dress-shoes
80201 Forest Cap-Toe Oxford
Carmina offers bespoke-level finishing at a mid-range price point, using high-grade French calfskin and a closed-channel Goodyear welt. The 'Forest' last is widely considered one of the most anatomically correct and aesthetically balanced shapes in classic menswear.
Quality & Materials
Uses full-grain box calf from Tanneries d'Annonay (France); features a bark-tanned leather sole for superior abrasion resistance; cork filling is high-density for better support.
Evidence & Testing
Utilizes a closed-channel stitch (hiding the welt thread), a hallmark of high-end shoemaking that protects the stitching from the elements.
Brand Transparency
Detailed specifications provided for every last (shape) and leather source; manufactured entirely in Mallorca, Spain.
Value Assessment
At roughly $500, this shoe competes directly with brands charging $800+ for the same leather and construction quality.
Why Not Alternatives?
Carmina outclasses Allen Edmonds in finishing quality and leather selection (using top-tier Tanneries d'Annonay) while remaining significantly more affordable than English makers like Edward Green or John Lobb.
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