The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[NAMOR]



That's pretty good, namor

you in Reno? saw the reference to truckee river

 

[jerrybrowne]



trickers shell mogano longwing boot

Very nice.

 

[VRaivio]



Here are the norvegese welted meermins that I mentioned the other day that I am wearing today. The creases fill with bloom/pullup constantly.

...and this is why cordovan wasn't widely used for smart/dress/chiseled shoes back in the golden days of classic clothing. The shell ripples may get very deep, moisture will raise bumps, and the white bloom isn't a pretty sight. Shell is still best for work boots, casual boots and plaintoe derbies for these reasons. Off-duty, none of these shell cons is too troubling.

 

[jcman311]

Totally agree. I dont get black shell shoes. Seems weird to me in the way that black is relegated to dress duty. Anyway, my business environment is mostly warehouse duty so the boots fit in great. Today I am wearing some AE brown shell Strands with jeans.

 

[NAMOR]

Vass Valway

 

[JUAN MANUEL]



...and this is why cordovan wasn't widely used for smart/dress/chiseled shoes back in the golden days of classic clothing. The shell ripples may get very deep, moisture will raise bumps, and the white bloom isn't a pretty sight. Shell is still best for work boots, casual boots and plaintoe derbies for these reasons. Off-duty, none of these shell cons is too troubling.

Thanks for the post. Makes perfect sense.

My first days with my Chruch's Grafton in Crup I had some mixed feelings (too heavy, too thick, uneven colour), then (after 3 rainy days in Sao Paulo) the ripples and white bloom appear and I almost colapsed. But with constant brushing and proper care they look fantastic after 3 years.

I agree that shell does not make sense in very formal shoes, I wouldn't buy a pair of black plain toe oxfords in shell, but a being a shoe freak I can't be sure.

 

[JSO1]

I'd wager that the folks on here who don't "understand" black shell or don't like it have never seen a pair in person, let alone owned a pair.

I too, at first, thought black shell was a weird concept. It's extremely hard to photograph well, so it rarely looks good online. In person, however, it is stunning. It's not as versatile as other colors, of course, but black shell is incredibly special and beautiful, especially when paired with an elegant last.

Photo from @mdubs of his gorgeous pair of Aldens (I know this is the "non-Alden" thread, but they do black shell extremely well):

 

[mdubs]

I'd wager that the folks on here who don't "understand" black shell or don't like it have never seen a pair in person, let alone owned a pair.

I too, at first, thought black shell was a weird concept. It's extremely hard to photograph well, so it rarely looks good online. In person, however, it is stunning. It's not as versatile as other colors, of course, but black shell is incredibly special and beautiful, especially when paired with an elegant last.

Photo from @mdubs of his gorgeous pair of Aldens (I know this is the "non-Alden" thread, but they do black shell extremely well):

Thanks and I whole heartedly agree with you. Black Shell is something you have to behold in person to appreciate and it does require a sleeker last in general to work really well. Alden's Plaza Last was made for Black Shell as are many other lasts from other vendors...

-Mike

 

[Allen Dreadmon]

Since we're "going there" there are a few black shell shoes I would like to own eventually: Alden LHS, and BB Grant-lasted LWB.

 

[mdubs]

Since we're "going there" there are a few black shell shoes I would like to own eventually: Alden LHS, and BB Grant-lasted LWB.

Yeah, I only recently started adding to my Black Shell collection and now I don't understand why I waited. The BB Black Shell Wingtip Balmoral with the exposed eyelets is absolutely awesome as well...

-Mike

 

[NAMOR]

we should begin including alden in this thread. i know it says non-alden but once you allow florsheim and ae to participate then alden begins feeling left out

 

[mdubs]

we should begin including alden in this thread. i know it says non-alden but once you allow florsheim and ae to participate then alden begins feeling left out

LoL. As much as I agree, there is already plenty of Alden love in the Alden thread... I think that Alden can be used here as examples and such, but I kind of like seeing how other manufacturers utilize Shell Cordovan...

-Mike

 

[kwhitelaw]

we should begin including alden in this thread. i know it says non-alden but once you allow florsheim and ae to participate then alden begins feeling left out

damn you for those modified boots not being 11.5d


carry on

 

[VRaivio]



Thanks for the post. Makes perfect sense.

My first days with my Chruch's Grafton in Crup I had some mixed feelings (too heavy, too thick, uneven colour), then (after 3 rainy days in Sao Paulo) the ripples and white bloom appear and I almost colapsed. But with constant brushing and proper care they look fantastic after 3 years.

I agree that shell does not make sense in very formal shoes, I wouldn't buy a pair of black plain toe oxfords in shell, but a being a shoe freak I can't be sure.

The easiest, fastest way to get rid of those water spots on shell is the humble steel spoon. Just press it hard against the spot, rub it like the motherfucker it is -- and it's gone. At least, this is the method I've found best. Some hides will get more spots than others, all will get some. It's part of the cordovan charm, and will disappear with a bit of elbow work.

As for black shell cordovan, it's duller than other shades, for me at least, because it will not get that nice patina. It looks much livelier than black calf as the oily hide has a shine that can't be polished on bovines.

 

[mosy]

Thanks for the post. Makes perfect sense.

My first days with my Chruch's Grafton in Crup I had some mixed feelings (too heavy, too thick, uneven colour), then (after 3 rainy days in Sao Paulo) the ripples and white bloom appear and I almost colapsed. But with constant brushing and proper care they look fantastic after 3 years.

I agree that shell does not make sense in very formal shoes, I wouldn't buy a pair of black plain toe oxfords in shell, but a being a shoe freak I can't be sure.

I'd wager that the folks on here who don't "understand" black shell or don't like it have never seen a pair in person, let alone owned a pair.

I too, at first, thought black shell was a weird concept. It's extremely hard to photograph well, so it rarely looks good online. In person, however, it is stunning. It's not as versatile as other colors, of course, but black shell is incredibly special and beautiful, especially when paired with an elegant last.

Photo from @mdubs of his gorgeous pair of Aldens (I know this is the "non-Alden" thread, but they do black shell extremely well):

Thanks and I whole heartedly agree with you. Black Shell is something you have to behold in person to appreciate and it does require a sleeker last in general to work really well. Alden's Plaza Last was made for Black Shell as are many other lasts from other vendors...

-Mike

One of the shoes I covet most is the Alden Barrie PTB in black shell. I think it's a shoe worthy of a museum (ok, ok maybe that's a stretch). I know that it's widely available, I'm just holding off while I get some brown shoes and boots, as I already have some black shoes (albeit in calf).