The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[Watchman1]

Left to Right: OG Carmina Cognac and Saddle

Pic is 10 years old

 

[jischwar]

View attachment 1924795

Left to Right: This is OG Alden whiskey, Carmina Saddle, OG Alden Whiskey and AE Natural

This pic is at least 9 years old...

You could have told me those were all the same color

 

[stook1]

You could have told me those were all the same color

agree. to be fair though it looks like the pic is in fairly intense light. suspect they showed a bit different in other conditions but the colors are obviously similar.

nice shoes btw @Watchman1

 

[Watchman1]

@stook1

I thought you might say that...so here is the same shoes and pic taken same day in indirect lighting.

Left to Right: Alden Whiskey, Carmina Saddle, AE Natural, Alden Whiskey

If you want to get technical, the far left Alden and the oldest (2011 I think) and have the most wear at this point. The far right Alden were BNIB and I don't think I even tried them on yet...

 

[stook1]

Well... They're slightly more different (and still lovely shoes).

 

[Watchman1]

I have seen greater variation within runs from the same maker than what you see above. OG Alden Whiskey had a real serious golden yellow shade going on. OG Alden Whiskey and Carmina Saddle are almost identical, as I previously said.

 

[Watchman1]

Left to Right: Alden Ravello (2015) and Carmina old Cognac

This batch of Ravello was when Alden really started using the darker hides. I remember vividly because back then some of the guys sold their pairs because they were so dark.

It is worth noting the Carmina had some fairly heavy wear on them at this point.

 

[flylikeneagle]

@flylikeneagle looks like they called it "Dark Whiskey". Nevertheless, they are amazing indeed.

I believe G&G stopped working with shell cordovan altogether. Or, they only work with black and #8 nowadays.

A pity because the above pair are wonderful

Thanks for sharing, they are indeed stunning.

G&G still works with shell, but option is not available via MTO configurator. One needs to contact G&G directly to get list of available colors. These days their shell is primarily non-horween, but I've been told you can request horween (may cost a little more)

 

[Watchman1]

These 2 pairs really do showcase the vast differences between contemporary Ravello and OG Ravello.

Both are Alden. The pair on the left were made around 2019 and the other pair on the right were made around 2012 I think.

Who was saying OG Alden Ravello didn't look like Carmina Amaretto? lol

 

[Watchman1]

Left to Right: Alden Ravello, Carmina old Cognac, Alden Ravello

As I said, Carmina old Cognac and Alden old Ravello are nearly identical

 

[jischwar]

View attachment 1924967

Left to Right: Alden Ravello, Carmina old Cognac, Alden Ravello

As I said, Carmina old Cognac and Alden old Ravello are nearly identical

You've got quite the shell collection my friend

 

[Watchman1]

You've got quite the shell collection my friend

TBH some of these shoes in these pics have been resold. But yes, my wife is very gracious 😉

 

[flylikeneagle]

View attachment 1924967

Left to Right: Alden Ravello, Carmina old Cognac, Alden Ravello

As I said, Carmina old Cognac and Alden old Ravello are nearly identical

Dude, you need to wear these (and the rest of your collection) more often and provide us with regular supply of shoe/boot p@rn.

Carmina old cognac is one of the nicest shades of shell I've ever seen. Carmina told me Armagnac is the new cognac, but they're distinctly different colors.

 

[Watchman1]

Dude, you need to wear these (and the rest of your collection) more and provide us with regular supply of shoe/boot p@rn.

Carmina old cognac is one of the nicest shades of shell I've ever seen. Carmina told me Armagnac is the new cognac, but they're distinctly different colors.

Lol, thanks man. So I just counted and it looks like I have 26 official pairs of shell cordovan shoes and boots...I think. That is out of 30+ or so shoes/boots altogether.

Check these out from around 2014:

^These were Detroit Last PTB on Dainite. I can't express in words how thick and spongy the cordovan hides were on these, like rubber.

Sadly, I sold them. They were old Cognac...

 

[jischwar]

TBH some of these shoes in these pics have been resold. But yes, my wife is very gracious 😉

What have you got left?!?