I just discovered these new CNES Online Exclusives: A capsule collection aimed at the international market in classic oxford styling in black and brown Calfskin. While CNES has been heavily implementing their hand-welted shoes to their collection, this time they dedicated themselves to the much sought-after Goodyear welted market, where they can achieve prices under $300 and potentially reach a wider audience.
I will be honest and say that getting hand-welted shoes is great. But for many who need to knock out a few bases with one stone, the idea of choosing between $300 Goodyear shoes and $500 hand-welted ones might see the value in spending the extra $100 and getting two pairs of Goodyear-welted ones. Then again, I am a guy who loves quality, but really likes quantity; A true clothing addict. If you are like me, you will enjoy this new capsule collection of classic oxford styles. And when I say classic, I mean classic with a twist!
The CNES Online Exclusives collection is quite small. There are only seven options available: three in black and four in brown. And they are all oxfords. While CNES might have your classic oxford style, as every shoe brand will, for this online exclusive series, they offer slightly more unique models. They offer two adelaide-style oxfords, one balmoral, and a unique austerity full brogue wingtip. They are also all in their SQ last (soft square). If you love rounded last, this might not be for you. But the soft-chisel last is quite universal and a smart place on their part.
The brown models are all made using Museum Calf, from Italy. While the black models, are all French vegano calf, presumably from Annonay. The value is high on these. $300 is a great price in this day and age where everything feels super expensive. The value is especially great if you fancy fiddleback soles and beveled waists, which the CNES Online Exclusives offer. I dare say they are packing a punch here!
If you don’t know CNES already, have a read about them on my brand page.
Otherwise, access these models here: www.cnes.co
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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***CNES is a supporter of The Shoe Snob Blog and you can consider this a sponsored post***
I had the opportunity to see and touch CNES at the NY trunk show. And I tried on a pair of GYW shoes to see about fit. They make a great shoe. I was a .5 size smaller from a fit perspective than my typical size. So anyone considering ordering should contact CNES before making the purchase. I think they have a good return/exchange policy on their RTW shoes which is nice.
Thanks for sharing Michael. Half size onw sounds about right.
Wow! They continue to improve the quality at a price that’s quite difficult to find anywhere else. Witnessing their most recent models at the NY trunk show, I was moved to give them a shot. Thanks again to you and your team for putting together a wonderful show!
My pleasure and thank you for coming out to support the event!