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smoothie1

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why not order the Montpellier that comes in shell and is on 184 last? Maybe ask for a skin stitch toe?
 

S K M

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why not order the Montpellier that comes in shell and is on 184 last? Maybe ask for a skin stitch toe?

I thought about that as well indeed. But the strap of the Montpellier is different, and it has no heel seem or split toe. Is it worth the extra money? That's what I'm considering ...
 

E. coli

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My first pair of EGs in shell cordovan

EG1.jpg
EG2.jpg
EG3.jpg
 

tuna roll

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Windermere in brown Arno calf. Possibly the most boring pair of shoes I own. View attachment 2278393
I actually like the Windermere! To me it looks like a more elegant version of the plain toe bluchers, which are usually more casual (like Alden's 990).
 

jellyroller

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I actually like the Windermere! To me it looks like a more elegant version of the plain toe bluchers, which are usually more casual (like Alden's 990).

Agreed. I think for me the Arno calf leaves something to be desired. I wear these for long / foul weather days.
 

colton2e

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thank you for your feedback, as I continue to be genuinely puzzled by this trend, notably because unlined shoes are less durable. As for a data point for whoever may be interested, I live in Singapore, have several calf/suede versions of Belgravia/Piccadilly, all lined and I have no issues at all, even during long walks outside.

A liner could theoretically help prevent cracking by reducing the chances of developing a very deep roll that can trap dirt/debris but that’s something that tends to be a problem over the course of decades when it comes to shell cordovan. And having a good fit is probably more important when it comes to those deep rolls.

But I agree lined vs unlined for temperature control is a bit overblown. Shell is notoriously not breatheable. The liner would probably help wick moisture depending on how it’s tanned and the construction. And really the insole is where most of the sweat/moisture is going so a lot will depend on how permeable the filler layers underneath are.
 

colton2e

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I also feel the unlined trend might be a clever way to increase the margins, since as a reminder to us all who like EG, their financials are not really incredible. Also, it seems that few users are comparing EG lined to EG unlined, but instead bought EG unlined and liked it. This I cannot negate, but since the feedback seems to be that the EG lining is very good, I again really do not see a non-financial argument to offering only unlined.
Unlined gives a more casual look and feel. I’ve seen hikers say that a lb of extra weight on foot wears like 5lbs added to a backpack. Even if you cut down an ounce of weight by removing the liner it can make the shoes feel noticeably lighter. And they look less structured after breaking in for a bit. This fits better with casual outfits and summery vibes.

It’s like the difference between how linen wears vs worsted wool.
 

tuna roll

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That makes sense to me. Rancourt does this very well.
 

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