Alden Shell Cordovan Boot Review 

Those are one of my favorite pairs of boots ever made. I used to work for j.crew and that’s one of the Alden’s I wasn’t able to grab while I was there. I did get a couple of pairs of Alden’s for amazing prices. Wish I grabbed those while I was there though.

These are probably my favorite boots of yours! I broke down and bought the Shoemart Indy Shell in color 8 today! 😅

These look awesome, nice and shiny yet broken in. I got a similar Alden makeup from Ealdwine earlier this year (Apex), with a punched cap toe, antique sole edges, dark eyelets, but a leather sole which I greatly prefer. Can’t wait to see how they age. Right now there is just a ton of fat pouring out of the flex points lol I am brushing like mad to try and redistribute and get that shiny look. Cheers and thanks for your videos!

Beautiful boots, olive laces are very nice on them

Thanks for the review - I have a pair of these boots and I love them. I’m curious about your take on wearing them in the rain - I’ve always been under the impression that cordovan leather shouldn’t be worn in the rain for fear of getting the little water spots on them that cannot be buffed out ?

These are a beauty I Love Shell Color 8 and Espresso. Olive laces are nice variation for fun. Great taste my friend, great purchase

Great video! You got me looking at those boots for a while brother .. Lol and I was going to buy them but I bought the Colour 8 shell Cordovan wingtip with the antique edge instead because the perforated cap toes looked too similar to my Vibergs .. thanks for the great videos! Keep them coming !

One of the best boots I ever saw on the internet! (The other being the Allen Edmonds Shell Cordovan Dalton).

I really liked what you said in your video! But I have to tell you that the movement of your camera gave me vertigo!!

hey Dale.., would you mind doing a short video where you go into detail explaining everything you know about Cordovan patina..? and not through products.. I just mean naturally.. like.., most leather gets darker in the sun, right? But.., Cordovan gets lighter...?? correct? I have some cognac/cigar looking Bowery boots from Julian, and I want to know how long I should leave them in the sun for to try getting them a bit lighter in color... I can't find much info on that through Reddit or on here.. hope to see a response or video .., thanks for all your work with this over the years 🙏👊

Good to see someone thats even more into boots than I am. I really appreciate these videos because most of the boots I look at have no retailers near me so I depend on the reviews from people like yourself. One thing is clear though, one of us mispronounces “Cordovan” and “Barrie” lol

Thanks for making a great content video. I look forward to purchasing this gem for myself soon

Just got my first pair of shell cordovan boots a few days ago, Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill in color #8. I'm thinking about switching the eyelets out with antique brass eyelets, and also replacing the speedhooks with eyelets. Not entirely sure, since I do like the convenience of speedhooks. I just prefer how all-eyelets look. I did notice that my Alden boots and these AEs have the speedhook holes punched back and aren't aligned with the eyelets. With my Red Wing Heritage and Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, the eyelets/speedhooks are all aligned down the center. Do you know why some brands notch them back a bit like that? I've seen it on several, actually. It's more prominent on my Aldens, where the speedhooks are almost aligned against the stitching, whereas the eyelets are centered between the stitching on either side. I wonder if using all eyelets on my boots might look strange since the holes aren't aligned (I'm sure nobody would notice, but I would).

Woaaaaw, I feel like I just got off my Kayak! My tummy is up in my throat, so I have no idea what you said in your video, but I stayed through the last minute. The boots look very nice for a four year-old boot. I personally like the look with either the leather laces or the dark brown flat waxed laces. The olive color contrast is too much for me, and I feel they don’t do justice to the beauty of the boots.

Damn, brother you got some fine additions in your collection.

Beautiful. Great mods.

It would be cool to get boots like that resoled once their worn out into a old school jungle boot.

Just ordered a pair of Indy 403 CXL, but I think I’m not that long to get a shell cordovan leather ones after knowing the my can serve in raining days. Which model would you recommend? Tanker, Indy, Jumper.... I normally wear boots with dr/navy denim, tan chinos etc...

those boots are beautiful!

Thanks, and I enjoyed the video. I have a pair of the dressier version of your boots, same number of eyelets, but all eyelets, no hooks, and some extra broguing. A cool feature of mine, and I am wondering if yours are the same, is that the tongues on my boots are unlined with just some skivving around the perimeter, you can really get a feel of the shell as delivered to Alden. Also the back of the right shoe tongue has the Horween stamping that came on the back of the shells. Wondering if your shoes have that feature?

Those are one of my favorite boots.

I love my pairs of Alden shell cordovans.

I got an opportunity to get a used pair in pretty good condition. I wear mostly jeans. How rugged are these?

Hey man, really enjoying your content. Quick question: Do you find the cordovan alden shoes wear wider than their calf iterations? I've heard the shell wears a little wider in the same size. Just curious if you've had the same experience.

nice review and enthusiastic,

But are they hot to wear for an extended period of time

Stunning shoes, I might just have to get me a pair. I have a few questions, did you get the soles rubbered? And how do I get in touch with Randy the cobbler?

Thanks for making this video. I've purchased these twice before and I returned them cos they looked two dressy lol. I have the 405 indy boots in kudu as well. So now I can get these as a more dressy shoe when I want.

Awesome boots!!!!

What is the difference between these and the ones Alden makes?

Cathy retired unfortunately.

Beautiful

Just got mine sized down .5 from Crew. Hurt right where your friend's did. Length fine. Did your friend's become more comfortable?

what brand are the olive laces?

They don't make these anymore? I'd love to get a pair.

Are those double leather out soles?

Very nice video... Very informative. Friend, I do have the same boot. They are brand new. My rescued pup went Rambo and damage some areas. I was wondering if you know of any tricks for dog fang leather indentations? The leather is indented due to his front canine teeth pressing on the leather. Also, He crew off the end of the shoe by the lace holders. I welcome any input you can provide.

I like the mods

What size do you wear in Alden vs Grant Stone?

Hi. I'm also in the DC metro area and have been looking for a trustworthy cobbler to mod some of my footwear. Would it be uncouth to ask you where I could find Randy? Thanks and keep the awesome boot reviews coming!

That leather looks fuckin rad in that evening light. Are you going to be a cobbler in retirement? Everyone needs a boot/shoe brofessor!

How much they cost you 4 years ago?

Cordovan will stretch

Can you do a video of you wearing a suit with this boots?

Following you on instagram, now

Dude, hold your camera still. I’m dizzy from watching your video.

Are you rich

Dang you have small feet!