Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc...) - official thread.

[steffenbp11]



Thinking about buying a pair of the rain last...Is it very wide??

No....compared to most other shoes I've owned it's definately not wide...

 

[Cuttingboard]



No....compared to most other shoes I've owned it's definitely not wide...

Agree...I don't have a wide foot and the Rain fits perfectly.

 

[Preparatory]

Would you describe it as sleek ?

I dont understand it says EE width but where Im from EE is pretty wide?

 

[Leaves]



Would you describe it as sleek ?

Rain is a wide last, but not super wide.

 

[Preparatory]



Rain is a wide last, but not super wide.

It is really hard to get an idea here.. Can you compare it to another last by another shoemaker?

How are they compared to Meermin Ama last?

I am planning to wear it with a tuxedo. Suitable?

 

[Swede66]



No....compared to most other shoes I've owned it's definately not wide...

Agree. I have two pairs on Rain and I am always surprised when I read that they are supposed to be wide. To me they are not

 

[Preparatory]



Agree. I have to pairs on Rain and I am always surprised when I read that they are supposed to be wide. To me they are not

What size should I go for if I usually wear US 9,5 in AE?

 

[Petepan]

Thinking about buying a pair of the rain last...Is it very wide??

No it is not very wide, certainly not Loake or Grenson G wide.

Carmina staff explained to me that Simpson and Rain are essentially the same shape when viewed from the top, but the Rain is a "more generous" last, in that there is more space for the foot. I am perplexed since I am not a shoe expert, but I take it to mean that the Rain last is more roomy.

I have oxfords in both lasts in the same size (8.5), and when both are laced up, the Simpson lasted shoe has wider lace spacings than the Rain. Usually the Simpson is sized up by half a size, but in my case, the Simpson was in shell cordovan which is more flexible, hence I did not need to size up. I also tried the lizardskin oxford on the Simpson last in size 8.5, and after a few minutes, it felt really tight and uncomfortable.

So to complicate things a little, your size requirement will also depend on whether it is calf, shell, lizard or croc.

Hehe, have fun.

 

[Preparatory]



No it is not very wide, certainly not Loake or Grenson G wide.

Carmina staff explained to me that Simpson and Rain are essentially the same shape when viewed from the top, but the Rain is a "more generous" last, in that there is more space for the foot. I am perplexed since I am not a shoe expert, but I take it to mean that the Rain last is more roomy.

I have oxfords in both lasts in the same size (8.5), and when both are laced up, the Simpson lasted shoe has wider lace spacings than the Rain. Usually the Simpson is sized up by half a size, but in my case, the Simpson was in shell cordovan which is more flexible, hence I did not need to size up. I also tried the lizardskin oxford on the Simpson last in size 8.5, and after a few minutes, it felt really tight and uncomfortable.

So to complicate things a little, your size requirement will also depend on whether it is calf, shell, lizard or croc.

Hehe, have fun. 

Thank you very much! This helps a bit.

We're talking calf in the rain last.

 

[Leaves]



I'm sure you could if you wanted too. Besides these seem pretty subdued to me compared to a number of others out there. The color contrast doesn't look that bold to me.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Now the others I bought just a bit ago are a bit more bolder. But the color contrast is greater. However I think these will work real well with an entirely different look in mind.

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

The first Spectator could be worn with almost anything except a city suit perhaps, the second one is harder to match if you don't have an extensive wardrobe. I'd probably only wear the last Spectator with a linen suit or something very summery. It does look fantastic though.

Agree. I have to pairs on Rain and I am always surprised when I read that they are supposed to be wide. To me they are not

No it is not very wide, certainly not Loake or Grenson G wide. Carmina staff explained to me that Simpson and Rain are essentially the same shape when viewed from the top, but the Rain is a "more generous" last, in that there is more space for the foot. I am perplexed since I am not a shoe expert, but I take it to mean that the Rain last is more roomy. I have oxfords in both lasts in the same size (8.5), and when both are laced up, the Simpson lasted shoe has wider lace spacings than the Rain. Usually the Simpson is sized up by half a size, but in my case, the Simpson was in shell cordovan which is more flexible, hence I did not need to size up. I also tried the lizardskin oxford on the Simpson last in size 8.5, and after a few minutes, it felt really tight and uncomfortable. So to complicate things a little, your size requirement will also depend on whether it is calf, shell, lizard or croc. Hehe, have fun.

We have some people who wear the same size in Simpson and Rain although Rain is a wide last. All feet are unique and there are many variables for a good fit. It is also a question of personal preference. Also, some people find that Derby shoes and loafers fit differently from Oxfords and some don’t. If you like a sleek, chiseled look then go with Simpson. The Rain fits wider but is still chiseled. For a nice round last in medium width go width Forest. Forest is actually a good last to have as reference because it’s a standard E width and it’s also one of the most common lasts for a huge number of Carmina models. Please have a look at this thread, it might be helpful: http://www.styleforum.net/t/291006/the-official-carmina-sizing-thread/0_30

 

[Preparatory]



[/SPOILER]

The first Spectator could be worn with almost anything except a city suit perhaps, the second one is harder to match if you don't have an extensive wardrobe. I'd probably only wear the last Spectator with a linen suit or something very summery. It does look fantastic though.

We have some people who wear the same size in Simpson and Rain although Rain is a wide last. All feet are unique and there are many variables for a good fit. It is also a question of personal preference. Also, some people find that Derby shoes and loafers fit differently from Oxfords and some don’t. If you like a sleek, chiseled look then go with Simpson. The Rain fits wider but is still chiseled. For a nice round last in medium width go width Forest. Forest is actually a good last to have as reference because it’s a standard E width and it’s also one of the most common lasts for a huge number of Carmina models.

Please have a look at this thread, it might be helpful:
http://www.styleforum.net/t/291006/the-official-carmina-sizing-thread/0_30

Thank you!

My problem is I need it to be a black wholecut, and the only one I can find is the Rain, although I think i would prefer the Simpson.

 

[dddrees]

[/SPOILER]

The first Spectator could be worn with almost anything except a city suit perhaps, the second one is harder to match if you don't have an extensive wardrobe. I'd probably only wear the last Spectator with a linen suit or something very summery. It does look fantastic though.

We have some people who wear the same size in Simpson and Rain although Rain is a wide last. All feet are unique and there are many variables for a good fit. It is also a question of personal preference. Also, some people find that Derby shoes and loafers fit differently from Oxfords and some don’t. If you like a sleek, chiseled look then go with Simpson. The Rain fits wider but is still chiseled. For a nice round last in medium width go width Forest. Forest is actually a good last to have as reference because it’s a standard E width and it’s also one of the most common lasts for a huge number of Carmina models.

Please have a look at this thread, it might be helpful:
http://www.styleforum.net/t/291006/the-official-carmina-sizing-thread/0_30

That's the plan.

Thank you sir.

 

[taxgenius]



We are doing a group MTO on this in the Navy Shell. PM me for details and to be included

Guys, if I normally wear a size 10.5D in Allen Edmonds (but would wear a 10.25D if it existed), what size should I get for this Navy Shell MTO in Rain last? 9.5UK or 9UK?

 

[Fiddler]

I am a US9D and got a 8.5 for my navy shell whole cuts...I think I am in between an 8 and 8.5 in the Rain Last. I had anticipated this and asked Betty to send me a pair of insoles which work perfectly for my needs.

 

[taxgenius]



I am a US9D and got a 8.5  for my navy shell whole cuts...I think I am in between an 8 and 8.5 in the Rain Last. I had anticipated this and asked Betty to send me a pair of insoles which work perfectly for my needs. 

Is that in AE or a different brand?