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

[NAMOR]

carmina is best quality no doubt. standard channeled sole is nice touch too, also leather outsole and waist is far more refined.

ae is to alden as
carmina is to CJ handgrade

alden is great if you think #8 alden longwing is the "king". if it was truly king, i would topple like saddam hussein statue

 

[RogerP]

Thanks. What about in terms of construction among all three shoemakers?

Well all three are Goodyear welted - so they have that foundation in common. I'd rank Carmina in first with Alden and AE in a tie for second when it comes to quality control and overall fit and finish. If I had to split the tie, AE would drop to third. They seem to trying to elevate sloppy QC into a virtue with their ever-blossoming bounty of available seconds.

 

[NickInTO]

I own examples from all three.

You must have the best shoe collection in the GTA.

 

[RogerP]

You must have the best shoe collection in the GTA.

I tell you what - I look at the Leatherfoot MTO gallery and realize that I am a minor league player compared to some of these dudes. They must just not post on the forums - or walk around my area of downtown much - 'cause I sure don't see that caliber of footwear on the street.

On the GO train yesterday a pair of brown shell cordovan Strands walked by and I damn near fell out of my chair. Easily the nicest pair of shoes I have spotted in a month or two.

 

[WiredandTired]

I would agree with roger and namor, but I would throw crockett and jones in the mix too. I think they match closely in rankings with carmina. The Ralph Lauren makeups speak for themselves. Excluding fitting issues, I feel like they have better QC.

 

[MGD83]

I believe that Carmina is of slightly better build quality then Alden or AE. To be honest, I would even put them above C&J bench grades , or just a touch below C&J handgrades. I own shoes from all these makers, so this is just my own personal opinion.

 

[Cleav]

Yep ^

 

[NickInTO]

I tell you what - I look at the Leatherfoot MTO gallery and realize that I am a minor league player compared to some of these dudes. They must just not post on the forums - or walk around my area of downtown much - 'cause I sure don't see that caliber of footwear on the street.

On the GO train yesterday a pair of brown shell cordovan Strands walked by and I damn near fell out of my chair. Easily the nicest pair of shoes I have spotted in a month or two.

I rarely see anything too exciting downtown, but to be fair I work just outside of the financial district and rarely venture that way.

I'm contemplating going into Leatherfoot to get my first pair of Carmina's - those penny loafers they have on sale have caught my eye.

 

[RogerP]

^^^ They don't have sales very often. If your size is available, I wouldn't think on it too long.

 

[hoodog]

Quick sizing question. How would you guys say the Uetam last compares in size to EG, GG or C&J?

 

[theinsider]

These have been a past MTO by gentlemensfootwear (@steveyoo1983); although I'm not sure about the last. If you suggest a re-run in their affiliate thread, maybe it will garner enough interest for a group MTO. I might be tempted, too.

Anyone interested in joining a MTO for Carmina tanker boots in Navy shell cordovan on rain last?

 

[MSchapiro]

I find Carmina, Alden and AE to be very different shoes.

I actually find my Carminas most similar to AE in the way that they feel. The Carminas have a far superior finishing and construction. Over many hours they remain more comfortable than my AEs by a long shot.

My Aldens have okay finishing. A lot of minor stuff you don't see on Carmina. Lots of edges that aren't even close to smooth on the welt. They are, however, incredibly sturdy. My Alden boots feel slightly tougher than my Carminas. My AE boots feel the lighest. Alden is always my choice in snow and bad weather as the commando sole and the weight out preform my old army issued combat boots by miles. Carmina is my choice for anything that is important and requires a refined look. AE tend to be my shoes for other things and shorter days.

Ive been slowly replacing my AE's (my 5th Aves are for sale ), and been buying more Carminas and getting them topied. Their combination of style and comfort makes them my go to.

 

[Pastor]



Has there ever been a comparison thread on Carmina Shells vs Alden Shells and Allen Edmond Shells?

I think most people would agree that Carmina produces superior calf leather shoes over AE calf shoes and at the very least, on par with Alden calf shoes. However, Alden is the undisputed King when it comes to producing the different varieties of shell offerings. Disregarding price, which shoemaker produces the better shell product for end users? I would like to hear from people who has owned a combination of Carmina and either AE or Alden.     

In shell I own 2 Carmina (navy & ruby), 5 Aldens (#8, Cigar & Ravello), and 8 Allen Edmonds (#8, Black, Brown, Walnut, & Cappuccino).

The Carminas are hands down the better quality of build. Alden finishes the shell a little better. Allen Edmonds can be found at deep discounts. All have their place. While I understand that all 3 source shell from Horween I find that the shell has varied among the three makers. My Carmina and Alden shells are extremely thick while my Allen Edmonds shell is relatively thin. Through the AE Appreciation thread you can MTO any current production model in shell with no MTO up charge. This use to include Walnut and Cappuccino shell until they ran out, now it's only for #8, black, and brown.

 

[agedashidofu]



Completely appropriate for business wear.  I find in most indoor lighting they look close to black.  Nobody does a double take when I wear mine at the office.  Indoor pic with flash:



Indoor pic with flash:

Outdoor pic in natural sunlight:

 

Love the gray suit and purple tie combination!
You're right - navy shells look completely appropriate for business wear.

 

[RogerP]

^^^ Cheers.