I knew nothing about Carmina shoes an hour ago. Now I want to order one. This is what I am wearing now: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ecco-wi...=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK size 42 What does clutchfans think of this for a regular dress shoe? https://thearmoury.com/catalogs/shop/accessories/shoes/carmina-80386-rain-simple-captoe-black-calf#
My shoes in order of most expensive first: 1. Allen Edmonds 2. Cole Haan 3. Johnston Murphy Funny part is, that in order of comfort it is the reverse! Also, you should consider owning a good pair of boots living in Texas as well.
Highly recommend these Carmina shoes. I bought a similar pair to the one in your link in-store at The Armoury in NYC about 3 years ago and they're still in fantastic shape. Make sure you pick up a pair of cedar wood shoe trees and use them whenever you're not wearing the shoe. You can get the cedar shoe trees for about $30 at any shoe repair shop.
carmina shoes are very well-made, i've been to their retail/workshop in madrid. i would say that their designs lean towards the conservative somewhat dull side though