Albaladejo Review

Just reviewed the Line Sheets from Albaladejo - Carmina is actually the trademark here in the States. Nice looking shoes, although nothing special pattern or last wise. I have not had a full presentation, just an initial review before I call them in to show me the line directly. Appear to be very well constructed, however; with the basic mix of patterns and finishes. Gravati prices (around $400-$450 for the calf shoes), stiffer construction, obviously. If you find them out there, look for #769-1 (5eye plaintoe bal), #809-1 (6eye perfed cap bal w/ plain quarters), #789-2 (6eye skinstitched short wing bal), #803-1 (5eye splittoe blutcher w/ twin needle stitch and butted seam) and #833-1 (same as #803-1 but with higher seams). I did like some of the sole edge treatments - some nice contrasts in inking. And, to prove that I have a s**** loose, I actually thought a model done in GREEN shell cordovan was kinda cool. I would post some pics, but that would not be fair; as I don't have the line in the shop, and therefore they are not my property. But if you see them, check them out - some good shoes, from what I can see at this point. The main problem as I see it, besides there not being enough unique models/lasts, is that all the shoes are only available in an E fitting. Makes for a tough sell, IMO.

The main reason for posting this, however, is to praise TonyG (EG)for his work on the ladies line. WOW. Balance and proportion is fantastic. They got 5 homeruns if they would just make them for men - as long as the lasts had the same characteristics. Great toe shape and waist work.

Anyway, if you ever hear that TonyG is helping with the mens line, go out of your way to see them - he got some talent.

And, to prove that I have a s**** loose, I actually thought a model done in GREEN shell cordovan was kinda cool.

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Was it something like this? I hear tell that Albaladejo is coming out with some new lasts (Rain, Philadelphia, and Philly 2) that have the chisel-toe look that we all know and love. I believe that the shoe pictured in the webpage linked above is made on the Philadelphia last.

Was it something like this?

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That's the color. The models landed here are on 3 lasts - Philadelphia being one of them. It's the most trim last of the three. I would'nt mind hearing about the fit, if someone has tried them. I've seen enough shoes to kind a tell if the lasts have too much girth for the US market - and I get this feeling here. I would like to recommend them, but nothing stopped me and had me ask "tell me more.". Except, of course, the ladies line.

That's the color.

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I didn't think that Horween made green shell cordovan. Am I wrong, or could this be from one of the Japanese producers?

Regarding the shoes, your statement that there's nothing in the men's line that you've seen to make you stop and take another look echos what I've thought. The models that I've seen pictures of have been tasteful and well-executed but ultimately unexciting. I'm hopeful that the new lasts will give the shoes a bit more pop, however.

Here are some pictures of my pair of Albaladejos purchased earlier in the year in Paris. I don't know the name of the model or last, but what do you think?

Here are some pictures of my pair of Albaladejos purchased earlier in the year in Paris. I don't know the name of the model or last, but what do you think?

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Tasteful, but staid, as RIDER and others have pointed remarked about the brand in general. To me, neither waist nor the toebox (the most noticeable things on a shoe) are especially memorable. I would prefer a less clunky toe, in particular