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Vass or Carmina....

post #1 of 127
1/12/12 at 5:04am
Thread Starter 
I'm planning to MTO a captoe oxford in black and have read great reviews about both these manufacturers. I know I cant go wrong quality wise with either of them. My question is more towards fit finish and comfort. I have rather wide left foot and prefer to stay away from narrow last.

Who should I go with? My budget is around 500.
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post #2 of 127
1/12/12 at 5:20am
I don't think you will find those shoes out of your budget (unless you are in Budapest and can pay in cash). Between the two, I prefer Vass, which I think has superior construction.
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post #3 of 127
1/12/12 at 5:34am
I have both. I would say that Vass quality is a bit higher. Fit depends on the last, though it seems to me that most Carmina lasts tend to be narrower. Stay away from the Vass English last though, which is their narrowest one.
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post #4 of 127
1/12/12 at 5:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by radicaldog View Post

I have both. I would say that Vass quality is a bit higher. Fit depends on the last, though it seems to me that most Carmina lasts tend to be narrower. Stay away from the Vass English last though, which is their narrowest one.

Thanks, per my understanding the U last is one of their narrowest, I was looking for something in their F last. I'm also interested in the Budapest in 3636. More money is not a problem.
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post #5 of 127
1/12/12 at 5:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sstomcat View Post

I'm also interested in the Budapest in 3636. More money is not a problem.

unfortunately the 3636 is totally underrated, at least on sf. it would be great to see another example in the wild.

go for it.

doesn't mean i prefer vass to carmina. i'm just a big admirer(wide forefoot) of lasts in this style.
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post #6 of 127
1/12/12 at 6:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by fritzl View Post

unfortunately the 3636 is totally underrated, at least on sf. it would be great to see another example in the wild.
go for it.
doesn't mean i prefer vass to carmina. i'm just a big admirer(wide forefoot) of lasts in this style.

This is what I have in mind...Carmina next time!

65 Old English II. model,
F last, welted, brown boxcalf,
Italian polish, single sole

01 Budapest model, 3636 last,
welted, combination of cognac boxcalf
and cognac scotchgrain, double sole


both in 11.5 in wide cut..
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post #7 of 127
1/12/12 at 6:41am
Can anyone tell me the general price range of both of the shoe models sstomcat mentions at the Vass shop in Budapest?

65 Old English II. model,
F last, welted, brown boxcalf,
Italian polish, single sole

01 Budapest model, 3636 last,
welted, combination of cognac boxcalf
and cognac scotchgrain, double sole

(in Euro or Forint)
Thanks.
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post #8 of 127
1/12/12 at 9:01am
When I last bought them (fairly recently) Vass were a little under 400€, Carmina a little over 300 for RTW.
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post #9 of 127
1/12/12 at 11:25am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by radicaldog View Post

When I last bought them (fairly recently) Vass were a little under 400€, Carmina a little over 300 for RTW.

Thats good to know, based in the US with no vat it makes it a even better deal these days..smile.gif
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post #10 of 127
1/12/12 at 11:57am
I know that these two brands are popular on SF but their lack of availability discourages me from even looking into them

The Armoury sells Carmina but with an inconvenient return policy

No where to get Vass in the United States.

Am I missing something?
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post #11 of 127
1/12/12 at 12:06pm
Carmina has recently launched a webstore where you can purchase online. It's a start, but the selection is still woefully limited.

Some have had purchasing success by emailing them directly but some have not.

I too keep toying with Vass but become put off by the complications of purchasing. I'm thinking Vass will be next for me though, regardless of the trouble.
Edited by Gdot - 1/12/12 at 12:18pm
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post #12 of 127
1/12/12 at 12:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Liquidus View Post

I know that these two brands are popular on SF but their lack of availability discourages me from even looking into them
The Armoury sells Carmina but with an inconvenient return policy
No where to get Vass in the United States.
Am I missing something?


You could always contact proxy such as Kolecho or Tombrone.  But then you better well research your size in different Vass lasts.

 

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post #13 of 127
1/12/12 at 2:18pm
im looking at pictures at carmina on epauletshop.com, and theres some technical/quality problems on them. particularly, the 2 pairs of monkstraps: the toe caps on both pairs are assymetrical (cut & attached slanted from the long axis), theres wavy/uneven cutting of the cap, meandering stitching that crosses the cap, etc

really small details. but inexcusable at this price point... i.e. 3-4x what most people would think is reasonable for shoes
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post #14 of 127
1/12/12 at 2:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post

.... I'm thinking Vass will be next for me though, regardless of the trouble...
damn G, you are rolling with shoos lately, that nice C&J collection..Don;t forget the shoe porn pics when available.. smile.gif
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post #15 of 127
1/12/12 at 2:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdot View Post

Carmina has recently launched a webstore where you can purchase online. It's a start, but the selection is still woefully limited.
Some have had purchasing success by emailing them directly but some have not.
I too keep toying with Vass but become put off by the complications of purchasing. I'm thinking Vass will be next for me though, regardless of the trouble.

What are your motivations for branching out of C&J into Vass?
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