Is it possible to find an Alden Whiskey Shell Cordovan Wingtip

[DrZRM]

Ok I'm pretty new here, but I've done pretty well over the last few months with shoes. I came across Gherkin's Alden wingtip in the "shoes with character" thread, and have become obsessed. I know the whiskey color is/was rare, but does anyone have any idea where to look for such a shoe.

I've done a lot of searches in the usual places on line, but have come up with nothing. Any ideas?

I'm a 13D if that helps.

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[robin]

Contact one of the main Alden shops. You will probably have to wait for a long time.

 

[walneal]

RIDER boot company maybe?

 

[JO3B]

not a long wing, nor alden, but what about the darlton from polo?

still just as hefty a shoe, possibly nicer.

 

[walneal]

Darlton is IMO impeccable,
but the OP wants a whisky shell I believe?

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by walneal

RIDER boot company maybe?

I believe Ron posted that they just got a big order of shell in- they'd probably be happy to make you something.

 

[Chips]

It's hard to go for those with the full wing tip accentuating the large sole. A bit clunky in my oppinion. But to each his own

 

[DrZRM]

Yeah, I've seen a bunch of nice long-wing shoes in cordovan, but I really (REALLY!!) like that whiskey color. I'll get in touch with Rider and Alden to see what I can do. The longer the wait, the longer I can save up to pay for them.

 

[Cornellian]

Moulded Shoe has some in cigar http://mouldedshoe.com/ but they're on the modified last...

 

[CBtoNYC]

I've searched and found threads about the general shortage in cordovan.

But why are the colors other than black and #8 (i.e., whiskey, cigar, ravello, etc.) *especially* unavailable? Clearly there is demand for them.

 

[robin]

Originally Posted by CBtoNYC

But why are the colors other than black and #8 (i.e., whiskey, cigar, ravello, etc.) *especially* unavailable? Clearly there is demand for them.
There are less hides available that are clean enough for those lighter colors.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by CBtoNYC

I've searched and found threads about the general shortage in cordovan.

But why are the colors other than black and #8 (i.e., whiskey, cigar, ravello, etc.) *especially* unavailable? Clearly there is demand for them.

Define demand. In the world of the general public there's not really significant demand for "shell cordovan" let alone more esoteric colors. Sure- there is a very, very niche element but I wouldn't say that's a lot of demand.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by JO3B

not a long wing, nor alden, but what about the darlton from polo? still just as hefty a shoe, possibly nicer.
IMO, althought the Darlton wingtip is a bit sleeker than the Alden longwing, the Whiskey color is unbeatable. I have both, but have worn my Darlton's only once in the last year, compared to wearing my Whiskey longwings several times throughout the summer.

 

[Tarmac]

Originally Posted by JayJay

IMO, althought the Darlton wingtip is a bit sleeker than the Alden longwing, the Whiskey color is unbeatable. I have both, but have worn my Darlton's only once in the last year, compared to wearing my Whiskey longwings several times throughout the summer.

Haha, I like how SF (including me) considers wearing a shoe several times in one summer "high use".

 

[bengal-stripe]

I presume "˜gherkin's' shoes were supplied from Adam Knox at
http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/

just like the pair I have.

That Longwing shoe in whiskey shell cordovan is one of the original 'Fan shoes'; that's the name Adam uses for the shop's special orders: shoe in specifications that are not Alden's stock items but are made up for particular retailers at their request. Alden/Carmel carried that particular shoe for quite a few years, but have stopped it recently. That probably has something to do with the shortage of whiskey shell cordovan.

You might want to contact Alden/Carmel, maybe they can help you.

Alternatively, if it's the colour whiskey that you like, check out Citishoes, they offer the "˜Leisure Handsewn Moccasin' in that colour.
http://www.citishoes.com/pg16.htm