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

[zag73]

Yup, carmina spain lost my package

I guess these things happen. By the way , lovely shoes . Very nice outfit too.

 

[zag73]

Thank you very much for your compliments. I'm stilling learning how to do the shine

For Shell Cordovan:

1. I use Carmina's Cordovan cream and Saphir Cordovan cream in rotation, but sparingly. Lots of brushing (usually while watching Netflix).

For the toe-shine (any leather, Shell included):

Initial Shine:

1. I use Saphir mirror gloss as a few base layers (around 3), then buff off with a drop of water for a few times.

2. Then, I apply Angelus wax with a drop of water for a few layers (2-3). For each layer: Drop a drop of water onto the toe, then apply the wax, until wax smooth out.

3. Then, I use Saphir Pate de Luxe wax with a drop of water for several layers, until I satisfy with the shine (usually 3-4). For each layer: Do like step 2, but with more bigger drop of water (or a few small drops, spread across the toe) and less wax.

** In case of Burgundy, I use Carmina's Burgundy wax in this step. I don't have their other waxes. **

4. Finally, do the water-buffing. Drop a drop of water or two onto the toe, then buff off until (relatively) dry.

The whole thing usually takes around 15 minutes.

Maintenance Shine:

1. Do only step 3 and 4 of initial shine. Takes around 5 minutes.

Be careful of using the Saphir mirror gloss. It dries out the leather. It’s meant to be used as the final coat.

 

[dave_rawitat]

After 1 year, my carmina mto shoes has been delivered....
Unlined cordovan horsebit loafers.

View attachment 1160162

Looks very lovely. Can you give us a bit of impression? Especially how the unlined shell cordovan feels? It's on my shortlist of potential next purchases.

Thank you.

 

[dave_rawitat]

Took this out for maintenance the other day. Model 80105 on Simpson last, Brown Museum.

 

[mufaga]

Looks very lovely. Can you give us a bit of impression? Especially how the unlined shell cordovan feels? It's on my shortlist of potential next purchases.

Thank you.

Very good feeling, I think it's a good choice because of unlined comfort along with the toughness of cordovan.

 

[Carmina]

Hi, I'm interested in the above shoe. How should I size for the Buger last? I wear 11.5 UK in Forest and Uetam and 11UK in Rain.

We generally recommend going for the same size as Rain for the Buger last.

 

[Carmina]

@Carmina , do we have an expected shipping time for the Amaretto GMTO? Just curious. Thanks.

We finally received the stamp for the insole and can continue with the manufacturing process. Since so many orders had special requests our artisans must look into the orders very closely to try to avoid any mistakes. As the pairs start to come into the office, I will let you know.

 

[Canadianguy]

Wore these yesterday to play an afternoon cello recital.

 

[jctune]

We finally received the stamp for the insole and can continue with the manufacturing process. Since so many orders had special requests our artisans must look into the orders very closely to try to avoid any mistakes. As the pairs start to come into the office, I will let you know.

I just want to go on record with my admiration and thanks to Carmina on this "GMTO". I put it in quotes because it wasn't really a GMTO, as everyone was able to select their own unique makeup. While I haven't been participating in this game for very long, Carmina's willingness to waive the MTO fee for what was essentially 12 unique MTOs is amazing.

 

[upr_crust]

x-post WAYWRN - Carminas, BB socks and suit trews . . .

 

[007Bond]

Got shipping confirmation on my MTO shell sneakers ETA is tomorrow assuming no delays. Just in time for the good weather ahead can't wait to see them...

 

[cxlfinder]

After 1 year, my carmina mto shoes has been delivered....
Unlined cordovan horsebit loafers.

View attachment 1160162

Those are pretty much...awesome!!

 

[upr_crust]

x-post WAYWRN - Carmina on the Uetam last, Punto socks, Paul Stuart suit trews . . .

 

[Paul902]

"It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas"...going to be a "red box" kind of day.

 

[007Bond]

OK the blue shell MTO sneakers have arrived.

Here are a few outside limited sun shots and some shoe bench unboxing shots.

Initial impression...Nice!

Finally a quality constructed sneaker that I can resole when needed.

I will have to wear the Aspen sole a while to see how it holds up, initial impression, soft, spongy, absorbs impact, comfortable, squeaky on my wood floors (may stop once worn a bit).

Color is right on target same as my other shells in blue from Carmina.

The Calvia last is new to me, initial fit seems comparable to the Oscar last with less room for higher insteps (a bit of a V gap). Seems to have quite a bit of pad in the toe bed so I am thinking my foot will settle in and V gap should fall in place making less instep room a non issue for those with a high instep.

Planning a lot of walking in these they were purchased to be used as a real sneaker shoe. If all goes well these will probably become my most used pair of non work/dress shoes in my rotation. That's why this Aspen sole is going to really be tested for durability.