Carmina Lace-Up Wholecut Oxford in Horween Shell Cordovan - Shoe Review | Kirby Allison

As a part of our Dress Shoe Review series, today we take a look at Spanish shoemaker Carmina’s Style #190 Wholecut Oxford in Shell Cordovan #8. Recognizing us as one of the leading authorities on luxury men’s dress shoes worldwide, Carmina has graciously agreed to grant us access to their entire collection of shoes to review for you on our YouTube Channel. SHOE INTRODUCTION The Carmina Style #190 Wholecut Oxford in Shell Cordovan #8 is a part of Carmina’s extensive lineup of shell cordovan shoes. Constructed on the Rain last, the shoe features a soft, square toe that gives the shoe a modern, slightly updated aesthetic. The sleek, simple Wholecut design of this model showcases the beautiful, waxy texture of the Horween shell cordovan leather without any visual disruptions, and really allows Carmina’s craftsmanship to show through. The shoe retails for $750 with free shipping in the United States. For those located outside the United States, they can be purchased from Carmina’s European webshop for 690€. Cedar shoe trees are an additional $70 and Carmina offers flat-rate returns for $35. DESIGN The Carmina #190 Wholecut in Shell Cordovan is a simple, elegant shoe that showcases a graceful balance of the Rain last and the beautiful Horween Shell Cordovan used to make them. The shoe is quite simple. You really get what you see here. However, in the iconic Horween #8, which is a beautiful oxblood, the shoe can be worn during the daytime with a navy or dark grey suit or eve