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

[Nickd]

Wtf!
Oh! I bet mine and yours were manufactured at the same time. They’ve probably mixed our hides

Mine are a couple of years old, but it does make me wonder if there are particular inconsistencies in their supply of navy suede

 

[zag73]

Mine are a couple of years old, but it does make me wonder if there are particular inconsistencies in their supply of navy suede

These are my third pair of navy suede shoes. The other two were fine. I think it’s just hit and miss. Probably whoever is making them on the day.
By the way, I’ve found that Saphir navy suede spray works a treat on Carmina navy suede. Brings it up lovely.

 

[Nickd]

I’ll try and pick some up. These have seen a lot of wear so probably in need of some pampering!

 

[zag73]

I’ll try and pick some up. These have seen a lot of wear so probably in need of some pampering!

I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with the result. I use the stuff on all my suede shoes. Brings them back to life. Not sure where you’re located but the navy variant can be hard to find. If you struggle , afinepairofshoes has it in navy. Link below

Saphir Medaille D'Or Tinted Renovator Suede Spray 250ml

ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK MAINLAND. Professional quality shoe care products by Saphir. Buy the best for your shoes.

www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk

 

[thuhoan]

I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with the result. I use the stuff on all my suede shoes. Brings them back to life. Not sure where you’re located but the navy variant can be hard to find. If you struggle , afinepairofshoes has it in navy. Link below

Saphir Medaille D'Or Tinted Renovator Suede Spray 250ml

ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK MAINLAND. Professional quality shoe care products by Saphir. Buy the best for your shoes.

www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk

Interesting. How does one "clean, recolour,, nourish and waterproof" all at the same time.

 

[zag73]

Interesting. How does one "clean, recolour,, nourish and waterproof" all at the same time.

Hi , it’s an all in one spray that’s tinted. If I can’t find a colour match , I use the neutral one. Leaves the suede looking lovely. You brush the shoes first to remove any surface dirt then apply.

 

[Nickd]

I’m pretty sure you’ll be happy with the result. I use the stuff on all my suede shoes. Brings them back to life. Not sure where you’re located but the navy variant can be hard to find. If you struggle , afinepairofshoes has it in navy. Link below

Saphir Medaille D'Or Tinted Renovator Suede Spray 250ml

ONLY AVAILABLE TO UK MAINLAND. Professional quality shoe care products by Saphir. Buy the best for your shoes.

www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk

I’m in the Uk so that’s ideal, thank you

 

[zag73]

I’m in the Uk so that’s ideal, thank you

No problem mate. I think it you subscribe to the newsletter, you get 10% off

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Playing devils advocate I’ve only one pair of blue suede (Cheaney chukka) and they seem to have similar spots to yours and I believe (my opinion read as) it’s just an affect of the blue and after a brush it’s back to navy again.

 

[zag73]

Playing devils advocate I’ve only one pair of blue suede (Cheaney chukka) and they seem to have similar spots to yours and I believe (my opinion read as) it’s just an affect of the blue and after a brush it’s back to navy again.

You’re probably right. I’m going to brush them tomorrow. More annoying is the differing naps. No matter which way you rub your hand against the suede, the different parts don’t match. The front is quite a smooth suede and the back parts rough. Already had to send the previous two orders back because of defects. One pair had a deep dint and the other pair looked like they used a sole that was the next size up. The latter looked quite comical. As the sole looked borrowed from a different pair of shoes

 

[zag73]

Playing devils advocate I’ve only one pair of blue suede (Cheaney chukka) and they seem to have similar spots to yours and I believe (my opinion read as) it’s just an affect of the blue and after a brush it’s back to navy again.

Hopefully , the saphir spray will even everything out

 

[Elderidge]

After all this talk about suede shoes/ boots, another one (I might have gone a bit overboard) of my mto orders just arrived.

These are black suede with black boxcalf strap. This is one of my more subtle orders but it looks stellar on the foot. It came with some scuffing on the suede but i reckon 5 minutes with a suede brush and it'll be perfect, nothing of concern. Not likely going to get much wear as it is hot af in Brisbane, Australia atm.

My returned order sent in August/ September though.... is still stuck in Spanish customs

 

[gobius]

 

[Elderidge]

After all this talk about suede shoes/ boots, another one (I might have gone a bit overboard) of my mto orders just arrived.

These are black suede with black boxcalf strap. This is one of my more subtle orders but it looks stellar on the foot. It came with some scuffing on the suede but i reckon 5 minutes with a suede brush and it'll be perfect, nothing of concern. Not likely going to get much wear as it is hot af in Brisbane, Australia atm.

My returned order sent in August/ September though.... is still stuck in Spanish customs

View attachment 1509925
View attachment 1509926

ok, so after my initial excitement, I noticed a few things that seems a bit odd on my right boot. (I've not had this on any of my other shoes/ boots). Can I get your opinion on whether there is anything structurally problematic with this?

1st - the boot seem to lean a lot. Like I am not expecting it to be straight/ perpendicular to the ground but the seems like it was set incorrectly at an angle.

2nd - the heel on my right side seems to rest on a small section on the rear, the front of the heel does not touch the ground at all. You can see in the picture the gap. None of my other (30) shoes/ boots do this. I am not sure if the heel has been incorrectly set or if it is a non-issue.

Are these actual issues that warrant attention?

 

[zag73]

After all this talk about suede shoes/ boots, another one (I might have gone a bit overboard) of my mto orders just arrived.

These are black suede with black boxcalf strap. This is one of my more subtle orders but it looks stellar on the foot. It came with some scuffing on the suede but i reckon 5 minutes with a suede brush and it'll be perfect, nothing of concern. Not likely going to get much wear as it is hot af in Brisbane, Australia atm.

My returned order sent in August/ September though.... is still stuck in Spanish customs

View attachment 1509925
View attachment 1509926

ok, so after my initial excitement, I noticed a few things that seems a bit odd on my right boot. (I've not had this on any of my other shoes/ boots). Can I get your opinion on whether there is anything structurally problematic with this?

1st - the boot seem to lean a lot. Like I am not expecting it to be straight/ perpendicular to the ground but the seems like it was set incorrectly at an angle.

View attachment 1509984

2nd - the heel on my right side seems to rest on a small section on the rear, the front of the heel does not touch the ground at all. You can see in the picture the gap. None of my other (30) shoes/ boots do this. I am not sure if the heel has been incorrectly set or if it is a non-issue.

View attachment 1509985

Are these actual issues that warrant attention?

Welcome to the Carmina lottery. The heel wouldn’t bother me but the seam at the back most definitely would. It should be pretty perpendicular to the floor. I’ve just re-inspected my order from yesterday and it looks like not only have they used different hides but also , one shoe is slightly lighter than the other. Only really noticeable when the shoes are side by side. I’ll decided to grin and bare it.