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

[phsiao08]

hello! does anyone have any pictures of a burgundy cordovan wingitp makeup in the rain last? thinking of doing the MTO on it / if anyone is in for a GMTO with a dainite sole, we can get something going.

 

[Neville Southall]

I like these.

 

[officine]

hello! does anyone have any pictures of a burgundy cordovan wingitp makeup in the rain last? thinking of doing the MTO on it / if anyone is in for a GMTO with a dainite sole, we can get something going.

This was the very first pair of Carmina I ever purchase upon being introduced to the brand. That was 2005. Comfortable and built like a tank. Up until 2015 I only brushed and applied damp cloth to clean. Since 2015 apply Saphir burgundy Cordovan cream once a year. Nothing fancy but all round shoe for many purposes.

 

[zag73]

This was the very first pair of Carmina I ever purchase upon being introduced to the brand. That was 2005. Comfortable and built like a tank. Up until 2015 I only brushed and applied damp cloth to clean. Since 2015 apply Saphir burgundy Cordovan cream once a year. Nothing fancy but all round shoe for many purposes.
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Wow. Just goes to show, it’s worth paying for quality shoes.

 

[siddeh]

This was the very first pair of Carmina I ever purchase upon being introduced to the brand. That was 2005. Comfortable and built like a tank. Up until 2015 I only brushed and applied damp cloth to clean. Since 2015 apply Saphir burgundy Cordovan cream once a year. Nothing fancy but all round shoe for many purposes.
View attachment 1484254

15 years and it still looks so mint? That's insane.

 

[Baked Potato]

Quick inquiry: I wear 8.5UK in Forest. The issue is that I feel that front part is a bit tight. At the same time, I have some issue with help slippage (nothing major). Would you advise me to go with the same size in Forest EEE instead? Also, would the wider width make the shoe look more clunky, or is it barely noticeably esthetically?

 

[officine]

15 years and it still looks so mint? That's insane.

Yep. I do own quite a few pair, so they benefit from rotation, but this was the first pair and it got major usage back in my suit and tie and endless airport travel days. I know adding Topys is a controversial subject on shoe forums, but I have never had to resole a shoe post adding a Topy (this one included). Had to replace two laces, and you can see these laces are also fraying. Cordovan is magic if you just keep brushing it, and dark cordovan hides all sins.

 

[H. E. Pennypacker]

I know Carmina replaced Cognac with Armagnac, but IMO they are not the same colors at all.

This is armagnac, nice as it is, not the same color and IMO not as nice as your Cognac

I personally feel like Armagnac is more interesting than cognac. If I’d get pair of cordovan from Carmina, I think that would be my choice.

 

[H. E. Pennypacker]

This is how our December GMTO votes are coming along,

View attachment 1482774
I'll look into Hatch Grain, Russian Calf and Marble Shell since they look like your preferences.

How do I vote? I’m new to SF.

 

[miamidoc]

hello! does anyone have any pictures of a burgundy cordovan wingitp makeup in the rain last? thinking of doing the MTO on it / if anyone is in for a GMTO with a dainite sole, we can get something going.

My turn.
Circa 2015 purchase. Been through a lot, but plenty of life left.

 

[H. E. Pennypacker]

This was the very first pair of Carmina I ever purchase upon being introduced to the brand. That was 2005. Comfortable and built like a tank. Up until 2015 I only brushed and applied damp cloth to clean. Since 2015 apply Saphir burgundy Cordovan cream once a year. Nothing fancy but all round shoe for many purposes.
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Wow 2005...how was Carmina's pricing during those times? $200ish?

 

[Neville Southall]

Wow 2005...how was Carmina's pricing during those times? $200ish?

First of all, how dare you. There is room for ONE Don Draper picture in this platform, and it ain't you. I'll fight you.

 

[officine]

Wow 2005...how was Carmina's pricing during those times? $200ish?

It’s so long ago I don’t remember. I doubt it was that low for Cordovan, but I also was getting VAT refunded at Madrid airport. Calf was probably in that low 200s range after VAT refund. I had a project there so was purchasing a pair monthly on each trip.

 

[phsiao08]

This was the very first pair of Carmina I ever purchase upon being introduced to the brand. That was 2005. Comfortable and built like a tank. Up until 2015 I only brushed and applied damp cloth to clean. Since 2015 apply Saphir burgundy Cordovan cream once a year. Nothing fancy but all round shoe for many purposes.
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Thanks man! Looks minty

 

[hkoldguy]

15 years....
And some ppl are debating hand welted is better than good year welted as the shoes can be resoled more times....
I wonder when will I need to resole my first pair of shoes