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

[TwillPoplin]

Dear Carmina lovers,

I got my first pair of Carminas, a pair of suede tassel loafers on the uetam last.
The thing is I'm not sure if I got the right size. I wear a 8.5 UK and the fit is snug but maybe too snug in the width as you can see my pinky toe poking out the soft leather a bit(especially on the right foot). Is this a bad fit or will it stretch out naturally after wearing?

I find it very hard to find good fitting loafers (I've tried Meermin, Loake 1880 and Crockett & Jones). If I size up to 9 the length will be too long and I will have massive heel slipage. The length is just right now I think with very minor heel slipage.

What grieves me the most is when I tried on the shoes in the shop I did not notice my pinky toe pushing out, and the salesman said they seemed to fit well (maybe he just wanted a sale and lied, who knows). And now the sole is too worn for the shoes to be returned.

Should I keep the shoes and keep wearing them to break them in more (I've worn them for maybe 10 hours in total in different sessions). Or should I have a cobbler stretch the width out a bit? Or should I sell them?

Here are some pictures:

 

[Meyboom]

Fit doesn't seem bad honestly. Are they uncomfortable when wearing them for several hours? Suede shoes tend to stretch quite a bit so I think the problem will solve itself.

 

[Wrenkin]

If your pinky toe is doing that and it's not painful I wouldn't stretch them. That would just make them looser and wouldn't really hide the bulge.

 

[TwillPoplin]

Fit doesn't seem bad honestly. Are they uncomfortable when wearing them for several hours? Suede shoes tend to stretch quite a bit so I think the problem will solve itself.

I can wear them with no issues for maybe 3-4 hours (with little walking). When wearing them for longer I get a small discomfort. I guess they are still in the "break in" period.

If your pinky toe is doing that and it's not painful I wouldn't stretch them. That would just make them looser and wouldn't really hide the bulge.

Alright.

I will keep wearing them and hope they will get comfortable for long sessions also. I guess I will have to live with the pinky bulge. Is this a common problem?

 

[MrUnderwood]

TwillPoplin, that is good sign - if you can wear and walk alot for 3-4 hours without discomfort. If i walk in my dress shoes for that amount of time my pinky toe is bruised.

 

[Meyboom]

The Uetam last is one of carminas narrower lasts so it's not uncommon. Truth be told loafers are the most difficult shoes to get the right fit because there is no lacing to tighten or loosen the fit.

 

[Wrenkin]

I have widely spaced toes so I tend to have similar results with unstructured shoes.

 

[Meyboom]

And before we forget: those tassel loafers in suede look great!

 

[TwillPoplin]

TwillPoplin, that is good sign - if you can wear and walk alot for 3-4 hours without discomfort. If i walk in my dress shoes for that amount of time my pinky toe is bruised.

That is wear around the house/office with minor walking. If I were to walk around heavily they would indeed bruise and bleed me aswell (I did this mistake by talking a 3 km walk straight out of the box)

The Uetam last is one of carminas narrower lasts so it's not uncommon. Truth be told loafers are the most difficult shoes to get the right fit because there is no lacing to tighten or loosen the fit.

That makes sense.

I have widely spaced toes so I tend to have similar results with unstructured shoes.

Good to hear I am not alone with this problem

 

[Betelgeuse]

Patience A ... patience, you'll soon see what they work with

I will pick them up today!

Dear Carmina lovers,

I got my first pair of Carminas, a pair of suede tassel loafers on the uetam last.
The thing is I'm not sure if I got the right size. I wear a 8.5 UK and the fit is snug but maybe too snug in the width as you can see my pinky toe poking out the soft leather a bit(especially on the right foot). Is this a bad fit or will it stretch out naturally after wearing?

I find it very hard to find good fitting loafers (I've tried Meermin, Loake 1880 and Crockett & Jones). If I size up to 9 the length will be too long and I will have massive heel slipage. The length is just right now I think with very minor heel slipage.

What grieves me the most is when I tried on the shoes in the shop I did not notice my pinky toe pushing out, and the salesman said they seemed to fit well (maybe he just wanted a sale and lied, who knows). And now the sole is too worn for the shoes to be returned.

Should I keep the shoes and keep wearing them to break them in more (I've worn them for maybe 10 hours in total in different sessions). Or should I have a cobbler stretch the width out a bit? Or should I sell them?

Here are some pictures:

Spoiler

View attachment 790577 View attachment 790578 View attachment 790579

If they doesn't bother you, keep them. As some already say, suede will stretch.

The Uetam last is one of carminas narrower lasts so it's not uncommon. Truth be told loafers are the most difficult shoes to get the right fit because there is no lacing to tighten or loosen the fit.

This. Although, they fit me perfectly. I have Uetam in EE and E and they fit me really nice, better than Rain. I do have a ver low foot volume.

 

[insy]

Could you guys give me your opinion on those creases? Is it a sign of bad fit or could it be considered normal? Those Oxfords are on the new Buger last.

The reason I am asking is because my Norwegian Suede pair on the Forest last doesn't seem to show any creasing at all.

 

[aristoi bcn]

I have exactly the same type of creasing in my pair of Buger adelaides, but mines are in calf.

 

[Betelgeuse]

Could you guys give me your opinion on those creases? Is it a sign of bad fit or could it be considered normal? Those Oxfords are on the new Buger last.

The reason I am asking is because my Norwegian Suede pair on the Forest last doesn't seem to show any creasing at all.

Spoiler

View attachment 790909

View attachment 790910

I have a similar crease in my suede loafers. After brushing them, it goes back to normal.

After brushing

 

[insy]

I have exactly the same type of creasing in my pair of Buger adelaides, but mines are in calf.

Could you post a picture of it? I just ordered a pair of Brown Museum Oxfords on the Buger last but am not sure whether I will like such creasing.

I don't even know why they are creasing at all, given that they fit fairly tight overall.

 

[vmss]

I have the same problem with a wholecuts Enzo Bonafe. The instep is a bit too high and because of the excess leather left it causes deep creases. I have learned that Shoes especially whole cutshave to fit like a sock other wise if too voluminous it will cause deep creases and leather folding while bending.
The last picture is my Simpson last ,which fits overall like a sock no deep creases or leather folding both uk8. I had a rain wholecuts last in size 8UK, where it caused even worst creases had to sell them.
It seems your shoes has too much excess leather on the side which causes those folding. I have the same problem with my EB.