Introducing Shell Cordovan! Now Available
Yes, you've heard correctly, Shell Cordovan—renowned for representing the pinnacle of luxurious quality in shoe leather—is now available.
If this is your first encounter with Cordovan, it's worth noting that it is a type of leather that is truly distinguished. Its glossy finish, refined texture, and remarkable durability make it the preferred choice for elite shoe manufacturers specializing in luxury bespoke shoes for men.
The scarcity of Cordovan results in its association with iconic high-end men's shoe brands, where only a limited selection is crafted with this rare leather, catering largely to connoisseurs. Its rarity, expense, and intricate production process contribute to its exclusivity.
Where does it come from? The term “Cordovan” originates from the Spanish city of Cordoba, known for its ancient tradition of breeding Andalusian horses since the 7th century.
Unlike common cowhide, Cordovan is an equine leather derived from horsehide, specifically the fibrous shell beneath the surface hide on a horse's hindquarters.
The creation of Cordovan involves a meticulous process: a single shell undergoes tanning, shaving, and hand-dyeing, followed by treatment with vegetable oils over weeks, and is polished meticulously before leaving the tannery. This extensive process takes six months or more, reflecting its intensive and costly nature.
Shell Cordovan presents a completely smooth surface without grain, providing shoes their high-shine and opulent finish, usually in rich dark browns, cognac, or classic burgundy. Unlike calf, Cordovan is stiffer, requiring more time to break in. However, once well-worn and cared for, including resoling when necessary, Cordovan shoes are expected to endure for decades.
The available Shell Cordovan colors include Dark Brown, Cognac, Navy, and Burgundy—known as Color #8—which evolves into deeper hues of reddish-burgundy over time. You can order shoes featuring this exquisite material through the Q-Bespoke “Design Your Own” platform. Simply look for the “Cordovan” styles in the main category list.
