Review Series: CARMINA Shell Cordovan Longwing Blucher 532 Detroit: The Shell Cordovan Standard

[@DancingSpacePotato]

I’ve watched this video a few times. First because I like your initial impression videos, second because I just bought my first vintage shell LWB and after conditioning back to like I wanted a little bit of shine for the office. And third because just about twenty minutes I bought my own Carmina LWB. I’m very excited

[@williamapple6538]

I love how you're so respectful with techniques!

[@matthewanderson7882]

Yes! Been waiting for a solid review on these shoes because I’ve been eyeballing them for so long, and what better person to review than the main man himself. Thank you, Preston!

[@nickcvet7637]

I just bought a pair of Carmina burgundy longwing bluchers in shell cordovan. really excited for them to come in the mail

[@TheElegantOxford]

You’re going to love them

[@ericericwnelsonlivecom]

Hey Preston, you should do "customer's reaction" videos! Your work looks SO GOOD, I'm sure your customers are ecstatic when they see the magic you work on their shoes.

[@angelophan]

I think the shoes are great and showcasing trouser/sock ideas is a total win.

[@paulschwen805]

Hi Preston, I’d love an video in which you present your whole collection and I am surely not the only one. Really enjoying your content, keep up the good work. Cheers, Paul

[@joke6771]

Such a unique colour, and the shoes are fabulous. You can wear it with jeans, formal, and Chino pants. Very beautiful.

[@oyster_3694]

Great review! Carmina has been on my radar for a while now! I love their option to completely customize your shoes or boots! 👍👍

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

The more I see Carmina shoes the more they grow on me. Great video Preston. Stay safe.

[@christopherbuilder5354]

I just came back from their flagship store in Mallorca and ordered a pair of plain toe shell cordovan oxfords, which normally come in calf and can’t be bought on their website. They’ll take sixty days to create and I can’t wait to receive them! 🥰

[@AngelGarcia-yu3rp]

Siempre me gustaron los zapatos. Y a medida que me voy haciendo viejo , más me van gustando..... Los shell cordovan Oxford o blucher full brogue en tonos marrón y burdeos son mis preferidos..... Por lógica son los zapatos más caros de vestir pero cuidándolos duran una eternidad !!! Entre los zapatos que tengo en mi zapatero poseo 2 pares de shell cordovan ingleses de la marca Church,s!! Adoro estos 2 pares de zapatos. Luego tengo Sebago en burdeos,en Ante tengo 2 pares más. De Merming tengo 1 par en dos tonos,blanco y marrón. Castellanos o tipo mocasín tengo 3 pares ,marrón,negro y burdeos. Tengo q decir q mis próximo par de zapatos será de Carmina Shoemaker

[@nonbespokeelegance2481]

Fabulous video Preston! What a coincidence, Carmina Official KZbin channel updated a Cordovan video this morning.

[@wildbill9863]

I don’t dress nice I don’t wear jewelry I don’t wear shoes like this But I’m fascinated by these videos and respect the leatherwork Keep it up

[@ulyssepinon9177]

Get a pair ;) A casual derby that you can wear with a tee shirt is a good starting point and it makes a big difference

[@aryeshbanerjee3412]

Why do I feel like I've talked with you beforw

[@ulyssepinon9177]

@@aryeshbanerjee3412 We are all alike

[@wildbill9863]

@@ulyssepinon9177 not sure why I’m not really interested in the fashion I very frequently end up running in the woods Kind of an adult 10 year old when I see a bug or little creature I would ruin anything nice

[@ulyssepinon9177]

@@wildbill9863 Get a solid pair of boots then ;) from trickers for example

[@CrispyFrenFry]

This is a gorgeous LWB but for now I must stick with Alden for their 405 and LWB because their lasts are far more comfortable for my eee width feet. I love the dynamic design of the Carmina last but in my personal experience they tend to cause medical foot problems i cant justify. Great video!

[@MNpicker]

Awesome vid Preston Amazing looking shoes 😀👍🏼

[@anangelshero0410]

Hey Preston, just picked up a pair but noticed some significant differences. Most notably, the color is more reddish with little to no olive/brown hues. I checked their website and also the reddish tone is represented there too. Also no wheel fudging. I'm still happy with the fit though.

[@angelalane8660]

HI, PRESTON!!! Cigar isn't my taste, but those are fly asF, Preston. I could really picture a shoe like this in that denim blue you did once. I fuggin love blue... hope that precious girl is doing great! She's not spoiled at all, either! 😂🥰

[@rssin23]

Just the video I needed as I got my first shell cordovan shoes last week and brushing like crazy was not working for me. Another perfect video. 👌

[@stevenroman7469]

Great video. It’s funny - Carmina dropped a video on all their shell colors a few hours before you did.

[@stokermat112]

Nice! Is that a triple sole?

[@Alandale45]

Beautiful shoes. Thank you for the video. This product shows what is possible and so might inspire Alden and AE to do better.

[@warrenstanford7240]

Carmina shoes can not be beaten for quality/price ratio, I have two pairs- a black oxford and brown wing tip which are my main goto shoes. I often get compliments for a mirror shined oxfords!

[@nodieusa]

Yesterday I was wondering when you would post this video! I own a pair of Carmina's chukkas with that same shell and I love them. I REALLY enjoy the look of this shell on your long wings, makes me want to add one to my collection. Now I just need to find out what last will fit the closest to C&J's Pembrokes as those fit me the best. I even get the "Kirby Allison bespoke swoosh" when I put them on :)

[@henrywest7217]

Beautiful shoes well presented by you. I'm envious.

[@davidoletep]

Awesome review Preston! Hope the wife and daughter are doing well bro! When we meet up in Temecula, I'm gonna give you my strands to work on.

[@scorpleeon]

Boss pair of shoes. Nice vid.

[@anangelshero0410]

Thanks for the review‼️ I snatched a pair of these for about $350 on ebay. The only difference is that they have a combination heel and sole protector.

[@xerxiusmaximus]

What a wonder… such an envy-provoking pair… great content…

[@westfieldartworks8188]

That was an excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@franklinerickemur]

Need more transformation shoeshine video like you used to upload before!

[@dukeyin1111]

Wow, I have a similar pair (same colored shell and design) made by Meermin! Thanks for making this video. Probably I will get the Carmina version once I am rich enough lol.

[@60zeller]

They don't cost anymore or as much as your phone. And, they will be with you for life. Treat yourself

[@bullfighterz2148]

Hi all i live near Carminas Shop in Madrid, i love this brand and always dress a pair of this shoes. At the moment have 5 pairs. Thx for tour vids

[@tonydeltablues]

Carmina, Shell, wow! The colour!

[@scottcoppel3151]

Just got these as last pair for 525, so nice!

[@anangelshero0410]

Good review, but a couple of points to share. Allan, from CobblerPlus, distinguishes between a split-welt (like here on the Carmina), and storm-welt. He shows the welts side-by-side in his video about recrafting Florsheim boots, and explains the difference. I agree that Carmina has a sleeker/modern take, but I really enjoy the artistry and intricacies of the medallion on the Alden. Having a pronounced instep and cost being nearly equal I'd probably opt for the Carmina because function (comfort) outweighs form.

[@alanimals]

Excellent video with for me great information with passion.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks Alan. Glad you liked it

[@pedrohenriquemagalhaes4188]

Badass seiko turtle, mate

[@angelalane8660]

I really enjoy telling people who ask what the inside corner of the hell's purpose is...I also tell them I learned it from The Elegant Oxford on KZbin, and I try to get you new subs, cuz I love your channel and your little family! I also know a lot of comments help a channel...😉

[@charlesdelusignan7909]

Can you review Septieme Largeur? I bought a pair the other week and they have many interesting features: pegging, 180 degree welt, interesting designs, sleek lasts, very nice patinas - and all this for a very reasonable price. Worth a look!

[@Clarc115]

Alden Cordovan #8 will accept Saphir Neutral polish? that's great.

[@joewelnack3283]

Very nice, the Detroit last has a color much like cigar which I own in Alden. This brand is only available in NYC??

[@marzrimahadi824]

OMG, So Beautiful, Crazy about it.

[@kongmw]

The Alden gunboats and their distinct shape are in a class of its own IMO.

[@SrJurado]

Just started saving!!✨

[@hellothere921]

These are beautiful, I love Alden but I think your right.

[@Kudusole]

Nice, I am planning to get the cordovan from Carmina too D:

[@MarcusMinnesota]

Shell cordovan color is numbered. The darker the color, the higher the number. Darker shades are more forgiving (and less seen) with flaws. Higher grades of hides are used for neutral or lower number colors. Yeah, you're welcome!

[@RhymingMime]

Such a beautiful pair. My taste skews brown so this color piques my interest more than the usual purple

[@leomarchiori1]

I have a really serious problem when I mirror shine on cordovan leather. After a walk white comes out from the leather with an upsetting appearance. This is the only leather, in 20 years of wax polishing which develops this trouble

[@RadiohedgeFunds]

I'm really into the Carmina but I don't it's worth going custom for a wider shoe while the Alden offer wider pairs for the same cost. I guess that is just the cons of having a wider foot unfortunately.

[@michaellupu2080]

Thank you for your video! I have a question: just how supple or stiff is Cordovan? I am curious as to how the material "behaves" at the vamp.

[@GA-vr7ob]

Could you please also make a video on colored leather shoes like red or blue. Thanks

[@siddhantmerh592]

Apart from US, Italy and Japan isn't there a tannery in Argentina for Cordovans?

[@TheElegantOxford]

Yes they exist in various counties apart from the ones I’ve mentioned.

[@siddhantmerh592]

@@TheElegantOxford I would love to know all of them ! :) your channel is a treasure big brother! Regards from India!

[@Tomleey]

Could I ask the size and last for carmina? I am planning to buy a pair of carmina, but idk what size and last should I go for. I wear Alden Barrie last in size 8.5. Thanks for your advice.

[@itsmt2020]

How does the Rain last compare to the AE 7 last? Fit wise. Should one consider sizing up / down?

[@陳昱豪-n6u]

I like Carmina's shell cordovan.

[@wesley7781]

Hey Preston (or anyone else in the comments!), I saw you dunk a pair of shoes with shoe trees in water one day to kind of shape it again. I am searching for the video but really can’t find it, would you mind telling me which video it was?

[@rmandolin]

This video is fantastic.

[@zipx]

Because of this great and really good looking review, I'm ordering the actual same shoe in the same color from Carmina. I noticed that your shoes are size 7.5 UK, which according to the Carmina website, converts to US size 8.5. However, other online shoe size conversions equates 7.5 UK to 8 US. I wear size US 8 Frye Chukkas. Would the Carmina UK 7.5 be a good fit for me?

[@dubwiseselecta1]

Don't get me wrong they look really nice but I'd still rather have a pebble grain Florsheim imperial with a full leather heel.

[@tims2532]

Do you think it would also be worth it to go for cordovan with plain black cap-toe oxfords?

[@tedhart7708]

Wow! Quite a shoe! Nice👌

[@samsey__]

There aren't saphir or other brands which you suggested, in my country so, does vaseline works for conditioning and moisturizing a leather or do you suggest something else for me? I will be very happy ıf you reply me.

[@suyyasin]

Thank you for your informative videos on how to look after your shoes. I have a pair of tan and cream leather shoes, everytime i polish using creams or oils the tan part of the shoe gets really dark almost brown, i have used nail varnish to restore the original tan colour but the leather looks brittle and i am worries they wont survive any type of dirt or rain. What can i do? How can i keep the original light tan colour but treat the leather so it wouldnt stain everytime theres a raindrop?

[@masprasetyo4182]

I Mean That is Amazing Shoes And my dream shoes too, hopefully I can buy it.

[@robertschneider2189]

The other day, I saw sneakers in shell cordovan. Is that a waste of cordovan? It seems to be overkill for a sneaker.

[@Tailorandbarber]

Another great video! I definitely like the Carminas over the Aldens. How do you think Carmina compares to TLB Mallorca?

[@Enrique49184]

Amazing video!

[@beingvisionn6527]

Hi my brown Oxford is having some round round matters seen closely like it's made of some Patagon shaped leather attached... Its not looks smooth even after was cream.. my shoes are new. What should I do. Should I try some expensive wax?

[@khoadao2135]

Hi Preston, Can I ask how the detroit last fits? Would you recommend going true to size (i.e. down 1 full size from your US shoe size)?

[@philschiavone101]

You referred to the Carmina as being more sleek, were you looking at your video? The Alden looked more sleek to me. As for wax, it depends on if you like a high shine or the soft internal glow that comes with time and wear. I prefer the internal glow that you can never get from calf.

[@TheElegantOxford]

What do you mean? My Aldens are in no way, shape, or form sleeker than the Carminas. The Carminas are a larger size but 1:1 the Alden are wide and flat as heck.

[@philschiavone101]

@@TheElegantOxford I think the love you have for the color has blinded you to the truth. The Alden looks like a corvette and the Carmina looks like a Cube.

[@goodkavin]

IMO. Alden pairs better with jeans while Carmina pairs better with dress pants. So, Carmina is sleeker than Alden by this definition.

[@philschiavone101]

@@goodkavin what about wearing shorts with long dress socks. That’s how I wear my LWBs.

[@eyecan8]

I do Appreciate your content 🙋🏾‍♀️💯💜

[@michaelmason4206]

Like the comment about sock colors and trouser pairing.

[@jawzykli7824]

What do you recommend for those of us with larger feet? I am a U.S. 15 in trainers, my last pair of Oxfords were hand made, and unfortunately the cordwainer has past away some time ago

[@CrispyFrenFry]

I love this overview and am definitely keen on these LWB. Alas, im concerned with the more "refined" European last because Alden's wider barrie last fits my 3e width feet better. I have two pairs of AE Macneils that I cannot wear anymore because the last caused one of my feet's big toe to ache enough my podiatrist recommended taking them out of my rotation. Would you recommend these Carmina LWB 8n my case or stick with Alden and Vintage Florsheim Imperials? Both contour very well to my naturally broad toes.

[@bravobear1844]

Just got some used chocolate suede wingtip derbies from Allen Edmonds for 25 bucks from EBay 👍

[@billysinge8977]

Preston, I’ve been watching your videos for a while now and I love and really appreciate your craft, so I have a question. I have a pair of oxfords from Hugo Boss, the upper is of (pretty much) a very nice quality leather, and I get a great shine on it, but the creasing is bugging me. I get these deep gashes on the left shoe instead of normal creases, even though I always use shoe trees etc. Does it have something to do with the grain and is there a way to fix it? Thank you to yourself of anyone else with some advice.

[@caesars889789]

Those shoes are straight fire! I’ve been looking for long wings similar to these. They’ve been hard to find and I’ve never noticed these from Carmina. What’s the break in process like for shell compared to calf or pebble grain?

[@JesusRamirez-kz9np]

Hi Mr Preston, did you have any emails or something, I just get a new shoes and I will like to to do some patina. So how I can contact you?

[@baraustad]

What is the color called please?

[@homerogarza9861]

How true was the size since its a European size?

[@mwambasol9556]

Nice video, the shoe color is the same as my daily 💩

[@marconda771]

You change the lacing vs original out of box, Show us how you did it, looks cleaner and in the long run avoid damage to the shoe Tongue(I believe)

[@TheElegantOxford]

I didn’t change the lacing. I just rearranged the lacing method because I had to remove the laces altogether to film the section where I discuss the eyelet grommets

[@arbur4746]

to be fair compare Carmina longwing to Alden LONGWING and you'll see the differnce(in Alden's favor, in my oppinion) besides all here can find Alden Longwing pictures or videos...

[@Konsaliki]

Love the lighter color! What's your experience when it comes to breaking in shell cordovan? I hesitate from pulling the trigger on a pair of those because of all the stories you hear about it's rigidity and stiffness.

[@TheElegantOxford]

It’s not stiff at all. It mailable and soft and feels great on the feet. It’s definitely easier to handle than regular leather.

[@SmokeRingsPipeDreams]

Wow.

[@robertbang4553]

Saludos desde México ojalá y tuviera subtítulos en español ✌🏻

[@victorrivera3318]

Bello sapato ..n.y. .Bronx

[@ceippert]

My Carmina’s smelled like chemicals or a department store in the mall. I prefer the smell of allen edmonds thick leather

[@ceippert]

Rain last is a bit too tight for me. Maybe this detroit last will be more comfortable

[@austinwanner449]

@@ceippert i mean i've never owned shell but it's made of connective tissue, not skin, the way leather is. that might affect the smell.

[@ceippert]

@@austinwanner449 My Carmina’s are calf skin leather. Should have mentioned that. I love the way Cordovan looks. Just always hold back because the additional cost

[@ceippert]

Carmina’s are my favorite quality shoe for the money

[@topoisomerace]

I would be sliding all over the place in those smooth soles and heels. That small rubber section just isn't enough traction for me.

[@mauriciochirinos3516]

Personality shoes

[@poppinpoppi1]

No Stacy’s?

[@listiafujilestari7432]

Ok

[@TheArtofAmbvivalence]

First!

[@zuhaibmehbub5395]

i am to be like this shoe 👟 polish video really amazing like like it

[@jimgd4]

Due to lifelong Orthopedic problems and the need to put orthotics in my shoes, I went to Carmina's store locally at 45th St. in New York, hoping I could get fit with a quality pair of dress shoes that I could fit my orthotics into and wear comfortably. Instead, I was met by a pushy salesman who was just hellbent on selling whatever they had in stock. When I got home and double checked the Detroits he had sold me, I saw that my orthotics were in fact cutting into the sides of the shoes, and would in no time be damaging the linings. Although I could probably get a perfect pair of custom Carminas for myself, I can't trust this company anymore. I just took these shoes back.

[@AA-dq5uo]

Way too narrow even in eee 😂

[@philschiavone101]

AE is greater than Carmina.

[@TheElegantOxford]

For some AE is a better choice. No doubt

[@Javi_C]

:)