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

[storm_will_pass]

Has anyone tried requesting peccary leather for MTO shoes?

Might have gotten lost in the past few pages. I'm thinking a peccary shaft on a balmoral boot would be cool.

 

[FibroblastsMakeLeather]

I really want these but man the price tag is an obstacle.

I hear you. I had to save for a long time to get these. They were my first cordovan shoe.

 

[FibroblastsMakeLeather]

Absolutely stunning. How do you find cordovan as a boot? Much different than leather in terms of flexibility?

In general I love Cordovan as a boot, though I tend to baby them..

I would make a comment about these particular boots. The Victoria Rubber sole can feel uncomfortable. The V tends to push against the balls of my feet when I walk. For me it is acceptable comfort for such a lovely boot but others may find it a deal breaker.

 

[chatelet]

Does anyone own both polo and snuff suede? Any views on what is nicer or more versatile?

 

[Mr Clemson]

Does anyone own both polo and snuff suede? Any views on what is nicer or more versatile?

I suspect many/most on SF may prefer polo, perhaps because it is still a little less popular, but I own both and find myself going for the snuff much more often (and own a lot more snuff suede than polo suede). It's the OG suede for me.

 

[gianm]

Does the shoe care kit deal extend into the weekend or is it only for early SF orders?

 

[Thilgela]

Does anyone have any fitment knowledge of the lloret last? I'm thinking of doing an MTO for the derby boot on it.

@Carmina can you show a comparison of the lloret vs Oscar vs Rain lasts?

Thanks in advance!

I have a pair of Lloret derby boot in shell. This pair is UK8 and fits me pretty well with thicker socks.

I am usually in between UK7.5 & UK8 and I have the following Carmina lasts/sizes

- Rain UK 7.5 wholecut chelsea in museum calf - fits well with thin socks
- Simpson UK 8 penny loafer in suede - very tight (comfortably) fitting with medium thickness socks
- Simpson UK 8.5 unlined chukka in shell - generally too loose all around with thick socks - definitely need insole but I feel the last just doesn't work for me
- Lloret UK8 derby boot in shell - roomy fitting with medium thickness socks

I heard shell boots are usually larger than calf boots in the same size as they are not lasted as tightly as the calf ones.

Hope this helps!

 

[danadd94]

I have a pair of Lloret derby boot in shell. This pair is UK8 and fits me pretty well with thicker socks.

I am usually in between UK7.5 & UK8 and I have the following Carmina lasts/sizes

- Rain UK 7.5 wholecut chelsea in museum calf - fits well with thin socks
- Simpson UK 8 penny loafer in suede - very tight (comfortably) fitting with medium thickness socks
- Simpson UK 8.5 unlined chukka in shell - generally too loose all around with thick socks - definitely need insole but I feel the last just doesn't work for me
- Lloret UK8 derby boot in shell - roomy fitting with medium thickness socks

I heard shell boots are usually larger than calf boots in the same size as they are not lasted as tightly as the calf ones.

Hope this helps!

That was actually very helpful, thank you!

 

[chatelet]

I suspect many/most on SF may prefer polo, perhaps because it is still a little less popular, but I own both and find myself going for the snuff much more often (and own a lot more snuff suede than polo suede). It's the OG suede for me.

Can I please trouble you for a photo of snuff vs polo colour?

 

[eremita]

This is a long shot, but does anyone have any experience with:

(1) the pony leather? I’m presuming it’s much less durable and so probably not a good buy. I have been admiring the leopard pony slippers (women’s) for a long while but I’m trying to curb my natural impulse to make impractical purchases...

(2) the women’s brogue boot on the Oscaria last? I think I’d love them for my life outside of work (however meagre it may be) but I’m looking for something I can wear with my fairly conservative office wardrobe, and these look a bit sporty to me. Some real life photos would help but I’m not finding much...

 

[mirinjobra]

Does anyone have recommendations for a last to use for a traditional wingtip boot? I only know my size in Forest and Inca and I was thinking to use the Forest last. I had considered the Robert last as well but I'm not sure that the brogueing would look right on the punched toe cap. Also, is the Forest last sized the same as Robert?

The carmina store associate advised that Robert would be slimmer.. in the toebox. And also would have a lower instep.

 

[mykii2704]

This is a long shot, but does anyone have any experience with:

(1) the pony leather? I’m presuming it’s much less durable and so probably not a good buy. I have been admiring the leopard pony slippers (women’s) for a long while but I’m trying to curb my natural impulse to make impractical purchases...

(2) the women’s brogue boot on the Oscaria last? I think I’d love them for my life outside of work (however meagre it may be) but I’m looking for something I can wear with my fairly conservative office wardrobe, and these look a bit sporty to me. Some real life photos would help but I’m not finding much...

my significant other loved the oscaria for comfort and it looks very appropriate for the wingtip design. It reminds me of the Detroit last suiting the wingtip design for men (not that they resemble the Detroit necessarily). But they're sleek enough, I don't think they look sporty personally. Perhaps opt away from the thicker welt options.

 

[up1911fan]

Does anyone have recommendations for a last to use for a traditional wingtip boot? I only know my size in Forest and Inca and I was thinking to use the Forest last. I had considered the Robert last as well but I'm not sure that the brogueing would look right on the punched toe cap. Also, is the Forest last sized the same as Robert?

The carmina store associate advised that Robert would be slimmer.. in the toebox. And also would have a lower instep.

I used Llubi for my Amarreto pair from the first run. Same last used on the stock green shell WTB.

 

[Neville Southall]

Oscar it's definitely more casual than forest. It's often difficult to appreciate from photos but forest is pointier than oscar. Also forest has a taller toe box which I dislike
View attachment 1255836 View attachment 1255837

Interesting. Looks like Oscar is a bit longer, right?

 

[Neville Southall]

I suspect many/most on SF may prefer polo, perhaps because it is still a little less popular, but I own both and find myself going for the snuff much more often (and own a lot more snuff suede than polo suede). It's the OG suede for me.

100% agree. Snuff is king.