While I don’t know the exact history of the Yanko origin, from what I have quickly gathered on the world wide web is that they are yet another spin off of the once great Albaladejo family. For those that may not be in the know the Albaladejo family is one of the oldest and most famous shoemakers coming out of Spain, specifically Palma de Mallorca. Once having their own branded shoes, they apparently broke up to create 3 brands: Carmina, Meermin and Yanko. However, I do know that they are no longer associated with the Yanko name. While I have no personal experience with Yanko brand, I can say that from the pictures they look to be of good quality, selling at retail price that puts them between the likes of their two relatives, Carmina and Meermin. I love the image of the brogue above and quite fancy the color combination of the balmoral boot below and if their shoes are as good as they look, well then I dare say that there is another contender in the ring!
RogerP
I had not heard of this brand but like the models shown – particularly the bal boot. Must investigate further.
TheShoeSnob
Glad to have showed you something new Roger!
Andrew
Yanko is really better than Carmina!
TheShoeSnob
that is a bold statement…might have to find out now first hand
yanko.pl
Dear Justin,
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YANKO is a brand of luxury shoes from the island of Mallorca, created in 1961 by masters artisans specializing in the manufacture of footwear, which led it to become one of the largest shoemakers companies in Europe during the 80s . So much that by that time, YANKO got to make more than a million pairs of shoes a year.
Antonio Llobera , a renowned businessman in the footwear sector , supported by a powerful team of partners , acquired the business in 2005 after financial mismanagement of the former owners . Since 2007 , the tandem of Antonio Llobera and master craftsmen originary from the island of Mallorca, have managed to provide a signature of his own and now with international sights. Currently, YANKO , besides being present in a selection of the best selling points , is expanding internationally and is establishing itself as a leading brand in the Asian and European markets , and American.
https://www.facebook.com/yanko.handmade.shoes
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Best Regards
Daniel’s from Poland 🙂
TheShoeSnob
Thanks for sharing Daniel
Amarpreet Singh Tiwana
Hello I’m glad to know that you own J. FitzPatrick footwears. Really like the designs you have in your brand’s collection. The TLBs I have, aren’t with the JR soles, or they might be JR but doesn’t have their logo on it.
Amazed to see this discussion forum is on for more than a decade now.
Informative stuff.
Kudos
Justin FitzPatrick
Thank you I very much appreciate that!
wiwtwg
I have a number of pairs of Yanko as they have supplied the house shoes for Carson St. Clothiers in NYC. I picked them up at half off and I was blown away with the quality for the price. I also own both Meermin and multiple pairs of Carminas.
I found the construction and style to be virtually identical to what Carmina offers. The leather is perhaps just a tad less in quality, but very close if not even. The lasts seem to be slightly roomier than the Carminas I own (which is now preferred after developing a bone spur in my foot) but much more tailored than the Meermins which are overly roomy in almost every style.
Overall I would like to see more availability of the brand Stateside and have been very pleased with their offerings.
TheShoeSnob
Thank you for sharing. I am sure that many people found that helpful
Adam
I have a pair of Carmina boots and a pair of Yanko boots. One is box calf, one is apparently high polished calf. But smells and feels like my Horween Cordovan boots (less thick leather though, so maybe really polished calf or perhaps Japanese Cordovan). Man I need to stop buying these boots on random trips through Asia.
Anyway, both seem well constructed. Not of the quality of my Corthay or G&G shoes.. But nice none the less. The Carminas are a bit older, held up well, but leather quality is of that of a Korean or Japanese brand. The Yankos although leather unknown seems a bit thin, but better overall finish.
Honestly weird about the Yanko leather, since as I said, it feels like a thin Cordovan, and not like patent leather or high polished calf (of which I have both). Also doesn’t smell like calf.
The Yankos fit better then the Carmina boots. But it’s dependant on foot type.
TheShoeSnob
thanks for sharing Adam
TC
What last is the Yanko? How is the comparison with the Carmina boot?
Shahid hasan
How can I the shoes from Bangladesh. Please advise
Tiwana Amar
I’ve been wearing Yanko Chelsea boots for almost six years now, exclusively during winters, and I must say they’ve held up remarkably well. The construction is top-notch, and the quality of materials is evident. Despite getting drenched in the rain a couple of times, they’ve stood the test, and I find them to be durable and value for buck.
Got another pair of Carmina loafers, I must express that I’m not entirely pleased as the lasts aren’t as great, and some articles appear to be sub-standard. but, I’m still a big fan of Carmina Horse-bits. nothing beats that.
On the other hand, I’ve recently become a fan of TLBs. I’ve acquired four pairs, and I must commend their lovely shapes and the ease of breaking them in. The only drawback I’ve noticed is that the soles tend to wear out relatively quickly. It could be attributed to the soft leather sole, which undoubtedly makes the break-in process comfortable. Despite this, TLBs maintain an overall high quality.
As for Meermin, it has never appealed to me, especially considering the fact that they shifted their production to China. Although I haven’t seen them in person, the prospect of the shift has left me uninterested.
In summary, Yanko and TLB have been my go-to choices for different reasons, while Carmina fell short in some aspects. Meermin, with its production shift, hasn’t managed to capture my interest.
Would love to hear about your experiences with these brands or any other recommendations!
Justin FitzPatrick
Thanks for sharing. On the surface, I think that all of those brands are great, all with their own positives and negatives. But sadly, I do not wear any of them as I only wear my own brand, J.FitzPatrick Footwear. Therefore, I cannot really comment longevity. Although I do find your commend about TLB soles interesting as they use JR soles, who historically have been a fan favorite of the shoe industry for their supposed durability.