorance, but is there a historic and/or cultural basis for favoring of burgundy / number 8 shoes in the United States? i find the low vamp a bit unsuitable for the winters though. Been thinking about getting them from gabucci for a while now. It is 100% vegetable-tanned. 1. Love it! Wheel Robe x Leather Healer 5-inch Cap Toe Boots Dark Cognac Horween Shell Cordovan - Worn once, like new condition Collaboration between: - Wheel Robe (Japan) - Leather Healer (Hong Kong) Special order - not available through Wheel Robe's RTW collection Original retail price: HK$8800 (~US$1134) Size: UK 8E / US 8.5-9 Heel: Leather Base and Half Inch Airborne Rubber Heel. Thank you! Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. Id stick with the bigger size and try a half insole or tongue pad. Hi Simon, 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? I suspect not, but I am trying to ascertain whether I would be loosing alot by choosing cordovan rather than suede, or whether its best to stick with suede for this essential item. 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. 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. All shells undergo very specific steps during its tanning & production that make this leather so good. I find this to be true. Sale Price USD 69.70 Also, when I measure my feet with the Brannock device, they are UK10 which was very odd as this is nowhere near my usual size. Hi simon are you saying that c8 is thr most versatile color given it can do both brown and black looks? Im unsure if I should size up have a size or go with a 7.5. Thanks, Simon. Youre just more likely to remember to do it after youve worn them. It is an extremely durable, naturally water-resistant leatherwith a glossy, mirror-like finish. No, this was a slimmer prototype I was trying. Whether its more casual than cordovan, well the material alone is probably more casual, but cordovan tends to be made into more casual shoes. I used to feel the same way about suede as you once did about cordovan. Feel free to send me a DM if none of your local retailers will. many thanks and keep up the excellent work with the blog. No I think youre right Paul, there is only a very small difference there and it will look fine. Strap Length. They just dont go with the style of trousers I wear. I dont need it for comfort, and I suspect it would make my heel slip out a little, Thank you for your reply I greatly appreciate that you took the time to answer my question on this old thread! I have covered them a little here, but thats all for the moment, I order this up for clients all the time. They are a little more showy than a loafer without tassels, but thats about it. However, Alden also put an extra coat on their cordovan when they receive it, making their colour 8 slightly darker and deeper. ShellCordovan is equine leather made from the fibrous, flat connective tissue found in the rump area of the horse. I also wanted to buy a boot for myself in Color 8Shell Cordovan and as youve mentioned in this blog post as this boot make style bridges casual and formal. What shoes should I wear with brown trousers? Original Price USD 145.00 Original Price USD 82.00 When looking at potential alternatives to No.8 that are UK based, do you have a view on EGs nightshade and burgundy options? They are well known for their attention to detail, beautiful hides and rich colors. Maybe Alden uses JR soles as well but, even then, there does not appear to be any advantage to Alden. You need heat and pressure to do that, and the fat helps. Vintage brown, darker than ravello but lighter than cigar. Thank you. Thoughts on grained cordovan? The thin, durable leather makes it a pleasure to wear on the wrist any month of the year. Hand Edge Burnished. interesting, the colour 8 in that drakes photo is more red/burgundy than your colour 8 full strap above. Simon why would you be reluctant to buy/wear a belt made of Cordovan ? In the US, at least, and speaking solely about each companys cordovan offer, their pricing is very similar. Their lasts are generally pretty wide and accommodating. Personally, the single monkstrap in color 8 is my absolute favorite. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. Dark Cognac Shell Cordovan. This might have been a touch too slim in the leg particularly after a few washes, which they hadnt had at this stage. More unusual shades among the regulars from left to right (excluding the last Chromexcel specimen): Dark Cognac. Hey, Ive been following you for a long time, and I really like getting to know about quality clothing. very interesting article, as always. 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