Cordovan Shoe Dilemma

[Gauss17]

I am about to buy 1-2 pair of new shoes, I have run into a dilemma. I know that I want to give cordovan a try as it appears more durable, acquires patina, and requires little maintenance. Previously I had been set on buying 2 pair of Alden PTB (No. 8 and Black). However with more reading on the site, I changed my mind to a pair of No. 8 Alden PTB and a pair of cigar shell long wings. I figured I would instead do black shoes in calf and likely not a blucher, but a bal (a topic for another day). Now one of you bastards (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) has thrown the C&J Polo wingtips (dark brown) into the equation...and on sale! I definitely want a burgundy and a dark brown shoe, but now I can not decide what combination to get. I must admit that the C&J Darltons and a BB No. 8 PTB on sale looks really appealing for both under ~$1k. Buying a cigar and No. 8 from Alden would be ~$1300.

I have read some that the C&J has better fit and finish, but is overall less comfortable than the Aldens (in general). I suppose if the comfort difference is really that noticeable, one choice has already been made for me. An Alden long wing also seems to be the forum favorite for Alden shoes. There is obviously the possibility of a longwing and a wingtip, but I would very much like one to be plain toe for some versatility. There is this issue of sizing, but I can sort that out on my own.

So, if you were in my shoes (I know lol), what would you go for (Which shoe and style)? I know someone is going to say get all 3. Try not to be that guy

.

 

[Achilles_]

I would do darltons and no 8. But then again the darltons are my Grail shoe right now!

 

[forex]

This is a no brainer, get the Alden PTB in #8 and CJ dark brown wingtips.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by forex

This is a no brainer, get the Alden PTB in #8 and CJ dark brown wingtips.
Yep, that's what I'd do.

 

[Gauss17]

Oh I forgot one thing, Are the Polo C&J's recraftable in the U.S.? I know there is a shop in NYC, but I do not know if they provide the service.

 

[Xenos]

^^^Same question: Polo C&Js recraftable in the U.S.?

 

[89826]

C and J's get sent back to England for the work.

Be sure and get the BB PTB. Can be cheaper, metal eyelets, and no storm welt.

 

[piergiacomi]

I ask a question: to number 8 means the color?
In Italy we have a number 8 for cordovan color, but not only for shell.

 

[alliswell]

#8 is the color. In America it is interchangeable with cordovan.

 

[Gauss17]

Originally Posted by 89826

Be sure and get the BB PTB. Can be cheaper, metal eyelets, and no storm welt.

Why do you prefer the BB version? I personally thought the Alden version looks a bit nicer with no metal eyelets, although the BB version does look somewhat sleeker. The storm welt to me seems like a wash, although it may be useful at some point in time.

 

[89826]

G,

I like the look of the metal eyelets on that shoe. It is fairly casual, and the eyelets complement that.

A little known fact is that the BB version is not on the Barrie last, but rather the M-58. They are very similar, but the M-58 does look a sminch less bulbous.

 

[NAMOR]

Originally Posted by forex

This is a no brainer, get the Alden PTB in #8 and CJ dark brown wingtips.
this. both can be had BNIB for $1000