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

[markythemartian]

Hello, I'm looking to get some information about the Calvia last. Is this Carmina's most rounded last? I'm planning on customizing a Derby 531 in burgundy cordovan in the near future and I want the shoe to look more robust.

That would be great if I can see a picture of a Calvia last, thank you in advance.

 

[EUtroll]

Odd overall if I have to have a weather proof sole Dainite is my choice over any other.

Overall comfort I would pick leather.

Interesting topic looking for comment on... I read that the JR soles are "Weather Proof" so that would seem to indicate as good as Dainte. Thoughts???

They're darn close if not a 100%. Not fully as longlasting as my dainite soles but night and day compared to other leather soles.

 

[oskrusa]

I'm within earshot of that; I have a spreadsheet that tracks total wears, days since last wear, and most disturbingly, costs.

Thank-you @madhat, for the input.

I assume you incorporated the updating of the spreadsheet on a daily basis as part of your routine.
I would guess you pick the shoes you're wearing any given day before the rest of your outfit, and you select a pair after glancing at the sheet.

Does that sound about right?

Again, thanks for the insights.

 

[bamgrinus]

Hello, I'm looking to get some information about the Calvia last. Is this Carmina's most rounded last? I'm planning on customizing a Derby 531 in burgundy cordovan in the near future and I want the shoe to look more robust.

That would be great if I can see a picture of a Calvia last, thank you in advance.

I think the only shoes that use the Calvia right now are the sneakers. It's fairly new.

 

[madhat]

Thank-you @madhat, for the input.

I assume you incorporated the updating of the spreadsheet on a daily basis as part of your routine.
I would guess you pick the shoes you're wearing any given day before the rest of your outfit, and you select a pair after glancing at the sheet.

Does that sound about right?

Again, thanks for the insights.

Pretty much!

 

[jctune]

Hello, I'm looking to get some information about the Calvia last. Is this Carmina's most rounded last? I'm planning on customizing a Derby 531 in burgundy cordovan in the near future and I want the shoe to look more robust.

That would be great if I can see a picture of a Calvia last, thank you in advance.

Since I haven't seen Calvia in anything than a sneaker I would shy away for something non-sneaker - unless you are willing to be in the vanguard!

Sounds to me that you want either Detroit or Oscar. Oscar with a stormwelt is a beefy looking shoe.

That said, here's some Calvia.

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[bamgrinus]

Since I haven't seen Calvia in anything than a sneaker I would shy away for something non-sneaker - unless you are willing to be in the vanguard!

Sounds to me that you want either Detroit or Oscar. Oscar with a stormwelt is a beefy looking shoe.

That said, here's some Calvia.

Oscar would be my recommendation as well, or maybe Llubi (Soller might work too?). Detroit I actually think comes across as more dressy than you'd think, although it'll look beefier with a double sole and a storm welt.

 

[markythemartian]

Oscar would be my recommendation as well, or maybe Llubi (Soller might work too?). Detroit I actually think comes across as more dressy than you'd think, although it'll look beefier with a double sole and a storm welt.

Thanks for the info! I do have the Oscar right now in their longwings and it fits perfectly.

I’m looking for a more casual shorter rounded last and it looks like Calvia is the one. They used to have short wing grain oxford in the Calvia last but it doesn’t look like it’s on the website anymore.

I’m going to wait until Carminas no upcharge promo. I’m definitely really excited.

 

[jctune]

They used to have short wing grain oxford in the Calvia last but it doesn’t look like it’s on the website anymore.
.

This one?

There's also this derby (not for sale anymore) as an example

 

[markythemartian]

This one?

There's also this derby (not for sale anymore) as an example

Exactly those ones. I wish there’s a view up top so I can compare it to Oscar.

I’m going to get their blucher in that same last. I like the Oscar but I wanted something more rounded and shorter.

 

[bamgrinus]

Exactly those ones. I wish there’s a view up top so I can compare it to Oscar.

For what it's worth I wish Carmina provided more angles on most of their photos. Top and maybe behind in particular.

 

[jctune]

Exactly those ones. I wish there’s a view up top so I can compare it to Oscar.

Here's Calvia vs. Rain

And then Rain vs. Oscar

To me Oscar looks wider and a bit longer. In terms of rounder I think they look the same - but Calvia is definitely shorter. Granted I feel like these drawings don't 100% represent real world experiences but its not a bad starting point.

@Carmina can we get an Oscar vs. Calvia view?

 

[stook1]

I think the only shoes that use the Calvia right now are the sneakers. It's fairly new.

There is a calvia chukka. I tried a pair on in NY. Not sure about other models.

 

[markythemartian]

There is a calvia chukka. I tried a pair on in NY. Not sure about other models.

How does the last look like? Are they pretty casual?

 

[stook1]

How does the last look like? Are they pretty casual?

It's a relatively casual last with a fuller, roundish toe. I didn't love the fit, personally, but I was told by the rep that it was one of their most generous fitting lasts. For what it's worth, I didnt really find that to be the case and prefer Detroit, oscar, soller, forest eee as far as lasts go. Everyone's feet are different so ymmv.