Cordovan Advice and Trivia

[Kyle Tennant]

Hey friends, I could use some help. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on some cordovan shoes (black wingtips, if you're curious. Which I know you are). But the thing is I'm trying to decide if the cordovan is worth the extra expense, or if I should just get some black calfskin jobs from Allen Edmonds. Pros/cons? Thoughts? Is the cordovan worth it if I'm a little money conscious right now?

Also, what do you guys think about trivia night for a meetup? Here are some places and days:

MONDAY: Finley Dunne's, Kincade's, Kirkwood, Lottie's Pub

TUESDAY: Mad River, Elephant & Castle, Bull and Bear, Schoolyard Tavern, Will's Northwoods Inn

WEDNESDAY: Declan's Irish Pub, Galway Arms, Burwood Tap, Racine Plumbing

THURSDAY: Casey Moran's, Fizz, Vines on Clark, Uptown Lounge

Full list of places can be seen here, if you know a good spot on the list. Let me know what y'all think!

Kyle

[Jake Hennes]

I have never ever regretted buying cordovan longwings. I have never worn a pair of dress shoes with the same sturdy supple quality they possess.

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[Eric T Cormack]

Will's Northwoods Tavern, always and forever. 

[Roneesh Vashisht]

You would have to elucidate "money conscious" for us to really provide quality input. 

If you're paying your bills, contributing to retirement, giving back in some way and generally meeting all your obligations, then go for it, you won't notice a few hundred extra dollars in the grand scheme of things.

-Roneesh

[Kyle Tennant]

I'm doing all those things, yes, but I'm also going to be going back to school this fall so I'll be without a meaningful source of income for about six years. I do have a decent amount saved up, but I'm just wondering if the money spent on cordovan would be better served resting in my savings. I probably would still buy a pair of good calfskin shoes, because I still need a pair of black dress shoes. Is cordovan worth the extra money in the long run? For example, does cordovan outlast calfskin? 

[Nat Williams]

Cordovan shoes in any color other than #8 have always kind of bothered me. If I'm wearing shoes that nice, then dammit, I want people to know! Obviously cordovan is superior for many practical, non-aesthetic reasons, but is it enough to justify the cost? If they have to be black, then I think it makes more sense to just go calf. If #8 is an option, then the fashion benefits are enough to push me over the edge (or would be if I weren't way too cheap).

[Jake Hennes]

The quality of the grain in the skin is just superior, in my opinion. I have a pair of #8's, and I love them, and don't feel as strongly as Nat about getting a pair in black, but I will agree that it definitely depends.

Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.

-Frank Lloyd Wright

http://elitistforthemasses.blogspot.com/

[Kiyoshi Martinez]

Kyle,

Apologies for not getting back to the email sooner on the cordovan vs. calf.

I would go with calf. 

I think shell cordovan is more of a rugged material that looks best on the type of footwear that's more "country" in nature. So, I think it looks best with longwings, boots, penny loafers and really any kind of blucher shoe. 

I suspect you're wanting to buy black wingtips (shortwings, I presume) to wear in a more formal context, likely with worsted wool "city" suits, which would lead me to think you want something more formal and in a balmoral. I think cordovan is probably overkill, especially since it probably will look better in brown over time with the difference in patina being negligible in black. At least, that's my train of logic. 

I would take the money you save buying calf and put it into buying some cashmere socks instead. Or maybe some extra awesome shoe care products. 

That's my two cents. 

My third cent is that you should get a plain captoe instead of a shortwing.

[Kyle Tennant]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the advice! I did end up going with the cordovan wingtips (apologies to all who suggested otherwise) for the following reasons:

- The general consensus seemed to be that cordovan was not, in fact, a waste of money in terms of durability and longevity; the votes against were along lines of preference

- I actually prefer the rugged, country aesthetic because it keeps me connected with my roots

- The brogues also help remind me of my Scottish heritage

- I am actually planning on moving back to Ohio in the near future, so I think the spirit of the cordovan wingtips would be fulfilled

- Nobody gets very formal in Ohio.

I appreciate all the great insight and assistance.

Now, about the matter of trivia. Eric seems greatly in favor of Will's Northwoods Inn, an idea I fully support. Any other recommendations? If not, how do we feel about Tuesday the 16th or the 23rd?

[Alan Wegrzyn]

Anytime for me works next week!

Alan Węgrzyn | Haberdash

E-Commerce Manager
607 N. State St. | Chicago, IL 60654
888-544-0585

www.haberdashmen.com

[Roneesh Vashisht]

Tuesdays are great for me.

-Roneesh

[Samuel Umachi]

Yooo... anyone trying to hang next Thursday, Friday, or Saturday?