

What started off as a promotion to build brand awareness has become a yearly staple for the Italian bespoke outfit, Calzaleria Carlino. And that yearly staple presents one of the most competitive offerings in the entire shoe industry. So, what is it? Well, as the title states, it is the Calzoleria Carlino exotic promotion that runs yearly through the month of June. And what does it offer? Well, that’s where things get exciting! Let’s dig into it.




Each year, Calzoleria Carlino offers exotic leathers at the price of calfskin and/or its standard leather price. For those who have purchased exotic leather before, you will know that this is one heck of a discount. Alligator, for example, will often be 2x-3x the price of your shoe. So getting it at 1x is pretty much unheard of. This competitive advantage invites a very good reason to try this maker out.








What’s Different This Year?
Usually, Calzoleria Carlino’s exotic promotion has been exclusive to crocodile and alligator hides. But this year, Carlino is opening it up to other exotic leathers he has in this warehouse, from elephant, hippo, seal, carpincho, stingray, and more. While that greatly opens it up for the customer, at the same time, one must remain vigilant, as the stock is limited and once it runs out, that is it for this year. Diddle-daddling in your decision could be the difference between getting what you want and not.




The Brass Tax: Price
This is where you will get floored. Calzoleria Carlino’s exotic promotion prices are so low that it is almost robbery.
- Made to Order, fully handmade: €1,950
- Remote or in-person Bespoke: €2,850
Imagine a wholecut-oxford in alligator for only 2000 Euros. That is unheard of. And for bespoke, not even 3000 Euros. You won’t find this anywhere in the industry outside of Europe. And while you might find this in Asia, I will say that there are very different levels of quality in exotic leather. It is not all the same, and you can rest assured knowing that Calzoleria Carlino will offer the top tier.




The exotic promotion runs through the month of June. So you have time. But the catch is the exclusiveness of the skins and making sure you get what you want. Riccardo Carlino, owner of Calzoleria Carlino, tells me that often clients like to plan ahead and get a few pairs, even if they don’t start the process right away so they can secure the price and secure the skin.




Additions to the Offering
One can also order matching belts during the promotion to ensure a coordinated set. And Calzoeria Carlino also offers a patina service on exotic leathers that allow for it (likely Croc/Alligator).
Final Thoughts
Now is a great opportunity to try out Calzoleria Carlino, if you have yet to do so. I have a pair of boots of theirs that I commissioned using the Remote Bespoke experience, and it was quite a treat to be able to get bespoke footwear without having to leave my office! And they are now a great Winter staple of mine.
Learn more here: https://calzoleriacarlino.com/en/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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