Carmina Shell Cordovan Oxford Review

[@real_fjcalabrese]

Quality business dress shoes are meant to be worn. With proper care, the shoes should be resoled multiple times. Goodyear welted shell cordovan shoes have a slightly longer break in period than calfskin. Once totally broken in they should be awesome. NOTE: My experience is from Allen Edmonds and Alden.

[@jeffanco9367]

Great video and I would love to see more in this range ...but... this could get expensive for you!

[@AsAnAtheistFilms]

I've had the opposite experience and noticed dressy calf has a longer break in then shell. It is very important to find Shell shoes that are the proper size with no discomfort wearing them after 1-2 hours. Shell has very little stretch so if it's uncomfortable at the beginning it's unlikely to change. Most of the "stretch" you will feel with shell cordovan is actually the lining, sole (if leather), and footbed breaking in.

[@danielhakimi]

US 12 is about UK 11. Carmina and Meermin use UK sizing.

[@mr_ion]

Alright, i think now it's the best time for a 1.5 year review on this beautiful pair! ;)

[@PankajKumar-on5ib]

Amen...

[@georgeelgart1060]

Just bought some oxfords by mail but called the store and they were great. Carmina is excellent. Enjoying the videos.

[@DarthJabba504]

Whoa, amazing coincidence...just got my made to order Carmina delivered 3 hours ago, exactly 2 months after ordering! Super comfortable and looks much much sleeker than my Allen Edmonds. My in store experience was great and I walked in looking like a hobo. Highly recommend made to order in store for odd sizes, they made it wider than standard wide and can also adjust for your own insoles if you give it to them to use on their lasts during production. My rubber Dainite soles are very comfy and flexible.

[@gsmarkham]

The customer service issue is due to poor staffing. I've shopped at their Mallorca store and they were very accommodating and pleasant. They previously made another one of my favorite shoe brands--Yanko.

[@thePowerPlant]

Thanks for finally going for a real, quality brand. Please do more established brands. The fast fashion stuff is fine and all, but you don't know what you don't know (quality wise). You must see the best to judge the rest.

[@i2ambler2002]

I've got a couple of pairs of Carminas in the Rain last - that are sized UK 10. I typically wear a size 10.5 in US tennis shoes, but size 11 in AE. Carmina recommended size 10 (i ordered online) and luckily they seem to fit very well. My AEs are not nearly as comfortable..

[@ellrucker494]

@thekavalier will you provide an update on how the shoe has held up ?

[@robm7449]

They look amazing with the no break pants .

[@emidyl24]

glad you found and love Carmina. I have 4 prs of their boots as well as some suede boots for my wife. Absolutely some of the best shoemakers around, and if I may say, a good buy relative to the other hoity toity makers out there. Very comfy from Oscar to Rain lasts. Shell is always worth it. Love the captoes you got, just enjoy them and get yourself a deer bone to keep them maintained. Might have to visit the NYC store despite being assessed LOL, but was unable to visit in Spain a couple years ago in 2 different cities, with strange operating hours. Cheers

[@SoXFireBlade]

I bought a calf leather derby from madrid for 150 euro with great customer service. So far it is my favorite brand and a better value than allen edmonds but it makes sense because i am not from USA and they are extremely comfortable and use them when i travel.

[@connellyj823]

Excellent review! I just received my burgundy Shell Cordovan whole cuts on their Rain last yesterday and I can't get over the quality and the look. I have over a dozen shoes from Allen Edmonds, including some from their Cordovan and Independence collection that I have always thought were of a very high quality. But Carmina is just in a completely new tier. Enjoy those, they look amazing!

[@hamzahali9295]

I’m planning to buy the shoe you mentioned, could you tell me about the sizing and the width of it? Thanks in advance

[@ricemice11]

Can you review Cobbler Union?

[@TheJrivera1]

I went to the Carmina store in NYC and purchase 3 pairs of shoes back in April. They were made to order so I am still waiting for them to arrive. The guy there was very friendly and was a pleasure to deal with. You know how it is, some days you feel good and some days you don’t... Thank you for your review.

[@danielhakimi]

Coincidentally, I went there last night for the first time. Yeah, they're not especially friendly, I noticed that too. But the shoes are nice, the suede felt great, and the shell was obviously striking.

[@i2ambler2002]

I find it interesting that high end stores tend to be run by snobby pricks. If I was treated like that in person, I would walk down the street to Alden and buy my shoes.

[@justsam100]

@@i2ambler2002 it's funny because people who go to those kinds of shops, 90% of the time make like 2/3 times the money the store employees make, so yeah.

[@maduran31]

Beard stubble looks way better than the moustache

[@The_Kavalier]

I know, my release order was thrown off this week. Beard will come back in January. Rocking the stache for December 😁

[@JRCxyz]

Michael Duran infinitely better. The stache looks rapey

[@kongmw]

Been waiting for this one! Edit: not thrilled about how they apparently treat their potential customers though.

[@The_Kavalier]

I'm sure they get a bunch of riff raff that comes in there to windowshop based on the location so I can't totally blame them after working in retail for 4 years.

[@christopherwilson88]

I'd be wary about judging it based on one employee in one location though...I was treated very well at the original location in Madrid, and while I'm no stranger to nice shoes, I went in that day (I happened to be around Claudio Coello and had hard good things about them...wasn't a planned trip) wearing jeans and Chucks. Anyway, great quality in general and absolutely best value for price. I have a pair of Chelseas that I got at the Madrid store and some Oxfords I got from The Armoury in Hong Kong, wear both often and love them, right up there with my Indy boots in terms of favorites

[@classyshoes8504]

I love Carmina shoes, thinking about going to NYC to pick another one up, but this time looking for something more casual...

[@dothienanduong6642]

Love to see Carmina's appearance. They are definitely one of my grails for shoes. How is their sizing compared to Meermin? Also, I would love to see you review Carlos Santos since they're kinda in the middle between Meermin and Carmina. Love your videos.

[@MrSquire10]

Nice vid. I think someone mentioned it in your Hanger Project unboxing, but make sure you’re using the Saphir Cordovan Cream rather than one of their regular leather creams or Medaille d’Or polishes-I can attest from experience that it makes a HUGE difference. Also a real pain to get the wrong polish off! Kirby Allison did a really nice cordovan care vid that is worth watching if you haven’t already.

[@The_Kavalier]

Yes I need to order that and some suede weatherproofer in my next KAHP order. So easy to spend money there...

[@dantehernandez3904]

I enjoyed watching this. I had no idea that their store is two street blocks from my office. I will definitely check them out.

[@dan83to]

Yeeess to another level! I absolutely loved this new review and so glad to see you seemed to be very happy with such purchase! Definitely there is a higher standard on the pair you've just shown and like tou properly said "people in the know" sums it up perfectly! Just one thing though, even if an expensive pair can worn out if not taken care properly. I've seen many people treating luxury items as lifetime warranty or it will never break, so they can wear it without any care or just expecting it to last forever. Just because you wear it like you would from a fast fashion brand, it will break anyways because you are not careful enough. But I am confident that will not be the case, but just wanted to stress this out to set expectations from luxury goods. Nice pair of shoes for xmas holidays! Great Santa gift! haha

[@paulhughes5446]

Thanks so much John

[@DClaville]

They look amazing, recently got my first pair of Carmia shoes and i will be getting more the also have a very extensive custom order program where you can get exactly what you want, it isn't cheap but getting beautiful dress boots with wet weather friendly soles is almost impossible so ill have to save up and get some made, not sure if i want cordovan for boots but the Horween color no. 8 is an amazing color

[@HatimB]

Don't wear them less because they are Cordovan, the more I wear mine the nicer they get. They love lot's of brushing, take your time and the shine will pop (especially if they are new)

[@MrDallas1987]

Have a pair of Chelsea Boots from Carmina. They're outstanding. No regrets. Will be visiting New York in October and going to check out the store.

[@markmahan6868]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I have a pair of Chelsea boots on the Forest last and they're fantastic. You might consider toe caps to save your JR leather soles. In my opinion there's no comparison between Meermin and Carmina. Carmina cost more but there are many reasons for that and Carmina will last you a life time if well taken care of. My Meermins are pretty shot after 4 years and believe me, I take care of my shoes.

[@TheMensch]

WOw im drooling. That burgundy color is really outstanding i just hope you get as much use out of these as possible. The red looks amazing with the navy tweed, but should go with anything really!

[@MeToo-py1tq]

Kirby said that on the Cordovan leather that they make them looser so they fit looser not sewn as tight as the other leather shoes that’s probably why you went down in size so much

[@ruperttmls7985]

Tengo muchas ganas de pedir algo en la web de Carmina, pero después de alguna mala experiencia con los tamaños de Meermin creo que tendré que esperar a cuando regrese a Madrid para ir personalmente y probármelos 😅

[@DoMMy627]

yep.....still killin' it!

[@Mourik131]

Congratulations on your new shoes. Personally im more fan of Crockett and Jones. I have worn Carmina shoes but I have a better feeling with Crockett and jones and I think they look better. Aldo I would love to buy Edward green shoes one day but they are for now out of my price range.

[@shahtel]

I’d do more higher end reviews in 2019. Carmina, Crockett and Jones, Alden, EG, Cheaney, Barkers, etc

[@joelwinderweedle4125]

Please make a follow up video on these

[@savvylifestrategies9445]

Beautiful shoes. Enjoy your purchase.

[@paulhughes5446]

Just caught up with your review of Carmina - I am looking to purchase a pair of Chelsea boots and am considering Crockett & Jones vs. Carmina or as a possible alternative Paul Evans. I have a pair of Paul Evans Monks - 3 months old. Happy with them so far but have heard some comments recently including from Carl Murawski that they wear quickly. Love to get your thoughts and comments on any of these three. Thanks so much

[@The_Kavalier]

I’ve heard similar about Paul Evans but that hasn’t been my experience with either my whole cuts, or my Cagneys. Can’t go wrong with Crockett and Jones though. James Bond’s boot brand of choice 😁😉

[@juanjosefermin3682]

Always informative and welcome to the beard club :)

[@dannyclass4238]

The suit you're wearing in this video is beautiful! Could you comment on where you got it?

[@douglaswilson9360]

Articles of style

[@josefsbeach]

Please do a review of Yanko and/or Carlos Santos! Been a lot of comparison in terms of quality of these vs Carminas :)

[@CJ-kj5ep]

Great shoes but also great suit. Is that a flannel or tweed?

[@svx94]

Thanks for sharing the experience! The thing that I appreciate the most is what you mentioned about the size variation, which make me think I really should buy from the store. Where is the store in NYC?

[@The_Kavalier]

Near Grand Central

[@jancedricmicheler6122]

This is a nice Video 👞☺ i have the same Oxford in shell cordovan and i have the same size😄.

[@AsAnAtheistFilms]

Ha been waiting for this one, saw you show case it in your hanger project saphir unboxing.

[@christianhalberstater6881]

Any impressions on the normal leather carminas? I already own one pair of meermin shoes (black) and I need a brown pair of shoes. I'm considering stepping it up to carminas or should I keep with meermin tier shoes because it's only my second ever pair of quality shoes?

[@The_Kavalier]

I wanted to mention that in this video. I am sure the construction is nicer in the Carminas but I did not see or feel a discernable difference in the leather quality between Carmina and Meermin. Very likely they source from similar tanneries but the cost for Carmina comes in the Mallorca construction vs Meermin going overseas. I should do this as it's own video

[@christianhalberstater6881]

@@The_Kavalier thanks so much. A full length video would be greatly appreciated. Love your work

[@AsAnAtheistFilms]

@@christianhalberstater6881 Huge difference in quality of leather. Meermins are known to crease in an ugly manner due to using lower quality leathers and are not finished as well, there QC is meh (still better quality than most shoes in the price segment). Carminas uses better quality leather, supple calfskin. They also use better materials for the remainder of the shoe (soles, and linings) etc. Meermins are chinese made and have a much lower cost thus can't use the best of the best while Carminas are 100% made in Spain and use premium materials for the uppers, lining, and soles.

[@shahtel]

Christian Halberstater carmina is def step above in terms of quality, both the uppers and lowers. If you’ll be wearing your brown shoes a lot more than blacks due to the versatility of brown, invest in carmina. I personally have a few pairs and the quality is unbelievable! Can’t go wrong with their Rain or Simpson last imho.

[@tommoschitta8779]

I don't know if you will see this, but want to share a current experience. I'm in Germany. Carmina had a sale in like March or April...buy a pair of shoes and get a matching belt and shoe cream free. I bought 3 pairs. They sent first the wrong size. They sent one replacement and I had to wait until 2 weeks ago for a replacement Norwegian. The left shoe was sewn together incorrectly. The toe stich was off to the left and the laces didn't tie horizontally. Sent them back 2 weeks ago with a 5 week waiting time. I asked about a brown pair I ordered and returned for size...no reply. Carmina staff at their factory are either stupid or just lazy. Buy Crockett & Jones...perfect in every way.

[@aaronschwartz9705]

yo. allen edmonds is US size. Meermin and Carmina are UK size so from AE 12 to Carmina 10.5 is only .5 size down.

[@Kale_Kale]

Hi Jon, do you plan to check out Kent Wang any time soon? Great video!

[@dlrulez619]

Hello, I heard you mention that you own a pair of Thursday boots. If you don't mind, what size are you on those shoes? I'm looking to buy my first pair of Carminas and I want to try and gauge sizing as well as I can

[@MarioMateo]

Very nice shoes. The AE Cordavan Park Avenues are currently on sale from $695 down to $495. But I still feel the same way you did (biting your finger) before saying the price in this video....

[@tracker54]

Check out Vass shoes if you can. Handmade in Hungary, truly unbeatable at the price. They start around €400-€450 for non-EU buyers, excluding shipping. I think all in all, you should be able to buy them for $550-$600 (shipping included). They are IMO on the next level / tier, up there with the usual $1500-$2000 RTW shoes. (FWIW, I've owned around 10 pairs of Carmina shoes, and still wear many regularly - great brand, and value for the money)

[@isabelletablate6373]

Is three a video of the people you mentioned that did not have a great experience at the carmina shop?

[@blakebedoya8000]

Gotta swing by Leffot in NYC on your next trip.

[@The_Kavalier]

I have that one bookmarked but didn't make it there last time. Next one!

[@dressshoeguy]

Those shoes are really gorgeous i think your going to get some good wear from them. Id love to see a video of these as you had them for a few months to see how well they wear.

[@The_Kavalier]

I have been wearing them quite a bit! One of my favorite shoes to wear with almost anything

[@dressshoeguy]

@@The_Kavalier From this video id beleve it.

[@dressshoeguy]

@@The_Kavalier I have some shoes in Shell Cordovan and love them all.

[@vidster7]

Is that your first Cordovan?

[@The_Kavalier]

Yep!

[@iangraham705]

Are they UK 10.5 (ie US 11.5)? Might explain the strange sizing

[@The_Kavalier]

I think Daniel mentioned that, makes more sense. Salesperson didn't mention that.

[@willtothewong]

Nice video as always! What jacket is that!?

[@The_Kavalier]

Articles of Style. Did a video on it. I keep intending to link to the products I’m wearing in the videos but I forget 🙃

[@willtothewong]

The Kavalier thanks for the reply! I remember that video!

[@James_Edward59]

Can anyone answer a question for me. I’m just getting into real estate and I’m wanting a good quality pair of shoes that aren’t too dressy but aren’t too casual either. Would these exact shoes but in a lighter brown be a good pair for semi dressy/semi casual clothing? Thanks In Advance.

[@bravobear1844]

I seem to be in a conundrum, I have enough money to buy some Carmina Horse-bit Loafers (the cheaper ones) but! I could buy jay butler loafers and this 100 dollar cologne I really want. Or I save for a truck 😪 which is what I should do

[@TheNikokokoko]

Dude. Your shit is great. I enjoy watching your videos and love how you keep developing as a creator and a gentleman(everything except mvmt watches tho haha). Keep it up, boss.

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you Niko!

[@rdaffon23]

What's the best method to identify which shoe lasts is best for me (besides trying on a thousand pair of shoes)?

[@jrlee31]

Pls what is the size comparison between this and Allen Edmonds? And was is a 10.5 UK or US for this Carmina shoe?

[@javiershobbies]

Those shoes look amazing! Enjoy!

[@totalbliss1]

Have two Carminas. A whole cut and a monk strap. Haven't worn either of them yet but am contemplating putting in a protective rubber half sole. Any opinions on that?? Don't really wanna get to the point of having to resole them even though it would be easy being that it's good year welted.

[@markdougherty7796]

I would advise not placing the rubber on the sole, as JR soles will last a lot longer than others; and your feet will stay cooler with only leather.

[@totalbliss1]

@@markdougherty7796 Interesting. Yeah, they look and sound a lot better the way they are as opposed to putting in the rubber soles. I'll probably just go that way.

[@Sandevistan2020]

where is your link for the Cordovan guide you stated in this video?

[@biscuitnoir1]

Never heard about them but after visiting their website I was pleasantly surprised. They really look good and their prices are good as well. But I have to disagree with your comment that they make the finest hand crafted shoes. That title, in my humble opinion, goes to french brand J.M Weston. Twice the price, but they have a long history. And it takes over 1 year just to treat the leather. Look them up on youtube. And if you get the chance, they have a store in NYC. Love your videos by the way, keep it up!

[@yeewu6145]

Do you mind to tell how to is yr feet to fix the UK size 10.5 of this shoes? And what last of the shoe is? As I find yr shoe's last quite nice. Always find difficult to buy shoes online.

[@007cheburashka]

We are very similar in size. Nice jacket and trousers - are you a 40?

[@JM-jb1bh]

@The Kavalier can you review a pair of Samuel Windsor? I've asked a couple of people but had no response yet. I don't know why, maybe they are well built and don't want to admit it? Thanks!

[@michals.2124]

Just to be clear, in your experience was that the $750 charge included NY tax?

[@The_Kavalier]

No, retail price is $750. If I were to have purchased online, PA has no state tax on clothing so in my mind it was even worse in NY rather than ordering at home but wanted to get while in store

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

Nice shoes! 😃 Similar look to the AE 5th Ave.

[@styzoom]

Nice shoes, so you are 10.5 UK then in Carmina? Usually that is 44.5 Euro, so their sizes are a tat bigger.

[@chazgurrero3090]

Could you do an episode on same quality in 13 EE OR 13 EEE SIZES?

[@zhengdajiang]

What suit are you wearing! that blazing looks good haha

[@The_Kavalier]

Articles of Style. One of my favorite suits. Video on channel!

[@zhengdajiang]

@@The_Kavalier thanks!

[@steventrosiek2623]

Great video. Always enjoy your reviews. You're so handsome, especially with a beard.

[@tagheuer001]

What about socks? I've been trying to find non-boring but still office-worthy socks! I can't find anything!

[@frankrizzo7185]

Ironic, the toughest soles will be babied. Solid review, thanks Kav

[@neckroteddy]

That shine 💜🔥

[@axim01]

Could you give me some reference about this carmina?

[@disturbed9361]

Very beautiful shoes..! Keep uploading sir

[@aaronarguelles8322]

Follow up video. Clearly these are a lifetime investment. The initial purchase and subsequent show care will be a great value for you. Shell Cordovan will last your lifetime and probably your kiddos too if you resole them as needed. Love the shoes!!

[@The_Kavalier]

My son would be all too lucky to be a 10 1/2 in 18 years 😜

[@johndeer4250]

Amazing shoes!

[@robertpeterson5310]

I love your suit, shirt, and tie. You are looking great.

[@robertpeterson5310]

Love the shoes too and your socks.

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you Robert!!

[@DrakeDragonheart]

Damn. I know myself well enough that if I walk into their store I'll be wearing the cordovan balmorals on the way out lol

[@scdobserver835]

Beautiful jacket.

[@michaelle9810]

What last is it?

[@eliasferlander2081]

Love the video. Size 45? Impressive, never figured you for a hulk of a man ;) Anyways, I was actually just thinking of buying the black cordovan jumper boots on Carmina's website. Wondering what you thought about getting black shoes in shell cordovan? The boots themselves are sort of a military style, and I don't want them to look too shiny. Also, Carmina have the option to order the shoes with metal toe caps. If I'm going to put down this much money, I'd probably want them to last. Any advice on metal toe caps? Pros and cons, or something to that extent. Congratulations on hitting 50k subs. You deserve it!

[@angelbadillo2741]

You should review Magnanni’s dress shoes & sneakers 👟

[@Judge_RR]

Magnanni is just for show; and absolutely not for go. If you want to look flamboyant, go right ahead.

[@gfbl]

Definitely not close to the level of carmina

[@Pertemba40]

You can rubber line the sole for $45.00 for more durability.

[@user-oi8sq6ci8j]

I have a pair of Carmina's and it depresses me how much I've beaten them up through wear. :'-(

[@bddale6529]

Off the top how many shoes and boots do you own

[@The_Kavalier]

Growing everyday. It's like a moving ticker that keeps going up

[@bddale6529]

@@The_Kavalier ....Im on 25 for Loakes 1880 shoes and boots

[@BassFishing81]

Do you have an update on how they have aged?

[@The_Kavalier]

Amazing. 10/10

[@BassFishing81]

The Kavalier thank you!

[@andersjensen1499]

Congratulations with your first pair of Carmina shoes - I still haven’t bought my first pair but I will soon -:)

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you Anders!

[@GVS86]

I purchased a pair of Bourbon Cordovan Double Monks and Vegetan Brown Penny Loafers from Gentleman's Footwear in San Diego because of this review. This is the best shoe maker for this price point. I already feel sorry for all my other loafers and monk straps.

[@kazochrymowicz3076]

I have five pairs of their Cordovan shoes. Love them all. I went to that shop in October 2019 and purchased three pairs. BTW very handsome shoes You bought. Congrats

[@EscobarStyle]

Are those what you bought when Carl and I picked you up in NY??

[@billybadass8690]

How do these compare to Ace Marks?

[@Mr.HarryPotter]

On March 18 2024, the all Cordovan wingtip Oxfords Shoes are: $1285

[@anthony5570]

Size 10 in black please😀

[@anthony5570]

Hi Buddy

[@chrisgreen8231]

Love the beard please keep it nice suit as well thanks for doing these videos