PSA: Deal Alert Carmina and AE at Massdrop

I've been a member of the Massdrop for a little while now and have been happy with the few items I bought through the website so far. For those unfamiliar with the website, its a (free) member based community that leverages group buying for generally niche, premium products to attain discounted pricing. Their products and communities are categorized into niches, some fairly obscure, which include men's apparel, mechanical keyboards, blades, writing and more. The thing I enjoy most is the open discussion of members on every item being sold. Enthusiasts can really dissect the qualities of a product from prior experience which in turn helps the general community make better-informed decisions about purchases. I've found that members are very helpful and engaged when you ask questions about products.

First, is a drop of Carmina brogued, cap-toe oxfords. It's the first time Carminas have been up on the site so I'm very excited about this one. The second is a pair of special Allen Edmonds chukkas which was actually made to the specifications of the Massdrop community.

YES you read that right USD $350!!! Carmina is already well regarded as a great value goodyear welted shoe at their normal $450 MSRP and rarely go on sale unless it's a floor model or limited sizes are available. The shoes are available in black or brown and built on Carmina's popular Rain last. I'd describe them as sans-medallion, semi-brogues, though some may disagree on that description based on technicalities.

For those unfamiliar with Carmina, they make goodyear welted shoes in Spain from high-quality calf leathers and feature closed channeled leather soles. Quite a big step up from USA made Allen Edmonds (~$385 retail, but constantly on sale) and similar in quality to Alden (~$550 retail, sales super rare) but a slight step up in my opinion.

What's more is that the shoes feature upgraded Johann Rendenbach (JR is usually another $35 upcharge) soles which are widely considered the best leather soles out there. On top of the already great price, beechwood shoe trees from Carmina are also included. Those are $75 alone from most retailers!

For me and anyone who doesn't fit well into normal widths, is that American C and E fitting widths are available with no up-charge! It's something that is pretty rare for most quality shoe companies to offer outside of AE. It's great news for guys like me who need width options to attain better fit. There's no extra cost to it on this drop and it's something that would cost between $585-$675 if you were to go the single pair made-to-order route!

Safe to say, I'm completely sold on this deal. Really, it's a must buy for those who don't already have Carmina's or a similar style in their collection. Visit the link above or click here to view the full details/photos and make the purchase.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-carmina-semi-brogue-oxford

Need sizing advice? Drop me a comment or shoot me an email.

FYI, you'll have to sign up as a member (for free) to get in on the deal and it ships in late September (typical timeframe for group made to orders). Also, the pictures included in this post are for general reference only as some included a medallion which isn't what is offered on Massdrop.

Massdrop is also running a campaign for a pair of unique Allen Edmonds chukka boots which are available exclusively on their website for $240 (retail $395) though you can find similar models on sale around this price occasionally. As mentioned above, all the specifications were made based on a consensus of community feedback on Massdrop which I think is super cool. This chukka combines elements of three Allen Edmonds stock models, the Dundee, Amok and Mojave. It's pretty much an unlined, two-eyelet version of the Dundee made with reverse Janus suede, storm welt and butyl treated leather sole. It's built on the 511 last which is available in three colors, sand, snuff and chocolate suede with regular and very wide (EEE) width options as well.

For those unfamiliar with Allen Edmonds, they are referred to as the great American Shoe Company. Proudly Made in the USA in Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan, AE's are made with imported calf leathers using the goodyear welt method, one that includes more than 200 individual steps to complete through the hands of highly skilled craftsmen (and women). Highly regarded as the "gateway drug" to quality shoes, AE was the first pair in my collection that was bought over 4 years ago and still look amazing to this day.

I think this is a perfect casual choice for those who still like to wear boots in warmer weather and a much more refined choice over Clark's iconic desert boot. And it's always nice to support Made in USA shoes for us Americans! The estimated ship date for these Allen Edmonds is late July.

To view full details and get in on the drop visit: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-allen-edmonds-unlined-chukka-boot

Disclaimer: If you end up making a purchase through some of the links above I do earn a humble commission. Thank you for supporting the work and time I put into my blog! - Alex

ps. I'm personally getting in on the Carmina drop, it's just too good a deal to pass up.