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

[Paul902]

Subidoc, I suspect you are sizing down on the Oscar because the instep is bigger than in typical AE shoes (and certainly bigger than the 65). This is probably causing the ankle pressure you report - the shoe may just be a bit too small in the relevant areas, but note that "relevant areas" would be complex in this case, with the overall length of the shoe a factor, and I suspect this may mean the shoe is too short. I think your comment about your arch (in the air) means that the shoe instep may still be too big for you. If I'm correct (and that's a big if), that would mean you should target shoes with a smaller instep (I'll respectfully disagree with Paul here - I suspect Soller is not the right direction to go). I have some Oscar jumper boots in my typical Carmina size, but I think if I went down a half size I'd experience the same ankle pressure.

The Simpson fits quite similar to the 65, with just a touch more room in the cone. If the 65 fits well in 9.5D (and you do NOT have a fully closed lacing gap), the Simpson in 8.5 would be likely to fit you well. Alcudia is also similar, but with a higher instep - you'd need a lacing gap of at least 1/2" in the 65 for Alcudia to work. Rain has a huge instep, and you would potentially need to size down to 8. It would have less room for your pinky toes than the Oscar, but more room in the instep and a much bigger heel. Uetam might also work in 8.5 if you are looking for loafers.

If you can post a couple of photos to show fit, it might help all of us provide better inputs - hope this helps!

Jet

You could be onto something. I did not notice that @Subidoc chose a 1/2 size down in Oscar (where 9.5 US generally is a 8.5 UK, not 8.0 UK). If the problem is not enough room in the instep, going with 8.5UK in Oscar may solve this. If everything else is OK, though, the bigger instep Soller in 8UK might work. I took the "arch in the air" to mean under the foot. IE he has high arches and did not initially get the support underneath. I think that is still not clear. My Carminas are 8.5UK for the record. @Subidoc give us some more info, please.

 

[Andrew Carkhuff]

I've been quoted that and they usually are much shorter. Like sub 30 days.

Oh nice, that’s encouraging to hear

 

[Kimistry]

Navy shell

View attachment 1109328

Love the Navy color. May I ask how you take care of them? Do you just use colorless waxes and polishes? Or is there a specific brand & color you use?

 

[peppercorn78]

Love the Navy color. May I ask how you take care of them? Do you just use colorless waxes and polishes? Or is there a specific brand & color you use?

For shell cordovan, I use saphir renovatuer and saphir cordovan cream (neutral) about once every 30-40 wears. In between I just wipe with a damp cloth and brush vigorously for 3-5 minutes.

Sometimes I will add neutral paste wax to the toe for an extra shine but not on brogues, as I hate the wax build up in the holes.

 

[Subidoc]

You could be onto something. I did not notice that @Subidoc chose a 1/2 size down in Oscar (where 9.5 US generally is a 8.5 UK, not 8.0 UK). If the problem is not enough room in the instep, going with 8.5UK in Oscar may solve this. If everything else is OK, though, the bigger instep Soller in 8UK might work. I took the "arch in the air" to mean under the foot. IE he has high arches and did not initially get the support underneath. I think that is still not clear. My Carminas are 8.5UK for the record. @Subidoc give us some more info, please.

Paul, I think you are right about the issue of sizing and my arch being higher. That would explain why pressure is felt in front of the ankle around the instep. Perhaps a blucher style boot would have worked better???
I am concerned that going up in size to 8.5 may be too large since the current length works fine. My toes seem comfortable and no pinching is noted.
I'm sincerely grateful for your help.

 

[Jazzmenco]

This photo shows the color better

 

[MGitlis]

Beautiful! Are they on the Simpson last? What size do you wear?

 

[Jazzmenco]

I knew I would get that question....The original model was on the Simpson last, a few years ago Skoaktiebolaget convinced Carmina to do a GMTO on the Rain last. To this day I'm not convinced that these are actually on the rain. They do fit well, a little on the narrow side. They are size UK 9.5. Normally I go up half a size for Simpson. The photos make them look brown, they're actually burdeos (burgundy).

 

[jet-stream]

Suede today:

 

[Jazzmenco]

Forest last, navy blue shell

 

[Charllesun]

mto bourbon shell nst boots today

those look great.. is the bourbon on the last picture? would like to see outdoor shots!!

 

[Zeke90]

I own a pair of the allen edmonds park avenue, how does the fit compare to the rain last?

 

[vriche]

Hey guys, here’s an unboxing video I just posted to my YouTube channel. It’s my Carmina DM in Dark Brown suede.

 

[Andrew Carkhuff]

Hey guys, here’s an unboxing video I just posted to my YouTube channel. It’s my Carmina DM in Dark Brown suede.

Nice shoes and great vid, really enjoyed it

 

[vriche]

Nice shoes and great vid, really enjoyed it

That’s really nice of you to say, thank you so much for watching and for the kind words. It it indeed a nice pair of shoes.