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BurgundyOxfords

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Inca = 363
337 = Rain
341 = not really forrest as forrest in E is sooo much norrower
 

Anachronist

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Inca = 363
337 = Rain
341 = not really forrest as forrest in E is sooo much norrower
Agree, bear in mind though that C&J's 337 is much wider and appears generally larger than a comparable Carmina in the Rain last (the latter is a bit sleeker). Whilst I love my various C&J 337 lasted Handgrades, they only ever really fit me properly when my feet are a bit swollen. The heel cup is a bit wide and the shoes are a 1/4-1/2 size larger than what I'd call proper fit to size. Carmina's are similar, just the other way around. I usually wear a 10.5, but with them I need to take a 10, which is a tad on the snug side.

Quality-wise I perceive Carmina's to be on par with C&J handgrades, but at a more attractive price point.
 

meister

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RogerP

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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.

This.
 

mercury

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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.

FWIW I have both. I wear the Hallams in size 6.5, and I the Simpsons in 7.5. Totally different lasts. The Simpsons are tighter in the toe box than the 348, even at a full size up.

The C&J leather is nice and soft The Carmina is a stiffer leather.
The Carmina in brown has a more 3-dimensional look to the polish out of the box, seems like they've used black polish to give some extra depth of colour.

Based on quality I would buy either brand again, however would want to try different Carmina lasts, as the Simpson isn't ideal for my foot. I would highly recommend trying in person.
 

User888

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I'm reviving this thread... I'm considering some boots from either Carmina or C&J. Not sure what I want to start yet, maybe I'll replace my brown chelseas. Any opinions from those that own both brands maybe? Preferences, opinions, photos, etc
 

Noblekostas

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I'm reviving this thread... I'm considering some boots from either Carmina or C&J. Not sure what I want to start yet, maybe I'll replace my brown chelseas. Any opinions from those that own both brands maybe? Preferences, opinions, photos, etc
I can’t see how after seeing the leather and shape of the Lingfield I would buy Carmina when it comes to Chelseas but I have limited knowledge about them.

then again it costs more.
 

JohnMRobie

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I'm reviving this thread... I'm considering some boots from either Carmina or C&J. Not sure what I want to start yet, maybe I'll replace my brown chelseas. Any opinions from those that own both brands maybe? Preferences, opinions, photos, etc
Depends what your fit needs are, what you hope to get out of them and how you plan to wear them. Carmina RTW brown options on chelsea I think are museum or vegano. The vegano is carmina’s crust calf and will patina nicely. Maybe @Noblekostas can chime in on CJs benchgrade brown calf since I’ve only got black which I assume is box calf. If the lingfield in brown is box calf it’ll probably patina a bit less and the 348 is a really sleek last. I quite like my pair in black but it’s a dressier, more sleek chelsea. The simpson last is probably slightly more versatile to my eye and the vegano would be a tiny bit more casual to me but that’s just personal preference.
 

Wild Strawberry Rabbit

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Depends what your fit needs are, what you hope to get out of them and how you plan to wear them. Carmina RTW brown options on chelsea I think are museum or vegano. The vegano is carmina’s crust calf and will patina nicely. Maybe @Noblekostas can chime in on CJs benchgrade brown calf since I’ve only got black which I assume is box calf. If the lingfield in brown is box calf it’ll probably patina a bit less and the 348 is a really sleek last. I quite like my pair in black but it’s a dressier, more sleek chelsea. The simpson last is probably slightly more versatile to my eye and the vegano would be a tiny bit more casual to me but that’s just personal preference.
C&J has also chelseas on less sleeker lasts. I personally really like Chelsea 5 and Chelsea 8 models. Also not the fan of vegano leather. I would definitely chose C&J (or RM Williams) not Carmina.
 

Jamesbond1

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Carmina calf is not comparable to C&J by miles and the QC issues of late is also a factor. Yes C&J cost more but you pay for what you get.
 

User888

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well it doesn't have to be a chelsea, I already have a Jodphur boot in brown suede and an adelaide in polo suede from Carmina while I haven an austerity brogue from C&J handgrade line. I would like to explore these brands a bit more and since I'm more of a boot guy (on the smart/dressy side) I was thinking on getting some (one at a time though). I'm just curious to see the thoughts of those that have both brands...
 

JohnMRobie

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Carmina calf is not comparable to C&J by miles and the QC issues of late is also a factor. Yes C&J cost more but you pay for what you get.
The leathers are both fine, just different as I mentioned. Benchgrade and Carmina leathers are on pretty much par. QC will be better on CJ. They’re both a perfectly fine entry/mid level GWY shoe depending where you draw that line. If you’re jumping to hand grade then yes the leather gets better.
 

RogerP

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Trying to find a significant gap in quality or value as between the offerings of these two brands is an excercise in simultaneous hair-splitting and navel-gazing, IMO. Fit should be the first deciding factor, followed by YOUR subjective preference as to aesthetics.
 

JohnMRobie

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well it doesn't have to be a chelsea, I already have a Jodphur boot in brown suede and an adelaide in polo suede from Carmina while I haven an austerity brogue from C&J handgrade line. I would like to explore these brands a bit more and since I'm more of a boot guy (on the smart/dressy side) I was thinking on getting some (one at a time though). I'm just curious to see the thoughts of those that have both brands...
I think it comes down to what you want from the boots. If you’re talking Chelsea’s you’ll have options from both, balmoral boots would fit the bill on the smarter side and Carmina has that option. If you want something to serve the dressier role I’d probably stick to box calf compared to vegano if it were me
 

DrewMill

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Should I infer from this thread that Carmina would be a step up from Cheaney and Trickers? (sorry for the hijack)
 

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