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

[caz1122]

I wonder how much the croc wholecuts would cost...

Around $1,195.00 USD!

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Would anyone have sizing guidance based on the below for the Oscar last? I ended up jumping on the GMTO offering but would love some guidance on the sizing:

All the insoles measures 290mm from the tip of the toe box to the heel
Viberg 2030 9.5 E (UK)
Alden Trubalance 9.5D (US)
Alden Barrie 9.5D (US)
Alden Plaza 10D (US)

2030 I’m 9 uk and 9 uk Oscar.

 

[jischwar]

Would anyone have sizing guidance based on the below for the Oscar last? I ended up jumping on the GMTO offering but would love some guidance on the sizing:

All the insoles measures 290mm from the tip of the toe box to the heel
Viberg 2030 9.5 E (UK)
Alden Trubalance 9.5D (US)
Alden Barrie 9.5D (US)
Alden Plaza 10D (US)

Depends why you take a 9.5 on 2030. I'm the same as you in everything, but take 9 on 2030. I go 9 for Oscar, but find the instep to be more like TB

 

[PACostag]

Depends why you take a 9.5 on 2030. I'm the same as you in everything, but take 9 on 2030. I go 9 for Oscar, but find the instep to be more like TB

Maybe its due to wearing them with a slightly heavier sock? Now I'm thinking perhaps I should have gone with a 9 on the Oscar (I'm sure Carmina can accommodate the change) but now I'm feeling unsure with the sizing in general

 

[jischwar]

Maybe its due to wearing them with a slightly heavier sock? Now I'm thinking perhaps I should have gone with a 9 on the Oscar (I'm sure Carmina can accommodate the change) but now I'm feeling unsure with the sizing in general

In general, I think Oscar runs tts for most people. I'd probably start with 9 unless you plan on wearing heavier socks like Viberg. However based on your Alden sizes and my experience given I am same size, I'd go 9

 

[EUtroll]

I was quite keen to go for the Oscar blucher during the last campaign but found several posts noting its low instep.

Will probably opt for the llubi last instead but found the toe spring on my last pair, with double soles, to be quite significant.

 

[Betelgeuse]

seriously, how is your picture quality so consistent and tremendous???

Thanks man! Trying to do the same every day hehe

 

[johng70]

I really like the 2 pairs of Carmina's I have. But, I had to jump off the Carmina train. I tried to order in-stock shoes a couple weeks ago. After 7 days I got an email - my size was out of stock for that leather - I could either have them build or choose a different leather. I responded back and nothing. After 2 days I called. The woman was very friendly but said another rep was handling my order. It took me 15 minutes to get her to check if the 2nd leather choice was in stock - it was. She couldn't change the order she had to put a note in and RUSH so the other rep could do it. A week went bye and nothing. I just called today and was told my 2nd choice was out of stock. I asked for a refund. I expect MTOs to take longer. But, it's really sad when they can't keep their inventory system updated and customer service takes a week plus. I hope they rebound as I like their shoes - they're a very good value. But ordering stocked shoes shouldn't be this difficult.

 

[Al Greco]

Hello guys, my first carmina have issues/defect and I would really like your advice.

Let me explain in details:

I ordered my first pair in size 6.5 and since it was too big I've ordered a second pair of the same shoe in size 6.

The second pair arrived, sizing was perfect but there are two issues:

• Major issue: the leather sole have a cut in this spot and some kind of staple/nails/metal is visible.

• Second issue: the leather is deformed there on the heel and is not a straight line but this issue doesn't botter me too much.

At that point, I've ordered a third pair in size 6 hoping there will be no issues and asked a refund to carmina for both pair, they gave me the authorization form but I did not send the first two pairs yet so I can send the three pairs at once if it also have issues.

The third pair arrived today, sizing is ok, no major issues, the only thing that botter me is that the "carving marks" just near the welt are not made correctly or not even appearing, you can compare with the picture below the marks between the first pair and the third pair.

First pair

Third pair

So now I have 3 pairs of the same shoe, I really like the quality of the second one, more details, better shape, fits better and look higher quality than the third one but the cut and the metal appearing scares me a lot, do you think this is a major issue or not really ?

What do you guys think I should do ? Refund all three pairs and try again with another pair ? Or keep the second/third pair ?

Thank you in advance!

 

[JohnMRobie]

Hello guys, my first carmina have issues/defect and I would really like your advice.

Let me explain in details:

I ordered my first pair in size 6.5 and since it was too big I've ordered a second pair of the same shoe in size 6.

The second pair arrived, sizing was perfect but there are two issues:

• Major issue: the leather sole have a cut in this spot and some kind of staple/nails/metal is visible.

View attachment 1604848 View attachment 1604857 View attachment 1604858

• Second issue: the leather is deformed there on the heel and is not a straight line but this issue doesn't botter me too much.

View attachment 1604849

At that point, I've ordered a third pair in size 6 hoping there will be no issues and asked a refund to carmina for both pair, they gave me the authorization form but I did not send the first two pairs yet so I can send the three pairs at once if it also have issues.

The third pair arrived today, sizing is ok, no major issues, the only thing that botter me is that the "carving marks" just near the welt are not made correctly or not even appearing, you can compare with the picture below the marks between the first pair and the third pair.

First pair
View attachment 1604850
Third pair
View attachment 1604851

So now I have 3 pairs of the same shoe, I really like the quality of the second one, more details, better shape, fits better and look higher quality than the third one but the cut and the metal appearing scares me a lot, do you think this is a major issue or not really ?

What do you guys think I should do ? Refund all three pairs and try again with another pair ? Or keep the second/third pair ?

Thank you in advance!

First - Welcome to the forum and welcome to the dangerous world of well made shoes.

The first step is going to be altering your expectations - There is going to be variation so let’s just get that out of the way. Remember that these are shoes that you’re going to wear out on the concrete and use. They’ll age, warp, crease. Also keep in mind that they’ll typically be seen from about 6-8 ft away at the closest and not inspected under a microscope. If you hold something up 6 inches from your face or zoom in with a camera you’re going to find defects. In my collection there are *maybe* two pairs out of that I can hold that close to my face or zoom in on and not find something wrong with them.

The “cut” you’re seeing is the welt joint where the welt and the rand line up. It’s totally fine and acceptable within the realm of QC and what I’d expect from a first quality shoe at this price point. It isn’t a structural issue or a durability issue.

With regard to the heel - the layers are built up so that the heel sits flush with the ground - it doesn’t need to be level on both sides, just the part that touches the ground and even then minor variation is ok - holding it in the air isn’t going to tell you much. If you don’t feel it in your heel when you’re wearing it and the heel sits flush then you’re fine. Edit: I looked again - It looks like that could be the rand. It should be just fine.

On the 3rd pair that’s decorative fudging - it serves no real purpose but if you like it opt for the shoe that has it - if you don’t care, don’t worry about it.

Most of all, take a breath and enjoy your new boots. They’re just things and they’re meant to be worn. They look great! Congrats on your acquisition and welcome again.

 

[Al Greco]

First - Welcome to the forum and welcome to the dangerous world of well made shoes.

The first step is going to be altering your expectations - There is going to be variation so let’s just get that out of the way. Remember that these are shoes that you’re going to wear out on the concrete and use. They’ll age, warp, crease. Also keep in mind that they’ll typically be seen from about 6-8 ft away at the closest and not inspected under a microscope. If you hold something up 6 inches from your face or zoom in with a camera you’re going to find defects. In my collection there are *maybe* two pairs out of that I can hold that close to my face or zoom in on and not find something wrong with them.

The “cut” you’re seeing is the welt joint where the welt and the rand line up. It’s totally fine and acceptable within the realm of QC and what I’d expect from a first quality shoe at this price point. It isn’t a structural issue or a durability issue.

With regard to the heel - the layers are built up so that the heel sits flush with the ground - it doesn’t need to be level on both sides, just the part that touches the ground and even then minor variation is ok - holding it in the air isn’t going to tell you much. If you don’t feel it in your heel when you’re wearing it and the heel sits flush then you’re fine. Edit: I looked again - It looks like that could be the rand. It should be just fine.

On the 3rd pair that’s decorative fudging - it serves no real purpose but if you like it opt for the shoe that has it - if you don’t care, don’t worry about it.

Most of all, take a breath and enjoy your new boots. They’re just things and they’re meant to be worn. They look great! Congrats on your acquisition and welcome again.

Thank you JMR928 for your reply and your help, concerning the "cut", are you sure that it is the welt joint ? Could it not be a cut made by mistake because the two other pairs doesn't have any cut at that location nor having metal parts appearing.

 

[Blastwice]

Thank you JMR928 for your reply and your help, concerning the "cut", are you sure that it is the welt joint ? Could it not be a cut made by mistake because the two other pairs doesn't have any cut at that location nor having metal parts appearing.

That's the welt join and it's not a "defect" it's a strip of leather that has to join up at some point.

My simple advice, put away the macro lens away and return the pairs that don't fit.

 

[JohnMRobie]

Thank you JMR928 for your reply and your help, concerning the "cut", are you sure that it is the welt joint ? Could it not be a cut made by mistake because the two other pairs doesn't have any cut at that location nor having metal parts appearing.

Without having it in my hand 99.9% certain that it is the welt joint like I mentioned. It’s a 270° Goodyear welted shoe - the welt only extends 270° around the shoe with a rand and the heel making up the remaining 90.

When the welt dries after being stitched on it can sometimes constrict. No structural issues and won’t cause you problems. It’s a common thing people see and freak out about that isn’t an issue. I’ve seen better on shoes at or below the Carmina price point, I’ve seen worse on shoes at a (much) higher price point. Leather is a natural material that’ll stretch and dry and age and behaves differently every time within acceptable tolerances.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to maintain perspective about what their purpose is and what’s important.

I get it, we don’t buy these shoes because we just want a shoe to wear - we also enjoy the craftsmanship or the leather or the shape or finishing or any combination of the above but we have to be realistic about what is and isn’t ok. These look solid to me. If you want absolute perfection it can certainly be had but be prepared to shell out at least 1K and probably closer to 1500-2500.

 

[thefoobar]

80179 on Sineu.

 

[siddeh]

Hello guys, my first carmina have issues/defect and I would really like your advice.

Let me explain in details:

I ordered my first pair in size 6.5 and since it was too big I've ordered a second pair of the same shoe in size 6.

The second pair arrived, sizing was perfect but there are two issues:

• Major issue: the leather sole have a cut in this spot and some kind of staple/nails/metal is visible.

View attachment 1604848 View attachment 1604857 View attachment 1604858

• Second issue: the leather is deformed there on the heel and is not a straight line but this issue doesn't botter me too much.

View attachment 1604849

At that point, I've ordered a third pair in size 6 hoping there will be no issues and asked a refund to carmina for both pair, they gave me the authorization form but I did not send the first two pairs yet so I can send the three pairs at once if it also have issues.

The third pair arrived today, sizing is ok, no major issues, the only thing that botter me is that the "carving marks" just near the welt are not made correctly or not even appearing, you can compare with the picture below the marks between the first pair and the third pair.

First pair
View attachment 1604850
Third pair
View attachment 1604851

So now I have 3 pairs of the same shoe, I really like the quality of the second one, more details, better shape, fits better and look higher quality than the third one but the cut and the metal appearing scares me a lot, do you think this is a major issue or not really ?

What do you guys think I should do ? Refund all three pairs and try again with another pair ? Or keep the second/third pair ?

Thank you in advance!

None of these look like actual issues imo. Check out the below article to get a good idea of what to expect at Carmina's price point.

A Shoe's Price Point & What You Get In Return

A shoe's price point and what you get in return for paying that price are not always easily understood. You have cheap shoes that appear

theshoesnobblog.com