Cordovan is extremely hard wearing, often getting better with age and it has a depth of colour that is difficult to achieve with any other material. What about a suit lower down the formality scale, say a mid Grey flannel? I got it, the best way to learn whether it for you or not is to actually test it by yourself Too little product and you just need to catch up with the next conditioning session. 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. Ashland Leather Co. 6.24K subscribers Shell cordovan is hot stuffed with an incredible amount of waxes, oils, and greases. Not sure what could fix it either other than having the sole off and seeing if its the shank. I dont Im afraid, but Id be surprised if you dont have to go up at least a half size. It seems both are in fact lower maintenance than calf leather. Yes, water spotting is common with shell cordovan. Because shell cordovan reacts differently to lotions and other forms of leather care, it requires shell cordovan-specific care products. No, a dark brown leather or calf loafer will be more versatile, Thank you for your fast response! The big appeal for me is its toughness and waterproof properties, as you note. Indeed, some readers thought they were black, when they saw, The colour is particularly appealing too. I can see a grey being useful, but that's about all probably. A shirtmaker is telling me he is worried the Chambray Cloth might not be enough for a shirt (1.1 x 2.5m). My father and grandfather owned many pairs and Aldens wingtips and tassel loafers are a tradition amongst us here in New England. The production of Horween's Genuine Shell . Yes I think those Vass would have been good had they been the correct size. Simon, you mention your black cordovan loafer from E. Green and your relative lack of enthusiasm for it when compared with color 8. Mine have all been within the past 4-5 years. Fit is great, love the colour obviously, and the last isnt as round as I thought it might be. This is not intended to be a dressy shoe, so the brass eyelets fitted well. 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? 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! Whether its more casual than cordovan, well the material alone is probably more casual, but cordovan tends to be made into more casual shoes. 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. Thank you. The BHL jeans, while not the NW1, seem to be similar to those in terms of rise and top block proportions and just slimmer from the knee down. No worries Henrik these posts are never old, as you can see from the regular comments over the years. Simon, it is a great post. Unlined with some decorative stitching. It gets compliments often. Well, Shoegazing is here to serve you. Shell cordovan is a loved material by many, with its special characteristics and durability. Gabucci in Sweden has the tassel loafer, which is my second-favourite Alden loafer. But then I am biased as I really like Vass. 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. Should be an easy ship across the pond. Crockett & Jones Harvard loafers: Review, Shoes in wet weather: The best ways to prevent rain damage, https://www.drakes.com/usa/shoes/alden-for-drake-s-burgundy-color-8-cordovan-commando-sole-chukka-boot, https://aldenmadison.com/collection/indy-boot-color-8-shell-cordovan-40508h/, https://thearmoury.com/products/hudson-tassel-loafer?variant=32131236102215, https://dieworkwear.com/2018/09/06/the-sophisticated-black-tassel/, https://www.paraboot.com/en/men/boat-shoes/barthmarine-marron-america, https://www.brogueshop.com/collections/shell-cordovan-1/products/alden-x-brogue-ruby-hill-boot-1, https://thearmoury.com/products/the-armoury-by-nigel-cabourn-5-pocket-denim-jeans?variant=17728986677319, https://therealmccoys.com/collections/bottoms/products/001xx-washed, this article on shoes with brown trousers. I would also concur that the break-in period is about on par with non-cord shoes. Where is it from? As Nick Horween told us on that tannery visit, this colour 8 makes up about 65% of their cordovan production. It produced a higher polish, looked sleeker, and aged in a way that produced more variation in colours and textures. Whats the best approach? They also offer a greater range of widths than most makers. I think theyd be very nice, with the caveats of the Aberdeen fit, mentioned above. they are easy to take care of and Alden refurbishment is well worth it. Reach out to Ealdwine in Raleigh NC USA. 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. One of the biggest such sites in the world, it receives up to 500,000 page views a month. Thank you. Personally, the single monkstrap in color 8 is my absolute favorite. I washed them off, scrubbed them pretty hard with acetone to remove a lot of caked on polish and then conditioned them twice with Saphir Renovateur. We use traditional techniques to make beautiful, useful and nearly indestructible leather products. Ensure its the correct sizing. Interested to hear any thoughts (from you or anyone), I wouldnt wear a cordovan belt probably, but I have a wonderful cordovan notebook, which has aged very well (here) and I like the T-style wallet in cordovan too. What are the plusses and minuses? do you think the full strap in calf is easier to wear in and adapts faster? Theyre also a bit smaller in the waist, but thats a fit thing, not a style one, 2. 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. They have a full leather lining. Picture: PatrickBOOTH / StyleForum. Viberg Color 8 Shell Cordovan Service Boot via Viberg. Then, lightly dab & swirl stiff waxes, buffing a single droplet of water across the surface, will bring out the highest reflective shine. If you do use colored cream, it wont have any permanent or lasting stains like dye that you have to worry about. Most farmers have much greater respect for animals than non-farmers. 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. I rarely wear them with a suit they are not especially sleek or fashionable. Privacy Policy. I think its up to him. Someone made this comment above Alex. Im looking forward to stopping by! Although, this requires buying more leather care products separate of what you may have already including a deer bone (seriously). Many thanks, 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. Ah, I see. As many Americans of my generation did (and still do) we wore tassel loafers with pin and chalk stripe suits in classic corporate settings. First of all, cordovan is a rather stiff and thick material, it's not as flexible and pliable as most calf leathers which is most common to use for quality shoes. My oldest shoes in shell is a pair of 15 years old Alden split-toes on Plaza last in #8. I havent tried it David, no. I live in topsiders during the summer months and these also seem to have strong ties to the Northeastern United States. Trumps protectionism was focused on imposing and raising tariffs. How would you compare no 8 to John Lobbs museum plum color? They were nice and Id always wanted a pair but like most things, the wanting was better than the having. Hi Jesper. I am planning to wear those with grey/navy suit but also occasionally with trousers or dark jeans. It was a great decision in that the loafers look lovely. The second is that I was directly told that because the leather is thicker, they make your feet sweat more, especially if you already have that tendency. Interesting article Simon. For more information, please see our Of course, there is also the much broader point that killing animals to use their meat or skin doesnt mean you dont respect them. 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. 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. I ask because I have a lovely pair of Alden boots on the Grant last, perfect fit. Allow to dry using the method above . As to belt, I wear a dark-brown leather most of the time, or even a black if its a smarter shoe/look. But if you find you have some scratches that you want to remove immediately, and if the. Hi simon thanks. The Stitchdown Premium Discord live-chat is waiting for you. 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. Spanish Carmina is one of the brands who treat the cordovan to make it withstand rain better. 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. I dont really ever try to match shoes.and belts it risks looking too affected and matchy. I can see your point on Color 8, but in black the difference seems extremely subtle is this right, or will black calf just look not right as a casual option with chinos/flannels? i find the low vamp a bit unsuitable for the winters though. Any plans on covering EB loafers (particularly their cordovan)? The pores are much smaller than other leathers which give the leather a smoother finish and a more brilliant luster. Alden is certainly better, from what Ive seen, but its hard to put a number on how much. Just re-read this, I do have to get myself a pair of these! Have you seen this article on shoes with brown trousers? 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. 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. It makes Donald Trump look like a liberal free trader! What does the deer bone (purportedly) add to this? Who should do this instead of me next time? Not so sure about navy What are your thoughts? I purchased a pair of Alden shell loafers that are just a tiny bit tight. No I didnt have that issue with this Trunk one. Im normally an 8.5 in UK shoes, and I went for a 9.5 in the Barrie. I think its unlikely theyll stretch. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. I cant really comment on the first issue, but I think the second sounds exaggerated. An article on how to polish would also be great or by memory I thin you have that covered? Apologies if I might be slightly off-topic, but I couldnt find anywhere more relevant to ask you this question. Im curious to see how their loafers for example, compare to those by aldens. Never been big on even smart chukkas or chelseas either unfortunately, especially because the Canadian west coast is a relentless sea of Blundstones. Tried half size down to 7.5 and it was quite snug fit with a little tight in the forefoot. Do you send them back to Aldens factory in the US or do you use a local service? 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. Ive used Reship a couple of times before. Given your helpful thoughts; Ill go w/ the Cordovan. But perhaps because I carry on using cream now and again. Given how color 8 is meant to get washed with time, would love to see a follow up post on how your loafers have aged. Not pretty. I find that these spots fade if you just continue to wear and complete regular care. You also mentioned brushing them the day you wear them. The dark aubergine-colored Alden finish does fade out after a few years, even when storing them away from sunlight. Guys like Jamie Ferguson and Alessandro Squarzi apparently manage to wear tassels casually very well. 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