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My first cordovan shoe help...

post #1 of 20
1/21/12 at 6:41am
Thread Starter 
I have narrowed down my choices to these three. I do not know if the one by BB is the same as the one from Alden, but looks so to me. From a price and convenience perspective BB seems to be the best option given the fact that I have free shipping and returns. I'm unsure if the construction is the same or Alden does anything different for BB. Probably it does not matter but I'm still curious.

My intention is to use this as a formal shoe...wearing it with my dark Navy, Charcoal suits.
The one from Carmina loks impressive but I have no idea about them but have heard lot of good things in the forum...

Please help me to decide....again just your opinion is all that matters! Thanks in advance.


Alden -
http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-wing-tip-bal-shell-cordovan-black/pvc-ald-mxsdlw-9741_ald_m_wing_tip_bal_shell_cordovan.html

BB-
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1219&Product_Id=935386&Parent_Id=1215&default_color=Burgundy#null

Carmina -
http://www.carmina.telemaco.es/articulo.asp?idarticulo=3640210
Edited by sstomcat - 1/21/12 at 8:02am
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post #2 of 20
1/21/12 at 6:56am
Those BBs are on the Plaza. See http://www.styleforum.net/t/187544/alden-vs-brooks-brothers-lasts-any-difference#post_3370269
The Aldens are on the Tremont.

I have no personal experience with the Tremont but I believe it runs big.
The Plaza is more or less TTS.

I've got the BBs. Construction is identical to regular Aldens.
I've had some problems with the eyelets corroding but I doubt if that's a widespread problem.
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post #3 of 20
1/21/12 at 7:39am
The metal on the eyelets in the BB version would kill it for me. Especially since you say you wish to wear these shoes with suits. Thus leaving you with either the Alden or the Carmina.

I personally slightly prefer the styling of the Carmina in that the gimp edges seem a little stronger, the shape overall a little more angled and European. I have limited experience with both Carmina and Alden - but of my single examples in shell of each manufacturer the sole edging and finishing on the Carmina is more detailed and slightly more refined. The sole stitching is closed on the Carmina and channeled on the Alden.

In regards to price you are going to end up paying a bit more for the Carminas. However, when buying a cordovan shoe which could well last 30 plus years the minor price differences should not matter - one should choose based on what one prefers.

Convenience is a big issue here - you can easily return the Alden's if they don't fit. The Carminas will be more complicated as shipping across international borders is more costly. As you don't know your fit from either of these makers this is a rather important topic. Unless you are happy to potentially sell a few extra pairs that don't happen to fit on buying and selling.

And last there is the 'Buy USA' issue. Alden's win!

If the styling differences are not a large deal to you then I see no reason not to go for the Aldens first. See how they fit and take it from there.
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post #4 of 20
1/21/12 at 8:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zippyh View Post

Those BBs are on the Plaza. See http://www.styleforum.net/t/187544/alden-vs-brooks-brothers-lasts-any-difference#post_3370269
The Aldens are on the Tremont.
I have no personal experience with the Tremont but I believe it runs big.
Thats good info..
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post #5 of 20
1/21/12 at 8:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post

The metal on the eyelets in the BB version would kill it for me. Especially since you say you wish to wear these shoes with suits. Thus leaving you with either the Alden or the Carmina.

Is metal eyelets with a suit a no no?



I personally slightly prefer the styling of the Carmina in that the gimp edges seem a little stronger, the shape overall a little more angled and European. I have limited experience with both Carmina and Alden - but of my single examples in shell of each manufacturer the sole edging and finishing on the Carmina is more detailed and slightly more refined. The sole stitching is closed on the Carmina and channeled on the Alden.

I agree and I can easily make that out from the pictures. I have a slightly wide left foot so with that last not sure if it will fit well...


In regards to price you are going to end up paying a bit more for the Carminas. However, when buying a cordovan shoe which could well last 30 plus years the minor price differences should not matter - one should choose based on what one prefers.

No issues with price...even though the Carminas are the same with shipping included...

Convenience is a big issue here - you can easily return the Alden's if they don't fit. The Carminas will be more complicated as shipping across international borders is more costly. As you don't know your fit from either of these makers this is a rather important topic. Unless you are happy to potentially sell a few extra pairs that don't happen to fit on buying and selling.

And last there is the 'Buy USA' issue. Alden's win!

If the styling differences are not a large deal to you then I see no reason not to go for the Aldens first. See how they fit and take it from there.

Great!
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post #6 of 20
1/21/12 at 8:48am
For me the metal eyelets turn a shoe from formal to casual. But perhaps some others could chime in here. As I'm a quirky old bird and my personal opinion may well not be the same as others. shog[1].gif

Sounds like you are leaning towards Aldens?
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post #7 of 20
1/21/12 at 8:52am
Given the expense involved in cordovan, I wouldn't buy your first shoe unless you had a chance to try it on and confirm good fit before buying. TTS vs. big or small doesn't really cover the bases of fit.

Is cordovan the best choice for a "formal shoe"?
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post #8 of 20
1/21/12 at 8:59am
Most shoe threads on this forum seem to assume you can just buy any shoe based on appearance, without regard to fit. Be careful not to use wishful thinking in assessing fit, due to the potential hassle of repeated returns. Ideally, one would buy shoes that can be tried on in person.
Unless you don't mind losing your money.
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post #9 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:09am
I'm quite partial to my Carminas:

http://ivorytowerstyle.tumblr.com/post/16012711353/still-loving-these-shoes-dont-mind-the-atrocious

http://ivorytowerstyle.tumblr.com/post/15839731886/chilly-day

http://ivorytowerstyle.tumblr.com/post/15570801177/just-arrived-carminas-in-shell-cordovan
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post #10 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:10am
having handled both brand in person, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices. If you tend to wear really slim fitting european cut suits, the Aldens would provide a nice contrast in form, but the Carminas would work as well. If your suits are fuller cut, the sleekness of the Carminas would look off in my opinion. I am a big Alden fan and despite the opinion of some members here, I really do think that depending on the last and style, they really can be worn with any outfit smile.gif
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post #11 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:24am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post

For me the metal eyelets turn a shoe from formal to casual. But perhaps some others could chime in here. As I'm a quirky old bird and my personal opinion may well not be the same as others. shog[1].gif
Sounds like you are leaning towards Aldens?

Yes I'm...you got it!
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post #12 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by MiniW View Post

having handled both brand in person, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices. If you tend to wear really slim fitting european cut suits, the Aldens would provide a nice contrast in form, but the Carminas would work as well. If your suits are fuller cut, the sleekness of the Carminas would look off in my opinion. I am a big Alden fan and despite the opinion of some members here, I really do think that depending on the last and style, they really can be worn with any outfit smile.gif

Well put, I'm a 6.1" well built, sleek european cut doesn't go with me...and with my odd shoe size Left foot slightly longer and wider than my right I go with 11.5 E I think Carminas may be an issue...
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post #13 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Thin Man View Post

Most shoe threads on this forum seem to assume you can just buy any shoe based on appearance, without regard to fit. Be careful not to use wishful thinking in assessing fit, due to the potential hassle of repeated returns. Ideally, one would buy shoes that can be tried on in person.
Unless you don't mind losing your money.

Agree---with todays internet free shipping exchange I can take this...
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post #14 of 20
1/21/12 at 9:28am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sm31 View Post

Given the expense involved in cordovan, I wouldn't buy your first shoe unless you had a chance to try it on and confirm good fit before buying. TTS vs. big or small doesn't really cover the bases of fit.
Is cordovan the best choice for a "formal shoe"?

This is going to be first cordovan not shoe.
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post #15 of 20
1/21/12 at 1:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sstomcat View Post

This is going to be first cordovan not shoe.

Yeah, I got that; sorry for the confusion. I guess in retrospect whether it's your first or tenth isn't really relevant to my point, which is just to try the shoes on in person if at all possible.
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