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

[flylikeneagle]

If anyone has experience with Carmina's victoria sole, would love to read your thoughts. I'm considering double Victoria sole for my MTO, but concerned about comfort and break-in time requirement.

 

[Betelgeuse]

If anyone has experience with Carmina's victoria sole, would love to read your thoughts. I'm considering double Victoria sole for my MTO, but concerned about comfort and break-in time requirement.

I like it. It's hard but I think works wonderful for boots. I was a bit hesitant on how it will feel but it feels stiff at the begining and I feel just takes a little more time to break-in but the grip on wet floor is fantastic too.

 

[flylikeneagle]

I like it. It's hard but I think works wonderful for boots. I was a bit hesitant on how it will feel but it feels stiff at the begining and I feel just takes a little more time to break-in but the grip on wet floor is fantastic too.

Thanks! Do your burgundy U tip/apron toe boots have Victoria sole? I'm MTO'ing this model, but on a different last (probably Oscar) and in Amaretto shell.

 

[Betelgeuse]

Thanks! Do your burgundy U tip/apron toe boots have Victoria sole? I'm MTO'ing this model, but on a different last (probably Oscar) and in Amaretto shell.

Yeap, those have the Victoria sole.

 

[stephenaf2003]

Yeap, those have the Victoria sole.

Hey Betelgeuse, what is the model number on these boots?

 

[Betelgeuse]

Hey Betelgeuse, what is the model number on these boots?

It's 80462

 

[flylikeneagle]

Hey Betelgeuse, what is the model number on these boots?

80462, it's a discontinued model. I'm MTO'ing with minor mods (like smooth apron stitch, 4 eyelets and 4 hooks, and no padding on shaft). With these mods, hopefully it will be pretty close to the iconic C&J Galway

 

[stephenaf2003]

80462, it's a discontinued model. I'm MTO'ing with minor mods (like smooth apron stitch, 4 eyelets and 4 hooks, and no padding on shaft). With these mods, hopefully it will be pretty close to the iconic C&J Galway

Yep knew that, which is why I’m jumping on this chance to get it. Been lusting after it, ever since I saw it come up in the Carmina outlet many years ago, and not available on my size.

 

[flylikeneagle]

Yep knew that, which is why I’m jumping on this chance to get it. Been lusting after it, ever since I saw it come up in the Carmina outlet many years ago, and not available on my size.

Are you going for same exact specs as the original? I know you already have C&J Galway in whiskey cordovan as well as in other colors and materials, so Carmina model provides opportunity to get something different. I've lusted after shell Galway for a couple of years now, but stepped away from GMTO at the last minute because I was hesitant to get yet another whiskey boot. This MTO gives me an opportunity to get a very similar makeup in Amaretto. I'll be very happy if final product is 80% as good (aesthetically ) as the C&J Whiskey Galway.

 

[Phoenician]

Thanks, I do really like those boots still. They are the same pair featured in most of the pics in the gallery of measurements that I posted yesterday. They look maybe a little darker generally but the main difference is indoors vs. outdoors. These are natural shell cordovan on the soller last. The detroit cap toe jumpers in the same gallery are Amaretto, by the way. Love those too but they are due for some cleaning up just from regular wear and tear.

Here is a more recent pic of the nsts outside.

View attachment 1459911

Those are awesome! What a classic looking boot. Appreciated the comparison shots you took the other day, hadn't realized these were the same boots. Thanks for the info!

 

[stephenaf2003]

Are you going for same exact specs as the original? I know you already have C&J Galway in whiskey cordovan as well as in other colors and materials, so Carmina model provides opportunity to get something different. I've lusted after shell Galway for a couple of years now, but stepped away from GMTO at the last minute because I was hesitant to get yet another whiskey boot. This MTO gives me an opportunity to get a very similar makeup in Amaretto. I'll be very happy if final product is 80% as good (aesthetically ) as the C&J Whiskey Galway.

I really love the aesthetics of the original Carmina. The C&J Galway is one of my all time favs, thus I’ve got it in just about every leather it’s offered except #8, and the tan suede. But like I mentioned, I really want this Carmina boot.

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

If anyone has experience with Carmina's victoria sole, would love to read your thoughts. I'm considering double Victoria sole for my MTO, but concerned about comfort and break-in time requirement.

I have it and I feel about three inches taller for some reason! It’s actually a Victory sole but strangely Carmina misspell it as Victoria!

 

[Phoenician]

Jumpers again today, just feels ‘right’

 

[CrashBurner]

If anyone has experience with Carmina's victoria sole, would love to read your thoughts. I'm considering double Victoria sole for my MTO, but concerned about comfort and break-in time requirement.

I’m pretty much a rubber-dub-dubber with only 3 pairs of footwear on leather soles. I’ve got 4 different types of rubber soles and I’d say Victory is a touch more flexible than Harboro-made Dainite. Break in time for me has been minimal.

 

[miamidoc]

My personal opinion on Victoria sole is never again. I dislike them so much I’m considering sending my two pair with that sole to Bedo’s for a proper JR and tip. Or a commando. Just not that damn Victoria. My foul weather boots have the Dainite-ish Carmina-equivalent.

I understand others may like it. But I find it hard as a rock (even after “break in”) and its looks like some ****** 80’s hair band designed a logo and slapped it on the bottom. Same with ridgeway, for that matter. Ug. Ly.

I’m in the minority here probably. Thanks for letting me vent.