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

[Betelgeuse]

Norwegian split toes.

@DL120 pose

 

[dukenukem4ever]

Hi all,

Got my 3rd pair of Carmina's today and was shocked when I pulled them out of the box at the lack of QA/QC. My first 2 pairs were fantastic. On this one, the left shoe had bad discoloration on one part of the leather, and a spot on the same panel where the leather looks worn/damaged. The right shoe had no indentations on the welt which is a minor detail, but noticeable lack of uniformity when they are together. I put renoveteur on them to see if the colors would smooth out with no effect. Either way, between all the issues I couldn't stomach keeping them at this price. In fairness, the discoloration is very noticeable in the sun but not indoors. Crap thing is I had metal toe caps installed which they have a no return policy for. I've reached out to inquire about an exchange, fingers crossed. Anyone had quality control issues like this before, and if I have to keep them is there anything that can be done with the color and welt (that won't cost me another $100)?


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Holy crap! How the hell did those make it off the assembly line! The fact that someone took the time to install toe-caps on them and not raise the issue? Come on Carmina, y'all are better than this.

I'd ask for an exchange, and let them know that you're not a first time buyer. If they value customer retention and loyalty, they'll do right by you even if you had toe-caps installed.

 

[o_Rion]

Yeah, it was like a punch in the gut, ruined my day. Had my eye on these for a while, saved up (corona helped), and waited extra to get the toe caps, and then this is what I got. Thanks to COVID I have nothing to wear them for in the near term, but just a huge hassle having to deal with an exchange, if they give me one. If they don't I'll have to find a different shoemake/last/etc...

 

[Sfroide3]

this is not acceptable...regardless of the metal taps they need to take this back or offer a huge discount (although I’d personally wouldn’t take it. For me this would be too much to still enjoy wearing)

Agree. Return the shoes. This is under warranty against defect. Nothing to do with metal toe caps.

 

[Sfroide3]

Yeah, it was like a punch in the gut, ruined my day. Had my eye on these for a while, saved up (corona helped), and waited extra to get the toe caps, and then this is what I got. Thanks to COVID I have nothing to wear them for in the near term, but just a huge hassle having to deal with an exchange, if they give me one. If they don't I'll have to find a different shoemake/last/etc...

"Returning defective items: In the case of defective goods, please send pictures of the defective item to [email protected].
Our customer service team will advise you as to the necessary procedure. If you are asked to return the product, you must send it to our office in Mallorca.
Once we receive the item, our Quality Control department will study the product and if it is found to be defective, we will pay all delivery costs and customs duties attributable to the return."

 

[o_Rion]

"Returning defective items: In the case of defective goods, please send pictures of the defective item to [email protected].
Our customer service team will advise you as to the necessary procedure. If you are asked to return the product, you must send it to our office in Mallorca.
Once we receive the item, our Quality Control department will study the product and if it is found to be defective, we will pay all delivery costs and customs duties attributable to the return."

Appreciate the info/input. I was so fired up I just shot them a quick email to returns with those pictures. I'll update the thread when I hear from them.

 

[bamgrinus]

Hi all,

Got my 3rd pair of Carmina's today and was shocked when I pulled them out of the box at the lack of QA/QC. My first 2 pairs were fantastic. On this one, the left shoe had bad discoloration on one part of the leather, and a spot on the same panel where the leather looks worn/damaged. The right shoe had no indentations on the welt which is a minor detail, but noticeable lack of uniformity when they are together. I put renoveteur on them to see if the colors would smooth out with no effect. Either way, between all the issues I couldn't stomach keeping them at this price. In fairness, the discoloration is very noticeable in the sun but not indoors. Crap thing is I had metal toe caps installed which they have a no return policy for. I've reached out to inquire about an exchange, fingers crossed. Anyone had quality control issues like this before, and if I have to keep them is there anything that can be done with the color and welt (that won't cost me another $100)?


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I'd be shocked if they didn't take them back. FWIW that's called wheeling. They put in on one shoe but not the other.

Edit: I actually wonder if something happened to that shoe after manufacture. You can see black stuff on the welt, edge, and sole as well.

 

[freshstyle]

Are the shoes in the outlet section considered seconds? Manufacturing defects?

 

[dukenukem4ever]

I'd be shocked if they didn't take them back. FWIW that's called wheeling. They put in on one shoe but not the other.

Edit: I actually wonder if something happened to that shoe after manufacture. You can see black stuff on the welt, edge, and sole as well.

Yeah definitely could happen. Maybe the person who installed the toe-caps f'ed up... who knows.

But doesn't explain the lack of fudging on the other shoe.

 

[DL120]

Yeah definitely could happen. Maybe the person who installed the toe-caps f'ed up... who knows.

But doesn't explain the lack of fudging on the other shoe.

It actually does. Because when they install the toe plate they have to sand and buff the welt, I assume they over did it on the one shoe. Which is an issue, but just could be the explanation.

I’d just wait for carmina to replyto the OP and let them take care of it. Mistakes happen, not the end of the world. I know it sucks, I know it takes time, but if patient, they will make it right.

 

[Meyboom]

Appreciate the info/input. I was so fired up I just shot them a quick email to returns with those pictures. I'll update the thread when I hear from them.

I suppose the toe plates are factory installed (included with your order)? I must say that the work on the toe plates doesnt look very neat either, they don't look 'flush' with the edge and sole. It really looks like Carmina made the shoes and then sent them to a bad cobbler who installed the toe plates and accidentally poured some dye over them. I have seen occasional small flaws on Carmina shoes (some spilled dye or edge dressing or glue) but nothing of this kind for sure.

 

[o_Rion]

Are the shoes in the outlet section considered seconds? Manufacturing defects?

No, not outlet or seconds; these were ordered new. Toe cap installation was not super flush either, but acceptable. Forgot I actually have 3 (not 2) other pairs of Carmina's. Took them all out yesterday after getting these and went over them in detail, and the standard superior quality and attention to detail. These must have been an outlier. I'm sure they'll make it right, haven't heard back yet, but will update once I do.

 

[yengli]

Are the shoes in the outlet section considered seconds? Manufacturing defects?

New old stock mostly and you can always return and exchange those pairs if you want!

 

[Betelgeuse]

Single monks.

 

[djdanniedee]

Here's my entry for the #Carminashoeshinemarathon
Sadly, I spent so much time shining but my lack of photography skills makes it moot.