I wore these casually and did some minor hiking in them. However I tended to go easier than perhaps I should have. Probably the most wear in one day was an 8 mile day in NYC last month.
The Ravello shell has faded to a softer reddish brown, which I think is particularly attractive. Once the awful fake acrylic shine wore off, they took on a pleasing glow that just gets better. Break in was moderate, but they are now quite comfortable. I did try to avoid brushing, to see what the effects would be and frankly, I was getting some decent patina going, however my OCD always took over and I ended up conditioning and brushing them regularly. Frankly, no matter how much you beat these up, a quick brushing makes them look new again.
I’m a 9E in Barrie and, like the True Balance, they fit me perfectly and are extremely comfortable. A couple weeks ago I walked almost ten miles in one day in NYC wearing them, and then wore them on the streets that night in the rain. My feet felt great… and of course a quick brushing made the rain patina disappear.
I’ve been an Alden guy for 37 years. This is where I live. They are perfect in every way.
Great soles, zero wear showing
Great heel, zero wear showing.
I don’t think I would choose shell for a patina contest in the future, but man, nothing looks or wears better in the real world. Get ya some rare shell and tell the world you are here!