Discussion: Black Shell Cordovan Shoes Worth It? Your Thoughts.

[plei89]

I was only able to find an old thread on this about 8 years ago... Figured I'd start a new one.

I'm able to source a black pair of cordovan wingtips at a significant discount. Now, I'd prefer burgundy, but what do you guys think about black shell cordovans?

It's easier to maintain than calf skin, but how does it patina (if it does at all) over time?

Any photos of a patina-ed black shell cordovan shoes would be great!

Thanks Gents!

 

[SuitedDx]



I was only able to find an old thread on this about 8 years ago... Figured I'd start a new one.
I'm able to source a black pair of cordovan wingtips at a significant discount. Now, I'd prefer burgundy, but what do you guys think about black shell cordovans?
It's easier to maintain than calf skin, but how does it patina (if it does at all) over time?
Any photos of a patina-ed black shell cordovan shoes would be great!
Thanks Gents!

I can't say my black shell has any patina on them but maybe after significant sun time they would. I have a pair of black chelsea boots that has patina from the years and now has burgundy areas to them. However, most of my black shoes stay black. Regarding the value of black shell, it's preference. I regularly wear my black LWB so for me, black shell is 'worth it.'

 

[JayJay]

I've had several pairs in black shell, but I'm no longer a fan. I find burgundy to be much more appealing, particularly as it ages over time.

 

[SuitedDx]

Agree hands down #8 is better than black. I have at least 2 shoes/boots in all the other shell colors but I only have 1 pair(LWB) in black shell. Still planning on getting a pair of boots but looking for something relatively unique.

Black short wings should get good use and if the deal is really good, and assuming the shoes fit well, I think it has a place in any rotation.

 

[bellyhungry]

Maybe give the sole a natural edge trim to make it a bit more 'edgy.'

 

[plei89]



I can't say my black shell has any patina on them but maybe after significant sun time they would. I have a pair of black chelsea boots that has patina from the years and now has burgundy areas to them. However, most of my black shoes stay black. Regarding the value of black shell, it's preference. I regularly wear my black LWB so for me, black shell is 'worth it.'

Really, burgundy areas? Do you have any photos?

Maybe give the sole a natural edge trim to make it a bit more 'edgy.'

Not 100% sure how I feel about that. I do have the natural sole edge applicator though.

 

[plei89]

The shoe is the Cambridge model from Allen Edmonds in black. These:

 

[Gauss17]

I just bought both colors.

 

[Pliny]

I was only able to find an old thread on this about 8 years ago... Figured I'd start a new one.
I'm able to source a black pair of cordovan wingtips at a significant discount. Now, I'd prefer burgundy, but what do you guys think about black shell cordovans?
It's easier to maintain than calf skin, but how does it patina (if it does at all) over time?
Any photos of a patina-ed black shell cordovan shoes would be great!
Thanks Gents!

Black shoes tend to be more formal- IMO cordo beef rolls are casual and so's the cordo 'glow'.

Nothing like good box-calf for an extreme sparling shine.
But then again the cordo's got a kind of gravitas that I like.

Vass cordo OEII

 

[SuitedDx]

^ Nice! Making me think of getting the wingtip that I'm thinking of in black shell now...

 

[SuitedDx]



The shoe is the Cambridge model from Allen Edmonds in black. These:

These are pretty standard wing tips so I think you cannot go wrong. Nothing flashy about the last or style but that will make it a keeper years from now.

 

[plei89]



These are pretty standard wing tips so I think you cannot go wrong. Nothing flashy about the last or style but that will make it a keeper years from now.

Just saw you have a pair of burgundy cambridges listed? You don't like them enough?

 

[Needsmoreshoes]

I'd say there's as much a reason to buy cordovan shoes for their functionality as is for their particular look and shine. Their toughness makes them pretty impregnable so if you wanted some bad-weather shoes black shell wouldn't be a bad call at all. That said I do think #8 has a great, deep colour so for versatility I'd choose that over black, particularly in a more informal style like wings or LWBs.

 

[SuitedDx]



Just saw you have a pair of burgundy cambridges listed? You don't like them enough?

They are actually great shoes but I am moving soon and need to thin out the herd a little. Also, Been slowly transitioning to AS and EG and find their lasts more favorable to me. I also have some MTO AS Austerity wingtip shell bal boots that are coming and they will definitely be worn more than the Cambridge. Regarding the patina (fading, or whatever you call this color change), after taking a pic, I think it looks more rust color. See for yourself:

 

[SuitedDx]

My black shell LWB (actually wore them today):