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.
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
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
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!
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!
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 :)
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.
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!
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...
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.
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.
@@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
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?
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?
@@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
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! 😂🥰
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!
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.
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.
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?
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!
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! 🥰
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
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.
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
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?
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 UA-cam, 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...😉
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
I just bought a pair of Carmina burgundy longwing bluchers in shell cordovan. really excited for them to come in the mail
You’re going to love them
Awesome vid Preston
Amazing looking shoes 😀👍🏼
Fabulous video Preston! What a coincidence, Carmina Official UA-cam channel updated a Cordovan video this morning.
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.
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
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
Like the comment about sock colors and trouser pairing.
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!
Nice! Is that a triple sole?
Great review! Carmina has been on my radar for a while now! I love their option to completely customize your shoes or boots! 👍👍
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!
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 :)
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.
They don't cost anymore or as much as your phone. And, they will be with you for life.
Treat yourself
Great video. It’s funny - Carmina dropped a video on all their shell colors a few hours before you did.
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!
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...
Nice, I am planning to get the cordovan from Carmina too D:
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.
Boss pair of shoes. Nice vid.
Alden Cordovan #8 will accept Saphir Neutral polish? that's great.
Very nice, the Detroit last has a color much like cigar which I own in Alden. This brand is only available in NYC??
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.
Beautiful shoes well presented by you. I'm envious.
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.
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
Need more transformation shoeshine video like you used to upload before!
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
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
Why do I feel like I've talked with you beforw
@@aryeshbanerjee3412 We are all alike
@@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
@@wildbill9863 Get a solid pair of boots then ;) from trickers for example
Nice video, the shoe color is the same as my daily 💩
Wow.
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?
Badass seiko turtle, mate
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?
My Carmina’s smelled like chemicals or a department store in the mall. I prefer the smell of allen edmonds thick leather
Rain last is a bit too tight for me. Maybe this detroit last will be more comfortable
@@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.
@@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
Carmina’s are my favorite quality shoe for the money
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! 😂🥰
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!
Another great video! I definitely like the Carminas over the Aldens. How do you think Carmina compares to TLB Mallorca?
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.
Just got some used chocolate suede wingtip derbies from Allen Edmonds for 25 bucks from EBay 👍
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)?
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.
I Mean That is Amazing Shoes
And my dream shoes too, hopefully I can buy it.
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?
Beautiful shoes. Thank you for the video. This product shows what is possible and so might inspire Alden and AE to do better.
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.
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!
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! 🥰
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
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.
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
How does the Rain last compare to the AE 7 last? Fit wise. Should one consider sizing up / down?
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?
Do you think it would also be worth it to go for cordovan with plain black cap-toe oxfords?
These are beautiful, I love Alden but I think your right.
Excellent video with for me great information with passion.
Thanks Alan. Glad you liked it
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?
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 UA-cam, 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...😉
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.
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.
Such a unique colour, and the shoes are fabulous. You can wear it with jeans, formal, and Chino pants. Very beautiful.
What is the color called please?
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.
The other day, I saw sneakers in shell cordovan. Is that a waste of cordovan? It seems to be overkill for a sneaker.
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.
Apart from US, Italy and Japan isn't there a tannery in Argentina for Cordovans?
Yes they exist in various counties apart from the ones I’ve mentioned.
@@TheElegantOxford I would love to know all of them ! :) your channel is a treasure big brother! Regards from India!
What a wonder… such an envy-provoking pair… great content…
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.
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?
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. 👌
OMG, So Beautiful, Crazy about it.
Could you please also make a video on colored leather shoes like red or blue. Thanks
Way too narrow even in eee 😂
Saludos desde México ojalá y tuviera subtítulos en español ✌🏻
I do Appreciate your content 🙋🏾♀️💯💜
I love how you're so respectful with techniques!
That was an excellent presentation. Thank you.
Personality shoes
I like Carmina's shell cordovan.
Such a beautiful pair. My taste skews brown so this color piques my interest more than the usual purple
I think the shoes are great and showcasing trouser/sock ideas is a total win.
Just got these as last pair for 525, so nice!
How true was the size since its a European size?
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)
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
The more I see Carmina shoes the more they grow on me. Great video Preston. Stay safe.
Wow! Quite a shoe! Nice👌
Carmina, Shell, wow! The colour!
Ok
Bello sapato ..n.y. .Bronx
This video is fantastic.
The Alden gunboats and their distinct shape are in a class of its own IMO.
AE is greater than Carmina.
For some AE is a better choice. No doubt
First!
i am to be like this shoe 👟 polish video really amazing like like it
Just started saving!!✨
Amazing video!
:)
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.
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.
@@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.
IMO. Alden pairs better with jeans while Carmina pairs better with dress pants. So, Carmina is sleeker than Alden by this definition.
@@goodkavin what about wearing shorts with long dress socks. That’s how I wear my LWBs.
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.
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.
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.
No Stacy’s?