Skoaktiebolaget – Enzo Bonafé, Saint Crispin’s, Löf & Tung

[Smooth Operator]

Hi All, how would you rate EB vs Carmina in terms of quality, build, fit and style? HW vs GYW? Kirby Allison mentioned that HW shoes are like Ferrari and GYW are 3 series BMW. I personally don't have GYW to comment. Only own 2 Vass and couple of blake/rapid Blake stitched shoes. Thanks in advance ✌

 

[deez shoes]

Hi All, how would you rate EB vs Carmina in terms of quality, build, fit and style? HW vs GYW? Kirby Allison mentioned that HW shoes are like Ferrari and GYW are 3 series BMW. I personally don't have GYW to comment. Only own 2 Vass and couple of blake/rapid Blake stitched shoes. Thanks in advance ✌

Besides craftsmanship, styles are based on personal taste so you'll have to kinda just try them until you can generate your own opinion. In terms of value, question each shoemaker on what components they are using to make the shoes. But first, it's good to learn about the different components that go into shoe making. That's only if you care enough about value and what not.

 

[Leaves]

Hi All, how would you rate EB vs Carmina in terms of quality, build, fit and style? HW vs GYW? Kirby Allison mentioned that HW shoes are like Ferrari and GYW are 3 series BMW. I personally don't have GYW to comment. Only own 2 Vass and couple of blake/rapid Blake stitched shoes. Thanks in advance ✌

Enzo Bonafè is hand welted. So craftsmanship is on another level. I would say compare Enzo to Vass and not to Carmina. Better you compare Carmina to Loake, Löf & Tung and other GYW brands around the €400 mark.

 

[apd90700]

Hi All, how would you rate EB vs Carmina in terms of quality, build, fit and style? HW vs GYW? Kirby Allison mentioned that HW shoes are like Ferrari and GYW are 3 series BMW. I personally don't have GYW to comment. Only own 2 Vass and couple of blake/rapid Blake stitched shoes. Thanks in advance ✌

EB is probably better compared to Yeossal and Oct 10th.

Carmina is closer to TLB Mainline based on leather board heel stiffeners in the Carmina. Carmina has an edge over some of TLB lines due to the variety of options and leather uppers. That said, quality and fit/finish of the shoes isn't likely any better than the TLB Mainline.

What shoe are you wanting to get in EB or Carmina? May help with knowing the style, leathers, etc. to judge better value.

 

[Proleet]

EB is probably better compared to Yeossal and Oct 10th.

Carmina is closer to TLB Mainline based on leather board heel stiffeners in the Carmina. Carmina has an edge over some of TLB lines due to the variety of options and leather uppers. That said, quality and fit/finish of the shoes isn't likely any better than the TLB Mainline.

What shoe are you wanting to get in EB or Carmina? May help with knowing the style, leathers, etc. to judge better value.

like you would notice the difference on those things...stop comparing shoes so much on “specs” you aren’t buying a laptop...

 

[apd90700]

like you would notice the difference on those things...stop comparing shoes so much on “specs” you aren’t buying a laptop...

For items you're purchasing online, and cannot have tactile close up interaction with, you go based on specs and the opinions of others who have reviewed both shoe companies. I could go grab the quote from a different thread where Carmina was compared to TLB and the people discussing came to the conclusion I mention, but that isn't really the point of what the person was asking. Carmina != EB.

 

[Proleet]

For items you're purchasing online, and cannot have tactile close up interaction with, you go based on specs and the opinions of others who have reviewed both shoe companies. I could go grab the quote from a different thread where Carmina was compared to TLB and the people discussing came to the conclusion I mention, but that isn't really the point of what the person was asking. Carmina != EB.

Up close you’d be able to see those differences between TLB and Carmina? Most of it would simply be stylistic preferences...

i personally find EB a slight step above Carmina and that’s partly due to the handwelt. I do think people make way too much of specs they wouldn’t notice when wearing. Just buy good shoes you like and don’t worry so much about the nitty gritty imo...

 

[jischwar]

Like has been mentioned in numerous threads that @Smooth Operator has posted in within the last 24 hrs it really comes down to what you value in a shoe. I like EB bc of the flexibility of their MTO/GMTO program through shops like Skoaktiebolaget. The fact that I can get a solidly made shoe with minor last adjustments at no additional cost is a huge selling point for me.

Their relationship with retailers who can source unique leathers and make them into a shoe/boot is something that's not so easy with some of these newer/ startup HW guys

 

[apd90700]

Up close you’d be able to see those differences between TLB and Carmina? Most of it would simply be stylistic preferences...

i personally find EB a slight step above Carmina and that’s partly due to the handwelt. I do think people make way too much of specs they wouldn’t notice when wearing. Just buy good shoes you like and don’t worry so much about the nitty gritty imo...

Sounds like this post is presuming that people are unable to tell the difference between two pairs of shoes from different companies up close? Regardless, I believe that we can as sartorialists.

@Smooth Operator you're likely okay with either brand EB or Carmina, Carmina is probably to be had for a lot cheaper. Probably rate Carmina a 7 if EB is a 10.

 

[clee1982]

EB and Carmina has such a different aesthetic, don't compare spec sheet, yes one is gyw, one is hw, but first pick the one you like to "look at" and if you can try on to get fit right

 

[Proleet]

Sounds like this post is presuming that people are unable to tell the difference between two pairs of shoes from different companies up close? Regardless, I believe that we can as sartorialists.

@Smooth Operator you're likely okay with either brand EB or Carmina, Carmina is probably to be had for a lot cheaper. Probably rate Carmina a 7 if EB is a 10.

if there is one thing that an infamous thread on supposed handwelted shoes made clear is that most people have no clue. I have personally bought and worn about 60 pairs of “better” shoes and believe I could really do that aside easily observable things (finishing) and aesthetics. No clue how deep your experience goes but the statement that “sartorialists” can do this is hilarious, sorry

 

[Smooth Operator]

EB is probably better compared to Yeossal and Oct 10th.

Carmina is closer to TLB Mainline based on leather board heel stiffeners in the Carmina. Carmina has an edge over some of TLB lines due to the variety of options and leather uppers. That said, quality and fit/finish of the shoes isn't likely any better than the TLB Mainline.

What shoe are you wanting to get in EB or Carmina? May help with knowing the style, leathers, etc. to judge better value.

I am after my first chelsea boots and like both of these. I just don't know enough about shoes to make a decision ?

 

[Proleet]

Buy what you like and what fits well. Most EB lasts are for people with a high(er) instep so not ideal for all. If you’re just starting out you might want to choose something at a relatively lower price point (and I’d advise you not to go off and buy tons of shoes quickly once you get “hooked” Plenty of us have done and then ended up with lots of shoes we ended up getting rid of a few years later)

 

[JohnMRobie]

Buy what you like and what fits well. Most EB lasts are for people with a high(er) instep so not ideal for all. If you’re just starting out you might want to choose something at a relatively lower price point (and I’d advise you not to go off and buy tons of shoes quickly once you get “hooked” Plenty of us have done and then ended up with lots of shoes we ended up getting rid of a few years later)

You mean to say comparing one of the narrowest and lowest instep lasts to a brand that tends to have an instep on the higher side isn't a good idea and would be like comparing a handwelted workshop made shoe to a factory made goodyear welted shoe at different price points?

 

[clee1982]

generic speaking any EB last is going to fit very different than Carmina Simpson, better find either
1. you can try
2. free return

to get sizing right first