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

[Churchill W]

https://leffot.com/how-to-clean-suede/

 

[LeatherFoot]

Was at a bar last night with my navy suede loafers when a pint of beer broke in front of me and beer got splashed all over my shoes. At that time I thought the navy would hide any traces of beer but today I woke up and there were visible patches all over.

Took out the Woly suede eraser and brushed the shoes. The stains are coming out but some stubborn patches are still clinging on (although not to visible). The navy colour looks a shade lighter after using the eraser too. Any idea of how to clean out the remaining stains? I'm afraid using the eraser and brush too much will damage the suede.

You could use the Saphir Omni'Nettoyant for really stubborn stains it is like a shampoo for suede. Saphir also has coloured Renovateur sprays for suede that works like cream for calf in adding back colour.

 

[AlexE]



Alden has become much better at QC in the last couple years, but they used to be terrible...

Carmina has always been decent in my mind.  Certainly not the best, but alright.

The issue being discussed has not even been responded to by Carmina yet.  So, let the decision regarding their QC or lack thereof be judged then.

I am a big fan of AE and Alden...obviously.

Carmina came back, apologized and they are willing to take the shoes back and refund (I am still checking if they alternatively would also be willing to replace the defect sole such that I get the desired shoes in the end). So what their QC in the factory lacked (my assumption is that they are right now overwhelmed with orders due to the launch of their shoe customizer) they made up with good customer service. So I can keep buying Carmina ...thanks to Betty!!!


Oh, regarding your comment on Alden and AE: I have no experience with Alden, but plenty with AE. I am not a fan of their lasts. And I also think that their quality went a bit downhill since I bought my first pair of Park Avenues in 2008. However, their customer service is unbeatable (only Brooks Brothers is as flexible when it comes to customer service in my experience)..

 

[Watchman1]

Carmina came back, apologized and they are willing to take the shoes back and refund (I am still checking if they alternatively would also be willing to replace the defect sole such that I get the desired shoes in the end). So what their QC in the factory lacked (my assumption is that they are right now overwhelmed with orders due to the launch of their shoe customizer) they made up with good customer service. So I can keep buying Carmina ...thanks to Betty!!!


Oh, regarding your comment on Alden and AE: I have no experience with Alden, but plenty with AE. I am not a fan of their lasts. And I also think that their quality went a bit downhill since I bought my first pair of Park Avenues in 2008. However, their customer service is unbeatable (only Brooks Brothers is as flexible when it comes to customer service in my experience)..

Good to hear this. There has been tremendous advancement by Carmina in all departments. QC is one of them.

I think that Carmina having a tangible presence on this site has helped and encouraged their QC significantly.

Carmina is and will continue to be one of the finest makers for the money available today.

Thanks.

 

[vmss]

Agree 100% @ watchman1.

I have only great experience with Carminas customer service. Carmina provides in my opinion the best quality-price ratio in the shoe market today. Great lasts, quality materials and customer service. After trying several makers recently, they still remain my favorite maker.

 

[peppercorn78]

Agree as well. Jaime and Betty have always provides the most honest, reasonable, and prompt service. It's unreasonable to expect a small family-owned company to offer the same scope of customer service as a large mega-corporation like Allen Edmonds, but I believe Carmina will always do their best to inspire loyalty in their customers. And the products speak for themselves, of course!

Now if only they would make more wide lasts

 

[Butterfeet]



Once cleaned...invest in some Nano spray

Thanks guys for the help. But what's the difference between a nano spray and a regular impregnator?

https://leffot.com/how-to-clean-suede/

You could use the Saphir Omni'Nettoyant for really stubborn stains it is like a shampoo for suede. Saphir also has coloured Renovateur sprays for suede that works like cream for calf in adding back colour. 

 

[Skyhigh]

Received my MTO special:

CAP TOE DERBY SHOES 748
Brown Karangrein
Lining Calf Leather Green
Last and sole Forest EEE & Dainite sole
FDouble sole with storm welt & Chestnut edge
Without Medallion
Eyelets Vintage brass
Laces Brown Flat shoe laces
No punch on the cap toe, double seam.

 

[Betelgeuse]

They are beautiful, Skyhigh! Congrats!

 

[vmss]



Received my MTO special:

CAP TOE DERBY SHOES 748
Brown Karangrein
Lining Calf Leather Green
Last and sole Forest EEE & Dainite sole
FDouble sole with storm welt & Chestnut edge
Without Medallion
Eyelets Vintage brass
Laces Brown Flat shoe laces
No punch on the cap toe, double seam.

They turned out great ! Love the combination. Are these on the Oscar or forest last?

 

[patliean1]

Does Unipair ship to the U.S.?

 

[circumspice]

They used to be an affiliate here, so I would assume so

 

[Skyhigh]

vmss, they are on the Forest last, width EEE

 

[LeatherFoot]

Thanks guys for the help. But what's the difference between a nano spray and a regular impregnator?

Functionally they work the same way so they are just different trade names. For example Tarrago has the Hightech Nano Protector, which could be to which Butterfeet is referring. Saphir calls their solution the Super Invulner.

 

[shunted22]



Received my MTO special:

CAP TOE DERBY SHOES 748
Brown Karangrein
Lining Calf Leather Green
Last and sole Forest EEE & Dainite sole
FDouble sole with storm welt & Chestnut edge
Without Medallion
Eyelets Vintage brass
Laces Brown Flat shoe laces
No punch on the cap toe, double seam.

Is this the same as Zug?