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Papa Doble

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I know this has been discussed many times, but for those who have used shell cordovan shoes/boots in foul weather, what is your take on this Put This On article suggesting that shell cordovan is particularly suited for foul weather? They seem to downplay the spotting effect many have observed.

Here is an excerpt:
Shell cordovan is also my material of choice for rainy day footwear. Some men worry that harsh elements will ruin their “precious” shell cordovans, but it’s important to remember that one of the material’s main advantages is its toughness. You can walk through hail, rain, sleet, or snow in these things and your feet will stay bone dry. Yes, this may cause the leather to rise a bit in some places, but you can smoothen it out by rubbing it with a deer bone (or simply the curved side of a metal spoon), and giving it a vigorous brushing. If you wish, you can also help protect the leather by applying a bit of wax polish once or twice a year (any more and shell cordovan won’t shine up well).
 

MarioImpemba

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I know this has been discussed many times, but for those who have used shell cordovan shoes/boots in foul weather, what is your take on this Put This On article suggesting that shell cordovan is particularly suited for foul weather? They seem to downplay the spotting effect many have observed.
Here is an excerpt:
Quote:
Agreed. Why pay that much for shell over calf if not for the durability? Silly.
 

blue collar

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I know this has been discussed many times, but for those who have used shell cordovan shoes/boots in foul weather, what is your take on this Put This On article suggesting that shell cordovan is particularly suited for foul weather? They seem to downplay the spotting effect many have observed.
Here is an excerpt:
Shell cordovan is also my material of choice for rainy day footwear. Some men worry that harsh elements will ruin their “precious” shell cordovans, but it’s important to remember that one of the material’s main advantages is its toughness. You can walk through hail, rain, sleet, or snow in these things and your feet will stay bone dry. Yes, this may cause the leather to rise a bit in some places, but you can smoothen it out by rubbing it with a deer bone (or simply the curved side of a metal spoon), and giving it a vigorous brushing. If you wish, you can also help protect the leather by applying a bit of wax polish once or twice a year (any more and shell cordovan won’t shine up well).

Durability and cosmetics are two different things. I think thats what people get mixed up. Cordovan may welt up when exposed to water but they wont waterlog like calf and they will deal with abrasion much better; With less color loss.
 

Papa Doble

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Durability and cosmetics are two different things. I think thats what people get mixed up. Cordovan may welt up when exposed to water but they wont waterlog like calf and they will deal with abrasion much better; With less color loss.


That's a good distinction that you make.
 

El Argentino

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Cigar, Ravello, and Whiskey LWB. All recently manufactured and acquired. Hopefully this will be a good comparison of the recent rare shell tones.
ce3559f2-bb59-9cf0.jpg

ce3559f2-bb68-d4e7.jpg


Reposted for posterity. Incredible pic. I think I want one of each now.
 

ElDave

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Yeah, I've followed up with them twice now to confirm a cancellation, and have only received the automatic reply "We’ve received your email, and will reply to you within 1 business day."


I just got a reply. They said they didn't get the boots from Alden before Alden closed for two weeks. So it's going to be at least eight business days before NRO has the boots and then they'll ship them to me. Of course I'm still happy to get any Alden at a discount, but NRO failing to mention the item was out of stock and then not bothering to tell me it's going to be another two weeks doesn't really sit well with me.
 

schrag

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My #8 Cordovan Captoes from J. Gilbert arrived yesterday, although they made an unexplained trip to China after crossing the border to Canada. Fresh out of the box:




I'm so relieved they fit as well as they do - feels like they'll break in great! Quality of materials and workmanship seems first class all the way through... The Plaza last works well on a boot and the 'chisel' leaves room for the little toes on my wider than average foot (These are 10.5 D).

Big thumbs up to Yenni at J. Gilbert for good communication during the sale, especially since I live about 1300km from their store in Seattle! Now to save for next year's Alden purchase :D
 
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mcarthur

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My #8 Cordovan Captoes from J. Gilbert arrived yesterday, although they made an unexplained trip to China after crossing the border to Canada. Fresh out of the box:


I'm so relieved they fit as well as they do - feels like they'll break in great! Quality of materials and workmanship seems first class all the way through... The Plaza last works well on a boot and the 'chisel' leaves room for the little toes on my wider than average foot (These are 10.5 D).
Big thumbs up to Yenni at J. Gilbert for good communication during the sale, especially since I live about 1300km from their store in Seattle! Now to save for next year's Alden purchase :D


enjoy wearing in good health
 
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