Caulaincourt Paris: Review of this exciting quality brand from France

I'm really excited to finally be reviewing a shoe from Caulaincourt Paris. Started by Alexis Lafont in 2008, a very talented artist. I was drawn to the wonderful patina work of Alexis on Instagram and appreciate the unique shoe styles he is making. You can see some classic models but everything has a modern twist to it with clever design details. Check out the unboxing of the Sirocco cap toe balmoral oxford with custom grey patina. I couldn't be more thrilled with these! Certainly a brand worth exploring.
Check the website below:
www.caulaincourt.paris/en/col...
Shined with Saphir Mirrorgloss neutral and a felt cloth from my friend Jason Dornstar...check out his KZbin channel too!
/ jasondornstar

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

Thank you for having us Mike 🙏🏼🤩

[@mbshoedoc]

Oh no, I really thank you. I have been interested in you for a while now and so glad to finally review a pair. You have truly exceeded all my expectations with these stunning shoes.

[@adeverre1]

The most addictive brand to me. It offers what shoe lovers keep looking for: quality, freedom in patina selection, price and staff expertise. Highly recommended. Your shoes looks stunning dear!

[@mbshoedoc]

I agree completely. I haven't worn these yet but expect them to fit just as well as they look!

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

Thank you for your very positive feedback. We are delighted that you like the products and the service, because these are important criteria for us, representing the identity of the Caulaincourt house. We hope to be able to create new patinas for you.

[@tims4916]

Lovely shoes! What a color 😍

[@mbshoedoc]

I agree completely. Alexis sent an image before shipping them out asking if it was too subtle but I think it is perfect. It was exactly what I wanted.

[@g2w225]

the most innovative Parisian shoe house !!

[@mbshoedoc]

They really have exceeded all expectations. I knew they would be nice shoes but once I opened them up I knew they were really special.

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

We thank you for your very positive feedback. We indeed offer products with real know-how and an identity specific to Caulaincourt.

[@irawanwijaya7951]

Great video. Thank you for introducing new brands....

[@mbshoedoc]

I'm glad you liked it. I have really loved discovering so many great shoemakers out there. Many of them deserve more recognition 👍.

[@199blazer]

Yes they are very nice. I have a wholecut Caulaincourt that I love. I got it second hand from France a couple of years ago. I didn't get the original box to determine the model but it looks like their current "One Cut 1827". I say it looks like because it is Goodyear welted not Blake, made around 2013. The brown colour patina work on my pair is also gorgeous and it has a very high stitch density on the uppers and on the welt. Also, strangely the stitching on the welt stops well short of the heel-block just like some of those bespoke shoes. BTW, I believe Alexis Lafont is a descendent of General Armand De Caulaincourt (1773-1827) of Napoleonic fame, which may explain the title of two of the lasts they use: 1773 and 1827.

[@mbshoedoc]

Wow very cool informatuon on the family if correct. I was also considering that same wholecut 1827. So many great looking pairs. This one was just unique enough that I had to try it. Can't wait to wear them this week.

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

Thank you Jack. You are 100% right ✅. Alexis Lafont is a grand son of General Armand de Caulaincourt (close to Napoleon Bonaparte). 1773 is the date of birth. 1837 is the date of death.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@CAULAINCOURTParis Thanks for for coming in to comment and thanks again for the chance to review these lovely shoes!

[@raajpradeep2706]

Thank you for this great video. There are not many videos on this brand. One question - was there any import duties ? I would like to order a pair and a matching belt but I am worried about the duties as there is not much information online.

[@mbshoedoc]

Good question but this was done as a collaboration so it didn't incur the typical import fees. It would be best to ask the brand directly since I'm sure they ship to the US frequently.

[@3dsublimevreality962]

Wow,wonderfull modèle of shoes, love it ❤❤❤❤🙄

[@mbshoedoc]

So glad you liked it. I was pretty excited opening these up!

[@josephheinecke1992]

Everything really does look first rate. The box and bags really look nice. In your experience are Blake stitch constructed shoes more or less comfortable than Goodyear welted shoes because you do not have the cork layer? Brands aside, I do not own any Blake stitch constructed shoes so just curious on your thoughts or if its too broad and general of a question.

[@mbshoedoc]

I think it is a great question. I think what many people typically think of with a blake stitch shoe is this thin cardboard sole on a really slim Italian loafer style shoe. This type of shoe does not hold up well over time and really doesn't feel good either. A shoe like these Caulaincourt with a substantial sole (same as a GYW sole) and a good leather insole etc tends to be very comfortable and equal to a goodyear welted shoe to me. Without taking the shoe apart I don't really know what layers may be in there but no doubt there is something added for comfort. Maybe some cork or some poron perhaps. Again I think it is those super thin blake shoes that give all of them a bad name where it is a thin leather insole just slapped directly on a cracker thin leather outsole. Perhaps Caulaincourt can comment further if they see this or perhaps reach out to them to ask. I will plan to do updates on these review pairs after I have had a chance to wear them some as well.

[@josephheinecke1992]

@@mbshoedoc what you said is spot on. Exactly what I was thinking and what I associated it with. Ive seen styles I like but have been nervous on the Blake stitch side of things because of my preconceptions.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@josephheinecke1992 Check my previous video as well. Michael Darren Shoes..Also Blake stitch but with solid sole and construction. Wearing a pair today that is nearly two years old and no issues at all.

[@josephheinecke1992]

@@mbshoedoc yeah i was drooling over those boots! 😄

[@mbshoedoc]

@@josephheinecke1992 Mission Accomplished 😎

[@errolmacdonald3256]

Really original V-shaped seams front & back. French elegance, n'est ce pas? Don't sound the 't' there at the end of the brand name. Say it like Marine Corps. They missed a very French opportunity with the red bag. If they'd run a seam down trough the middle of the bag they could have dispensed with the two black ones and you'd have a classy tote for carrying two bottles of wine, French of course, home from the wine shop.

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

👍😁

[@mbshoedoc]

I am absolutely terrible with getting brand names correctly...be prepared for this if you watch my videos LOL. I like your idea with the wine tote though. Caulaincourt....better get on that right away!

[@jws2899]

Great video! I have a question...what is that lacing style called?

[@mbshoedoc]

Great question and I have no idea. They are flat laces and I would call it X pattern lacing. Did I just invent a new term...possibly.

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

We thank you for your feedback. To answer your question, there is no real name for lacing.

[@boblob-law9401]

7:21 I fudging like these too!

[@mbshoedoc]

It's very well done on these. I definitely want to check out more from this brand in the future.

[@CAULAINCOURTParis]

We thank you for your feedback and we are delighted to know that you like it.

[@nk7144]

I checked on the website about this brand....you need more than € 500 for Blake stich construction shoe. Way too much.....so I gave up. I will order my next dress shoes from another brand.

[@mbshoedoc]

They are definitely on the pricey side but they have some beautiful and unique designs. I am not at all bothered by Blake stitch construction in general but in the $500 range many people are looking for hand welted and hand lasted construction which is definitely a step up in quality.

[@mtbokor1969]

I was disappointed to that the pair ordered didn’t fit. I purchased in my size and flush the shoe fit overall too snug. I was really hoping they would fit because I am a huge fan of any shoe designer that does patina’s.

[@mbshoedoc]

Sorry to hear that. My pair seems to fit true to size. I ordered my normal UK size. I wonder if it is just a different last shape that was too narrow?

[@mtbokor1969]

@@mbshoedoc For sure it could have just been the last. This is the challenge when purchasing shoes online. In a brick and mortar set up I can go in and try shoes on for fit. And becuase these are patina, they arent returnable. So in this case I ordered the crust bc they are returnable. Add on the fact that I pay for shipping in both directions, I am not motivated to try a different last to see if that is a better fit. I wish there was a less expensive and easier way to explore these amazing brands.

[@mbshoedoc]

@@mtbokor1969 I totally understand. Unfortunately it seems all the new and exciting brands are online only...because it's super expensive to open a retail shop. Only the more known established brands tend to have a store.

[@mtbokor1969]

@@mbshoedoc It is the trade off. If the brand has a brick and mortar or is sold via retailers, the shoes are probaly more expensive. I've discovered so many great shoe brands via social media inclding Michael Darren (yours), TLB, Carlos Santos, Yearn, J Fitzpatrick and Altan (all in my closet). I've also purchased and returned at least as many bc I didnt like the fit or the aestetic. Without the internet, you might not have started your own shoe line and I would still be wearing Magnanni 🙂