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

[dave_rawitat]

Thanks for the reply! I'm actually interested in the Rain last (80391) version in 10.5UK. I think I'll probably wait until I see it pop up as in stock before placing the order.

From my experiences, "shipping in x days (in production)" on Carmina's website doesn't really mean "currently in production, and will be in stock in x days", but rather "if you order, we will send it to production and ship in x days".

I used to think that if I wait for a certain amount of days (roughly, x), it would be in stock with immediate shipment. Then I would order it. I was wrong, since I have waited for twice that number of days (> 2x), it is still saying the same thing.

I ended up just putting the order in, and it was sent to production right away.

And I got it in, like, 2 weeks.

For 3-4 times that I did this, the actual numbers were (far) lower than the approximated x days (the fastest being about 10).

So, IMHO, if you really want it, just order it

I also attach a photo of that exact model that you want, and I happen to have, to make you want it more. They are gorgeous in person

 

[smoothguyto]

Thank you! These are my first Carmina shoes so I am not familiar with the other lasts. I wear 8.5D US in AE, 8D in Barrie last Alden, and these 7UK Detroit last fits similar for me. Luckily, I saw @coolarrow had a pair and I messaged him for his suggestion on sizing & it worked out perfectly in my case

Here is a comparison photo of 7UK Detroit last (left shoe) to 8D Barrie last (right shoe)

Would you guys say that sizing down a full size from your Barrie size for your Detroit last size is a good rule of thumb? The above experience and photo seems to indicate that the shoe sizes are pretty comparable. I'm a 6D in a Barrie last, so would a standard width 5EE in Detroit work or should I go MTO for the wider 5EEE Detroit? Just for additional data points, I wear a 6EE in a 65 last, and a 5.5EEE in a Rain Wholecut.

I wish Carmina would either make more styles available as a regular model in EEE lasts (Rain, Forest, Detroit), or at least waive the MTO charge as long as you were sticking with the standard design and just going up in width. For small sizes, they seem to be often be produced only when you place the order so it's like MTO anyway, just with no customization. I love their shoe design and quality but it's not easy for people like me with super wide feet.

 

[chatelet]

I wish Carmina would either make more styles available as a regular model in EEE lasts (Rain, Forest, Detroit), or at least waive the MTO charge as long as you were sticking with the standard design and just going up in width. For small sizes, they seem to be often be produced only when you place the order so it's like MTO anyway, just with no customization. I love their shoe design and quality but it's not easy for people like me with super wide feet.

I agree - the EEE range is limited. I would love a full strap penny loafer, for example, but it is just not offered in EEE.

 

[Skelnik]

Of course, we customise any model even if they are not in our customisation tool. You would need to be familiar with the model number. If you do not find any plain toe derby I can help you locate the model number.

@Carmina Can you tell me if you are able to make these and what the price would be? Also can you tell me approximately how long it would take from the order date to delivery in USA?

 

[nishant]

Another shell in my collection. Cognac shell boot on Rain last.

View attachment 1155658

Great job on the shine ! Can you please educate us on the method, products and routine you employed?

 

[stook1]

Would you guys say that sizing down a full size from your Barrie size for your Detroit last size is a good rule of thumb? The above experience and photo seems to indicate that the shoe sizes are pretty comparable. I'm a 6D in a Barrie last, so would a standard width 5EE in Detroit work or should I go MTO for the wider 5EEE Detroit? Just for additional data points, I wear a 6EE in a 65 last, and a 5.5EEE in a Rain Wholecut.

Interesting - that's not my experience getting fitted for the detroit. I went TTS, ie. brannock in UK size (10 D/E brannock and went with UK9 EE). At the end of the day, it's difficult to give precise fitment advice over the internet. The detroit, in my experience again from getting fitted, has a higher instep than most of the other lasts that I tried (didn't try Rain) and a little less of a taper at the toe than the soller. You can request a last comparison between the rain and detroit from carmina.

 

[bamgrinus]

Would you guys say that sizing down a full size from your Barrie size for your Detroit last size is a good rule of thumb? The above experience and photo seems to indicate that the shoe sizes are pretty comparable. I'm a 6D in a Barrie last, so would a standard width 5EE in Detroit work or should I go MTO for the wider 5EEE Detroit? Just for additional data points, I wear a 6EE in a 65 last, and a 5.5EEE in a Rain Wholecut.

I wear a 13 in Barrie and a 12UK in Detroit, but the fit on the Detroit is a lot tighter on my foot, especially across the instep, and the Detroit is worn with dress socks while the pairs on Barries can be worn with slightly thicker socks. So I wouldn't say this is universal guidance.

 

[szeo]

From my experiences, "shipping in x days (in production)" on Carmina's website doesn't really mean "currently in production, and will be in stock in x days", but rather "if you order, we will send it to production and ship in x days".

I used to think that if I wait for a certain amount of days (roughly, x), it would be in stock with immediate shipment. Then I would order it. I was wrong, since I have waited for twice that number of days (> 2x), it is still saying the same thing.

I ended up just putting the order in, and it was sent to production right away.

And I got it in, like, 2 weeks.

For 3-4 times that I did this, the actual numbers were (far) lower than the approximated x days (the fastest being about 10).

So, IMHO, if you really want it, just order it

I also attach a photo of that exact model that you want, and I happen to have, to make you want it more. They are gorgeous in person

View attachment 1159700

Thank you so much for that information, very helpful and that bonus pic... just sealed the deal! haha

 

[OlafG]

Does anyone here have experience with using EEE in Alden Barrie and Carminas EEE?

 

[peppercorn78]

Does anyone here have experience with using EEE in Alden Barrie and Carminas EEE?

If you're a true EEE on Barrie, then I would look elsewhere. I wear a 10.5E Barrie and 10EEE Detroit. Detroit has a higher instep, but the ball width is very close.

 

[OlafG]

If you're a true EEE on Barrie, then I would look elsewhere. I wear a 10.5E Barrie and 10EEE Detroit. Detroit has a higher instep, but the ball width is very close.

Thank you. Then it is likely too narrow. I was planning a trip to Madrid in easter and I was gonna stop by there to try to nail down sizing but because of some last minute changes I won't be going...

 

[mufaga]

After 1 year, my carmina mto shoes has been delivered....
Unlined cordovan horsebit loafers.

 

[zag73]

After 1 year, my carmina mto shoes has been delivered....
Unlined cordovan horsebit loafers.

View attachment 1160162

One year??????

 

[mufaga]

One year??????

Yup, carmina spain lost my package

 

[dave_rawitat]

Great job on the shine ! Can you please educate us on the method, products and routine you employed?

Thank you very much for your compliments. I'm stilling learning how to do the shine

For Shell Cordovan:

1. I use Carmina's Cordovan cream and Saphir Cordovan cream in rotation, but sparingly. Lots of brushing (usually while watching Netflix).

For the toe-shine (any leather, Shell included):

Initial Shine:

1. I use Saphir mirror gloss as a few base layers (around 3), then buff off with a drop of water for a few times.

2. Then, I apply Angelus wax with a drop of water for a few layers (2-3). For each layer: Drop a drop of water onto the toe, then apply the wax, until wax smooth out.

3. Then, I use Saphir Pate de Luxe wax with a drop of water for several layers, until I satisfy with the shine (usually 3-4). For each layer: Do like step 2, but with more bigger drop of water (or a few small drops, spread across the toe) and less wax.

** In case of Burgundy, I use Carmina's Burgundy wax in this step. I don't have their other waxes. **

4. Finally, do the water-buffing. Drop a drop of water or two onto the toe, then buff off until (relatively) dry.

The whole thing usually takes around 15 minutes.

Maintenance Shine:

1. Do only step 3 and 4 of initial shine. Takes around 5 minutes.