Cordovan: Loafers vs. Wingtips (or any others)

[patina.pal]

HI guys, first post here. I have been looking into getting my first pair of quality shell cordovans, but I have come to a cross roads.

They will be a graduation gift to myself, if that gives you an idea to my age. I like more of the preppy style (chinos, sweaters, blazers, sometimes bowties) and I love boat shoes. My current inventory includes two pair of Sperry goldcup a/o's (tan and brown), AE chukkas (black), and some finsbury balmorals (tan).

I want to get a decent pair of cordovan shoes, but I don't know what to get... I guarantee I would wear the loafers more, but I don't know if its a waste of such high quality leather and/or money to get cordovan loafers instead of getting some nice longwings...

What do you say? I'm open to all suggestions. Please include brands and models if you know any.

 

[Shawl Lapel]

If you're going to wear loafers more, then a full strap from Carmina or Alden would be hard to beat.

https://www.carminashoemaker.us/cordovan-shoes/cordovan-full-strap-loafers-80372

 

[patina.pal]

Okay!

This might seem like a stupid question, but I've seen a lot of people wear penny loafers with and without socks; because cordovan is a stiffer leather, are they comfortable to wear without socks? Is the Burgundy the only "worth-it" color for a cordovan loafer? I've seen some that are more tan or brown and those seemed to look nice, but I don't know if is SF approved.

 

[paxonus]

Get the classic Color 8:
https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/made-to-order/men-s/shoes/pinch-shell-cordovan.html

 

[patina.pal]

Those Rancourts are beautiful. I like how they have different color stitching. Are they too informal that you couldn't wear them with a suit? I only have two suits: a faded gray/blue, and a dark navy.

 

[paxonus]

Those Rancourts are beautiful. I like how they have different color stitching. Are they too informal that you couldn't wear them with a suit? I only have two suits: a faded gray/blue, and a dark navy.

You wouldn't wear the Rancourt with a suit. A lot of guys wouldn't wear any loafer with a suit, but I'm not one of them. For a suit you need something like this:

https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-563-tassel-moccasin-color-8-shell-cordovan/

 

[MrBorland]

JMO, but if I were to spring for a pair of shell shoes, I'd want them to be something I'd wear often, so they'd have to be versatile and comfortable. I love a nice classic loafer, but to me, they're not all that versatile and the fit and comfort can be tricky.

As to comfort, fit and suppleness are key issues for me when it comes to loafers. If they're stiff and/or don't fit perfectly, my heels flop in and out of them as I walk. I have a nice pair of classic loafers now that I barely wear for this reason. Shell is a terrific leather, but the shell leather on the shoes I've worn doesn't convince me that shell is supple enough for loafers.

As to their versatility, they can be worn with khakis and a blazer, and even, IMO, a casual (e.g. seersucker) suit. Possibly with jeans. Generally speaking, though, I usually find something in my closet that goes better than loafers with what I'm wearing. And honestly, I personally don't see full wingtips as being much more versatile. If it were me, I'd look into something like a cap toe blucher or a semi (or quarter) brogue.

 

[patina.pal]

Yeah at the point where I'm going to be spending that much on a nice pair of cordovans, I think I will go in to try on several shoes to see which last fits best. I will going to New England to look at Aldens and maybe Maine to go to Rancourt, any other brands have stores up in that location?

What about monk straps? Any quality cordovans in that style? Are those versatile?