About Genuine Shell Cordovan Leather

Using the Centuries-old method of pure vegetable tannage and hand finishing, the single tannery today still producing genuine shell cordovan is indeed practicing a rare art. The tanning process takes a full six months to complete and produces leather that is soft and supple, yet very durable. Alden's classic patterns take on a unique character when made from genuine shell cordovan.

Alden stands as the acknowledged master in working and finishing this special leather into extraordinary footwear. The crafting of shoes from shell cordovan recalls, and indeed depends upon, shoemaking of the old school. The special qualities of the leather are elusive, unresponsive to high volume production methods. Cordovan demands the measured pace of hand shoemaking and patient finishing, responding to such careful work with unmatched luster.

Over time, the patina in Alden's genuine shell cordovan shoes will only improve, deepening with each polishing and showing to full advantage the especially rich character of the leather. As durable and comfortable to wear as they are beautiful to look at, genuine shell cordovan shoes truly are Alden's masterworks.

Advantages of Genuine Shell Cordovan:

• The leather should last 10 to 15 years. (Shell cordovan shoes are resoled in exactly the same manner as shoes made of calfskin.)
• The leather does not develop the small wrinkles which often appear in calfskin shoes.
• It develops a beautiful patina with age.
• It usually shines just by brushing.
• Water does not easily penetrate the leather.