If you’ve been interested in getting a pair of really nice handmade shoes in alligator leather, but been hesitating due to the often hefty price tag of these, now might be your chance. The Italian maker Calzoleria Carlino offers their fully handmade MTO, remote bespoke or full bespoke made in alligator leather, to the same price as calf leather.

Calzoleria Carlino is a workshop in Sassuolo, a town in the Province of Modena close to Bologna in the north-central parts of Italy. It’s run by Riccardo Cianci, and has an in-house production that has been growing in recent years as more and more people have got their eyes open to their affordable offerings. I wrote a buyer’s guide to the brand a while back, covering the order process and making of a pair of remote bespoke lazymans.

A crocodile chelsea boot Carlino made previously.

One of Riccardo’s interests and specialties is sourcing interesting leathers, he has good connections and spend a lot of time on it. That’s why for example my pair mentioned above was made in a super cool vintage pigskin he had found a bunch of. Now, he has gotten his hands on a batch of nice crust alligator leathers which he runs a special promotion until the 31st of July. You can order MTO, remote bespoke or full bespoke, any model and so on, made in these alligator skins but offered at the same price as calf leather shoes. Normally alligator is much more expensive, from double up to ten times the price (depending on how much the material is of the total price, so higher upcharge for RTW than bespoke) is otherwise standard. Prices start at €1,750 for MTO, which are hand lasted, hand welted with handmade sole stitching made to the same standard as their bespoke.

Since it’s crust you can basically choose any colour or patina you wish. Pictures: Calzoleria Carlino