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

[stook1]

My brolive shell order arrived this week. First day back at the office yesterday and so only just getting to really take a look at them today. Pics follow... this small current batch of brolive seems much lighter than some of the runs a few years back. To be honest, I am not crazy about the color. I would have preferred them darker but this is part of the fun of shell and they will evolve significantly in time. I think once faded the color will get more of the golden/brown undertones that are common with the darker flavors of brolive while just approaching that hue from the opposite direction. I may sun this pair a little to get that process started.

As far as production quality, honestly haven't scrutinized them too carefully yet. The only thing noticeable off the bat is that the toe of the left boot has a bit of striated texturing, which I suspect is just from being pulled over the last tightly. Not 100% sure. Could just be the nature of the shell. Otherwise, they seem good.

 

[jischwar]

My brolive shell order arrived this week. First day back at the office yesterday and so only just getting to really take a look at them today. Pics follow... this small current batch of brolive seems much lighter than some of the runs a few years back. To be honest, I am not crazy about the color. I would have preferred them darker but this is part of the fun of shell and they will evolve significantly in time. I think once faded the color will get more of the golden/brown undertones that are common with the darker flavors of brolive while just approaching that hue from the opposite direction. I may sun this pair a little to get that process started.

As far as production quality, honestly haven't scrutinized them too carefully yet. The only thing noticeable off the bat is that the toe of the left boot has a bit of striated texturing, which I suspect is just from being pulled over the last tightly. Not 100% sure. Could just be the nature of the shell. Otherwise, they seem good.

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That's actually a gorgeous true olive color to my eye. Very unique!

 

[stook1]

That's actually a gorgeous true olive color to my eye. Very unique!

I am red/green color blind --- haha --- so I might not be the best judge of some green tones. To me they are a hair muted and greyish but I'm realizing now that it's more likely just my deficiency, which affects only specific shades. At this point, I can usually spot the colors that I can't see correctly but didn't actually think this was the case with this color. Apparently that's not the case. Good times, good times....

 

[yengli]

For whom it may concern, color 4#, olive, amaretto, burgundy hatch grain and marbled shell are available according to Ioana. Dark cognac is probably available too!

 

[stook1]

Thanks, I asked the same question about available colors (as well as some other topics) but hadnt heard back yet. Thanks for posting this.

 

[thefoobar]

Thanks, I asked the same question about available colors (as well as some other topics) but hadnt heard back yet. Thanks for posting this.

Brave man to order green shell while colorblind!

For anyone considering a MTO boot, if you don't have wide feet I highly recommend trying Sineu:

Also, if you need Carmina trees and are in Europe, Pediwear has a sale on the hinged ones at an attractive price because they generally fly under the EU VAT radar.

 

[H. E. Pennypacker]

My brolive shell order arrived this week. First day back at the office yesterday and so only just getting to really take a look at them today. Pics follow... this small current batch of brolive seems much lighter than some of the runs a few years back. To be honest, I am not crazy about the color. I would have preferred them darker but this is part of the fun of shell and they will evolve significantly in time. I think once faded the color will get more of the golden/brown undertones that are common with the darker flavors of brolive while just approaching that hue from the opposite direction. I may sun this pair a little to get that process started.

As far as production quality, honestly haven't scrutinized them too carefully yet. The only thing noticeable off the bat is that the toe of the left boot has a bit of striated texturing, which I suspect is just from being pulled over the last tightly. Not 100% sure. Could just be the nature of the shell. Otherwise, they seem good.

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****, those boots are nice!
I much prefer your brolive from previous batches, personally.
Are those the green braided laces that Carmina offers btw?
Those are double leather, right?

 

[Aurrian]

I'm not very good at taking pictures, but here's one of the custom burgundy chelsea boots that arrived not too long ago for my wedding in September! Very chuffed with them.

 

[stook1]

****, those boots are nice!
I much prefer your brolive from previous batches, personally.
Are those the green braided laces that Carmina offers btw?
Those are double leather, right?

Cheers man, thank you! Funny you ask about the laces, I had to check back to my order because I couldn't recall what I'd requested. I'd actually asked for a pair of brown and a pair of green braided laces since I wasn't sure which color would work better. I'm away for the weekend so I can't be sure if that was fulfilled but knowing Carmina, I am sure it was.

These are on double JR, yes.

 

[stook1]

Does anyone happen to have an example image of the Detroit last used for an oxford?

ETA: @EUtroll - any chance you can help out with a couple of quick pics? looks like you have a pair.

ETA2: nevermind, found an example of stock pair from carmina. never noticed they had one...

 

[Outrageous_daikon]

Do you guys size down on unlined loafers? Or do you take your regular size?

 

[stephenaf2003]

My brolive shell order arrived this week. First day back at the office yesterday and so only just getting to really take a look at them today. Pics follow... this small current batch of brolive seems much lighter than some of the runs a few years back. To be honest, I am not crazy about the color. I would have preferred them darker but this is part of the fun of shell and they will evolve significantly in time. I think once faded the color will get more of the golden/brown undertones that are common with the darker flavors of brolive while just approaching that hue from the opposite direction. I may sun this pair a little to get that process started.

As far as production quality, honestly haven't scrutinized them too carefully yet. The only thing noticeable off the bat is that the toe of the left boot has a bit of striated texturing, which I suspect is just from being pulled over the last tightly. Not 100% sure. Could just be the nature of the shell. Otherwise, they seem good.

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My man! Holy shiiite those are smokin!

That color is absolutely spectacular, it would be a real shame to change that beautiful color prematurely, by sunning them.

 

[stook1]

My man! Holy shiiite those are smokin!

That color is absolutely spectacular, it would be a real shame to change that beautiful color prematurely, by sunning them.

Thanks dude, appreciate the compliment! I'll wear them a few times and see how they do with different fits.

 

[mr monty]

Carmina shell cordovan

 

[EUtroll]

Does anyone happen to have an example image of the Detroit last used for an oxford?

ETA: @EUtroll - any chance you can help out with a couple of quick pics? looks like you have a pair.

ETA2: nevermind, found an example of stock pair from carmina. never noticed they had one...

I think it's a great combination and a lot neater than one would expect. But a pair that hasn't been worn for well over a year!