I did everything in these boots. I saw patients every week. I traveled around the world. I hiked in swamps, deserts, mountains, rain, snow, garden hose, my daughter’s room. Art fairs, car repair, golf, fishing, cooking. At no point were they babied or treated like anything else but footwear. Meant to be worn, they say. Yup. They got worn.
I wore them like a stole them. No issues with break-in. Comfortable but maybe a bit stiff for a week. Never gave any trouble. Just wiped off the dirt, a weekly brushing and that was it. Might condition them for the first time in a month or three. I was expecting to have the cordovan dry out or need something special. But nope, brush a little and good to go. I have had some cordovans be really picky about water. But these are monsters at taking a soak, drying out naturally for the night and going right back to doing good cordovan things. I guess I never really sensed a “change” until I looked back at day 1. Dang. I guess they did darken somewhat.
No issues. Comfortable after extended wear and no pain.
The laces wore out after a month. Second pair lasted the rest of the time. The York sole — OH MY. A beast of a sole. Holy durability. The top lift is wearing down about half way. But the sole is barely broken in. I have never had such a durable sole. Rest of the boot — after they fixed the welt — was near perfect. Nothing looks out of place or came apart.
An absolute Unit. 100% perfect sole for anything. And most durable and non- slip of anything I’ve ever owned. This blows dainite, vibram or even leather out of the water. Sleeper sole. Works with dress. Works with hiking, travel etc. perfection.
Olive cordovan is the weirdest color I’ve ever gotten in a boot. Overall this was the most versatile boot I’ve ever owned. Would recommend the cordovan and not baby it. Let it evolve. Let it become YOU. Carmina is excellent value for the money once you get dialed in on a last. Endless customization options. But quality is very hit or miss. They may look like “dress boots” but I was taking them places where people with fancy hiking boots were having trouble and they did just fine. Definitely can hang with the “light work boot” crowd.