Shocking Truth About Leather Quality!

In this episode of The Prime Dude Podcast, I reveal a shocking leather quality find from one of the world’s top shoemakers—Joseph Cheaney & Sons. Are they using corrected grain leather in shoes that sell for $500 or more? I share my firsthand experience of returning a Cheaney and Sons pair after noticing leather that looked and felt suspiciously low-quality.

But that’s not all…

🔍 I dive deep into:

What corrected grain leather really is—and why you should avoid it at premium price points
A reliable travel shoe: the $150 To Boot New York cap toe Oxford (and how to spot corrected grain on it)
A rare New Old Stock (NOS) find: black Allen Edmonds Strand, made in 2016, with better leather and build than some current models
A true collector’s gem: Alfred Sargent-made Peal & Co. split toe derby, unworn and Goodyear welted
His newest obsession: the BLKBRD Shoemaker Enzo Oxford from their Contemporary Line with suede + museum calf combo, hand-welted and priced at just $240

🧵 I also cover:
How to identify poor leather before wearing your shoes
Tips for finding NOS shoes on eBay (including Allen Edmonds and Peal & Co.)
Why Allen Edmonds is still a top shoemaker—if you know what to look for
Honest sizing tips for the BLKBRD Shoemaker Pagani last
If you care about shoe quality, leather construction, and want real talk from someone who actually wears and tests these shoes—this is the episode for you.

How is Allen Edmonds Still #1 Show -    • Allen Edmonds Still #1 in Men’s Shoes.  
Yearn Shoemaker A551 Monk Strap Review -    • Yearn Shoemaker Review! Could These Be The...  

eBay for AE Strands from the show: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=...
eBay I used for Peal and Co. (Alfred Sargent) Derby: https://www.ebay.com/str/eatwheaties?...

00:00 Introduction
01:49 "Corrected Grain" Leather
04:10 Cheaney Shoes - Bad Leather?
06:23 NOS - Allen Edmonds Strands
09:18 Alfred Sargent Split Toe Derby
12:27 BLKBRD Shoes - The Enzo Oxford
17:00 Allen Edmonds - #1