The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread

[TimothyF]

???Any leather will crack if not properly cared for, shell is no different. As long as one conditions and properly cares for their shell, it will be fine. I’ve got a many pairs that are older than or approaching the age of your example and they are no signs or issues of splitting.

Fine consider yourself fortunate. I recall that example was from a regular poster on another forum. There are no indications that he took care of his shell cordovan any less than you do. And there would not be "signs" necessarily, one day they just split.

 

[TimothyF]

Since we are delving so much into the topic, I took the effort to dig up that thread: https://www.badgerandblade.com/foru...ion-v-b-nelson-shoe-restoration.310084/page-8

Discussion around shell rip on page 8. Seems like this gentleman is rather unfortunate, at least 2 pairs of cordovan cracking?

 

[zippyh]

Tricker’s

 

[stephenaf2003]

Since we are delving so much into the topic, I took the effort to dig up that thread: https://www.badgerandblade.com/foru...ion-v-b-nelson-shoe-restoration.310084/page-8

Discussion around shell rip on page 8. Seems like this gentleman is rather unfortunate, at least 2 pairs of cordovan cracking?

..you tripping….it’s a little early in the day to be drinking and posting my dude.

 

[Blastwice]

Since we are delving so much into the topic, I took the effort to dig up that thread: https://www.badgerandblade.com/foru...ion-v-b-nelson-shoe-restoration.310084/page-8

Discussion around shell rip on page 8. Seems like this gentleman is rather unfortunate, at least 2 pairs of cordovan cracking?

I'd say this is an Alden problem and not a shell problem. That part of the shoe requires additional support in the making which Alden probably doesn't do (or doesn't do well) to save a few bucks.

Another place Alden's often fail is the eyelets. These are where my shell pair started to fall apart before I parted with it.

I haven't seen these problems with other makers like Carmina or Enzo Bonafe, and MTM and bespoke makers are certainly already reinforcing this part of the shoe correctly when they make it. Mine does.

 

[TimothyF]

..you tripping….it’s a little early in the day to be drinking and posting my dude.
View attachment 1837563

Time to find search for the right meme? Check
Time to reply with substance? Uh oh

Just face it. Shell cordovan is an idiosyncratic "leather" with its own strengths and, yes, weaknesses. Does it actually last "longer" than other leathers of comparable quality? Jury's very much out on it, and this forum is unlikely to have anything scientific or empirical to prove.

And PS, anyone with eyes can see your "passion" for shoes is an addiction. Sorry dude

 

[TimothyF]

I'd say this is an Alden problem and not a shell problem. That part of the shoe requires additional support in the making which Alden probably doesn't do (or doesn't do well) to save a few bucks.

Another place Alden's often fail is the eyelets. These are where my shell pair started to fall apart before I parted with it.

I haven't seen these problems with other makers like Carmina or Enzo Bonafe, and MTM and bespoke makers are certainly already reinforcing this part of the shoe correctly when they make it. Mine does.

Interesting, and I don't dispute what you write. So it looks like the maker best known for shell actually makes its least durable.

 

[Blastwice]

Interesting, and I don't dispute what you write. So it looks like the maker best known for shell actually makes its least durable.

Keep in mind the pair that cracked in your link was "15+ years old" which doesn't really strike me as a terrible run for a single pair of shoes.

While Alden is a fine maker, I was not impressed with the durability of the boots I owned and I'm not a huge fan of the finishing they do on their shell either.

 

[stephenaf2003]

More of my passion Carmina PTB in natural, aka addiction 🤣

 

[stephenaf2003]

Time to find search for the right meme? Check
Time to reply with substance? Uh oh

Just face it. Shell cordovan is an idiosyncratic "leather" with its own strengths and, yes, weaknesses. Does it actually last "longer" than other leathers of comparable quality? Jury's very much out on it, and this forum is unlikely to have anything scientific or empirical to prove.

And PS, anyone with eyes can see your "passion" for shoes is an addiction. Sorry dude

 

[TimothyF]

 

[Blastwice]

Too many memes. Not enough meat and potatoes, gentlemen.

 

[jischwar]

Too many memes. Not enough meat and potatoes, gentlemen.

View attachment 1837707

Those are still looking great!

 

[flylikeneagle]

C&I whiskey Harlech this morning

 

[smfdoc]

Florsheim from Feb 1990.