What exactly is shell cordovan, you ask? And why should you pay more for it? Horween, the first name in shell cordovan leathers, has your answer.
Genuine Shell Cordovan is the art of tanning at its finest. More than just a color, it is a very specific leather, from a particular part of a horsehide. The irregular oval shaped shells are tanned, stuffed, shaved, and then polished – a process taking six months. Each shell is slowly steeped in gentle vegetable liquors. The shells are genuine hot stuffed then slicked onto glass frames to dry. Each shell is hand curried and shaved by highly skilled artisans to expose the shell. Dyes are hand rubbed on for a deep aniline finish. Finally, the shells are hand glazed to achieve the rich, glossy look and feel prized by fine craftsmen.
Take a trip through Horween’s facility as they process the leather, then send it over to Allen Edmonds to be made into shoes.
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Check out this cool walk-through of the Red Wing Shoe Co., still proudly handmade in Minnesota:
I rock a pair of Red Wing Rugged Classics. They’re great. I wear them as much as I can so they’ll look like the second image below sooner rather than later. It’s tough though, they’re nearly bulletproof.
An amazing find! The link below takes you back in time. Not really, but kind of. It’s an archive of videos from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, including the iconic trip to the crayon factory. Enjoy.
Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood Videos
