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

[bamgrinus]

What do people think of the Black Friday offer? I don’t really need new belts, but I would rather have new belts than nothing, and I have two orders that I would like to put in. Do people think I should take the belts and be happy, or wait for a better sale/MTO fee waiver. I could wait a month or two but not longer than that. I am mostly wondering if, in the past, there have been post-Christmas sales?

Majority of MTO waivers have been in the late summer/fall, so I think you might wait a while. Really, there's been more than usual recently, but historically they've really only had them once or twice a year.

 

[jet-stream]

What do people think of the Black Friday offer? I don’t really need new belts, but I would rather have new belts than nothing, and I have two orders that I would like to put in. Do people think I should take the belts and be happy, or wait for a better sale/MTO fee waiver. I could wait a month or two but not longer than that. I am mostly wondering if, in the past, there have been post-Christmas sales?

Majority of MTO waivers have been in the late summer/fall, so I think you might wait a while. Really, there's been more than usual recently, but historically they've really only had them once or twice a year.

What bamgrinus said. The only fee waivers that seem likely based on the last few years would be styleforum GMTOs.

 

[jet-stream]

CXL chukkas today:

 

[bennanza]

What do people think of the Black Friday offer? I don’t really need new belts, but I would rather have new belts than nothing, and I have two orders that I would like to put in. Do people think I should take the belts and be happy, or wait for a better sale/MTO fee waiver. I could wait a month or two but not longer than that. I am mostly wondering if, in the past, there have been post-Christmas sales?

well I actually, at least for the moment, don't really feel the need to buy additional shoes. However, I'm lacking belts! a brown one, a black one and I could do an additional navy one (haven't decided on materials - shell would be nice, calf would also be fine, maybe something a little more flamboyant for the brown one). Won't buy a pair of shoes just because I need a belt though. At that point I'd appreciate your tipps for belts! I like carminas very much (certain allen edmonds and brooks brothers too) and in the end, I'll probably buy them just at regular price from carmina as they won't go into sale.

Back to your question: Like the others said, there likely won't be such an offer in the near future besides a SF GMTO. No specific infos on that one yet though! I always recall the MTO fee wave in late september/early october and the black friday free matching belt (last year also card holder), then there was the GMTO of kirby allison and, as said, SF GMTOs.

 

[BXpress]

Certainly pushed me over the edge. I was considering to buy the new John high boot in Suede from Cobbler Union or the Split Toe Norwegian Derby from Carmina . Made the decision quite easy as I didn't have a dark brown Suede belt yet, and would have to buy it for whichever shoes i chose anyway.

 

[ThePhantomHorse]

Shell Jumpers, Love the way they look

 

[ThePhantomHorse]

So how do you take care of your cordovan? I keep hearing so many different ways.Some say to only brush and use a damp cloth when dirty other say to use Saphir Renovateur and other others say not to use Saphir renovateur because It contains turpentine and to only use a special cordovan cream. WHY isn't there a definite answer like calf shoes?

 

[CrashBurner]

So how do you take care of your cordovan? I keep hearing so many different ways.Some say to only brush and use a damp cloth when dirty other say to use Saphir Renovateur and other others say not to use Saphir renovateur because It contains turpentine and to only use a special cordovan cream. WHY isn't there a definite answer like calf shoes?

I've used lots of different products on Cordovan - nothing seems to kill it but certain products can build up and reduce the shine:
1. I find Argan Oil-based products good to soften Cordovan - Boot Black from Japan;
2. Famaco do a really good cream for Cordovan that leaves the best lustre;
3. Saphir Cordovan Cream is another good cream - doesn't get quite as lustrous as Famaco;
4. Boot Black again do a Cordovan Cream that leaves a similar shine to the Saphir products;
5. I've never used Saphir Renovateur - I've read similar to you regarding its ingredients.
Hope this helps.

 

[ThePhantomHorse]

I've used lots of different products on Cordovan - nothing seems to kill it but certain products can build up and reduce the shine:
1. I find Argan Oil-based products good to soften Cordovan - Boot Black from Japan;
2. Famaco do a really good cream for Cordovan that leaves the best lustre;
3. Saphir Cordovan Cream is another good cream - doesn't get quite as lustrous as Famaco;
4. Boot Black again do a Cordovan Cream that leaves a similar shine to the Saphir products;
5. I've never used Saphir Renovateur - I've read similar to you regarding its ingredients.
Hope this helps.

Quick Google didn't bring up anything about Aragon oil base Lotion for cordovan.Famaco has so many different color polish which I like a lot and will try when I run out of my saphir.

 

[CrashBurner]

Quick Google didn't bring up anything about Aragon oil base Lotion for cordovan.Famaco has so many different color polish which I like a lot and will try when I run out of my saphir.

It’s actually Argan Oil - it’s mainly used in hair and skin care products. Boot Black have a straight Argan Oil based lotion and also a coloured product line called “Artists Pallet”. It’s not strictly for Cordovan - BB say it’s good for all smooth leather.
I sourced this product as they have lots of exotic colours in that range that you just cannot find in Cordovan cream. I recently used a Green colour from their range and the Cordovan boots came up the goods. It polishes up nicely too.

 

[knebo]

There you have, Rain vs. Uetam
View attachment 1022972

As always, it is a matter of trying them on with different socks and finding out which last has the optimal fit for you.

Hello @Carmina,
The last comparison in the image above, is it based on Uetam E or EE? Thanks for a quick answer!
With kind regards,
CK

 

[Betelgeuse]

Short wings for today.

 

[dave_rawitat]

My "MTO Fee Waive" pair

80105 (my favorite Carmina model), Navy Shell, Simpson, with medallion.

 

[Neville Southall]

My "MTO Fee Waive" pair

80105 (my favorite Carmina model), Navy Shell, Simpson, with medallion.

View attachment 1291392

Gorgeous!

 

[007Bond]

So how do you take care of your cordovan? I keep hearing so many different ways.Some say to only brush and use a damp cloth when dirty other say to use Saphir Renovateur and other others say not to use Saphir renovateur because It contains turpentine and to only use a special cordovan cream. WHY isn't there a definite answer like calf shoes?

I own all shell* and it's easy so easy to care for.

My for longevity plan.

-If not dirty and has been treated with cordovan cream within the past 6 months just a brush is all that is needed.
-Same as above but dirty, damp cloth to take off dirt then brush.
-Every 6 months regardless of anything, clean with damp cloth if needed, then hit with Saphir renovateur, brush, then hit with clear or color (depending on shoe color) Saphir cordovan cream, then brush.
-If something goes crazy like caught in bad rain, snow, mud, something that get the shoes wet or dirty clean with damp cloth let dry then do the 6 month above.

Notes IMO I have never found the need to brush like crazy I find only a few min yields the same results as longer so I go with a few min max.

Honestly the above is probably overkill as shell is extremely durable. But we have all seen those 20+ year old shell shoes on ebay with cracks (calf too all leather drys out). So since I plan to keep my shoes for the rest of my life and pass to my son I take preventative care.

I have also found that many of the care products have the same or almost the same ingredients so I don't think there is much difference in particular brands even products within the same brand.

Example: Saphir Renovateur or "blue Line" is basically the same, as Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovator. The difference is Renovateur uses beeswax and carnauba whereas Saphir Medaille d'Or Renovator has uses beeswax. I used both products and can not tell them apart, if used under polish then you definitely will not notice at all. If using alone then the difference is incontestable and does not warrant at 13 cents an ml extra. You basically get the same product for 19 cents an ml versus 32 an ml. Like many brands one drop of X call it premium and you can charge more as someone will pay the extra cash thinking it is better.

Anyways as always Opinions vary widely so as long as you are doing some form of care you should be fine.


*Ok my slippers are suede but my sneakers are Carmina shell!