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

[jet-stream]

Can anyone help me with sizing for Inca and Simpson. My foot length is 11 1/8 inches. I have a low instep low volume foot, and D width on a brannock. I tried rain UK 10 and it was to big in the instep and heel. (I don't remember how it fit in the toes, but it was not toe tight for sure)

do you have any dress shoes from major makers that fit well?

 

[nishant]

Does anyone know what model and last this is ?

 

[Shetterd]

Does anyone know what model and last this is ?
View attachment 1373304

Model looks to be 80459. Can only speculate on the last I am afraid.

 

[officine]

Model looks to be 80459. Can only speculate on the last I am afraid.

Detroit is my guess. Though a side view would be helpful.

 

[laufer]

These have quickly become favorites.

View attachment 1284194

Do you know what is the model # of these boots?

 

[Neville Southall]

Just finished photographing the Calway. I'll do a brief wire-up and then share pics. Doing that now. Until then, this oughta hold ya’ll over.

 

[Neville Southall]

Post.

 

[Vocans]

Does anyone know what model and last this is ?
View attachment 1373304

Model is 80780, they're Detroit EEE (they're my boots)

 

[oskrusa]

Not my boots but I have a similar pair. Those are model 80488, I think stook1's version are on the Soller last.

Do you know what is the model # of these boots?

 

[Neville Southall]

The axiom, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" does not apply to the shoe industry. When it comes to footwear, a brand's success and market share depend (among other factors) on its ability to innovate, adapt, and create without disrespecting classical aesthetics. Not an easy task, huh? Well, with the design, development, and materialization of the @Carmina "Calway," Carmina's latest boot model, Carmina reinforces what shoe aficionados and fashion insiders have known for years: Carmina is a premier bootmaker that continues to solidify its rich history with constant evolution, growth, and unprecedented feedback-to-product capabilities. That's how this boot was born, but let's take a deeper look at the Calway's origin's, shall we?

Carmina has been an active partner of Styleforum for quite some time. They frequently organize GMTOs, respond directly to customer inquiries, field product feedback, and, on more than one occasion, resolve customer complaints right here, right on this thread. Back in the fall of 2019, multiple thread participants began asking Carmina if it would consider a new boot model, one Styleforum members quickly nicknamed the Carmina "Calway." After a few rounds of conversation, Carmina informed members that it would consider it. Developing new products from scratch isn't easy, but the brand was up to the challenge, as it often is, and customers backed the project with tremendous enthusiasm. To further engage Styleforum members, Carmina posted a few base, blackboard drawings of potential models, asking the subscribers of this thread to vote for the design and last of their choice. By a substantial margin, this was the winner (shown hereunder with the material specs specific to these boots):

Now that the Calway backstory's clear, let's take a look at the actual boots, starting with some specs:

Model No.: 80791
Size: 8UK/9US
Last: Forest
Sole: Double dainite
Upper (excluding boot shaft): Tanned vegano
Boot shaft: Brown karangrain
Laces: round dark brown
Hardware (eyelets and speed hooks): Vintage brass

When it comes to the boots themselves, I haven't much to say, really, other than they're immaculate, absolutely impeccable. I have detected no manufacturing flaws whatsoever. The tanned vegano is sublime. Not only is it some of the most supple calfskin I've ever seen and felt, but its color is chameleon-like. In bright light, tanned vegano morphs into almost an orange hue. Otherwise, it's a rich tan. The boot shaft? Sturdy and luxurious feeling, but that's a direct consequence of Karangrain's natural properties. It's a rich brown, thickly pebbled grain that's almost oily to the touch. For a boot shaft, where the boot will invariable flex more than any other part, karangrain is perfect. This boot is lasted on the Forest last, arguably one of the most balanced lasts in the shoe world. For a boot, the Forest last is ideal. Forest sits somewhere between a round and almond toe, tapers quite nicely in the heel and waist, and has relatively generous fitting properties. Personally, my favorite part about the Forest last is how well it secures the foot in the heel and waist, but provides ample room in the toe box, forefoot, and instep. There's a reason every single one of my Carmina shoes (except for loafers, which I like on the Xim last) are lasted on Forest. Finally, the sole. I've said this before on this thread, but it's worth saying again: Carmina's dainite is superb. It's not manufactured by the British company that actually makes Dainite soles (at least not to my knowledge). Yet, it's better. Carmina's dainite sole is just as resilient and sturdy as regular dainite, but much more flexible and softer. It's quite forgiving and feels cushioned underfoot. If you're not a fan of rubber soles, Carmina offers JR soles - the best leather soles on earth. If, however, you like your boots to have that ready-for-the-elements feel and overall purpose, I'd recommend the dainite sole.

Concluding thoughts? This boot is going to break the market. It's inexorably perfect. The Calway encapsulates the design boot aficionados around the world crave, with the exceptional quality and craftsmanship they've come to expect from Carmina, and at a reasonable price. Once Carmina offers this model in their customization tool, their site's going to crash because I foresee everyone on this thread getting one. Thoughts? I'd love to hear them. Questions? Let ‘em fly. Otherwise, healthy and safe, everyone.

P.S.: I plan on a maiden voyage soon, where I'll take some video, likely an unboxing clip.

 

[JoeBlack0]

Hi again fellow Carminiers, I'm selling a pair of brown suede tassel loafers for 195€ (with shoetrees) in size 8 if anyone is interested. Worn around 15 times.

CARMINA TASSEL LOAFER || SIZE UK 8

Size: UK 8, 195€ Shoe trees, original bags and box included. Last: Uetam (slightly slim in the toes and with a low instep) Worn around 15 times and selling it because it's too big. Uppers in very good condition. Single leather sole with a topy...

www.styleforum.net

 

[cop1211]

What's the difference between the karengrain, and standard scotch grain offered by Carmina.
Any idea when they will be available on the site?

 

[Shawnc]

Hi again fellow Carminiers, I'm selling a pair of brown suede tassel loafers for 195€ (with shoetrees) if anyone is interested. Worn around 15 times.

CARMINA TASSEL LOAFER || SIZE UK 8

Size: UK 8, 195€ Shoe trees, original bags and box included. Last: Uetam (slightly slim in the toes and with a low instep) Worn around 15 times and selling it because it's too big. Uppers in very good condition. Single leather sole with a topy...

www.styleforum.net

View attachment 1373440

DM sent.

 

[stephenaf2003]

The axiom, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" does not apply is the shoe industry. When it comes to footwear, a brand's success and market share depend (among other factors) on its ability to innovate, adapt, and create without disrespecting classical aesthetics. Not an easy task, huh? Well, with the design, development, and materialization of the @Carmina "Calway," Carmina's latest boot model, Carmina reinforces what shoe aficionados and fashion insiders have known for years: Carmina is a premier bootmaker that continues to solidify its rich history with constant evolution, growth, and unprecedented feedback-to-product capabilities. That's how this boot was born, but let's take a deeper look at the Calway's origin's, shall we?

View attachment 1373404

Carmina has been an active partner of Styleforum for quite some time. They frequently organize GMTOs, respond directly to customer inquiries, field product feedback, and, on more than one occasion, resolve customer complaints right here, right on this thread. Back in the fall of 2019, multiple thread participants began asking Carmina if it would consider a new boot model, one Styleforum members quickly nicknamed the Carmina "Calway." After a few rounds of conversation, Carmina informed members that it would consider it. Developing new products from scratch isn't easy, but the brand was up to the challenge, as it often is, and customers backed the project with tremendous enthusiasm. To further engage Styleforum members, Carmina posted a few base, blackboard drawings of potential models, asking the subscribers of this thread to vote for the design and last of their choice. By a substantial margin, this was the winner (shown hereunder with the material specs specific to these boots):

View attachment 1373405

Now that the Calway backstory's clear, let's take a look at the actual boots, starting with some specs:

Model No.: 80791
Size: 8UK/9US
Last: Forest
Sole: Double dainite
Upper (excluding boot shaft): Tanned vegano
Boot shaft: Brown karangrain
Laces: round dark brown
Hardware (eyelets and speed hooks): Vintage brass

View attachment 1373406

When it comes to the boots themselves, I haven't much to say, really, other than they're immaculate, absolutely impeccable. I have detected no manufacturing flaws whatsoever. The tanned vegano is sublime. Not only is it some of the most supple calfskin I've ever seen and felt, but its color is chameleon-like. In bright light, tanned vegano morphs into almost an orange hue. Otherwise, it's a rich tan. The boot shaft? Sturdy and luxurious feeling, but that's a direct consequence of Karangrain's natural properties. It's a rich brown, thickly pebbled grain that's almost oily to the touch. For a boot shaft, where the boot will invariable flex more than any other part, karangrain is perfect. This boot is lasted on the Forest last, arguable one of the most balanced lasts in the shoe world. For a boot, the Forest last is ideal. Forest sits somewhere between a round and almond toe, tapers quite nicely in the heel and waist, and has relatively generous fitting properties. Personally, my favorite part about the Forest last is how well it secured the foot in the heel and waist, but provides ample room in the toe box, forefoot, and instep. There's a reason every single one of my Carmina shoes (except for loafers, which I like on the Xim last) are lasted on Forest. Finally, the sole. I've said this before on this thread, but it's worth saying again: Carmina's dainite is superb. It's not manufactured by the British company that actually makes Dainite soles (at least not to my knowledge). Yet, it's better. Carmina's dainite sole is just as resilient and sturdy as regular dainite, but much more flexible and softer. It's quite forgiving and feels cushioned underfoot. If you're not a fan of rubber soles, Carmina offers JR soles - the best leather soles on earth. If, however, you like your boots to have that ready-for-the-elements feel and overall purpose, I'd recommend the dainite sole. View attachment 1373412
View attachment 1373409
View attachment 1373410
View attachment 1373411

Concluding thoughts? This boot is going to break the market. It's inexorably perfect. The Calway encapsulates the design boot aficionados around the world crave, with the exceptional quality and craftsmanship they've come to expect from Carmina, and at a reasonable price. Once Carmina offers this model in their customization tool, their site's going to crash because I foresee everyone on this thread getting one. Thoughts? I'd love to hear them. Questions? Let ‘em fly. Otherwise, healthy and safe, everyone.

View attachment 1373413
View attachment 1373414
View attachment 1373415
View attachment 1373416
View attachment 1373417
View attachment 1373421
View attachment 1373426

P.S.: I plan on a maiden voyage soon, where I'll take some video, likely an unboxing clip.

Very interesting, what’s the sc on them?

 

[Neville Southall]

What's the difference between the karengrain, and standard scotch grain offered by Carmina.
Any idea when they will be available on the site?

This virus crisis may have slowed down things. So, no idea when they’ll be available to the public. As far as grains are concerned, they all vary tremendously. Some are thinner, some are thicker. Some are coarse, some are relatively smooth.