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JubeiSpiegel

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Personlly, the lasts of G&G (and also EG) works extremely well for me whereas Carmina's last (heel to ball) doesn't fit as well. I also prefer the stiffer crust leather G&G uses; I find Carmina's leather to be too 'supple' for me. The soles of G&G are made from Baker (please correct me if I'm wrong) and my experience is that it lasts MUCH longer than my Carminas. Lastly, the overall look of G&G is just more angular/attractive to me. So fit, longevity, and looks are why I buy G&G instead of Carmina.

Others may have other thoughts. There are many who would rather pick up 2 pairs of Carminas instead of 1 pair of G&G.


Yes, i think a big reason why i love GG is that their lasts are simply stunning, regardless of width or size. I do like the leather quality more than the one pair of Carminas i had, and the Barker soles are incredibly durable. You can probably also add the finishing and burnishing work that is done to shoes of that price range as a plus.

Plenty of objective points of course, and it has surely been debated that the price difference in the better materials does not justify the 100% price difference, but as a visual person i put a decent amount of value on aesthetics alone. I have to, I work in the art field after all, if i can't put value in aesthetics then how can i expect others to do the same in what i do...
 

JubeiSpiegel

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If you are trying to be able to justify $1000 shoes to your wife I don't think we can help...haha 
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I don't have any Carminas or G&G, but I have quite a few Alden and a few Edward Green.

:eek: Surely, we need to fix that...
 

dddrees

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Hi Everyone,

Pardon my ignorance but I have a question regarding quality and craftsmanship between brands. What are some of the key features of a $1000 shoe like G&G versus a $400-$500 shoe like Carmina? In no way am I questioning whether or not a $1000 shoe isn't worth twice the quality/value of a $500 one. I ask because I'm strong considering participating in Skoat's preorder of the St. James II Chestnut since that is one of my dream shoes. Since delivery isn't until the end of March I have a little over 3 months to secretly extort funds under the radar of my wife who already feels spending $500 on dress shoes is borderline excessive LoL

Thanks in advance.

There are a few reasons and the people before me gave you a couple already. However you've probably provided the BIGGEST and BEST reason already.
 
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Leaves

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Hi Everyone,

Pardon my ignorance but I have a question regarding quality and craftsmanship between brands. What are some of the key features of a $1000 shoe like G&G versus a $400-$500 shoe like Carmina? In no way am I questioning whether or not a $1000 shoe isn't worth twice the quality/value of a $500 one. I ask because I'm strong considering participating in Skoat's preorder of the St. James II Chestnut since that is one of my dream shoes. Since delivery isn't until the end of March I have a little over 3 months to secretly extort funds under the radar of my wife who already feels spending $500 on dress shoes is borderline excessive LoL

Thanks in advance.


I own premium shoes from a wide range of makers (not only from brands we carry, of course). It’s not a coincidence that my favorite shoes are the ones in the top level of the premium segment. I’d say that about 80% of my shoes are from Gaziano & Girling and Edward Green, and for a good reason. Tifosi and DpprDr points at a number of factors that I agree with and it’s no use repeating these. That said, I have to say that Carmina offers a product that is amazing value for money. In the $400-500 category they are the most obvious choice and best value product IMO. With the dollar being as strong as it is now, Bonafé also offer great value and amazing craftsmanship although they lack the superb finish (way better than Carmina though) found with Edward Green and Gaziano & Girling, but these are makers almost twice as expensive, this must always be taken into consideration when comparing premium brands.
 
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Dieg0

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I own premium shoes from a wide range of makers (not only from brands we carry, of course). It’s not a coincidence that my favorite shoes are the ones in the top level of the premium segment. I’d say that about 80% of my shoes are from Gaziano & Girling and Edward Green, and for a good reason. Tifosi and DpprDr points at a number of factors that I agree with and it’s no use repeating these. That said, I have to say that Carmina offers a product that is amazing value for money. In the $400-500 category they are the most obvious choice and best value product IMO. With the dollar being as strong as it is now, Bonafé also offer great value and amazing craftsmanship although they lack the superb finish (way better than Carmina though) found with Edward Green and Gaziano & Girling, but these are makers almost twice as expensive, this must always be taken into consideration when comparing premium brands.

Bonafé also has the advantage over carmina, but also over EG and G&G that they are (entirely) hand made. Now the leathers EG and GG use are part of the best.
 

Mr. Six

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^ I thought those weren't available until tomorrow. Already sold out in my size. :(
 

heelguy

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Gentlemen: How long have orders generally taken from Skoak to reach you in eastern US (I am in DC)? Waiting for my Mahogany CC Dovers which were shipped the middle of last week. Thanks.
 

JubeiSpiegel

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Gentlemen: How long have orders generally taken from Skoak to reach you in eastern US (I am in DC)? Waiting for my Mahogany CC Dovers which were shipped the middle of last week. Thanks.


A solid week has been my experience (Florida), usually not much after that...
 
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tifosi

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Gentlemen: How long have orders generally taken from Skoak to reach you in eastern US (I am in DC)? Waiting for my Mahogany CC Dovers which were shipped the middle of last week. Thanks.
Typically takes 8 days for me (to NJ)
 

smoothie1

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Gentlemen: How long have orders generally taken from Skoak to reach you in eastern US (I am in DC)? Waiting for my Mahogany CC Dovers which were shipped the middle of last week. Thanks.

7-8 days. It could be more or less, depending on the amount of time it takes for the parcel to clear US Customs. Nice choice.
 

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