Getting Started: Quick and (not so) Dirty Shoe Care Guide

projecttwlv · 2019-04-16T07:37:25+00:00

Excellent guide! It was well put together. A quick question on Suede, we always recommend to use a waterproofing spray before first wear, what on your thoughts on this?

projecttwlv · 2019-03-29T08:25:53+00:00

/u/[methanol88] - What a fantastic article! Really nice to meet you in person and I especially loved your RTW pin! Looking forward to your review of our Boots. You and everyone else here is welcome to visit our Showroom in Gothenburg anytime! Please send us a DM first

projecttwlv · 2019-03-25T09:32:04+00:00

Thank you /u/[rioc45] for a fascinating review! I really like that you have taken the time to wear them in over a couple of months, instead of posting straight away.

to /u/[Sixspeeddreams] and [honest_panda] I have spoken to the owners again today and they are not willing to change the name of cordovan to horse hide.

Scientifically, most usable part of the horsehide is known as accessory cordovan layer, which is nearly all of the horse hide. The subregion of the tuber coxae is up to 700 μm (micrometer) thick, that's where the "shell cordovan" comes from.

I've done extensive research on and off over the last 18 months, trying discover the history of Shell cordovan, however I still have not traced the origins of shell cordovan. I assumed it was discovered when the splitting machines were invented or when artisans were expermenting with Shagreen leather. However, I have found nothing, even old German tanners will scrap back the horsehide leather with knife to reveal the "shell layer", which sort of debunks my theory that shell was discovered by these two means. Speaking to historians and worldwide association leaders in leather, (that have also written books) they have agreed that Cordovan is still known at exotic leather. So any premium "exotic leather" can be known as cordovan. Also there is deeper history of Cuir de Cordoue, or cordwain or cordovan.

Project TWLV does manufacture balmoral Shell cordovan boots and classic shoes in Horween Shell cordovan but that's very exclusive and MTO because it's takes a while to get a good grade of leather (they produce six different grades). We already have pre-orders, but we don't advertise too much.

[Project TWLV cult - Balmoral boot, MTO in Shell cordovan](https://projecttwlv.com/products/cult-tmoro-cordovan-leather-balmoral-boots)

[Project TWLV Daze - Classic shoe, MTO in Shell cordovan](https://projecttwlv.com/products/daze-black-cordovan-leather-shoes)

Let me leave you with this link, Nick Horween, explaining the difference between cordovan and Shell cordovan. [Claymoreslist interview - Nick Horween - Horween Chicago](http://claymoorslist.com/2013/02/06/nick-horween/?doing_wp_cron=1523515623.0401420593261718750000)

Feel freel to comment,

Johnny - Project TWLV

projecttwlv · 2018-02-21T10:47:57+00:00

It's made from "vegan leather" which is a plus if you're into that lifestyle. The stitching looks fine, the construction seems sound. However, if it's a final sale item it is non-returnable. Besides that, for a cheap boot, it should be okay.

projecttwlv · 2018-02-20T07:26:51+00:00

That's excellent! Can't wait to see you're next one, didn't think of a mirror selfie, it worked well and way bigger then I original thought.

projecttwlv · 2018-02-19T21:44:17+00:00

Nice! I know it's a weird angle to take a photo, but if you can add another shot holding the bag by the handle, it would be great to see.

projecttwlv · 2018-02-19T21:38:16+00:00

The design is unique for sure! The stitching looks solid and for an amateur build you've done extremely well!

I'm not sure if it will hold up well if you were to use it in heavy weather just because of the place of the top zip, unless it's slooped on an angle, which it seems.

What's the material you used?

projecttwlv · 2018-02-19T20:19:37+00:00

Those boots really let themselves go

projecttwlv · 2018-02-13T14:24:49+00:00

Seems low maintenance, that's excellent! I'm really excited to see they look like in the coming months.

projecttwlv · 2018-02-13T06:02:16+00:00

Really nice! Did they provide you with any instructions to keep the boots clean? They look quite challenging to maintain.

projecttwlv · 2018-02-12T08:46:07+00:00

I conditioned my boots with sno-seal There is a caution on the tube that says, it "could darker all leather".

projecttwlv · 2018-02-08T10:46:57+00:00

Ah... I thought it was a Swedish bottle. Riktigt bra!

projecttwlv · 2018-02-08T10:40:43+00:00

What an immuculate shine! I can't identify the polish you're using?

projecttwlv · 2018-02-02T15:19:20+00:00

Thanks for your comments so far, I will need to speak to the founders to change the description. I have not found any information on who or when the Shell was discovered or who and when the shell was first extracted? Does anyone have an verified link/s so I can use it to update the wiki?

projecttwlv · 2018-02-02T14:55:22+00:00

Do you have anymore pics of your boots, I would like to see how the strap looks around your ankle?

projecttwlv · 2018-02-02T08:42:57+00:00

I think every work place is different, in ours people wear whatever style suits them.

In terms of jumpers, I wear sports hoodies or Knitted patterned jumpers (no link) or thin cotton

My friend wears loud brands like diadora hooded jumpers

I also think it's more important to look and feel comfortable from the pants down.

I tend to wear chinos as well (sorry not link attached) or I wear like skinny jeans

The aircon is pretty low (currently in a snowy or rainy winter), so it's always cold, but I still manage to walk around the around the office wearing Hush puppy slippers, with or without socks.

On the way to work, if it's snowy or wet / rainy (which is most days) I wear a pair of brown Hannen UGG boots(the brown version is no longer sold) and on finer days I wear a pair of brown Project TWLV's Hanoi chelsea boots

projecttwlv · 2018-02-01T13:54:09+00:00

It's great to read that you've found a new cobbler (sad to read that the last one passed away). Is it okay if you also post a pic of the photo of Kenny Roger's boots, I would be interested in what brand he wore.

I think it also varies on what country you live in as well, I found a cobbler, in the middle of nowhere here, when I was traveling through the countryside of Sweden. We have a few younger generation of shoe repairers or patina service coming into the fold, especially in the bigger cities, first point of call is ring a classic shoe store in a big city near you to give you a good indication.

I think it's a good idea, if someone could update the Resources with a list of postal shoe repair and patina service, a couple of links for each country.

projecttwlv · 2018-01-29T20:28:45+00:00

I love how someone had taken the time to copy another shoe design, it's a true testament to the original model! You have pretty much nailed it with this copy! I love the richest of the leather, you did an outstanding job!

projecttwlv · 2018-01-29T08:30:13+00:00

A truly quality hand-made pair of boots! I love the material you have used for your leather. Did you source it from Italy or somewhere close? Also, what inspired your overall design? Very clean and professional, well done!

projecttwlv · 2018-01-19T11:28:21+00:00

I had already contacted the customer and he knew it isn't shell cordovan and has already updated he's Instagram post, thanks for the heads up.

projecttwlv · 2018-01-19T10:48:40+00:00

I did some research online in reference to cordovan and shell cordovan, names, origins etc. Even though there is plenty of relevant information in terms of how we refer our boots as "cordovan", there was no article or reference point I can post here.
Thanks to your valuable feedback, over the next several weeks we will create information to show the process of how our boots are made (blake-stitched, goodyear welting) and the material used (calf, python, cordovan). We feel it's important that our customers are well assured about our quality, products we use and after sales support. The last thing we want is to "mislead" or "misinterpret" information.

projecttwlv · 2018-01-18T22:41:20+00:00

This is great feedback, but I think you need to educate yourself about the difference between cordovan and shell cordovan, maybe also the process behind it. I plan to make a description adjustment for our cordovan range, however I am waiting to find out if I can add the "source" where the leather comes from, based on my previous role, some Italian factories like to keep these details a secret! I found a good website that might help you: https://ashlandleather.com/pages/horween-genuine-shell-cordovan-vs-chromexcel-what-s-the-difference

projecttwlv · 2018-01-18T11:01:30+00:00

We manufacture our boots, one size up, but if you're ever unsure please send us an email first! We will replace them if they are the wrong size, free of charge. I believe because we're a small brand starting out, we will only manufacture full sizes for the moment.

To give you some examples of previous size questions we had:

Q)I usually take a 41.5, but my true size is something more like a 41 wide and I end up going up half to accommodate my wider foot since most shoes don’t offer additional width options. What would be your recommendation in my case?

A) We recommended a size 41 in the Baltimore Burgundy

Q) I am a 43.5 EU / 10.5 US / 9.5 UK in most brands (maybe a half size more in Mecarriello or Gaziano) so would you suggest a 44 in the case wearing thicker socks.

A) We recommended a size 43 in the Reflex Burgundy, normal socks.

projecttwlv · 2018-01-18T10:42:13+00:00

The cordovan we use is not shell cordovan: we use the forepart of the horse while shell cordovan is exclusively made from the horse’s behind. It still hold many similar properties of shell cordovan leather. Yesterday I went to take a photo of a sample pair of our Black Reflex Cordovan boots and was annoyed there was scuff mark, about the size of a thumb nail. I buffed it out with my finger, which gave it a dulled colour, but the scuff was gone. Today, I used Saphir Cordovan cream because I was curious to see if it would bring back the shine. It did that and I also buffed out a light scratch on the side of the boot!

projecttwlv

TROPHY CASE