I just took delivery of a pair of Tricker's cordovan bluchers.

Americans will have little idea of how rare cordovan is in the UK. Crockett & Jones offer them in a very nice blucher - but they are dear and I have never found them in the sale. Not much saving via plal either. Church's are even more expensive and not often seen.

Anyway, I am really happy that I am supporting a proper Northampton shoe maker. Northampton firms rank higher than Alden or Allen Edmonds IMO. The only shoes those companies produce that I like are the plain blucher and the long wingtip. Loafers in cordovan is over-egging it IMO. Weejuns will do just as well; though deck shoes have usurped the role of loafers for many occasions. Alden cordovan in other lines is not very nice at all. Alden monk shoes have a nasty thin strap.I do not like saddle shoes. Toe caps do not work in a derby etc. etc.

Trickers say the model is a 'country' model sized a half size bigger for thick socks. Fits me fine with ordinary socks, though measuring the sole against a Loake Royal wingtip it is definitely wider.

I just need some narrower trousers with no break to show them off properly.

The cordovan is sourced in Argentina at a new tannery called ANCA. This appears to be Spanish for 'rump' or 'crup'. So Horween and Japan are not the only sources for cordovan.

If I got some argyle socks and a digital camera I could post on 'What footwear are you wearing today'.

Best of all I could put down 'mogano' for the colour. Oh the kudos !!!!