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

[H. E. Pennypacker]

Need help to make a decision! Which of those two?
One is derby hatch grain burgundy on JR sole, and the other one is color 4 cordovan with same sole, both are on 360 welt with soft fudging. View attachment 1687711 View attachment 1687712

Sometimes hatch grain is too visually appealing for a simple silhouette, thus I'd go for the color 4

 

[stephenaf2003]

Here you go @FatTuesday
View attachment 1687767

Nice rolls.

 

[aabbcc]

In a different timeline I didnt order more or less this exact shoe from Myrqvist in their MTO program a few weeks ago...

Split toe boots 80488
Polo Suede
360 storm welt w hard fudging
Double commando sole
Copper eyelets and speedhooks
Oscar last

In that same timeline I could actually wait 60 days for a pair of of beater back to the office derbies instead of buying something rtw yesterday...

Longwing Derby 532
Tan Pereandre
360 storm welt w hard fudging
Double silver sole
Oscar or maybe forest last

 

[stook1]

My thoughts exactly! I need to offload at least 10-15 pairs of shoes/boots, mostly unworn, and here I am still thinking about a shell chelsea. I spent a good 4 hours this past weekend configuring many makeups and was very pleased with myself for not giving in and pulling the trigger last night.

Interesting make up btw. There was an EB GMTO recently which combined large grain and smooth shell and the end result was very cool.

x3 on the shell chelsea. @jischwar sorta blew that one up for me. But I was still perhaps in the game for something until I picked up a pair of vibergs yesterday. And we're done. I think I've bought 5 pairs of shoes in the last month without any intention of buying really any of them. But I can stop any time. ? Carmina has knack for breaking my will power with these order window extensions but it's not happenin'. Better luck next time.

 

[jischwar]

Nice rolls.

Too many sweets during pandemic ?. Just kidding I knew what you meant ?. Thanks!

 

[blue collar]

Hello Gents

Quick question. How does the Detroit EEE compare to the Inca in terms of width?
The "last comparator" says they're basically the same width. Would this be true?

Sorry if this is common knowledge but I've been out the loop for some time now.

Ive had the shell double monk on Inca before, therefore its my only gauge.

 

[Baked Potato]

Do you guys know if it's possible to order shearling lined loafers? I've gone through a phase this year more or less only wearing loafers. Getting a bit too chilly though...

 

[JackH]

Long time lurker and first time posting in this thread.

Have to say I've trawled through this thread on many occasions to find the right sizing for my feet and many thanks to those who have shared their experience.

I bought my first pair of Carmina's last year, and really started to appreciate high quality shoes. Previously I've only known about Allen Edmonds and the English brands, but after wearing my first Carmina's, I can say the price to quality ratio is unreal!

This pair: Carmina Cordovan in Burgundy, on the Forest Last. I have a low instep so I had to take this pair to a local cobbler to insert a tongue pad (they had to unstitch the tongue, and insert a foam within the two pieces of leather that form the tongue - interesting solution). Was painful for the first 2 months but have since been broken in and now look forward to wearing it for the right occasions.

Sizing: this pair is UK8.5 but I've had to alter it using a tongue pad insert. Otherwise rest of the shoes fit very well. I normally wear Allen Edmonds Park Ave on US9.5D.

For those unfamiliar with cordovan leather, you need to brush your shoes every so often to clear the white bloom that naturally appears. This is a normal characteristic of cordovan, and I find it quite therapeutic being able to connect with your shoes on a regular basis.

Enjoy!

 

[thefoobar]

I have a low instep so I had to take this pair to a local cobbler to insert a tongue pad (they had to unstitch the tongue, and insert a foam within the two pieces of leather that form the tongue - interesting solution).

Wish that solution worked on jodhpurs and chelseas.

 

[jischwar]

Wish that solution worked on jodhpurs and chelseas.

You could choose a lower volume last to at least have a better starting point

 

[thefoobar]

You could choose a lower volume last to at least have a better starting point

Doesn't work (source: have tried Simpson jods and chelseas). I believe their vamp blocking process uses the same profile regardless of last, and it's not tight around the top of the instep where the tibia ends and ankle starts.

Carmina's blocking molds tend to follow the red line rather than hug the ankle tightly. This suits most normal-sized ankles fine, just not my thin ones.

 

[jischwar]

Doesn't work (source: have tried Simpson jods and chelseas). I believe their vamp blocking process uses the same profile regardless of last, and it's not tight around the top of the instep where the tibia ends and ankle starts.
View attachment 1688309
Carmina's blocking molds tend to follow the red line rather than hug the ankle tightly. This suits most normal-sized ankles fine, just not my thin ones.

Ah, okay. That's unfortunate

 

[jet-stream]

I managed to sit out the custom fee waive event, but mocked up several models and nearly ended up with a new pair (or nine).
Last year, o placed a pretty substantial order and I wore one of those pairs last week.

Unlined PTBs in #4:

 

[PACostag]

Any experience here with some of Carminas textured leathers?

Specifically looking at Chelseas in Lama, Rusticalf, Pereandre, or Elbamat.

 

[MacGuffen]

I managed to sit out the custom fee waive event, but mocked up several models and nearly ended up with a new pair (or nine).
Last year, o placed a pretty substantial order and I wore one of those pairs last week.

Unlined PTBs in #4:
View attachment 1688737

Gorgeous! Ordered color 4 myself this event. Is this chestnut or dark brown edge color?