Cordovan vs. Calf comfort level

[csc67]

For those lucky enough to own both calf and cordovan dress shoes, do you notice a difference in comfort level between the shoes? If yes, which one is more comfortable and why?

 

[Slewfoot]

I would say that cordovan quickly becomes very soft and supple. I've only broken in Vass cordovan shoes so I'm not sure if other makers react differently as shell is known to be so fickle. It's a dense and tough leather, but not especially thick. Cordovan also seems to mold to one's foot a bit better than calf. For those reasons I'd probably give the edge to cordovan in the same maker and last. There's not a world of difference, but just a subtle touch.

 

[Newcomer]



I would say that cordovan quickly becomes very soft and supple. I've only broken in Vass cordovan shoes so I'm not sure if other makers react differently as shell is known to be so fickle. It's a dense and tough leather, but not especially thick. Cordovan also seems to mold to one's foot a bit better than calf. For those reasons I'd probably give the edge to cordovan in the same maker and last. There's not a world of difference, but just a subtle touch.

+1, but I do find that cordovan is a bit tougher to break in. It is also a bit less pliable, if that makes sense, but that fades as it conforms to your foot.

 

[JamesX]

Cordovan after a while feels more comfortable than Calf. It is firmer and "tighter" but it is noticeably heavier.

 

[Achillus]

Cordovan.

 

[SpooPoker]

No difference in comfort for me, just weight.

 

[JayJay]



No difference in comfort for me, just weight.

Same here. Both can be just as comfortable to me.

 

[Chris Waffles]

No difference in comfort for me, just weight.

+1

 

[TheWGP]

Both can be comfortable, there is definitely a weight difference though. Sometimes you can notice the thickness of the leather more with cordovan as well - wear something like a PTB or a chukka or other plain-toed model all day on a hot day sometime with lots of walking, and then feel the leather near the toe. If they're "broken in" you'll probably be a bit surprised how much give and flexibility the shell can have.

I've concluded it's all a matter of personal preference - most of my shoes (73.33%) are shell, and I like that. I'm by no means a true shoe-fanatic, but of my but I'd love to try some of the more beautiful calf models I've seen, particularly from top-end makers. I think once you have a good quality shoe, leather choice is just another variable to consider in your choice, not really a fundamental difference in terms of comfort or wearability.