The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[coolarrow]

It was time to do a little maintenance on these #8 Florsheim Royal Imperials from February 1990. Afterwards a picture in the sun and in the shade. These have really developed a nice patina over the years.

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You've done a great job in restoring these. Classics. There's a pair in my size on the bay, but I don't need another project!

 

[smfdoc]

You've done a great job in restoring these. Classics. There's a pair in my size on the bay, but I don't need another project!

Thanks, but I can’t claim that I restored them. They were in great condition when I got them on the bay. This was just a little touch up and buffing for shine.

 

[flipstah]

This was a project shoe. I had 3 pairs of #8 LWBs and I wanted to do something different. First, I found a pair of stock #8 MacNeils from Allen Edmonds on Ebay for around $160.

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I then cleaned them up a bit, checked their size, disinfected and sent them into AE for a resole. Their soles were fine, but I wanted a natural edge and welt with white stitching.

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Finally, I wanted more contrast and pop so I had a local cobbler add the brass eyelets and used some alabaster laces from AE. Total cost for the shoe, shipping, resole and eyelets came in right at $300. Less than half of MSRP and a nice #8 lwb that did not duplicate existing shoes.

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Dang I like those a lot! Very tempting to replicate.

 

[icelatte]

Rancourt and Co. Caramel shell wingtip boots just arrived.

 

[smfdoc]

Brown shell AE MacNeil.

 

[zippyh]

Yoda boots by Tricker's.

 

[wristandfeet]

Gentlemen,

I've noticed very small pore-like holes forming on the surface of my shell boots (color 8) and shoes (whiskey). Have others experienced the same thing on their shell footwear?

I've attached a photo for reference. The small holes circled in green are what I am referring to.

My best guess is that these are purely cosmetic, related to the welts that formed when the shell was sprinkled in rain. But It would be good to know if these holes indicate a more serious issue. In which case, I should revisit my shoe care routine (e.g. maybe I brushed too hard)

Many thanks!
PC

 

[Thrift Couture]

Gentlemen,

I've noticed very small pore-like holes forming on the surface of my shell boots (color 8) and shoes (whiskey). Have others experienced the same thing on their shell footwear?

I've attached a photo for reference. The small holes circled in green are what I am referring to.

My best guess is that these are purely cosmetic, related to the welts that formed when the shell was sprinkled in rain. But It would be good to know if these holes indicate a more serious issue. In which case, I should revisit my shoe care routine (e.g. maybe I brushed too hard)

Many thanks!
PC


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I noticed this on my cognac shell cordovan PTBs. I don't know what causes it but I just hit them with some Renovatuer and brushed. Not quite as noticeable after that. It just encourages me to not treat these shoes like museum pieces. Lol!

 

[madhat]

Gentlemen,

I've noticed very small pore-like holes forming on the surface of my shell boots (color 8) and shoes (whiskey). Have others experienced the same thing on their shell footwear?

I've attached a photo for reference. The small holes circled in green are what I am referring to.

My best guess is that these are purely cosmetic, related to the welts that formed when the shell was sprinkled in rain. But It would be good to know if these holes indicate a more serious issue. In which case, I should revisit my shoe care routine (e.g. maybe I brushed too hard)

Many thanks!
PC


View attachment 944242
View attachment 944253

I noticed this on my cognac shell cordovan PTBs. I don't know what causes it but I just hit them with some Renovatuer and brushed. Not quite as noticeable after that. It just encourages me to not treat these shoes like museum pieces. Lol!

I have a pair of AE seconds that came with that. I did the deer bone/back of spoon massaging to greatly reduce them.

 

[Thrift Couture]

I have a pair of AE seconds that came with that. I did the deer bone/back of spoon massaging to greatly reduce them.

I have a deer bone, but I don't think I have the technique perfected.

 

[madhat]

I have a deer bone, but I don't think I have the technique perfected.

I don't have deer bone, but I found some conditioner/lotion and spoon work quite well. I haven't had tons of success reducing rolls (maybe not patient enough...must have to have multiple double digit sessions?), but I have done some fine work reducing the pitting and a gouge in another pair.

 

[smfdoc]

Blue AE MacNeils.

 

[GGMac]

Gentlemen,

I've noticed very small pore-like holes forming on the surface of my shell boots (color 8) and shoes (whiskey). Have others experienced the same thing on their shell footwear?

I've attached a photo for reference. The small holes circled in green are what I am referring to.

My best guess is that these are purely cosmetic, related to the welts that formed when the shell was sprinkled in rain. But It would be good to know if these holes indicate a more serious issue. In which case, I should revisit my shoe care routine (e.g. maybe I brushed too hard)

Many thanks!
PC

Adam from AoC told me those little welts and holes are common with all shell. It’s more apparent in some hides vs others but he said they were likely from the hair follicles of the animal.

 

[Vinsep]

Adam from AoC told me those little welts and holes are common with all shell. It’s more apparent in some hides vs others but he said they were likely from the hair follicles of the animal.

Shell is not skin though.... it’s a layer of sheath under the skin.... I don’t think they have hair follicles.

 

[GGMac]

Shell is not skin though.... it’s a layer of sheath under the skin.... I don’t think they have hair follicles.

Just going by what he told me. My AF26’s had those all over the right shoe when i unboxed them and that was his response to my question.