Shell Cordovan Care and Maintenance

If properly taken care of, shell cordovan can last for over 30 years.  Many find that it looks better with age, as it develops a nice patina.  The most widely accepted approach for maintaining shell cordovan is known as "The Mac Method", named for its originator, online shoe forum personality "Uncle Mac", who has by far the most extensive collection of shell cordovan Alden shoes on the Web.  (His collection is conservatively estimated at 50+ pairs.)

The "Mac Method"

1. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt

2. Brush rigorously with a horse hair brush (about 5 min per shoe)

3. Buff to a shine with a flannel cloth

4. Apply paste wax only as needed, 15 wearings minimum between applications

5. Wear in good health

Some items for maintaining shell cordovan

Horse Hair Brush

(Many enthusiasts insist on

one for every color to prevent cross

contamination of pigment)

Venetian Shoe Cream

Cleans and Moisturizes

Use sparingly, it contains turpentine

which can remove some of the finish

Paste Wax

Shines and protects

Always use the appropriate color

Never use cream polish on

shell cordovan!

Saphir Cordovan Creme

Moisturizes and adds color

neatsfoot oil based

contains no turpentine

alternative or compliment to wax

Edge Dressing

Used to Touch-up nicks

on the dyed edge of the sole

One of the most heavily cited benefits of shell cordovan is its durability.  Below are before and after shots of a scuff that was brushed out using a little Venetian shoe cream, a horse hair brush and a lot of elbow grease. 

 Before

 Before

 After

After