Carlos Santos Shoes - Feedback & Appreciation

[clee1982]

I see well, guess no dice...

 

[shoes83]

The Chelseas I have in the 401 last are also half a size big.

I got the 10.5UK instead of my normal 11UK (CJ, etc) following Kostas' advice (it's on the description he has on his store). The recommendation was spot on.

 

[Danath]

speaking of Galway alike, this looks good, but does CS really fit 1.5 size larger or something is odd?

SOLD: Carlos Santos Field Boots, UK 8.5

Up for sale is a pair of Carlos Santos Field Boots in Brown Calf with a Dark Brown Suede shaft. If you love the Galway, but don't have an extra $1,500 or so to spend, these are a great second choice at a sixth of the price! They've only been...

www.styleforum.net

CJ Islay UK7.5
Carlos Santos "Galway" UK6.5.

As you can see the length is the same. The small difference is due to the chunkier welt of the Islay.

 

[clee1982]

Holy cow full size larger ok not going to gamble for sure...

 

[Noblekostas]

Holy cow full size larger ok not going to gamble for sure...

It's slightly elongated. This last runs roomier half a size than your regular UK. References include Carmina Rain, TLB Artista, Meermin Hiro, most CJ lasts etc. You wear UK 7 on those, then you are UK 6.5 on these. I have sold hundreds of these boots and had maybe 4-5 returns to exchange.

 

[Schweino]

It's slightly elongated. This last runs roomier half a size than your regular UK. References include Carmina Rain, TLB Artista, Meermin Hiro, most CJ lasts etc. You wear UK 7 on those, then you are UK 6.5 on these. I have sold hundreds of these boots and had maybe 4-5 returns to exchange.

I agree fully!

What about last 401 @Noblekostas? I have chelsea boots in 160 and 401 and 160 is too tight in the instep and heel area. 401 is okay in these areas but feels quite roomy around the toe area so I wonder if I should size down half a size on that last too.

Wonder what your experience is with 401.

 

[Noblekostas]

I agree fully!

What about last 401 @Noblekostas? I have chelsea boots in 160 and 401 and 160 is too tight in the instep and heel area. 401 is okay in these areas but feels quite roomy around the toe area so I wonder if I should size down half a size on that last too.

Wonder what your experience is with 401.

I began in my shop quoting that 401 is true to size. I based it off my own experience as well as info that for example afpos quote even today. Absolutely not the case to be fair. My most returned pair for size exchange was initially 401 boots. They run more generous at the forefoot, instep and length probably. I advise half a size down exactly like the field boots, and this is extra true on monks, Chelseas, jodhpurs and generally lace less shoes.

if you size down half you would reduce the length by 0.42 cm

 

[wdrenth]

I can confirm that the 401 is running large, based on two models (the austerity brogue as offered by the Noble Shoe, and the Romney, something between austerity and full brogue in grained leather, as was offered by Herring Shoes (their Napoleon is the same model in smooth leather)). Initial wear was fine / ok, heel and instep experience as per @Schweino 's, and with a half insole to lessen the volume and I was happy. Lately, however, I started to insert a real insole which helped a lot. Next time I will opt for a smaller size.

Whilst on lasts and to add another data point, recently I tried the 445 last (model is a reverse stitch cap toe oxford (also through the Noble Shoe)). Compared to the 401, it has a somewhat lower instep which resulted in a snugger fit for me from the beginning, compared to the 401. However, the toe area is (again) quite forgiving, and the heel is the same as for the 401. So also here I am considering sizing down with a next acquisition of a model on this last.

Both are handsome and elegant lasts, I think some of the best that Carlos Santos has available at the moment.

 

[Noblekostas]

I can confirm that the 401 is running large, based on two models (the austerity brogue as offered by the Noble Shoe, and the Romney, something between austerity and full brogue in grained leather, as was offered by Herring Shoes (their Napoleon is the same model in smooth leather)). Initial wear was fine / ok, heel and instep experience as per @Schweino 's, and with a half insole to lessen the volume and I was happy. Lately, however, I started to insert a real insole which helped a lot. Next time I will opt for a smaller size.

Whilst on lasts and to add another data point, recently I tried the 445 last (model is a reverse stitch cap toe oxford (also through the Noble Shoe)). Compared to the 401, it has a somewhat lower instep which resulted in a snugger fit for me from the beginning, compared to the 401. However, the toe area is (again) quite forgiving, and the heel is the same as for the 401. So also here I am considering sizing down with a next acquisition of a model on this last.

Both are handsome and elegant lasts, I think some of the best that Carlos Santos has available at the moment.

Agreed on this. Based on client feedback since I started retailing the new last most people would prefer to size down half just like the 401 due to the more spacious toe box.

 

[knittieguy]

So I just picked up my first pair of CS patina shoes. I've heard that I should not use certain kinds of polish. I usually use Collonil, is that okay? I got the Guimaraes. Should I only use neutral shade, or is there a color that works? Wax, cream? Any insight would be helpful, thanks

 

[Aquafortis]

So I just picked up my first pair of CS patina shoes. I've heard that I should not use certain kinds of polish. I usually use Collonil, is that okay? I got the Guimaraes. Should I only use neutral shade, or is there a color that works? Wax, cream? Any insight would be helpful, thanks

Can't go wrong with Saphir Medalle D'or creme in Neutral.

 

[Noblekostas]

So I just picked up my first pair of CS patina shoes. I've heard that I should not use certain kinds of polish. I usually use Collonil, is that okay? I got the Guimaraes. Should I only use neutral shade, or is there a color that works? Wax, cream? Any insight would be helpful, thanks

Use only neutral wax and police. Don’t use renovateur. Use only colored polish to cover scuffs or scratches closest to the area you treat. Enjoy is a great color.

 

[Joefitz]

Use only neutral wax and police. Don’t use renovateur. Use only colored polish to cover scuffs or scratches closest to the area you treat. Enjoy is a great color.

I literally was going to ask the same exact question. I got the Coimba color. Which looks super dark in pictures, but already has a great variety after a week. So, don't use colored polish at all unless it is scratched? Not the rest of the shoe?

 

[Noblekostas]

I literally was going to ask the same exact question. I got the Coimba color. Which looks super dark in pictures, but already has a great variety after a week. So, don't use colored polish at all unless it is scratched? Not the rest of the shoe?

Exactly

 

[Camerashy]

I take a UK 10 in most makes but took a UK 9.5 in the CS Field Boot but still have to wear an insole for comfort.