Cordovan shrinkage/stretchage

[Concordia]

OK-- new shoes from Vass are serving their purpose, but have the annoying habit of developing a wrinkle/bulge where the instep starts taking over from the toe-nal region. That's no big deal aesthetically, but it makes for a larger-than-optimal crease when walking, with attendant discomfort.

Qs: is this something easily dealt with? Bespoke makers have sometimes had to do rescues of worse situations, so I assume that leather can be shrunk. Perhaps a coat of cold water and a night on the heated bathroom floor (don't trip on them, Manton!)?

 

[voxsartoria]

Is that cobbler in Waban still in business? Sounds like something a professional should examine.

I just took a look at my three Vass cordos on the F, and they have that cordo wave...not so much a crease...a bit after where a stitch cap would end, but I don't experience the same phenomena that you are describing.

- B

 

[Tarmac]

does it affect both shoes or just one side?

 

[The Deacon]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Is that cobbler in Waban still in business? Sounds like something a professional should examine.

I just took a look at my three Vass cordos on the F, and they have that cordo wave...not so much a crease...a bit after where a stitch cap would end, but I don't experience the same phenomena that you are describing.

- B

Waban/Newton?

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Is that cobbler in Waban still in business? Sounds like something a professional should examine.

I just took a look at my three Vass cordos on the F, and they have that cordo wave...not so much a crease...a bit after where a stitch cap would end, but I don't experience the same phenomena that you are describing.

- B

Maybe it will correct itself over time. It seems to vary from day today. But it's irritating to have this, especially since the suede P2s I got at the same time fit like a pair of socks. (The cord Alt Wiens are 3636s.)

 

[bigbris1]

IME cordovan is much worse than calf when hoping issues "work themselves out". Sell the pair & move on.

 

[grimslade]

It won't correct itself. Cordovan waves and then stays. It's not something that can be corrected either, short of maybe really jamming some trees in there to stretch out that part between wearings.

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by grimslade

It won't correct itself. Cordovan waves and then stays. It's not something that can be corrected either, short of maybe really jamming some trees in there to stretch out that part between wearings.


Damn. They fit so well at first, and look so nice.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by grimslade

It won't correct itself. Cordovan waves and then stays. It's not something that can be corrected either, short of maybe really jamming some trees in there to stretch out that part between wearings.
True, it will not correct itself. This is all part of shell's character. Some people like this.

 

[grimslade]

Personally, I live with it. It's either that, or swear off cordovan. You learn to call it charm.

 

[Concordia]

Perhaps the other trick would be to get a model with more seams on top-- a Norwegian or full brogue. Wouldn't eliminate the problem but should minimize the damage.

 

[Tarmac]

is the problem the appearance or are they actually causing pain when you wear them?

 

[Concordia]

"Pain" is too extreme. But noticeable discomfort where the crease digs in. More than would be there in good-fitting shoes.

 

[yachtie]

I have some that do this. Eventually the area under the ripple stretches sideways to give more room over the toes- but the effect is minimal and takes years.

 

[The Deacon]

If pain is the main issue, you could apply a solution of diluted alcohol to the interior part(not the exterior of upper or you'll lose finish and some color) of that bubble where it affects your foot and then full shoe tree/stretch that spot. Repeat until pain's gone. I did that with an uncomfortable 1 inch spot on pair of LHS 986. No marring of upper and the pain was a thing of the past.