A Short Shell Cordovan Sob Story, or Why Calfskin is About to Make a Comeback in My Closet!

So this year, back in February, I decided to break out a pair of Whiskey shell cordovan loafers as I needed a nice shoe to travel with that was versatile. Prior to this they were not worn but for a handful of times however, during my trip I found I enjoyed them so much that thereafter I gave them top billing in the rotation and wore them regularly for the past six months.

One of the things I noticed, aside from the supreme comfort of supple unlined shell loafers, was that my feet perspired much more than in any other pair of shoes I have worn. But I did not think much of it, until today.

Today I noticed a hard spot in the soles of the right shoe and upon inspection I discovered that the insole was not only severely discolored, but had a severe crack at the hard spot as well!

So, I think it is clear that this 700 odd dollar pair of shoes is not long for this world. Add this to a past experience of mine whereby simple rainwater completely and permanently ruined the lovely finish of a black PTB of mine (different maker) and I am beginning to seriously question whether or not it makes sense to buy shell shoes any longer.

The fact that my other shell shoes and boots have performed well and not exhibited the breathability or extreme water sensitivity of their fallen bretheren is nice. But come on, two failures out of say a dozen pair of high end, modern shell shoes does not instill confidence.

/Rant

Your insole is not made of cordovan. Wear socks.

Can you not just have the insole replaced? Would having them recrafted include that?



Sanguis Mortuum said:

Can you not just have the insole replaced? Would having them recrafted include that?

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Sounds like a costly job, if possible. I am going to look into the option but would hate to go through the whole routine in another six months.

What is more bothersome is that the myth of shell shoes being so tough as to be nigh indestructable, helping them command such a premium in the market, for me, that illusion has been soundly put to bed.



greekgeek said:

Sounds like a costly job, if possible. I am going to look into the option but would hate to go through the whole routine in another six months.

What is more bothersome is that the myth of shell shoes being so tough as to be nigh indestructable, helping them command such a premium in the market, for me, that illusion has been soundly put to bed.

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What are you talking about? Is your shell fine? Is it the insole that has an issue, as you've said? Or is it the cordovan? My cordovan shoes have zero issues. If you have an insole issue, wear socks, as I've suggested, you ******* cave man.

Guys! I got my car's body paneling made out of shell, but when I run the RPMs way past the redline, I still have problems with the engine? Isn't shell supposed to be indestructible?

Unless your insole is made of shell it really isn't a shell issue.

Since you said that this has not happened on your other shell shoes then the problem is definitely badly made insole - which would have happened be the shoe shell or calf, right?



JamesX said:

Unless your insole is made of shell it really isn't a shell issue.

Since you said that this has not happened on your other shell shoes then the problem is definitely badly made insole - which would have happened be the shoe shell or calf, right?

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+1. I never wear socks and my shells have never had this, or any other issue. Seems like a problem with the shoe. If you bought retail at $700 surely you can inquire about the issue with the manufacturer.



bourbonbasted said:

+1. I never wear socks and my shells have never had this, or any other issue. Seems like a problem with the shoe. If you bought retail at $700 surely you can inquire about the issue with the manufacturer.

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I think that wear on the insole can also be an issue with fit. If the foot is moving back and forth on the insole as he walks then it may wear.



Jay Gatsby said:

Your insole is not made of cordovan. Wear socks.

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This.

You guys are nuts. Shell doesn't breathe well and the moisture is causing issues inside of the shoe BECAUSE shell doesn't breathe well. Socks may not help at all. Cats need ESL class.



Mr. Moo said:

You guys are nuts. Shell doesn't breathe well and the moisture is causing issues inside of the shoe BECAUSE shell doesn't breathe well. Socks may not help at all. Cats need ESL class.

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I think this has just turned into the 'People who can't afford shell cordovan ***** session' thread.

Jay Gatsby said:

Mr. Moo said:

You guys are nuts. Shell doesn't breathe well and the moisture is causing issues inside of the shoe BECAUSE shell doesn't breathe well. Socks may not help at all. Cats need ESL class.

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I think this has just turned into the 'People who can't afford shell cordovan ***** session' thread.

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I've sold more shell than you've browsed on Leffot and LeatherSoul, b.



Mr. Moo said:

I've sold more shell than you've browsed on Leffot and LeatherSoul, b.

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'Shell' is your code word for your mother's ******?

Actually, we don't know whether or not the problems with the insole are due to the shell not breathing.

But it is a possibility.

And I suspect it would be exasperated by not wearing socks.