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

[mdjd]

FWIW, I tried and failed to wear a Rain D in the same size as Simpson. I have a low-volume foot and take a narrow width with some brands. I can get away with wearing Simpson in my regular TTS size rather than sizing up, and so I had expected the same with Rain D. But the toe box was just crushing.

Thanks! So would you say that the rain D is actually a narrow width? Or it's a regular width with a narrow toe?

 

[PGS]

Thanks! So would you say that the rain D is actually a narrow width? Or it's a regular width with a narrow toe?

Narrow for sure.

 

[relegant]

My custom black grain penny from Carmina. Have been enjoying this pair!

 

[KarlHungus]

My custom black grain penny from Carmina. Have been enjoying this pair!
View attachment 2046267 View attachment 2046271

Nice loafers. Could you share which last and which type of grain leather this is?

 

[LA Guy]

Is anyone going to try out the foot measuring machine in New York?

 

[relegant]

Nice loafers. Could you share which last and which type of grain leather this is?

Sure it’s Simpson last. I have narrow feet. I don’t exactly recall the name of the grain (I did it in store) but it’s softer than the karagrain which felt more rugged.

 

[KarlHungus]

Sure it’s Simpson last. I have narrow feet. I don’t exactly recall the name of the grain (I did it in store) but it’s softer than the karagrain which felt more rugged.

I'm guessing it's the pereandre which I've had my eye on. Does it crease much after wear, or does the grain hide the creasing pretty well?

 

[relegant]

I'm guessing it's the pereandre which I've had my eye on. Does it crease much after wear, or does the grain hide the creasing pretty well?

From my standpoint, it hides the creases pretty well!

 

[KarlHungus]

CXL wings to go with some flannel

 

[Jimmy Pitsos]

Received a pair of Norwegian derbys in Color 4. One area of the shell near the heel counter on the right shoe is rough in texture and looks more like (dry) calfskin than shell. I’ve never had this before in shell. Will this brush out? Is it perhaps too much wax? I’ve applied nothing to these so far.

 

[Aurdelon]

So what did you order in the last MTO custom weekend?

 

[adrs1157]

Received a pair of Norwegian derbys in Color 4. One area of the shell near the heel counter on the right shoe is rough in texture and looks more like (dry) calfskin than shell. I’ve never had this before in shell. Will this brush out? Is it perhaps too much wax? I’ve applied nothing to these so far. View attachment 2050231

This is just luck of the draw unfortunately. It's a poor piece of shell. It won't fail or anything but it doesn't look great either.

I've had boots that look similar from wear and tear but that's after many years of water exposure, snow and salt with constant cleaning.

 

[madhat]

Received a pair of Norwegian derbys in Color 4. One area of the shell near the heel counter on the right shoe is rough in texture and looks more like (dry) calfskin than shell. I’ve never had this before in shell. Will this brush out? Is it perhaps too much wax? I’ve applied nothing to these so far. View attachment 2050231

Get some VSC or Bick 4 and a spoon or deer bone and spend a couple sessions on it. You may be able to lessen the visual impact

 

[Jimmy Pitsos]

Get some VSC or Bick 4 and a spoon or deer bone and spend a couple sessions on it. You may be able to lessen the visual impact

Appreciate the replies. Some brushing has helped. Fortunately it is in an inconspicuous area of the shoe. The shell otherwise looks good. Any tips on where to purchase VSC?

 

[madhat]

Appreciate the replies. Some brushing has helped. Fortunately it is in an inconspicuous area of the shoe. The shell otherwise looks good. Any tips on where to purchase VSC?

I bought it off Amazon years ago. The big can lasts a long time!

https://www.amazon.com/VENETIAN-Neutral-Polish-Leather-Conditioner/dp/B0B5LX4D38/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=3PW7P5FH97XM8&keywords=venetian+shoe+cream&qid=1697646882&sprefix=Venetian%2Caps%2C401&sr=8-7