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

[flylikeneagle]

Just received my color 4 order. I expected more red tones based on pictures posted by other users here, but color looks great nonetheless. First time DHL didn't screw up delivery, so overall very pleased. Will need to inspect more closely at the end of the work day, but not seeing any major blemish at first glance.

One thing I would've changed on this makeup is the 4 eyelet/3 speedhook combination. I looked at these side by side next to my Amaretto NST boot (7 eyelets), and realized the balance is *much* better with all eyelets. It's taken a bit of time/experimentation but I think I'm close to finding my right design combination for Carmina. My next custom order wlll be either the Calway boot or another u tip boot in bourbon with flat welt, all eyelets, and Carmina's version of ridgeway sole.

 

[dauster]

Hello. First time caller, long time listener! First post here.. I have three incoming Carmina's to add to my newly acquired collection. Been a fan of Ferragamo since my college days (20 years) ago with their loafers. Started collecting oxfords late last year and have the following incoming

Carmina Cordovan Black Cap Toe - Forest (arriving Friday)
Carmina Cordovan Green Blucher - Forest (just ordered)
Carmina Plain Brown Cap Toe - Forest (arriving Friday)

AE Cordovan McNeil in Burgundy (arriving Friday)
Beckett Simonon Valencia Whole Cut in Bordeaux (arriving today)
Becket Simonon Durant in Oak (arriving today)

Edit: Currently have dead stock Ferragamo in Tramezza and Originalle lines... So nice that I just can't break them out to wear lol. For sure, I will rock the Beckett Simonon's first as my beaters hehe.

What do you mean with collecting? So do you buy shoes just for your collection and not to wear?

 

[budapest12]

Just received my color 4. I expected a little more red tones based on pictures posted by other users here, but color looks great nonetheless. First time DHL didn't screw up delivery, so overall very pleased. Will need to inspect more closely at the end of the work day, but not seeing any major blemish at first glance.

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I love this makeup. Can you share the specs? Color looks great to me - I tend to worry about them coming in TOO red though.

 

[Jazzmenco]

 

[Mothetgoo]

They look excellent! Not to question the upper, but I ordered an mto grain shell from carmina a few months ago how and it looks exactly like that. Now I haven’t received them yet, only have the pic of the swatch to compare it to.
That said the football print is a very uniformly sized round pebble like grain print, while the grain shell is more abstract printed grain in the shell, similar to scotch grain. Here’s an image of the football print shell I referred to when I was designing my mto. Either way, I love your boots and makes me very excited to get my mto ? View attachment 1322212

Yeah, I think I may be using the terms imprecisely. The leather was described to me as football print, but the picture provided was of the delivered leather, which I think is "scotch grain" or whatever we want to call it. I ordered based on the photo, so I wasn't concerned about what it was called, but it is really great leather. I think it is the perfect winter leather, as it has the properties of shell but is a bit more resistant to spotting, etc.

 

[flylikeneagle]

I love this makeup. Can you share the specs? Color looks great to me - I tend to worry about them coming in TOO red though.

Sure, here you go. See special requests for last and spec change request. Btw, these oscar lasted boots seem wider/more robust looking than my Amaretto jumper boots on same last. These also came with my initials on the sole, in brass nail head pattern, even though I did not request this. Looks good, so no complaints!


Last and sole: Forest && Rendenbach sole
fabricacion: Double sole with storm welt && Chestnut edge
Eyelets: Vintage brass hooks Vintage gold hooks
laces: Dark brown Flat shoe laces
Nominated & initials: Without name neither initials
size: UK 8
More Options: Metal Toe Cap

special requests: Please make with colour 4 cordovan, on Oscar last; if possible please use vintage brass hooks. Please make this a "u tip boot" without split toe stitching

 

[ThinkDerm]

Colour 4 cordovan is grail level material and you made a good decision to build a NST with it. Plus you got a great shade of colour 4 - just the right amount of red.

They are perfect. I wish I could have jumped on this gmto but I couldn't get a slot. Good inspiration for whenever the opportunity comes up! Though I'd probably go with a flat welt and a JR sole

amazing color #4.

 

[Betelgeuse]

Just received my color 4 order. I expected more red tones based on pictures posted by other users here, but color looks great nonetheless. First time DHL didn't screw up delivery, so overall very pleased. Will need to inspect more closely at the end of the work day, but not seeing any major blemish at first glance.

One thing I would've changed on this makeup is the 4 eyelet/3 speedhook combination. I looked at these side by side next to my Amaretto NST boot (7 eyelets), and realized the balance is *much* better with all eyelets. It's taken a bit of time/experimentation but I think I'm close to finding my right design combination for Carmina. My next custom order wlll be either the Calway boot or another u tip boot in bourbon with flat welt, all eyelets, and Carmina's version of ridgeway sole.

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Damn! They look great!

 

[Betelgeuse]

Burdeos Oxfords.

 

[jet-stream]

Suede yesterday:

 

[jet-stream]

Shell monks today (the most recent cognac color):

 

[Webbo]

For a long time I have admired Peppercorn78’s shell chukkas so I finally took the plunge last year and went for a MTO pair. On the Detroit EEE in my usual 10.5. When they arrived I was mortified that they were too big, after consultation with Carmina they re-lasted the boots down to a size 10 EEE. I didn’t know they could do it but they can, they did and what a job they made. I thought of selling and buying another pair but figured I would lose out on that transaction both in time and money so went the re-lasting route. Delighted I did. They arrived today, fit still a tiny bit big but with an insole perfect. My god Carmina do shell superbly. Thanks Peppercorn78 I am in your debt!!

 

[jamesnyc]

Hi Gents,

Sorry for interrupt. I'm trying to sell two New in Box loafers in UK7E size. If anyone interested in, please let me know!

Brown calf Penny loafer (Uetam last)

NIB Carmina Penny Loafer

Sell: Carmina Penny Loafer in Brown Calf Condition: New in box with Carmina shoe bag, metal toe cap installed (without shoe tree) Size: UK 7 Last: Uetam Price: $290 (NYC pickup is available)

www.styleforum.net

Polo suede Wholecut loafer (Rain last)

NIB Carmina Wholecut Loafer

Sell: Carmina wholecut loafer in polo suede Condition: New in box with Carmina shoe bag Size: UK 7 Last: Rain Price: $290 (NYC pick up is available)

www.styleforum.net

Thank you.

 

[Neville Southall]

Just received my color 4 order. I expected more red tones based on pictures posted by other users here, but color looks great nonetheless. First time DHL didn't screw up delivery, so overall very pleased. Will need to inspect more closely at the end of the work day, but not seeing any major blemish at first glance.

One thing I would've changed on this makeup is the 4 eyelet/3 speedhook combination. I looked at these side by side next to my Amaretto NST boot (7 eyelets), and realized the balance is *much* better with all eyelets. It's taken a bit of time/experimentation but I think I'm close to finding my right design combination for Carmina. My next custom order wlll be either the Calway boot or another u tip boot in bourbon with flat welt, all eyelets, and Carmina's version of ridgeway sole.

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I have the exact same boot, but in bourbon shell. While I agree that adding all-eyelets makes the boot balanced, speedhooks are super convenient and make lacing faster/easier. My one complaint, if you can even call it that, is that the boots aren't a touch taller. A fourth speedhook would be awesome.

 

[flylikeneagle]

I have the exact same boot, but in bourbon shell. While I agree that adding all-eyelets makes the boot balanced, speedhooks are super convenient and make lacing faster/easier. My one complaint, if you can even call it that, is that the boots aren't a touch taller. A fourth speedhook would be awesome.

Completely agree with your statement, and your bourbon boots are fantastic. You're probably the first one on SF to pull the the trigger on this modified design. 4 eyelets/4 hooks or all eyelets, either would look equally good. If you compare to a pair of C&J boots, these are slightly taller than the Harlech for example. But this minor difference (ie. 4 eyelets/4 hooks or all eyelets) makes C&J boots appear better proportioned.

Having stated the above, I appreciate the fact that Carmina maintains its uniqueness. I've patterned all of my custom orders on similar models from C&J and Alden. The end product is always unique, and I'd rather have this minor imbalance (in my eyes at least) vs. a well executed complete clone.