Just can’t hurt Horween Shell….
grantiniabout 1 year ago
Alden Tanker BootHorween Ravello Shell Cordovan
See specs
Maker
Alden Shoe Company
Model
Tanker Boot
Leather
Last
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
Sherman Brothers
More about this item
I would contend that any kind of Alden Shell footwear is probably NOT the best choice for a patina contest. No matter how trashed they are, a quick brushing or, in extreme cases, a conditioning, makes them look new again.Use & wear
Office Work
Leisure
Travel
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.
Leather
Horween Ravello Shell Cordovan
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.
Fit
Barrie Last: 9EUS Men's Brannock: 9.5E
Length Feels Right
Volume Feels Right
Ball Feels Right
Satisfied with the Fit
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.
Craftsmanship
Alden Tanker Boot
I’ve been an Alden guy for 37 years. This is where I live. They are perfect in every way.
Sole & heel
Commando SoleOver 1 year, current sole
Great soles, zero wear showing
Commando heel, zero wearWorn for over 1 year, current heel
Great heel, zero wear showing.
Final thoughts
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!
Written by grantini
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