C&J vs Carmina

[venividivicibj]

I'm looking to buy two shoes, a NST, and a shortwing or partialy brogued cap toe derby, and am deciding between C&J and Carmina (not having owned either)

Does one offer a significant advantage in price or quality? (Or on the same note, does one have more much more sleek lasts than the other?)

 

[eluther]

Both Crockett & Jones's lasts I've tried on, the 360 and the 348, both have elongated toe boxes, which weren't amazing.

Both Carmina lasts I've tried on, the Inca and the Rain, had handsome toe boxes that I much preferred.

That being said, my Crockett & Jones are of a superlative quality, while the construction of the Carminas felt amazing, but not quite to the same standard.

 

[venividivicibj]

Are the prices similar?

(And are your C&Js hand grade or bench?)

 

[Gerry Nelson]

360 is handgrade, 348 is benchgrade. I actually think that Carmina is better finished with more elegant lasts than Crockett.

I don't think C&J has a NST. The Onslow is close but not a split toe. Carmina has one on the Soller last and one on the Queen.

Price-wise, I think Carmina from their website is about the same as Crockett and Jones benchgrade.

Both have sleek lasts, the question is more about what the shape of your feet is like. First, find lasts that suit your foot and worry about the aesthetics.

 

[dddrees]

I would also include Alfred Sargent in this comparison. The reason I would do so is because the price of these three can be very close depending where you buy them from and whether you get them on sale or not. The reason I have examples of each of these brands has more to do with the design of a particular shoe more than the actual price or whether one brand is better than the other. All three of these brands make a real nice shoes.

If I were you, I would take a gander at the various appreciation threads for these brands as much has been said about the various strengths and or weaknesses of these brands.

I must say, I have yet to make a mistake when buying from either one of these brands.

 

[jrd617]



I don't think C&J has a NST. The Onslow is close but not a split toe. Carmina has one on the Soller last and one on the Queen.

They make a number of split toe bluchers and monks for Brooks Brothers and Ben Silver. I think they are exclusives

 

[Ilovelobbs]

Quote:
You can't go wrong with Crockett's or Carmina - both exceptional value.... The finishing of the Carmina's are very good. Leather & build quality very good... Crockett's has the egde with me due to their 337, 350; 360; 351; 348 and 358 Last...

 

[cazone]

Hello!

may I add a question here?

I'm looking to for a pair of half brogues to add/replace a pair of C&J Westfield (last 341).

Crockett, as usual or maybe somewhere else (Carmina) ?

Maybe something in between the Audley (last 337) and the Lonsdale (last 363).
I really like the Audley, rediscovered them recently through a fabulous fair of Bellegrave that I saw on instagram.
And I love the Lonsdale !
The last is my favorite (except the six holes ... )

So C&J, have the Barrington 2 (last 363) and the Bellegrave (last 337).
Both are nice shoes.

Otherwise a pair of Carminas would be cool!
But I just don't understand their different last ...

Maybe someone could help me out here.


Merci d'avance
c*

 

[cazone]

really like the Barrington 2 a lot !

c*

 

[cazone]

comparing C&J vs Carmina on the basis of lasts alone is strange to me
look at the leather quality, leather type, the soles, the colors available, quality feedback, etc, etc

Sure.
I know C&J quite well and also had a look on Carminas.
The leather quality, leather type, between the C&J main line and Carmina is close.
General quality too.

My only concern is the last.
I just don't understand the different lasts in Carminas product range.
And I don't understand how they compare to the C&J lasts that I know (and fit me) very well.

I need some advice like:
C&J last 337 = Carmina ...
C&J last 341 = close to ...
C&J last 363 = etc ...

c*

PS: I saw the Barrington 2 this WE.

A beautiful shoe!

 

[Chowkin]

comparing C&J vs Carmina on the basis of lasts alone is strange to me
look at the leather quality, leather type, the soles, the colors available, quality feedback, etc, etc

Wonder if Carminas have oak bark soles?

 

[Petepan]



Wonder if Carminas have oak bark soles?

My shell brogues has JR soles. Is that considered oak bark?

 

[Chowkin]

My shell brogues has JR soles. Is that considered oak bark?

Yes, JR soles are oak bark tanned. Thanks a lot. But would that be limited to just shell shoes?

 

[Petepan]



Yes, JR soles are oak bark tanned.  Thanks a lot.  But would that be limited to just shell shoes?

Not sure. I have 2 pairs of shell and one calf, and the JR stamp is only found on one pair of shell and not on the other two. The wear rate as far as i can tell is the same.

 

[AndrewJH]

I'm looking at two brown suede cap toe shoes; one is the Carmina Simple Toe Cap (Simpson last), and the second is the C&J Hallam (348 last).

Does anyone have experience with these two, and fit differences?

Thanks.