Park Avenues: Calf or Cordovan?

[CarterH]

So after seeing that the park avenues are on sale at nordstrom, I decided to go to a local AE outlet to get resized. When i went there, I found that I was able to get them in shell cordovan for just $80 more. Is it worth it since the shoes are black?

 

[Bounder]

There are two answer to your question. Just from the perspective of relative cost, yes. $80 extra for shell is a pretty good deal, especially if it is $80 over the Nordstroms sale price which, IIRC, is like $200.

The other answer to your question depends on what you want. Shell behaves differently than calf and has a different look. There is quite a lot on SF about the difference between shell and calf. Browse around the site a bit and see if you want shell or not. Some people really love it. Others aren't to crazy about it, so it really depends on your preference.

Finally, and most importantly, please provide us with the details of where we can get shell Park Avenues for under $300!

 

[CarterH]

I understand the differences between calf and cordovan, but I'm not sure if cordovan is desirable for a black formal shoe, due to the creasing and discoloration. That's my only real concern.

 

[Bounder]

For business, it's perfectly fine. The only reason I hesitate at all is that when some people say "formal" they mean black tie. Shell is not appropriate at all for black tie. Neither, really, is plain calf. Having said that, rather than wear patent leather wholecuts, some people put an extremely serious polish on a pair of Park Avenues and wear them with a tux. It isn't ideal but I've seen far worse.

And spill, where can we get these? Are they online?

 

[charliebrown2]

For business, it's perfectly fine. The only reason I hesitate at all is that when some people say "formal" they mean black tie. Shell is not appropriate at all for black tie. Neither, really, is plain calf. Having said that, rather than wear patent leather wholecuts, some people put an extremely serious polish on a pair of Park Avenues and wear them with a tux. It isn't ideal but I've seen far worse.
And spill, where can we get these? Are they online?

I decided to go to a local AE outlet to get resized. When i went there, I found that I was able to get them in shell cordovan for just $80 more.

 

[CarterH]

Well of course i'm using formal very loosely, as it is used today unfortunately. But that's wonderful to hear, I'm probably going to snag the shell ones.

I suppose i'll let you in on the little secret, just try not to steal my pair of 8.5's, lol. When i went into the store one of the associates let me know that a few (around 15 or so he said) shell park avenue's seconds are floating around, and that they were on sale for $299. Luckily he had my size at his store. If you ask them they may be able to work something out for you, it's worth a shot.