kolecho
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2004
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Lately I have been thinking about my preference when it comes to shoe uppers material. Here are some characteristics that I consider important:
- Patina: Except for EG and some Italian makers' calf that comes with antiquing, most calf shoes finished flat. Cordovan develops a very deep natural patina over time which I like. No experience with suede. It does not seem to age as gracefully as calf and cordovan.
- Maintenance: Cordovan wins hands down. It is so easy to shine - simply use a clean cloth to buff. Special cordovan polish is applied sparingly and very seldom. Suede maintenance seems to be about Scotchguarding and brushing. Also quite simple. Calf is the most complicated - wax, cream, spit shine etc.... I am still confused about calf leather maintenance
- Longevity: Here cordovan wins hands down. I hear conflicting remarks about suede. Some say it is hardier than calf. Others say it is less so.
So, my personal preference is cordovan for its patina, longevity and ease of maintenance. To me, cordovan is an everyday shoe for all ocassions. Calf leather shoes, to me, are a bit more troublesome to maintain, and less robust than cordovan. I'd like to try some suede next.
Most cordovan shoes are made of thick leather. I have on order a pair of cordovan wholecut from Carmina that looks very sleek. In fact the Carmina cordovan shoes I held in Peter Elliot NYC is about the same weight as calf. This might very well be the go-to make for my everyday shoes.
What is your preference?
- Patina: Except for EG and some Italian makers' calf that comes with antiquing, most calf shoes finished flat. Cordovan develops a very deep natural patina over time which I like. No experience with suede. It does not seem to age as gracefully as calf and cordovan.
- Maintenance: Cordovan wins hands down. It is so easy to shine - simply use a clean cloth to buff. Special cordovan polish is applied sparingly and very seldom. Suede maintenance seems to be about Scotchguarding and brushing. Also quite simple. Calf is the most complicated - wax, cream, spit shine etc.... I am still confused about calf leather maintenance
- Longevity: Here cordovan wins hands down. I hear conflicting remarks about suede. Some say it is hardier than calf. Others say it is less so.
So, my personal preference is cordovan for its patina, longevity and ease of maintenance. To me, cordovan is an everyday shoe for all ocassions. Calf leather shoes, to me, are a bit more troublesome to maintain, and less robust than cordovan. I'd like to try some suede next.
Most cordovan shoes are made of thick leather. I have on order a pair of cordovan wholecut from Carmina that looks very sleek. In fact the Carmina cordovan shoes I held in Peter Elliot NYC is about the same weight as calf. This might very well be the go-to make for my everyday shoes.
What is your preference?
