Carlos Santos handgrade along with TLB are the best pound for pound shoes available at the moment both are tremendous. Carlos Santos handgrade are very underated in my opinion.
Is that the Guimaraes patina in the 8618 Adelaide Oxford? Also, does it come with the upgraded black insole or did you have that added? Some of the photos on the website show it and some don't. Love the video !!
Thanks for the video! I'm thinking of buying a pair of double monks from the Noble Store. How was the buying experience and approx. how long did it take to receive your shoes? Thanks . . . Chris
Wish I could give you a better answer but this was quite a while ago and pre COVID so a lot has changed. I am friends with Kostas so I didn't really order these in the traditional manner. I can say that the Noble Shoe is known for great customer service and turnaround time was quick then but not sure how supply chain issues may have affected things. Definitely give the brand a try though.
renevator can remove the patina layer by layer btw the only thing i would use for a patina shoe is the neutral creampolish and wax. but amazing looking shoes.
Renovateur isn't supposed to remove patina but ai have had mixed results. Some brands get some color coming off and others don't. Even within the Carlos Santos brand I have heard some people have issues with Reno and others not. I have not personally had issues with renovateur on my CS shoes. However I have begun to use Bick 4 primarily for patina shoes as it is the gentlest.
@@mbshoedoc i agree that is the reason i said "can remove" because most times it doesn't. when shoes have a patina with real leather paint, 99% of the time it doesn't give problems. but with cheaper shoes (under 150 euro) it is most of the time painted with cream polish and than the renovator can remove it , because it also cleans. but personally i never had any problems with my CS
Very nice shoes. Mecarriello has a similar offering, specifically the "Argentum RTW" which seems to be the best offering for the price according to people. Have you look into them? I would love to see your take on them!
Absolutely the Argentum line is on my wish list for sure. They come in at a higher price point but look to be absolutely phenomenal shoes. Some day for sure 👍.
@@mbshoedoc high priced for sure, but well worth the money from what I have read. I wonder how they compare to makers like St Cripsin and John lobb? Those might have slightly better leather than Mecarriello, but i feel like its just splitting hairs at that point. Looks and lasts are subjective so i dont really count those too much.
@@thatxonexguy5438 I think StC and Lobb are higher quality but you pay quite a bit more for that little bump in quality. I think the value is in the A Mec.
They are quite similar in price and quality. I would say you can't go wrong with either brand. CS has Patinas where TLB doesn't. TLB has museum calf where CS doesn't. They each have a few unique models the other doesn't carry as well. Both are solid brands.
That's a good point and yes you can but I will also say that it can still crease in other areas despite that move...but it lowers the chances significantly. I set the crease with a rounded edge of a pen or marker etc. But sometimes I forget. 👍. I'll have to make a short video on that.
Now's a good time to give my opinion of Renovateur. It does do a good job of shining up my shoes, but then if they get rained on, oh no, you come home with white spots coming up out of the leather and just brushing doesn't help. Not even another application of the cream gets rid of them. You have to give them a treatment with saddle soap which moistens the leather enough to dissolve those hardened spots of Renovateur. Maybe I used too much of the French product but I'm now thinking whatever you get out of Renovateur, you can get the same out of saddle soap, which even shines up almost as nicely as the Saphir product and costs way less.
I would have to disagree. Saddle soap is not intended to moisturize the leather...it's intended to clean. I would argue that it actually dries the leather. Of course when you use it the leather gets wet because of water mixed with the soap but once it dries the leather is not moisturized. Just think about your skin using soap vs lotion. It is the same thing. I personally have not had the issue with renovateur that you described. It is possible that would happen with some of the others like Bick 4, venetian shoe cream etc or perhaps it is just Reno. I would love to discuss this more and see pictures of what you are describing. Also what brand of shoe and what else was done to them? Could be the Reno but could be polish or wax that is at fault too. Not sure without more info 👍.
@@mbshoedoc, I disagree that saddle soap is only for cleaning leather. Hasn't it always been known for the nourishing properties of its natural emollients? The shine is not as brilliant as that of Renovateur but I'm satisfied with a silky sheen. I've had the spotting problem on 3 pairs of shoes - a pair of Clark's and 2 pairs of Brazil-made Driver Club USA driving mocs with a smooth, shiny factory finish - and I may have gone too far with it, though I remember using it sparingly on the more open-pore leather of the Clark's. Sorry but I didn't take photos of the rain spots before using the saddle soap on them. I have a lot of respect for saddle soap. It completely rejuvenated a cherished Hugo Boss car coat I've had for 30+ years and had never treated. It left the leather supple and moist and definitely not dried out.
@@errolmacdonald3256 probably depends on the brand of saddle soap too I would imagine. Just as the brand of conditioning lotion makes a difference. here is a short passage from Lexol: Soaps are high alkaline, which can damage and darken the leather. Soap also removes leather’s tanning agents, which can lead to hardening and cracking as the leather is detanned. We recommend using a pH-balanced leather cleaner (we happen to like Lexol!) and conditioner in combination. If you do choose to use saddle soap, be sure to follow up with a nice deep conditioning treatment for your leather items.
@@mbshoedoc, gee, that definitely contradicts my experience with saddle soap! What it did for that Hugo Boss leather car coat you would not believe. Brought it back from the dead!
@@errolmacdonald3256 If I had to guess the truth is somewhere in the middle. Soap is a cleaner and does dry but they can add all kinds of moisturizers and other things to it. So maybe the end result is that it adds some moisturizer to the leather. Just like dove moisturizing body soap. But it will never moisturize as much as a conditioning lotion which is almost entirely moisturizer. I've used saddle soap but I just think of it as a cleaner primarily and any other properties as secondary. Where something like renovateur may clean some but it is a conditioner primary and anything else secondary. But hey we don't really have to understand all the chemistry and science of it all. If it works it works. If you get great results with saddle soap then keep on with it 💪👍.
I was just about to refer you to Kostas for that. I know the field boots have a fuller fit but EEE may be pushing it. He will have better experience fitting many feet with CS
I was disappointed with my video and pictures because they don't do the patina justice. Although your video looks 1,000x better than mine I still feel like it doesn't do it justice. These are beautiful shoes!!!
I know what you mean. It's difficult to capture on video how it looks to your eye. I think photos are even more difficult. This shoe has so many curves and angles and color variations that you really have to hold it in your hand to fully appreciate it. I think you know exactly what I mean 👍
I really couldn't say. There are so many fantastic brands in the 300-500 range. That to me is the sweet spot in footwear. Sure there are some nicer shoes in the $800-1,000+ range but not twice as nice. Its diminishing returns after this price point. All reputable brands in this range have solid quality and construction so it is down to fit and style which I can't answer for you. I love this pair of CS but I have another pair from them that fits too loose. I also have TLB Mallorca, J.Fitzpatrick, Vass, Carmina etc etc etc and really can't pick a winner as a brand. I have some pairs from each that were a big win for me and some that didn't work as well. Hope thats a fair answer.
Thanks for another amazing video. Your steps are always so clear.
I really appreciate it and hope it provides some value 🙏
He makes such a beautiful shoe. I love the tight heel and the chiseled toe, absolutely stunning.
Agreed this last is truly remarkable!
Wow!! Really is a super impressive looking shoe! Grabbed my attention right off the bat! If only my wife would cooperate with my shoe habit! Lol
Haha yep I understand that one. My wife gave up on controlling me years ago.
Very good shoes from Carlos Santos ❤❤❤😊😊😊
Yes indeed. They do excellent work.
Carlos Santos handgrade along with TLB are the best pound for pound shoes available at the moment both are tremendous. Carlos Santos handgrade are very underated in my opinion.
Yes I have a few of both and both excellent shoes for sure.
Beautiful shoe! Tight heel, beveled waist, and great patina work! Toe is pretty aggressive, but what a shoe..great pickup sir!
Toe is definitely on the aggressive side and held me back for a while but more I saw it the more I loved it.
Is that the Guimaraes patina in the 8618 Adelaide Oxford? Also, does it come with the upgraded black insole or did you have that added? Some of the photos on the website show it and some don't. Love the video !!
Thanks for the video! I'm thinking of buying a pair of double monks from the Noble Store. How was the buying experience and approx. how long did it take to receive your shoes? Thanks . . . Chris
Wish I could give you a better answer but this was quite a while ago and pre COVID so a lot has changed. I am friends with Kostas so I didn't really order these in the traditional manner. I can say that the Noble Shoe is known for great customer service and turnaround time was quick then but not sure how supply chain issues may have affected things. Definitely give the brand a try though.
@@mbshoedoc Thanks! I ordered the double monks yesterday!
Thanks now I’m going to do my preorder I wanted to see these on video.
Awesome news! Glad the video helped!
Frank Grimes glad to hopefully have you onboard sir!
Yes, I plan on getting a Carlos santos pair in the future as well. This video sealed the deal. Great patina work
@@MisiuAcademy where can I order Carlos Santos shoes?
renevator can remove the patina layer by layer btw the only thing i would use for a patina shoe is the neutral creampolish and wax. but amazing looking shoes.
Renovateur isn't supposed to remove patina but ai have had mixed results. Some brands get some color coming off and others don't. Even within the Carlos Santos brand I have heard some people have issues with Reno and others not. I have not personally had issues with renovateur on my CS shoes. However I have begun to use Bick 4 primarily for patina shoes as it is the gentlest.
@@mbshoedoc i agree that is the reason i said "can remove" because most times it doesn't. when shoes have a patina with real leather paint, 99% of the time it doesn't give problems. but with cheaper shoes (under 150 euro) it is most of the time painted with cream polish and than the renovator can remove it , because it also cleans. but personally i never had any problems with my CS
Very nice shoes. Mecarriello has a similar offering, specifically the "Argentum RTW" which seems to be the best offering for the price according to people. Have you look into them? I would love to see your take on them!
Absolutely the Argentum line is on my wish list for sure. They come in at a higher price point but look to be absolutely phenomenal shoes. Some day for sure 👍.
@@mbshoedoc high priced for sure, but well worth the money from what I have read.
I wonder how they compare to makers like St Cripsin and John lobb? Those might have slightly better leather than Mecarriello, but i feel like its just splitting hairs at that point. Looks and lasts are subjective so i dont really count those too much.
@@thatxonexguy5438 I think StC and Lobb are higher quality but you pay quite a bit more for that little bump in quality. I think the value is in the A Mec.
Great Video! Did you get a discount code for your viewers?
Hello, Mike bought the shoes they were not a gifted pair :) but You can use the code FIRST5 for 5% off your first purchase :)
I did not but it looks like Kostas was kind enough to respond and offer a code for first time buyers 👍
How would you compare Carlos Santos to TLB?
They are quite similar in price and quality. I would say you can't go wrong with either brand. CS has Patinas where TLB doesn't. TLB has museum calf where CS doesn't. They each have a few unique models the other doesn't carry as well. Both are solid brands.
Michael can't you set the crease above the cap on or before the first wear? I know that I've seen a video on it if you'd like me to link it.
That's a good point and yes you can but I will also say that it can still crease in other areas despite that move...but it lowers the chances significantly. I set the crease with a rounded edge of a pen or marker etc. But sometimes I forget. 👍. I'll have to make a short video on that.
Now's a good time to give my opinion of Renovateur. It does do a good job of shining up my shoes, but then if they get rained on, oh no, you come home with white spots coming up out of the leather and just brushing doesn't help. Not even another application of the cream gets rid of them. You have to give them a treatment with saddle soap which moistens the leather enough to dissolve those hardened spots of Renovateur. Maybe I used too much of the French product but I'm now thinking whatever you get out of Renovateur, you can get the same out of saddle soap, which even shines up almost as nicely as the Saphir product and costs way less.
I would have to disagree. Saddle soap is not intended to moisturize the leather...it's intended to clean. I would argue that it actually dries the leather. Of course when you use it the leather gets wet because of water mixed with the soap but once it dries the leather is not moisturized. Just think about your skin using soap vs lotion. It is the same thing. I personally have not had the issue with renovateur that you described. It is possible that would happen with some of the others like Bick 4, venetian shoe cream etc or perhaps it is just Reno. I would love to discuss this more and see pictures of what you are describing. Also what brand of shoe and what else was done to them? Could be the Reno but could be polish or wax that is at fault too. Not sure without more info 👍.
@@mbshoedoc, I disagree that saddle soap is only for cleaning leather. Hasn't it always been known for the nourishing properties of its natural emollients? The shine is not as brilliant as that of Renovateur but I'm satisfied with a silky sheen. I've had the spotting problem on 3 pairs of shoes - a pair of Clark's and 2 pairs of Brazil-made Driver Club USA driving mocs with a smooth, shiny factory finish - and I may have gone too far with it, though I remember using it sparingly on the more open-pore leather of the Clark's. Sorry but I didn't take photos of the rain spots before using the saddle soap on them. I have a lot of respect for saddle soap. It completely rejuvenated a cherished Hugo Boss car coat I've had for 30+ years and had never treated. It left the leather supple and moist and definitely not dried out.
@@errolmacdonald3256 probably depends on the brand of saddle soap too I would imagine. Just as the brand of conditioning lotion makes a difference. here is a short passage from Lexol:
Soaps are high alkaline, which can damage and darken the leather. Soap also removes leather’s tanning agents, which can lead to hardening and cracking as the leather is detanned. We recommend using a pH-balanced leather cleaner (we happen to like Lexol!) and conditioner in combination. If you do choose to use saddle soap, be sure to follow up with a nice deep conditioning treatment for your leather items.
@@mbshoedoc, gee, that definitely contradicts my experience with saddle soap! What it did for that Hugo Boss leather car coat you would not believe. Brought it back from the dead!
@@errolmacdonald3256 If I had to guess the truth is somewhere in the middle. Soap is a cleaner and does dry but they can add all kinds of moisturizers and other things to it. So maybe the end result is that it adds some moisturizer to the leather. Just like dove moisturizing body soap. But it will never moisturize as much as a conditioning lotion which is almost entirely moisturizer. I've used saddle soap but I just think of it as a cleaner primarily and any other properties as secondary. Where something like renovateur may clean some but it is a conditioner primary and anything else secondary. But hey we don't really have to understand all the chemistry and science of it all. If it works it works. If you get great results with saddle soap then keep on with it 💪👍.
How do you like wearing these? With suits or odd trousers?
hello i wear 8 US eee allen edmonds , which size would you recommend for santos?thanks
Hi Chin, EEE is a very difficult size. For the wider lasts like the monks, boots and jodhpurs/chelseas you would probably try UK 7.5
I was just about to refer you to Kostas for that. I know the field boots have a fuller fit but EEE may be pushing it. He will have better experience fitting many feet with CS
I was disappointed with my video and pictures because they don't do the patina justice. Although your video looks 1,000x better than mine I still feel like it doesn't do it justice. These are beautiful shoes!!!
I know what you mean. It's difficult to capture on video how it looks to your eye. I think photos are even more difficult. This shoe has so many curves and angles and color variations that you really have to hold it in your hand to fully appreciate it. I think you know exactly what I mean 👍
What's your best choice in the $500 price range
I really couldn't say. There are so many fantastic brands in the 300-500 range. That to me is the sweet spot in footwear. Sure there are some nicer shoes in the $800-1,000+ range but not twice as nice. Its diminishing returns after this price point. All reputable brands in this range have solid quality and construction so it is down to fit and style which I can't answer for you. I love this pair of CS but I have another pair from them that fits too loose. I also have TLB Mallorca, J.Fitzpatrick, Vass, Carmina etc etc etc and really can't pick a winner as a brand. I have some pairs from each that were a big win for me and some that didn't work as well. Hope thats a fair answer.