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

[stook1]

Re. NST, if you go back a few pages you can see stephenaf's Amaretto NST boot. Here are mine in Amaretto and bourbon (wingtip is Alden Cigar)

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You know it's funny... I probably shouldn't say this since it isn't going to sound quite the way it's intended but seeing your bourbon and amaretto side by side like this really makes Carmina's bourbon seem dull --- which it isn't at all. It just shows what a vibrant color the amaretto is. Somehow I hadn't really noticed this with my own boubon and amaretto since I don't keep them side by side. Sorry for the useless observation.

 

[Darkkp]

Can anyone provide any insight on sizing between the Soller and Oscar lasts?

 

[mugenlove]

Sorry guys. I’ll have to back out, needs have come up. I really wanted a NST or plain toe book in amaretto ???

 

[Carmina]

Ah, okay, so the 80248 model can't be unlined? Or is there a way to not have the detailing on the vamp for the 80709? I prefer it to look more like a whole cut.

It is possible to create the unlined loafer model 80709 without the vamp detailing. Your loafers would then have the wholecut look you are looking for.

Unglazed natural shell would be dangerous.

I also think chestnut Dublin leather would do well ...

Unglazed natural shell could be prone to stains, however, the look is magnificent in my opinion.

We have never stocked the Dublin leather from Horween, do any of you have experience with this leather?

I'm looking for a same shaft height as the 80179, but with higher density of laces (personal preference, feel it would lend the design better balance just based on my experience with other makers). Can you tell me what is the difference in height between 80179, and 80184? Also how much taller is 80711?

Thank you!

I attach a couple of pictures for your reference, from left to right 80179, 80184 and 80711.

Great - thank you very much!

Just to clarify - perhaps @Carmina can answer - so this GMTO allows us to choose any boot style and to have it made up in amaretto cordovan without any additional MTO cost? It will be at the "off the shelf" cost of 766 Euro in the applicable exchange rate (minus VAT, I assume)?

Also, one more question (and sorry for all the questions!) - does Carmina have a boot model in a Norwegian split-toe (NST) style? If so, I might go for that but otherwise I'll get the wingtip brogue style.

Confirmed, This GMTO is for Amaretto Cordovan. The price can vary depending on your make and preferences, it would essentially be the price that shows up in the customisation tool minus a 23%.

You can find two models attached for Norwegian boots, would you be looking for derbies?

 

[Carmina]

Can anyone provide any insight on sizing between the Soller and Oscar lasts?

Comparison between Carmina's soller and oscar lasts

 

[jet-stream]

Unglazed natural shell could be prone to stains, however, the look is magnificent in my opinion.

We have never stocked the Dublin leather from Horween, do any of you have experience with this leather?

I don’t have any shoes in Dublin but have handled it many times. An NST boot in Dublin is my #3 shoe priority for this year (I already have #1 and Carmina is currently building my #2).

Dublin is a pull-up leather and has phenomenal patina. It’s a bit less stiff than CXL and has a less oily feel. The pull-up effect gives great highlights. Basically, kind of like a cross between CXL and museum calf - lots of color variation.

Neither photo is mine, but these give you an idea of why I think this would be awesome:

 

[Lumaca]

I don’t have any shoes in Dublin but have handled it many times. An NST boot in Dublin is my #3 shoe priority for this year (I already have #1 and Carmina is currently building my #2).

Dublin is a pull-up leather and has phenomenal patina. It’s a bit less stiff than CXL and has a less oily feel. The pull-up effect gives great highlights. Basically, kind of like a cross between CXL and museum calf - lots of color variation.

Neither photo is mine, but these give you an idea of why I think this would be awesome:

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Now I want a museum leather jacket...

 

[Carmina]

The closer match for a Carmina model would be model 80269 in Charles F steed pull up Bark kudu.

Should you wish to order a pair in Horween's dublin, we can enquire the minimum quantity of leather we can have shipped, it will take 5-6 months to get here though..

 

[danadd94]

It is possible to create the unlined loafer model 80709 without the vamp detailing. Your loafers would then have the wholecut look you are looking for.

Great, good to know! I think that would be the style I go with. I'm guessing it is still recommended to order true to size for unlined in the uetam last as well? I'm a 8.5D brannock (well 8 d/e heel to toe, 8.5 d heel to ball of foot) so I'm thinking the 7.5 would be my size. Thanks!

 

[jet-stream]

The closer match for a Carmina model would be model 80269 in Charles F steed pull up Bark kudu.

Should you wish to order a pair in Horween's dublin, we can enquire the minimum quantity of leather we can have shipped, it will take 5-6 months to get here though..

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I would absolutely be interested in Dublin. Anyone else?

 

[flylikeneagle]

You know it's funny... I probably shouldn't say this since it isn't going to sound quite the way it's intended but seeing your bourbon and amaretto side by side like this really makes Carmina's bourbon seem dull --- which it isn't at all. It just shows what a vibrant color the amaretto is. Somehow I hadn't really noticed this with my own boubon and amaretto since I don't keep them side by side. Sorry for the useless observation.

I attribute the dullness to crappy pic quality. This is closer to reality. Carmina doesn't burnsh their shell unlike say AE, so Carmina may feel plainer to some. I prefer unburnished though. I also have a pair of Carmina loafers in bourbon that are a unique and amazing shade (blend of whiskey and reddish brown/mahogany) . These were floor samples (seconds from NYC STORE) I think so the shell may have patina'ed ever so slightly by the time I bought them (top left shoe in pic below)

 

[stook1]

I attribute the dullness to crappy pic quality. This is closer to reality. Carmina doesn't burnsh their shell unlike say AE, so Carmina may feel plainer to some. I prefer unburnished though. I also have a pair of Carmina loafers in bourbon that are a unique and amazing shade (blend of whiskey and reddish brown/mahogany) . These were floor samples (seconds from NYC STORE) I think so the shell may have patina'ed ever so slightly by the time I bought them (top left shoe in pic below)

View attachment 1238386

I agree with everything that you said... it's as much a function of the vibrance of amaretto as anything else but like most shell the color varies significantly in different light, as you demonstrated better than I could. Great collection!

 

[huytran12716]

Updated. Down to 18.

@flylikeneagle
@p1yhRZks
@dfgiop
@serbarristan
@greenhouse
@Mr Clemson
@mugenlove
@Darkkp
@stevefok
@danadd94
@Justsole
@FatTuesday
@Perfectcircles
@ThinkDerm
@Stavros
@rgweiser53
@montanasnipper
@Journeyman

Please add me to this GMTO.

 

[bamgrinus]

I attribute the dullness to crappy pic quality. This is closer to reality. Carmina doesn't burnsh their shell unlike say AE, so Carmina may feel plainer to some. I prefer unburnished though. I also have a pair of Carmina loafers in bourbon that are a unique and amazing shade (blend of whiskey and reddish brown/mahogany) . These were floor samples (seconds from NYC STORE) I think so the shell may have patina'ed ever so slightly by the time I bought them (top left shoe in pic below)

View attachment 1238386

I'm wearing my Alden shell boots right now, and while Alden certainly makes great shoes, I'm not a fan of the heavy shine finish they put on their shell. I think of shell as a casual material and I think a duller finish like Carmina does suits it better.

 

[Mr Clemson]

Unglazed natural shell. Yes, please. @Carmina