Alden Longwings- crack in cordovan?

[jerrybrowne]

Hi guys,
I've worn these Ravello longwings 5-6 times and today I noticed what looks like a crack in the left forefoot! I've never seen this on the other Alden cordos I own- is this normal?

TIA

 

[greekgeek]

They are fine, not a crack.

 

[Tarmac]

are they too big for you?

 

[jerrybrowne]

They're the right size although there is more "folding" in the forefoot than other alden cordos I own. They have a plantation sole though, so are very flexible. Maybe that's what's causing this. It really looks like cracking or creasing....

 

[tsaltzma]

Originally Posted by jerrybrowne

Hi guys,
I've worn these Ravello longwings 5-6 times and today I noticed what looks like a crack in the left forefoot! I've never seen this on the other Alden cordos I own- is this normal?

TIA

That looks kinda suspect to me. I've never seen a shell shoe do that. You may want to send a pic to Alden and see what they think.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Originally Posted by greekgeek

They are fine, not a crack.
What that man said.
No problem with shoes,
it common with shell.

 

[DrZRM]

Looks like wax build up releasing from the hide. Just brush the spot until your arm is tired (5-10 minutes), should help.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Yeah, I would put some Saphir Renovateur on it and rub a bit and brush it for a while. You're using shoe trees, correct? If you Reno them and you still see that it is more of a crack rather than a deep crease I would send a pic to Alden like somebody mentioned. To much wax buildup can sometimes cake on there and look like a crack.

 

[jerrybrowne]

Thanks guys. I do use shoe trees and this can't be wax buildup b/c I haven't waxed them yet. Since I haven't worn them more than 6 times or so, I've only cleaned them with a brush. I sent the pics to the store and they're suggesting sending them to Alden to get their opinion.

 

[shoejohn]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Yeah, I would put some Saphir Renovateur on it and rub a bit and brush it for a while. You're using shoe trees, correct? If you Reno them and you still see that it is more of a crack rather than a deep crease I would send a pic to Alden like somebody mentioned. To much wax buildup can sometimes cake on there and look like a crack.

+1 If is still looks like a crack, call Alden.

 

[gorli]

Put in a shoe tree and apply better quality shoe cream ( I prefer Saphir Renovateur or Japanese Horse oil which earlier to get in my place), +2 if still nothing better, call Alden... never saw it with my shells, but I seldom applying wax/ cream for my new shells before worn it a year.

 

[jerrybrowne]

Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately, Alden says the shoes can't be repaired so I'll be getting a refund.....

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by jerrybrowne

Thanks for the input guys. Unfortunately, Alden says the shoes can't be repaired so I'll be getting a refund.....
So, was it indeed a crack in the shell?

 

[jerrybrowne]

Yes. Alden said it was something called a "cut out". No idea what it means, but evidently it's a point of weakness that can sometimes be found in Cordovan. It just happened to be in a bad place so the flexing made it worse. They said it would have cracked the whole way through eventually......

 

[ZON_JR]

Originally Posted by greekgeek

They are fine, not a crack.

QFT oh, wait a minute...