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

[Radders123]

What colour are these? They're lovely

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[huskiee]

If you mean MTO in general, it’s the same as customization. But if you mean “MTO” from a menu option on Carmina’s website, it’s actually a GMTO (Group MTO).

From what I see, is that
1. Some models are not available in customization tool.
2. Some people might not want to configure things if what they like is already pre-configured in that list.

I never order anything from the (G)MTO page though.

The current models in (G)MTO have the customisation fee waived. Expired models are archived and available but you need to pay the customisation fee.

 

[bamgrinus]

2. In general, why do people purchase MTO shoes? They seem to be the same price as custom, so why not just do it custom and make your own?

The MTO link is, as mentioned, actually GMTOs where they do a special makeup that groups of people can decide to join. They don't charge the customization fee if you join one of these group orders while they're still running. But probably what you're seeing is past GMTOs. They leave them up on the page, so people who missed joining the group originally can still order the makeup (but they'll need to pay the customization fee, which is why all those listings of past GMTOs are more expensive).

 

[Nashville1986]

The current models in (G)MTO have the customisation fee waived. Expired models are archived and available but you need to pay the customisation fee.

Ah that explains it. Thanks!

 

[Nashville1986]

The MTO link is, as mentioned, actually GMTOs where they do a special makeup that groups of people can decide to join. They don't charge the customization fee if you join one of these group orders while they're still running. But probably what you're seeing is past GMTOs. They leave them up on the page, so people who missed joining the group originally can still order the makeup (but they'll need to pay the customization fee, which is why all those listings of past GMTOs are more expensive).

Is there a place I can go to find aggregated current GMTOs to view? I've seen a few GMTOs proposed on this thread, but don't see anything on Carmina's website.

 

[bamgrinus]

Is there a place I can go to find aggregated current GMTOs to view? I've seen a few GMTOs proposed on this thread, but don't see anything on Carmina's website.

Carmina doesn't have any running at the moment. There's a couple being tracked by users, I think, like the proposed "Calway" boot. But I'd say that by and large following this thread is the best way to find out about them. They occasionally pop up on reddit /r/goodyearwelt too.

 

[Berto1]

Carmina doesn't have any running at the moment. There's a couple being tracked by users, I think, like the proposed "Calway" boot. But I'd say that by and large following this thread is the best way to find out about them. They occasionally pop up on reddit /r/goodyearwelt too.

For my understanding, Are GMTOs free of MTO surcharge?

 

[bamgrinus]

For my understanding, Are GMTOs free of MTO surcharge?

Yes, that's generally why you do a GMTO. In exchange for providing a number of people who will buy the same makeup, they waive the customization fee.

It's worth noting that Carmina has been pretty generous about "GMTOs" where instead of having a specific makeup that everybody gets, they've been allowing people to individually customize on some GMTOs as long as they use e.g. a specific shoe model, or a specific leather.

 

[stephenaf2003]

What model is this?

it’s the 905

 

[oskrusa]

Balmorals on Robert last. Cognac shell circa 2015:

 

[eremita]

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Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!
I will send an email to Carmina to fix it.
I Add some photos of another adelaide pair in armagnac cordovan + kid leather perfectly executed.

Gorgeous!

 

[flylikeneagle]

Balmorals on Robert last. Cognac shell circa 2015:

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Not a fan of bals in general, but these are gorgeous

 

[Neville Southall]

View attachment 1259795 View attachment 1259796
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses!
I will send an email to Carmina to fix it.
I Add some photos of another adelaide pair in armagnac cordovan + kid leather perfectly executed.

Curious about “kid leather.” What is it, exactly and what are it’s characteristics? Thank you!

 

[bamgrinus]

Curious about “kid leather.” What is it, exactly and what are it’s characteristics? Thank you!

Basically the goat equivalent of calfskin, but I'd love to hear more about it from people who own kidskin shoes.

 

[laufer]

Basically the goat equivalent of calfskin, but I'd love to hear more about it from people who own kidskin shoes.

It's not. Kid or goat is much more gentle than calfskin. Carmina advised me against making a wholecut Chelsea boot in kid leather.