When it comes to the Portuguese brand Carlos Santos, people who know welted shoes use one word to describe it, it is patina.
If Berluti was the brand that pioneered patina, then the company that introduced patina to the mass market (Berluti’s customer base is certainly not mass market, even in enthusiastic circles) is Carlos Santos.
There is a historical origin to this.
After Berluti invented patina, many French brands began to follow suit, and their talent of patina is also amazing. The well-known brands are Altan Bottier, J.M. LeGazel and Caulaincourt, Septieme Largeur came out at a lower price but much later.
The former ones outsource production of shoes in crust leather, then they applied patina in their own store. The shoe factory making shoes for them was (and is) Carlos Santos.
At a time when only the French knew about patina and no other regions had a concept, it was Carlos Santos who spread this aesthetics through boutiques around the world. (Berluti has a greater presence, but it does target a different audience.) ）
Braga is a very light reddish yellow.
Blue is safer, however pairing is not easy as well.
Coimbra is antique and low profile.
Except patina, what else does Carlos Santos deserve a try?
The answer is comfort.
First of all, the core model Elliot, and its 362 last.
When I saw it, I classified it as Ivy style.
But in fact, it is a modified, or rather European Ivy style.
The Ivy style is defined as less harsh, relaxed and casual, with a youthful classic menswear style, representative items are rep ties, navy jacket, button down oxford shirts, pullover sweaters, chino pants and loafers.
If you see someone in the Ivy style and say he’s formal, you’re definitely too unorthodox.
Sneakers and canvas shoes are both suitable, if it is dress shoes, Paraboot style matches Chino very right. Loafers elevate the refinement.
The so-called European Ivy, Simon Crompton (Permanent Style) wrote French Ivy, added some decadent temperament, that is, on the basis of the American style, added a certain dressy feeling. Reflected in the shoes, it is a little less round and slender. But this degree is very restrained.
From some angles, you feel they are wide and short.
But the top view says otherwise, not silly at all, but refined and elegant.
But most importantly, everyone who wears this last, including me, is extremely satisfied with the comfort. I can’t quite explain the reason, maybe it’s that the dimensions in it are very sufficient? The creases worn by different people are also great, the space is comfortable enough, but not too empty.
Another staple last 397 is almond shape and its comfort is actually reflected in the characteristics of the banana last.
Carlos Santos is a value brand offering superb comfort. Patina? of course.