The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[AEShoeMan]

Allen Edmonds MacNeils today

 

[Skelnik]

I just purchased a pair of Edward & James burgundy shell cordovan short wings from Pediwear. I've been looking at these for a while now and finally decided to get them. I received them yesterday and tried them on right away. I am normally a 9D Brannock, 8.5D Barrie, 8E UK, but decided to go with 7.5F UK since these are sold in F width only. I'm glad I did as they fit well. In fact, they fit exceptionally well.

This model is made by Barker for the Edward & James line (which is exclusively for Pediwear). Cheaney makes some of the other styles. I believe all of the shell cordovan models, regardless of the maker, source their shell from the English tannery Joseph Clayton & Sons. I have to say I am impressed with not only the quality of the shoe, but the material as well. I find this shell cordovan to be incredibly similar to Horween's shell cordovan. Time will tell as it ages, but so far I am very pleased. I currently own mostly Alden, Crocket & Jones, Allen Edmonds and Florsheim shell cordovan styles all of which use Horween. However I have owned other brands with styles made from Italian, Japanese and even Argentine shell cordovan. I find this English shell to be superior to those at first glance when compared to Horween (since that is the gold standard in my opinion). I have found the Italian shell cordovan to be next in line but all of that can be left for another discussion.

Pediwear is a fantastic retailer and has remarkable customer service. Their passion for fine gentlemen's footwear shines through with their Edward & James line. I was even impressed with the shoe box itself and the other items they included. I generously received a shine cloth, shoe bags, shoe horn, and an extra set of laces all of which are high quality.

I do find the shoes rather stiff, but this seems to be because of the Dainite sole and leather lining which makes them quite thick. This lends to the overall feeling of quality and durability though. I expect a somewhat slow break-in period, but only time will tell. I'll try to post a review in the future after I wear them a few times.

 

[smfdoc]

Bourbon MacNeils today for me too.

 

[up1911fan]

Bourbon MacNeils today for me too.

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Those might be my favorite TS19 pair!

 

[Skelnik]

Bourbon MacNeils today for me too.

View attachment 1207789

Wow! Very nice!

 

[miburo]

Please remove my post if in wrong thread but:
Are these boots cordovan? mrporter states they are but I REALLY don't think so.

I believe looking at that texture it might be horsehide? but not shell

 

[jet-stream]

Brown shell Strands:

 

[Burzan]

How do they look worn

Only wore them once and forgot to snap a pic. Will be sure to update though.

 

[dave_rawitat]

A walk in the wood with Camina's (customized) Shell Cordovan sneakers (Rubi + Saddle).

 

[smfdoc]

I believe looking at that texture it might be horsehide? but not shell

True. All shell is horse, but not all horse is shell.

 

[M635Guy]

True. All shell is horse, but not all horse is shell.

Strictly-speaking, donkeys and zebras have shell also (I think mules do as well)

 

[SonnyUte]

Strictly-speaking, donkeys and zebras have shell also (I think mules do as well)

Is zebra shell striped?

 

[M635Guy]

Is zebra shell striped?

I hope so

 

[smfdoc]

Is zebra shell striped?

I believe I read that color changes on the surface can cause differences in the shell. It’s one of the reasons so much shell is dyed black.

 

[SonnyUte]

I believe I read that color changes on the surface can cause differences in the shell. It’s one of the reasons so much shell is dyed black.

Fascinating.