The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[Journeyman]

Is there any way I can get them darker, more to a burgundy color? If there's hope I'm ready to pull the trigger.

In my experience, lighter shell tends to darken over time, and darker shell tends to lighten over time. However, of course, this also depends upon what treatment is applied to them. It also doesn't happen quickly.

I have a pair of Carmina shell bluchers that were quite light in colour - a light bourbon shade - but which have darkened a bit over the past few years and are now more of a mid-brown. I just give them a coat of Saphir cordovan cream from time to time, rub it in well and brush the shoes. I haven't used anything else to darken them, it just happened over time.

 

[jet-stream]

Always wanted to pull the trigger on ruby or green shell but I bought a pair of navy shell shoes and always found it hard to pair.

I like navy with medium and dark browns, as well as mid grey. I have a mid grey suit with a subtle blue stripe - navy is made for that.
Rubi is straightforward to pair - great with grey, especially mid to light. Also great with jeans, mid blue, etc.
Believe it or not, green is probably the easiest to pair - substitute it for brown and you’ll be right most of the time.

 

[SonnyUte]

I like navy with medium and dark browns, as well as mid grey. I have a mid grey suit with a subtle blue stripe - navy is made for that.
Rubi is straightforward to pair - great with grey, especially mid to light. Also great with jeans, mid blue, etc.
Believe it or not, green is probably the easiest to pair - substitute it for brown and you’ll be right most of the time.

I have navy shell boots and shoes. I agree with they above recommendations, but would add that they can be paired well with khaki, both cooler and warmer shades.

 

[mdubs]

Saturday. Rancourt Black Marbled Shell Cordovan Penny Pinch Loafers.

-Mike

 

[dave_rawitat]

Traffic light with Carmina Shell Wholecuts.

 

[Mallaig]

The wingtips are Tricker's Comipel. I think the color called scarlet.
The other two are Carmina Horween called ruby. I believe it's also known as number 2.
The Carmina shoes are basically unworn.
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Those Bourtons look fabulous. Have they darkened over time ?

 

[CWOyaji]

Church's Darwin penny loafers

 

[SRV]

Vass Whiskey Budapesters in P2 Last (Cross post from Vass thread)

 

[Phoenician]

I just use Lexol now.

That yes, and Bick 4 is another that I use and love

 

[chipperoo]

Shoe maintenance Sunday with these Wolverine 721, 744, and 135.

 

[smfdoc]

You could dye them. You could also leave them in the sun, which will change the color gradually but not sure if they would get darker or lighter.

The sun will remove red colors and lighten the shell's color.

 

[audog]

Posted this on the AE thread a couple of days ago, Wolverine 1K's with a little bloom Have a great Memorial Day!

 

[trevorplease]

:O are you sure that ain't mold?

 

[PSU John]

:O are you sure that ain't mold?

Looks more like mold to me also, as opposed to bloom

 

[JFWR]

Looks more like mold to me also, as opposed to bloom

No, that's pretty heavy bloom.

I had a pair of cordovan boots that got this on them once as well. Wiped away in 30 seconds with a horse hair brush.