Carmela 164347 Men's Suede Leather Lace-Up Casual Shoes in Brown

The Carmela 164347 is a men's lace-up casual shoe in brown suede, with a honey-coloured rubber sole, a low heel and contrast details, made to dress with ease every day. We selected it at Calzados Vesga because it brings together three things that are hard to find at a balanced price: genuine suede leather, a light sole and a design that goes with almost everything.

Technical Specifications

A lace-up casual shoe with a style of its own

The suede lace-up shoe is one of the staples of a man's wardrobe: more relaxed than a smooth leather shoe, smarter than a trainer. The 164347 respects that idea and solves it with a rounded shape, no unnecessary ornament and balanced proportions, so it works in a relaxed work setting as well as at lunch or on a stroll.

Its personality lies in the details: a navy blue contrast tab at the heel, a small label in the brand's colours on the side, a metal button on the heel counter and visible stitching that underlines the design. They are small touches that set it apart from a generic shoe without overloading it.

It is especially comfortable for anyone who spends many hours on their feet, because it is light and the sole flexes well.

Design and style: brown suede and a honey sole

The brown suede has a dark, warm tone, with the short nap typical of suede, which gives depth of colour and avoids shine. The honey-coloured rubber sole contrasts with the brown of the suede and gives the shoe the air of a classic casual derby.

The round laces, in the same tone as the shoe, run through two pairs of metal eyelets, giving a clean, simple line. The heel is low and broad, about 2 to 3 cm by our estimate from the photos, and the toe is rounded and comfortable.

Because of its colour and shape it slots easily into any wardrobe: it is discreet, never dates and suits anything from a sporty look to smart casual.

Materials and finish

The upper is suede leather, the cowhide suede obtained by sanding the inner face of the hide to give a soft, velvety surface. It is very pleasant to the touch and flexible, and adapts to the foot with wear. It needs a little more care than smooth leather, but rewards you with a very elegant look.

The inner lining is textile, soft to the touch, and the interior has a cushioning layer that improves shock absorption. The seams are visible and regular, and the rear heel counter reinforces the heel area so the shoe keeps its shape.

The sole is rubber, light and flexible, with a rim that protects the leather from knocks against kerbs. Its pattern is plain and discreet, made for urban use on dry ground.

Everyday comfort

A comfortable casual shoe depends on three things: weight, flexibility and fit. The 164347 is light, flexes well at the forefoot and fastens with laces, so you can adjust the pressure over the instep to suit the thickness of your sock or the swelling of your foot through the day.

The cushioned interior and textile lining avoid the hardness of some new shoes, and the low, broad heel spreads the weight and gives stability when walking.

A practical tip: if you plan to wear thick socks, try half a size up. With thin socks or none, your usual size will be right.

When to wear them

It is a shoe for work in relaxed offices, for meetings without a tie, for lunches, outings and weekends. It works well in spring, autumn and a dry winter, and is a good travel choice thanks to its versatility.

It is not a shoe for rain or mud. Suede absorbs water and marks, so on days of heavy rain a smooth leather or membrane shoe is better. It does cope well with the occasional drizzle if you treat it with a protector.

How to style them

With blue or black jeans, brown suede gives a well-balanced casual look. With beige, green or navy chinos, it forms an elegant mid-season outfit. With grey tailored trousers and a blazer, it works for the office without looking too formal.

Brown goes especially well with navy, olive green, grey, beige and burgundy. A belt in the same tone, a knitted jumper or a wool jacket completes the outfit.

Size guide

The model comes in EU 40 to 45 with a standard fit: neither especially small nor especially large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan to wear thick socks; suede gives a little with use, but it is better that the shoe does not pinch from the start.

Approximate UK equivalents: EU 40 is about UK 6, EU 41 about UK 7, EU 42 about UK 8, EU 43 about UK 9, EU 44 about UK 10 and EU 45 about UK 11. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. With laces you can tune the pressure precisely, but the inner length is fixed: between two sizes, the larger one with firm lacing usually works best.

Care and maintenance

• Brush the suede with a suede or bristle brush, always in the direction of the nap, to remove dust.
• Apply a protector spray made for suede before first wear and renew it from time to time.
• If they get wet, let them dry in the air with newspaper inside, away from radiators.
• Avoid greasy creams and polish, which flatten the suede and change its colour.

With these basic steps, the shoe keeps the colour and feel of the suede for many seasons.

Our verdict at Calzados Vesga

We think it is a very good buy for anyone who wants a lace-up casual shoe that looks right with almost everything. Its main strength is that it combines genuine suede, a light sole and carefully chosen details at a balanced price. Its limit is that of any suede: it needs a little care and is not the ideal shoe for rainy days.

About the Carmela brand

Carmela Shoes is a men's footwear label focused on casual style and everyday shoes, with simple lines, good materials and carefully chosen details. See more options in our men's casual shoes section or in the men's casual lace-up shoes category.

Frequently asked questions

Is it genuine leather?

Yes. The upper is suede, a cowhide suede with a soft, velvety feel.

Do these run small?

No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or wear thick socks.

Are they comfortable all day?

Yes. They are light, the sole flexes well, the interior is cushioned and the laces let you adjust the instep.

Can I wear them in the rain?

It is not ideal. Suede absorbs water; it copes with a light drizzle when treated with a protector, but in heavy rain a smooth leather or membrane shoe is better.

How do I clean them?

With a suede brush in the direction of the nap, no running water, and a protector spray made for suede. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.

How high is the heel?

Approximately 2 to 3 cm, a low, stable heel.

What size should I choose with wide feet?

Half a size above your usual. The laces let you loosen the instep and suede gives a little with wear.

Delivery, returns and secure checkout

Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.

Why buy from Calzados Vesga

We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.

Is this your shoe?

Yes, if you want a lace-up casual shoe in brown suede that is light, comfortable and easy to style. Perhaps not, if you need waterproof footwear for heavy rain or a smooth leather dress shoe.

If you want an everyday shoe with a smart, uncomplicated look, the brown Carmela 164347 is a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.