view on Alden long wingtips - calfskin or cordovan?

[Ennius]

Hello,

I am about to get my first Alden shoes and want the black long wingtips. I am trying to decide between the calfskin and the cordovan. Cordovan is about $150 more. Is this extra $$ worth it in terms of look and durability and comfort?

Thanks

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Yes.

 

[dddrees]

Absolutely.

 

[Ennius]

thanks - any color on the differences?

 

[Patek]

If you like the model--yes.

For me personally, I think that model looks best in suede.

 

[Patrologia]

Yes, although I prefer long wings in burgundy. Shell is worth 150 in any case though.

 

[jerrybrowne]

Shell for sure.

 

[blue collar]

You'll never look at calf the same...

 

[luftvier]

Why not #8 instead of black?

 

[wumingde]

Cordovan would be a better investment. Go with the general consensus.

 

[chogall]

Black grained calf has more character than black cordo. Or #8 cordo.

 

[SpiffEngineer]

I am enamored with the Alden cordovan PTBs I bought earlier this year, and comparing cordovan to calf, the former comes out far ahead. My only other input is that I prefer admiring the ripples in cordovan on less complicated (plainer) shoes, though this does not seem to be a widely held view on SF.

Edit: I also forgot to say that #8 is a great, rich color, which you should consider if it is acceptable in your environment

 

[Ennius]

Thanks for the useful advice and opinions.

The color #8 looks very nice. I can certainly do that, too, as I work in a business casual environment. A couple questions:

(1) How do you think of the Black cordovan versus the #8 cordovan? Different uses, looks? I have become a fan of the Thom Browne look and figured I needed a black longwing but no need to be too doctrinaire.

(2) I live in NYC. Any thoughts on where to shop for Alden? I have heard the Alden store near Grand Central doesnt always have good customer service.

Thanks again.

 

[erpet]

The black cordovan shoes I have seen have not had the kind of shine I think black shoes should have (the "spit and polish" kind), so I think cordovan is better suited for non-black shoes.

 

[axroox]

My first Alden shoes were black shell lwb. Within a few weeks of that purchase, I picked up a pair of #8 lwb's. You really can't go wrong with either -- both are classic staple items, and with minimal care you will enjoy them for many years to come. Personally, I would give a slight edge to #8 over black-- as others have noted, it is a beautiful, rich color that is extremely versatile. Whatever you do, make sure that you are fit properly.