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

[dave_rawitat]

Wow! 26 pairs? You must be Carmina’s number one customer. ?

I won't bet my money on that
But I should be one of the candidates ;-)

 

[zag73]

I won't bet my money on that
But I should be one of the candidates ;-)

?? I’ve got about 12 pairs. No where near your collection!

 

[dave_rawitat]

?? I’ve got about 12 pairs. No where near your collection!

Oh ... by the way ... 26 “customized” (and 2 Calways in production) ... not 26 in total. I won’t tell you how many I have at the moment

 

[officine]

hey guys, I was hoping someone had some experience on this that could help give me some advice.I bought a pair of loafers in the Geneva last. They fit me well without any socks, but when I wear no-show socks, they're a little tight. I tried sizing up .5, but they end up being too big. Should I wear them with socks and suffer through it hoping that they'll stretch out a bit? Can't return them anymore so wondering whether I'm just stuck wearing them without socks which I prefer not to do.

Good day. Where do you feel the tightness, and how long have you worn them? Most leather will stretch and, although I prefer not to go through breaking in periods with my shoes, some breaking in period is not unusual (caveat.....slight discomfort is ok, not pain). I'd put on regular socks and wear them around the house as much as possible for a weekend.

Assuming you have the right size - and it sounds like you have acquired the best possible size for you in that last - you can have the shoes stretched by a competent cobbler. The toe box can be raised, the vamp can be raised, and the toe box can be widened. All within reason of course. The length is not possible.

 

[zag73]

Good day. Where do you feel the tightness, and how long have you worn them? Most leather will stretch and, although I prefer not to go through breaking in periods with my shoes, some breaking in period is not unusual (caveat.....slight discomfort is ok, not pain). I'd put on regular socks and wear them around the house as much as possible for a weekend.

Assuming you have the right size - and it sounds like you have acquired the best possible size for you in that last - you can have the shoes stretched by a competent cobbler. The toe box can be raised, the vamp can be raised, and the toe box can be widened. All within reason of course. The length is not possible.

I’m not sure the toe box can be widened or raised. There’s the reinforcement inside the toe box. You’d be distorting this. I think if shoes don’t fit in the toe box, the shoes aren’t right for your feet.

 

[officine]

I’m not sure the toe box can be widened or raised. There’s the reinforcement inside the toe box. You’d be distorting this. I think if shoes don’t fit in the toe box, the shoes aren’t right for your feet.

I agree with you that if the shoe is clearly the wrong size attempting to force structural changes is not going to help. I disagree that stretching and raising of toe box area and instep can’t be done, as I have done it (actually have had cobbler do any raising). It’s very common. The raising of the toe box might require more expertise, but stretching out the sides can be done by anyone with the right tool (I bought the following to do any width stretching needed. It's not meant as a plug for the company Shoe Stretcher).

We all have had shoes that were slightly uncomfortable upon first wear and then molded to your feet over time. So we know that adjustment to your feet by the shoe can occur naturally over time. IMO shoe stretching can accelerate this process if you are not willing to have it occur over time.

@Kimistry should contact his cobbler and discuss. Again, my view is that can be done within reason.

 

[Guccinski L.V.]

hey guys, I was hoping someone had some experience on this that could help give me some advice.I bought a pair of loafers in the Geneva last. They fit me well without any socks, but when I wear no-show socks, they're a little tight. I tried sizing up .5, but they end up being too big. Should I wear them with socks and suffer through it hoping that they'll stretch out a bit? Can't return them anymore so wondering whether I'm just stuck wearing them without socks which I prefer not to do.

Wet your no-show socks in a lukewarm water. Squeeze out any excess moisture. Wear around the house for a few hours on the wet sock. That should do the trick.

 

[VaNeT]

(and 2 Calways in production)

Would you mind to share your specs for inspiration?

 

[Neville Southall]

Would you mind to share your specs for inspiration?

Today, I think, is exactly one month since I ordered my Calways. I WANT THEM NOW.

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Today, I think, is exactly one month since I ordered my Calways. I WANT THEM NOW.

Have you got your original pair back?
My pair were ordered 24th, then the none work days are to be added (counts fingers...) so shouldn’t be far away.

 

[Neville Southall]

Have you got your original pair back?
My pair were ordered 24th, then the none work days are to be added (counts fingers...) so shouldn’t be far away.

No, actually. Kirby still has them. Forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me!

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

No, actually. Kirby still has them. Forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me!

I’d be getting medieval on him if I’d not worn a pair..

 

[thefoobar]

I find Simpson wider than I would like at the ball of the foot (and also a little too symetrical). Can anyone who has both Rain D and Sineu comment on the relative narrowness (@dave_rawitat?). Rain D isn't available on Carmina's last comparison tool (nor did they stock any models when I visited the store), but it seems like Sineu is narrower across the ball of the foot than Simpson, and has the advantage of having a more asymmetrical toe position?

 

[zag73]

I find Simpson wider than I would like at the ball of the foot (and also a little too symetrical). Can anyone who has both Rain D and Sineu comment on the relative narrowness (@dave_rawitat?). Rain D isn't available on Carmina's last comparison tool (nor did they stock any models when I visited the store), but it seems like Sineu is narrower across the ball of the foot than Simpson, and has the advantage of having a more asymmetrical toe position?
View attachment 1396202

I have both Rain and Sineu lasted shoe. I find the Rain and Sineu fit very similar. The sineu might be a smidge tighter around ball and heel.

 

[Patrick1053]

Does anyone know what causes this gaping around the ankle?

It is worse when I put weight through my heel.