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

[Spurious]



To my U.S. peoples who've traveled to Spain and visited Carmina's retail shops:

1. What is the VAT situation if I purchase a pair of shoes in store? Is there a 20% VAT discount that I can get reimbursed like in London and Paris? 
2. Are their prices slightly cheaper than Skoak/GF/Epaulet/LeatherFoot for similar shoes? Yeah the US dollar is bad right now for Euros but I still assume non-Carmina sites have a markup.
3. Which shop(s) should I visit in Barcelona and Madrid? I know Carmina has multiple stores and retail space.
My wife and I are headed to Madrid/Barcelona/Ibiza in September for our anniversary

 so I am planning on stopping by to stock up since shoes on the Rain last seemed to be a rare siting.

Thanks!

It depends on how you go about it. You get the full 20% off, if you are getting them shipped, if you take them right there and get it stamped at the airport, you are only getting a 10% discount or something like this.

 

[partyof6]

nice whats the makeup?

Detroit last. Dainite sole. Storm welt. Have a pair in transit - my first Carmina and first Skoak purchase.

 

[stmaier]



Those epaulet boots are sick, wish my size was available. Not sure why they were listed for sub $400. the quality and condition looks good?? they look great from here

They were part of a GMTO that Carmina made incorrectly. It was supposed to be a jumper in the dark brown grain and they made these instead. Mike was awesome and gave us the option to buy at a steep discount or get a refund of the deposit. I had a pair of hatch grain jumpers from a previous Epaulet GMTO run.

 

[europrep]

They were part of a GMTO that Carmina made incorrectly. It was supposed to be a jumper in the dark brown grain and they made these instead. Mike was awesome and gave us the option to buy at a steep discount or get a refund of the deposit. I had a pair of hatch grain jumpers from a previous Epaulet GMTO run.

Thanks for that info. Clears up why there is such a difference in what I received and the website pics. One man's "trash" is another man's treasure - they may have been made incorrectly, but they look great in person.

 

[andrel42]

A few of my Carmina (Skoak) boots (and others) for your viewing pleasure

Bottom to top and left to right
Carmina Burgundy Shell Frankenstitch Jumper Boot
Edetal Midnight Blue Balmoral Full Brogue Boot
Meermin Navy Shell Cordovan Norvegese Cap Toe Derby Boot
Carmina Brown Calfskin Grain Combo Balmoral Boot
Carmina Whiskey Shell Balmoral Boot
Carmina Dark Cognac Shell Wingtip Derby Boot
Meermin Black Shell Balmoral Boot

 

[europrep]

How do you find the Ed et al leather compares to the Carmina? And how do you like the side zipper?

Edit: and of course, awesome collection of boots!

 

[andrel42]

Thank you europrep, I do love my boots! Edetal's leather is very supple and soft and seems to be holding out well since 2 years or so with maybe 10 to 15 outings in dry weather. The side zip (which is hidden on the inside part of the leg) is a great way to slip the boots on without too much fuss!

 

[Watchman1]

Hello Gentlemen,

I thought you men would appreciate the color and patina on these Carmina Cognac Cordovan 922's:

 

[JezeC]

Awesome. Rain last in burgundy shell?

 

[Watchman1]

Awesome. Rain last in burgundy shell?

No Sir. Rain Last Cognac Shell.

 

[spicycho]

No Sir. Rain Last Cognac Shell.

what polish (if any) do you use on them? I'd love to see my pair become a similar shade.

 

[Watchman1]

what polish (if any) do you use on them? I'd love to see my pair become a similar shade.

I bought them in March and have worn them about 2 dozen times at the most, probably more like 20 times on foot if that.

Here is what actually happened. I ran out of money and could not afford to buy any sort of polish that matched.....

So, I MISTAKENLY applied AE walnut polish on them and that darkened them WAY TOO MUCH....

I was inconsolable......

Then, I had an epiphany

I will set them outside to sunbath for a few weeks....

Then apply Saphir Renomat...

Deer Bone....

LOTS and LOTS of horse hair brushing....

Then Renovatuer...

Then Neutral Cordovan Cream...

And finally Saphir Neutral Wax.....

I know this breaks some of the cordovan rules but man am I digging this color on these.....

 

[steveyoo1983]

Good day gents! x-post from our affiliate thread

Just in case anyone is interested
we are looking for one more participant for our Grey Suede Chelsea MTO in Soller Last!

This chelsea boots below....

in grey suede like below



Also, I have a last pair of PTB in congac shell avail (9.5 UK) on sale if you are interested!
http://gentlemensfootwear.com/products/carmina-shoemaker-plain-toe-blucher-in-cognac-shell-cordovan



Have a great weekend! Cheers!
Steve

 

[Michael Haines]



Good day gents! x-post from our affiliate thread Just in case anyone is interested we are looking for one more participant for our Grey Suede Chelsea MTO in Soller Last! This chelsea boots below.... in grey suede like below Also, I have a last pair of PTB in congac shell avail (9.5 UK) on sale if you are interested! http://gentlemensfootwear.com/products/carmina-shoemaker-plain-toe-blucher-in-cognac-shell-cordovan Have a great weekend! Cheers! Steve

Those are going to look fantastic

 

[Petepan]



Thank you europrep, I do love my boots! Edetal's leather is very supple and soft and seems to be holding out well since 2 years or so with maybe 10 to 15 outings in dry weather. The side zip (which is hidden on the inside part of the leg) is a great way to slip the boots on without too much fuss!

Great collection! May I ask how is the Meermin shell compared to the Carmina?