Stretching shell cordovan shoes

Join DateFebruary 27th, 2006LocationNY, USAPosts557 Stretching shell cordovan shoes

I got a pair of nice shell cordovan shoes, it's an old new stock Florsheim pair and I love the old quality.

The problem is they are a bit tight in B width. I normally wear D-wide shoes.

Should I try stretching the shoes with my shoe repair guy? Will they expand from B to closer to D? Or should I not bother and juts get rid of them?

Join DateOctober 31st, 2012LocationOakville, Ontario, CANADAPosts365

I'd be reluctant to try stretching cordovan - particularly old cordovan.

Join DateAugust 28th, 2005Location, NC, USA.Posts1,749

I've stretched 4 pairs of shell with no problem. But it was new shell. I'm not sure if old shell would be prone to cracking and if using a conditioner would reduce the risk.

Always First Class, Never full price

Join DateJuly 5th, 2008LocationPinevillePosts153

I sent a pair of new shell shoes to B. Nelson and he stretched them out a bit. I'll agree with the others and say i'm not sure about "old shell".

Join DateOctober 31st, 2012LocationOakville, Ontario, CANADAPosts365

See the article below - particularly the embedded video - for some good info on cordovan.

http://www.gentlemansgazette.com/cordovan-leather-from-horween/

In particular, note the comments from the AE rep at about 10:45 about the difficulties in lasting cordovan shoes, and the tendency of the material to crack when pulled on (stretched).

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