Cordovan Leather

[why]

So cordovan is supposedly so rare and expensive...yet for some reason it seems to be neither rare nor overly expensive. There's plenty of shoes and boots out there that distress very well and look damn fine but aren't made of cordovan (and cost quite a bit as well).

It's nice, but is it really all it's made out to be?

 

[Get Smart]

I had the same feeling in this thread

I have 2 pairs of Alden Cordovan shoes now.....They're super hella nice, but I haven't become a cordo-head where I only seek out cordovan.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

**** Cordovan.

Give me Cordovun. That ***** made out of unicorns, not wimpy horses.

 

[SirSuturesALot]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

**** Cordovan.

Give me Cordovun. That ***** made out of unicorns, not wimpy horses.

Unicorn ass.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

I read that 1 horse = 1 pair of shoes.

I guess if they do only take the ass leather that might be true; but, I am still slightly skeptical.

 

[Garage/Surf Rock]

I feel the exact same way about Cordo - it's lightweight and instantly comfortable, and reputed to last a lifetime but I'm not completely sold. For one, I don't like the way cordovan wrinkles. I actually like a little bit of fine lines. My next pair of expensive shoes is gonna be calfskin. But I only have one pair of monk chukkas. Maybe a wingtip or captoe would be better.

 

[underwearer]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

I read that 1 horse = 1 pair of shoes.
I guess if they do only take the ass leather that might be true; but, I am still slightly skeptical.

I saw this recently on the Ben Silver site:

"Genuine shell cordovan is rare... cordovan comes from horses...The "shell"... is the subcutaneous layer that covers the equine posterior. Each horse provides two shells, which is just enough for a pair of shoes... It's known for taking on a rich patina that improves with wear and polishing. And tough as, well, a horse's butt."

 

[bant]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

I read that 1 horse = 1 pair of shoes.

I guess if they do only take the ass leather that might be true; but, I am still slightly skeptical.

this is actually true. same reason that a cordovan belt is always two shells stitched together as opposed to one continuous piece of leather - that ass ain't big enough.

 

[kbuzz]

Originally Posted by bant

this is actually true. same reason that a cordovan belt is always two shells stitched together as opposed to one continuous piece of leather - that ass ain't big enough.

Ddarn -they should come to NYC- there are enough assess here to shoe the world. And a lot of Big Asses too.

 

[the etruscan]

Originally Posted by kbuzz

Ddarn -they should come to NYC- there are enough assess here to shoe the world. And a lot of Big Asses too.

Have you been south of the Mason-Dixon line? There are some Asses here that could shoe elephants.