I think you have one in suede. I wasnt much aware of these differences in material. Yes! And what color socks would you wear? I have wanted a pair of cordovan tassel loafers for decades. I was hoping to get the benefit of your advise. . Im normally an 8.5 in UK shoes, and I went for a 9.5 in the Barrie. 160 likes, 20 comments - Lucas (@bootphd) on Instagram: ""Shell-o, it's me" -Adele (kinda) : @vibergboot 2030 service boot in @horweenleathe." Lucas on Instagram: ""Shell-o, it's me" -Adele (kinda) : @vibergboot 2030 service boot in @horweenleather dark cognac shell cordovan : @pure_blue_japan x @okayamadenim 18oz. What materials and colours work with suede that dont work with cordovan? How much did they stretch out if you have? Eyelets: Antique Brass. Thanks! (Excluding the price difference/personal preference.) Sure, though to be honest I dont think theres anything to how to wear them. But whether it was the best choice depends a lot on what you else you wear? many thanks and keep up the excellent work with the blog. Currently at 260, I feel like I cant really beat AEs quality at this price point. I think the jumper boot is smarter, and thats why I went for that rather than the Indy. It benefits hugely from brushing, and from buffing (rubbing). The regular penny is widely stocked, at Trunk and Clutch for example. Thanks, Simon. I always have to in US sizes. Original Price USD 140.00 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. What strap did you pair with the Merci watch? Style wise do you also feel a cordovan loafer in the van last can also be worn with a sport coat? All shells undergo very specific steps during its tanning & production that make this leather so good. Not trying to be a snob! Its so tough and a real pain. 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. PRODUCT SPECS * Article: Classic Shell Cordovan * Tannery: Rocado (Italy) * Tannage: Vegetable Tanned * Full Grain: Yes * Finish: Full Aniline *. A fast brush will not only remove dirt, but the friction will build up heat that brings back oils and shine to the leather. Read our Cookie Policy. Simon, Production of boots takes 4 to 6 weeks for completion plus 3 to 5 . Much appreciated. Many thanks again in advance for your clarification. - Worldwide Footwear Orders- INCLUDED IN PRICE, -UK Care Product & Accessory orders up to 150- 10, - Rest Of The World Care Product & Accessory orders up to 150- 30, - All Footwear orders excluding Stitchdown Collection- UP TO 9 WEEKS, - Stitchdown Collection Orders- UP TO 12 WEEKS, - Gift Vouchers, Care Product & Accessory orders- UP TO 2 WEEKS, For Further Information Please Visit OurShipping Page. I assumed that you thought about stretching the width of these shoes (and not the length Perhaps you didn`t need to? Chili is the same color as Garnet. Please. That occurs on my Alden cordovan monks, even though I dont use anything on them. Are the Alden versions sufficiently versatile to wear with flannel, cords, and cavalry twill, maybe with an appropriate sports coat? Hi Simon I am deciding between Black or Burgendy (not colour 8) cordovan loafers. Once the sole is fitted the shoe will have its complete form. Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! 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? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ive had my Alden/Brooks tassels in #8 for more than ten years now, resoled probably three or four times. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. As it isnt a skin, it doesnt have a top layer, and so can look almost shadowy, with colours floating beneath the surface. 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. Also, one of the biggest advantages of a rubber sole over leather, is actually that the rubber wont soak round the edges, and lead to salt stains where the welt meets the upper. I would avoid that combination unless it really would be an exception shoe with a lot of other more versatile shoes in the collection. Shell Cordovan is truly rare and unique material. Sorry. Im not surprised that the Aberdeen last has caused you more discomfort than the Barrie, it is not nearly as forgiving. And why specifically deer bone? But I still dont quite understand your preference for Alden over Carmina on quality/value grounds. The full strap I think. Thanks. like Weston. (15% off), Keep collections to yourself or inspire other shoppers! Topped with a soft, full natural veg tan leather lining throughout and french bound stitching around the outer edges. But the point is not just putting fat/oil on. When Trump retaliated against the high Common External Tariffs (e.g. You make a compelling case. Do you send them back to Aldens factory in the US or do you use a local service? Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. If anything, Id say that Carmina is more cleanly made. Yes Id love to get down to Atlanta. Before it bloom, yes its pretty easy to take care of it, once it starts to bloom takes too much time after a downpour vs. calf. I live in topsiders during the summer months and these also seem to have strong ties to the Northeastern United States. I wouldnt wear that style with anything remotely smart. Coveted for its beautiful sheen and durability, this horse-based material it's usually considered leather, but we'll discuss why some folks don't put it in that category has a massive cult following and commands a high price tag. Simon's books and product collaborations are available to buy through the Permanent Style shop. Great read and nice pictures as always. Thanks Simon, that is a very important point you make and something Ill need to research, while my mind is still conflicted, that would be the starting point. Thank you! Hi Simon, do you have any recommendations as to where I would be able to get my hands on low vamp alden loafers in the UK? These have been so informative since I found your site about 2 years ago. We recommend checking our Lasts page for a more detailed description of each of the lasts we currently have in production. Please do not wear black shoes with jeans. Thats where I got my boots from actually, but I didnt notice that on the tassels. Did Trump tax exports of leather soled shoes? Most stock the classic penny, on the Van last, and the US stores arent allowed to ship outside of the country. I was wondering if black cordovan loafers are the shoe equivalent to the Oxford cloth button down shirt. Thank you. But from what you write here about comfort and opting for the larger size (if in doubt) I figure that I ought to go for the size 8,5/ E rather than trying my luck on a pair in size 8,5 D ? As a long time fan of both Alden and Cordovan, Im glad to see youre a convert. 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? One of the biggest such sites in the world, it receives up to 500,000 page views a month. It does vary, and it will darken as you wear them too. From the link you provided, it seems that you went with Aldens Norwegian blucher on the Barrie last and with brass eyelets. The purple/black colour is dark enough to go with lots of materials and styles of trousers, from denim to flannels. Theres so much oil in there already, and you risk getting white lines in the creases. Cordovan is a rich shade of burgundy and a dark shade of rose. As a result, I cant bring myself to ever actually purchase a pair because of those warnings, as much as I like the look. Badalassi wax added in a dark brown my all time favourite leather and a nice chestnut buttero in slim style . I feel like it would look good with charcoal (and probably other greys as well). Color. USD 112.00, USD 140.00 A jean with a leg that slim looks silly with a normal Alden loafer on the bottom. Thanks Simon! Only really for weather resistance and on the flip side, you get that different shine with calf, Hello Simon, Ive just taken the plunge and bought a pair of Alden Longwing Bluchers in Colour 8 and theyre every bit as lovely as you and others have led me to expect. All things being equal/subjective; would I look nicer in Shell Cordovan; or a regular leather dress boot? I have seen that, and it does look like a nice colour. Then begin with just a little bit of black polish, perhaps around the toe or heel. Original Price 93.97 Thanks so much and take care! BOOTS IN SHELL CORDOVAN DARK ARMAGNAC 1000$ Free shipping Size UK: add to bag 4 interest-free payments of $250.00. The leathers do vary between pairs Time left: 3d 5h | Current bid: GBP 399.00 [ 1 bid] Approximately US $497.41. , I think you might find cordovan more satisfying Brian, and easier to wear with jeans and slacks too, Thank you Simon. Finally, even scratches and nicks can be rubbed out to an extent, with the help of a deer bone (shown above, at Ludwig Reiter). Hi simon i believe the full strap pictured above is in the aberdeen last? I dont think you should try and match too closely Neil see post here. Hi Simon, As there is no chance to try on any of these shoes in calf, I thought I ask here Thanks in advance! Yes, I think thats partly the photography. Thats the most important time. Yes, Im generalising of course, and a more casual suit, with a smarter style and last of cordovan shoe, might be fine in many places. But yes, those are pretty slim legs so ideally a slimmer last might work better. Because cordovan is shiny - it has a natural shine, and one that comes quickly back with buffing - it should be rather smart. Perhaps that loafers look different on different bodytypes. Alden seem to have a large love-hate following online which has so far made me steer clear of them (even though I really like the darker shade of their col 8), but Ive been looking to purchase a pair of cordovan loafers a while now myself. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. I also have Kirby Allisons cordovan care kit (complete with deer bone) which comes in handy to smooth the ripples a bit. Is this ill advised for a first loafer? Learn More CUSTOMISE AND CREATE YOUR OWN CORDOVAN WORK BOOTS 80791 OSCAR 1000$ size UK add to bag Free shipping LEARN MORE Easy returns LEARN MORE Hand made in Mallorca Bought together normally . I can see why youd say that, but I havent found it to be so. Do they stretch after the break in period? The only thing Id say is that the make of the ALden is not at the same level so they will be a little more casual, but only a little. I like the style generally (sort of a dressed-up Doc Martin for the urban professional), and I assume you wear them with denim, which is a nice look (although I think the images above are actually from an article you did on similar Kaan shoes, correct?). Fitted with our robust studded rubber sole. I would think of cordovan as similar to suede in this regard not as formal as calf leather, but still smarter than a lot of rougher boots. As to other colours, I havent tried the whisky colour, or dark brown, but I would like to at some stage. It doesnt make much difference whether you brush shoes the same day or the next day. Quality Goodyear Welted footwear, made to last at a radical price. Yes, Id say Alden is my preferred brand, though theres some discussion about pluses and minuses of them in the comments above. I went to my local shops selling alden loafers and the cordovan loafers look more purple/significantly less dark than any of the cordovan shoes in your pictures above Our largest capacity wallet. And I do like tassels, which is largely personal. The dark cognac pair feels a little fuller throughout than the #60 pair. Cordovan is, generally, easier to look after than calf. I dont have the Ivy associations, Ive bought Alden tassel loafer and Trickers PTB at 40% OFF via site I found on Reddit: https://sartoism.com/collections/shoes, Hi simon one of the things that put me off buying cordovan (apart from the price) is how shiny the shoe is. I am considering buying a pair of cordovan loafer, but I am not sure, which to go for. blue shirt, khaki chinos, cordovan loafers Production Notes Made in USA Machine Sewn #5 YKK Excella Zipper Horween Cordovan Pull-Tab Dark Cognac Horween Shell Cordovan Dimensions 4.125 3.25 0.5 Thank you! There was nothing wrong with them (although they were a bit stiffer than calf) but, for the price, they were just a bit underwhelming and I occasionally felt the need to tell people they were Cordovan. Indeed, some readers thought they were black, when they saw the recent checks post that featured them. Im a little particular about a belt being similar i colour to the shoe colour. Alden Cigar Shell Cordovan Wallet. 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