CNES Shoemaker’s new models have just landed—nine, to be exact—with four ready-to-wear styles and five made-to-order models. And while there are several interesting designs in this latest release, what makes the launch particularly special to me is the introduction of their new crocodile nubuck models.

Why? Because I think they are cool. Simple as that. But more importantly, I think they offer very good value for what they are, which is not something you often get to say when talking about crocodile footwear.

The Crocodile Nubuck Lazy Man

The standout model for me is undoubtedly the Lazy Man. I suspect it will also be most people’s favorite simply because it is such an alluring, eye-catching shoe.

It is unique, elegant, and at just above $1,400, I think it represents an extremely good value proposition for what you are getting in return. Crocodile footwear is rarely inexpensive, particularly when combined with hand-welted construction, so seeing something like this at this price is impressive.

The only downside is that they currently show it in just one color. That being said, CNES also has black, brown, and blue crocodile nubuck within this collection, so I presume there may be some possibility of ordering the model in another color. That is merely my assumption, however, so you would have to ask them.

Either way, it is a lovely model, and I cannot imagine CNES having a hard time selling through these. Exotic leathers like this tend to be finite. There is only so much material available, and once it is gone, it is gone.

Find those here: https://www.cnes.co/products/mto-pierce-lazyman-sand-crocodile-nubuck

Crocodile Nubuck Belgian Loafers

Within the made-to-order collection, CNES has also introduced two Belgian-style loafers in crocodile nubuck.

The first is described as blue, although to my eye it looks more like a slate blue—almost a grayish blue. I actually think that makes it even more interesting. The matching leather trim gives the shoe a clean, tonal appearance that works beautifully with the texture of the crocodile nubuck.

These are super cool.

I do not necessarily think they will outsell the Lazy Man, but in some ways I find them even more interesting simply because they are so different. How often do you see a Belgian-style loafer made in crocodile nubuck? Not often.

The black version is interesting, too, because in the photographs it almost appears dark gray rather than true black. Again, that gives it a rather unusual appearance.

There are certainly other brands making exotic Belgian loafers, but you do not often find them around the $1,300 mark. These loafers are made using McKay construction, whereas the Lazy Man is hand-welted, but both offer something quite different from what you normally find on the market.

Find those here:
Navy: https://www.cnes.co/products/mto-blw-belgian-loafer-blue-croc-nubuck
Black: https://www.cnes.co/products/mto-blw-belgian-loafer-black-croc-nubuck

A Truly Unique Strap Loafer

Another new made-to-order model is one of the most interesting designs of the entire launch.

It is difficult to even give it a conventional name. It is almost like a wingtip/Balmoral strap loafer, but the pattern is unlike anything I can recall seeing before.

The strap does not simply terminate around the quarter area as you might expect. Instead, it continues backward into what almost resembles a reverse heel-counter design. The broguing is equally distinctive.

It is a true one-of-one design by CNES, and I love that.

I love seeing somebody actually sit down, put pen to paper, and create something new rather than simply reproducing another version of a shoe that has existed for the last hundred years.

And this model could become particularly interesting once customers start playing around with color combinations.

There appear to be several distinct sections within the pattern, which means anyone who enjoys two-tone shoes—or simply wants something more playful—has a lot of room to experiment here. I am looking forward to seeing what people come up with because this design is begging for some interesting combinations.

Find those here: https://www.cnes.co/products/mto-keiko-loafer

The Balmoral Single Monk

The final new made-to-order model is a beautiful Balmoral single monk strap with a plain toe.

CNES has opted to use crocodile on the upper section of the shoe, paired with calfskin below. The result is a very elegant and straightforward dress shoe. No frills. No fuss. Just pure dress-shoe beauty.

This model is also hand-welted and comes in around the $1,400 mark.

Interestingly, you are getting significantly less crocodile here than on the full crocodile Lazy Man while paying roughly the same price. But exotic leather pricing is not always that straightforward. Different sections of a hide have different characteristics and values, and there are various grades, cuts, and considerations involved. I am certainly not going to pretend to be an expert in the economics of crocodile skins.

Regardless, it is a beautiful shoe and another model that I suspect will do very well for them.

Find those here: https://www.cnes.co/products/mto-gigi-single-monk-strap-brown-croco

The Langley Moccasin

Moving over to the ready-to-wear collection, we get something completely different.

C&ES calls this new model the Langley Moccasin, although I am not entirely sure how I would describe it myself. It is part moccasin, part loafer, part sandal, with a little bit of boat shoe and fisherman-sandal influence thrown in for good measure.

And somehow it works. It is definitely the type of shoe you wear sockless, and the buckle adds another element to an already unique design.

Again, you can tell that CNES has been putting some thought into its latest models rather than simply releasing variations of existing shoes.

I am not a sandal person at all, but I would definitely wear these. In fact, I might have to see whether CNES wants to do an unboxing video because I think this model is super cool.

The Langley uses a Bologna McKay construction with what appears to be a thin rubber sole, which should make for a lightweight and comfortable casual shoe.

At around $215, the value is also difficult to argue with. The timing is perhaps a little late in the season, but looking toward next spring and summer, I could see this being a very successful model.

Find those here: https://www.cnes.co/products/langley-sandal-sparrow-suede

New Classic Black Loafers

Not everything needs to reinvent the wheel, of course. CNES has also introduced a couple of classic black loafers: a penny loafer and a bit loafer. You really cannot go wrong with either.

These are likely to become bread-and-butter models for the brand because people will always want clean, classic black loafers. What is interesting here is that CNES has used a noticeably rounder last than what many people might associate with some of its previous models. They are labeled as EEE but suspect they are likely closer to a true E fit. I could be wrong, though.

So while the designs themselves are traditional, they offer something slightly different within the Goodyear-welted side of the CNES collection.

For those who prefer to keep things clean and classic, these should be easy choices.

Bit Loafer: https://www.cnes.co/products/davis-horse-bit-loafer-black
Penny Loafer: https://www.cnes.co/products/moritz-penny-loafer-black

A Classic Black Adelaide

Lastly, in CNES’s new models, they have introduced a very clean black calf Adelaide, which is listed as an online exclusive. I presume that means it will not be available through their physical store.

Again, there is nothing overly complicated here—and there does not need to be.

It is simply a clean, elegant, and classic dress shoe. For those who want something straightforward that can be worn for years without worrying about trends, an Adelaide like this is pretty much a no-brainer.

Find those here: https://www.cnes.co/products/online-exclusive-aru-adelaide-oxford

Nine New Models and Plenty of Variety

What I like about this launch is the variety. You have the more adventurous crocodile nubuck models, a completely original strap-loafer design, an unusual casual moccasin/sandal, and then several classic black shoes for customers who simply want traditional footwear.

A number of the models are also being offered on newer lasts, so there is quite a bit here that feels genuinely new for CNES.

And, as usual, pricing remains one of the brand’s biggest strengths.

The Goodyear-welted models are all under $300. The crocodile models sit around the $1,300–$1,400 range, which is very competitive for crocodile footwear, and the Langley Moccasin comes in at roughly $215.

That is great value for money, which is something CNES has become known for.

But what I appreciate most is seeing them push their designs.

The classics will always sell, and every shoemaker needs them. But models like the crocodile nubuck Lazy Man, the Belgian loafers, the unusual strap loafer, and the Langley Moccasin show a willingness to try something different.

And that is what I like to see.

Definitely check out the new collection and let me know which model is your favorite. I have a feeling the crocodile nubuck Lazy Man will win that contest, but personally, there are several here that I would happily wear.

Thanks, as always, for reading.

Learn more here: www.cnes.co

—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob

Shop · Marketplace · Patreon

***CNES is a supporter of The Shoe Snob Blog and you can consider this a sponsored post***