Is cordovan all that? - Page 3

So, what would you recommend conditioning it with?

Cordovan is great.

I just attempted to purchase my first shell cordovans at the BB sale. They are the Alden perforated captoes and I got them for $483.75.

However, they are going back today. I think they are ugly and the last sticks out way too far on the shoe. In addition, they are wider than my C&J and my Ferragamos that I usually wear and just look "ole English".

Anyway, if you are interested and are a size 12...

Maybe on another last I would like them better.

That being said, is cordovan burgundy acceptable to wear evenings? I only have two pairs of black shoes which limits my after 5 wear. Every time I almost buy a black shoe, the brown or tan is so much better looking than the black.

So, can anyone answer the question if the burgundy cordovans are acceptable, that way I can get something more versatile than a black shoe. Also, the cheap-looking sheen on the Alden cordovans in black is not my cup of tea.

Lexol, boot oil and snoseal. That's what I use on all my smooth leathers depending on what environments the leather is getting exposed to. There's a ton of similar products under various names. Pick your poison and use it on a regular basis.

I have a pair. I really like them. Agree that they look good on a boot (mine are chukkas) but I think they are somewhat overrated. I am not likely to need or buy another pair unless something in particular strikes me. I have never been a big fan of using them on wingtips as seems to be all the rage. They are nice for the rain and nasty stuff but I actually find they require just as much upkeep as anything else. That stiff brush stuff is nonsense - they need a proper shine just like anything else.

I did get it, thanks. A new element in the general lexicon.

And a peculiar fantasy, written by someone I'd wager has never touched a real live woman.

So... thanks for sharing.

Note sure what you mean by "boot oil," but in general I'd avoid oil of any sort on shoes you want to take a shine.

Saphir Renovateur always works, of course.

If I wear one shoe on a trip lasting several days and that requires a lot of walking, then it's a pair of shells. They are low maintenance and can take a beating.

I think n. 8 cordovan looks fine at night. In fact dark burgundy is the most versatile shoe colour.

Boot oil as in Filson boot oil which is specifically made for vegetable tanned leather. It replaces the oils that degrade/evaporate that eventually leads to dry or dry rotted leather. You wipe it on, let it soak for a few minutes and then wipe off the excess. In a few days you can wax the leather and shine 'em up. I'm much more concerned with making sure the leather is properly treated than I am about anything else. I've seen way to many nice leather goods meeting an early demise because of poor maintenance or by popular leather myths.

Hmm. The vast majority of even the highest quality dress shoes are NOT made with vegetable tanned leather (aside from the inner lining). I like the look of vegetable tanned leather on bags and briefcases, but it's not meant to hold a shine on dress shoes.

Thanks for the offer Patek but I'm a 8.5 or 9! $485 seems pretty cheap so I may swing by BB. The plain CTBs are on the Aberdeen last IIRC, not sure about yours. I thought it looked good when I last saw them but horses for courses.

This is true, however I don't think you can get the stuff they use for chrome tanning and I personally don't feel like dealing with highly toxic chemicals in any case. No matter how it's tanned you still have to condition the leather if you want it to last. Wax won't cut it. it's just a surface treatment.

Do tell!.........Alden on sale through Alden Store or through Shoe Mart or elsewhere? And what season typically?

I'll need to keep my eyes peeled

I don't mean to derail the thread, but the previously mentioned (and non-toxic) leather conditioners (Lexol, Renovateur, Allen-Edmonds etc) will keep calfskin and shell nourished without compromising their ability to take a shine. Oils are for oil-tanned leathers only.