My Shoe Collection, Shell Cordovan 2076 Short Wing Blucher from Alden

Not only one people talked that if you want to buy a pair of shell cordovan, the leather must be from Horween, and the shoes Alden. Non-Alden is no shell shoes. Luckily, I own one pair of Alden Shell Cordovan Short Wing Blucher, serial number 2076.

I am certainly curious to know then what are those in their eyes.

The love to Alden is close to religious worship among the fans, that is amazing.

Culturally speaking, I love Alden because I am a guy who is fond of heritage and iconic models. Tassel loafer, PTB, Tanker and U-tip Derby are all so classic and their shell version is even more teasing.

Style wise, not really a fan as they are too casual for me.

Anyway, as a shoe lover, I must have one, don’t I?

Pattern

Wingtip Short Wing Blucher. Comparing to the most iconic and best model in Americans’ eyes, Longwing, Short Wing is more dressy and fades some country feeling.

Worldwide shoemakers all have this model as well as longwing, and most follow the style of original American, only Japanese shoemakers (especially bespoke) try more elegant designs.

The Alden 2076 has unique details, one is the wingtip shape, the two curves are divided very wide. Then the perforation on the ears are quite unique in shape of diamond.

The ornamental brogue line parallel with the outer line of blucher ears makes great harmony of the size and the turn.

Last

Last Barrie, a very round and roomy last, but suits very well with wingtip which lighten the dumb feeling.

Welt

The craftsmanship has long been criticized but this pair say otherwise, the welt looks so quality and beautiful. Firm.

Upper Stitches

The stitches are quite straight and dense, what to criticize? I don’t get it.

Out Sole

There is nothing significant or worth talk about the open channel sole. Just iconic and you can tell by the first sight, the flat waist.

Steel Plate on the heel is not a good solution for anti-wear, the reason is too noise and too slipping.

Leather

It is said the Alden has very special treatment for shell cordovan, so even other brands use shell from Horween, the end result is still not as attractive as Alden. Alden’s shell is glazing better, more durable, and absorbs care products more easily, oh, talk about know-how.

This pair is colour 8, however after so many years wear, the colour darkens very much and I don’t know how to describe it. The leather is very pliable and the finish is still marvelous.

Lining Information

Size is 6 (US), width is E, wider the normal and default D, model number is 2076.

Conclusion

Comparing to the price of English shoes, Alden is not expensive at all, especially for its shell version. To say wearing one pair for decade is not exaggeration at all. Why not have one? The only issue for me is they are not so suitable for my batches of suits.