DERBY CORDOVAN 531 OSCAR

Purchased these shoes about three months ago now and have worn them on several occasions. I am incredibly impressed with these shoes. I have a pair of Alden and Santoni shoes, both of which are nice and this is my first pair of Carmina shoes. There are several small details that set these apart: the weight is just right (not too heavy, not too light), the welt and stitching quality is perfect with a high density and masterful placement, the insole is stamped with the Carmina name and won’t wear off after use like many other high-end shoes, the JR soles are standard as is hidden stitching on those soles, and the finish out of the box is lustrous. The cordovan leather looks and feels amazing. One can tell that the shoemakers chose specific portions of the horsehide for the shoes that are free of blemish and with a uniform finish, which is especially important on a derby shoe like this without any additional leather pieces over the toe cap or sides. Besides this, the shoes are more comfortable with each wear, and the descriptions of the lasts online are much appreciated and helped me to choose one that would fit my shoe shape. Small scratches are easily brushed off without even conditioner or shoe cream on this durable leather and the creases over the toes, I think adds character and makes the shoes look better with wear. As you can tell, I am very impressed with these shoes and would readily purchase from Carmina again for my dress shoe needs.