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

[bamgrinus]

^ Can't wait to see how those age.

 

[stephenaf2003]

OK the blue shell MTO sneakers have arrived.

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

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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.

View attachment 1161956

So...I was skeptical of these when I saw them on the website. But, I have to say I like them....hmm, I might even buy a pair.

 

[007Bond]

So...I was skeptical of these when I saw them on the website. But, I have to say I like them....hmm, I might even buy a pair.

They are nice been wearing a few hours now and the squeak of the sole on my hardwood floor has stopped so it just needed some wear.

The footbed is much different than any other Carmina in that it has much density, a little like that pair of Carmina rubber sole suede slip ons I have but denser.

Also seems to be something between the shell outer and the inner liner. The way the edge is constructed it is thicker more like a sneaker so I like it (see pic).

 

[RogerP]

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

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Beautiful shade on those, crusty.

 

[Paul902]

"It's going to be a blue, blue Christmas..."

All our suede is sourced from the marvellous Charles F. Stead

Yes, it is really very, very nice.

 

[stephenaf2003]

"It's going to be a blue, blue Christmas..."
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Yes, it is really very, very nice.

So, how is the fit for you?

 

[Paul902]

So, how is the fit for you?

As you know, they are on Forest and are 8UK where I usually take 8.5UK. They are a bit tight in the big toe; otherwise good. Have not quite decided. Can I keep them just to look at?

 

[stephenaf2003]

As you know, they are on Forest and are 8UK where I usually take 8.5UK. They are a bit tight in the big toe; otherwise good. Have not quite decided. Can I keep them just to look at?

I know what you mean. They are an absolutely beautiful boot. The shape of the last is just perfect.

 

[justsayno]

Hi Carmina. Wife is interested in women’s Chelsea. She’s a US 6.5. What size Chelsea should she go with?

 

[dave_rawitat]

OK the blue shell MTO sneakers have arrived.

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

View attachment 1161939 View attachment 1161940 View attachment 1161942 View attachment 1161943 View attachment 1161944 View attachment 1161945 View attachment 1161946 View attachment 1161947 View attachment 1161948 View attachment 1161949 View attachment 1161950

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.

View attachment 1161956

Wow. I wasn't interested in this as I'm not a sneaker person. But this might be enough for me to give it a try!

Kinda sad that shell cordovan isn't available as RTW though.

I might just order one of the existing options first and MTO a pair of Rubi Cordovan later during the next MTO fee waive

Thank you for sharing your impression!

 

[ThinkDerm]

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

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What are the details? Last? Leather? Any special specifications

 

[007Bond]

Wow. I wasn't interested in this as I'm not a sneaker person. But this might be enough for me to give it a try!

Kinda sad that shell cordovan isn't available as RTW though.

I might just order one of the existing options first and MTO a pair of Rubi Cordovan later during the next MTO fee waive

Thank you for sharing your impression!

WFH day so been wearing them and really liking so far. Went for a few mile walk last night and breaking in nicely so far. Took a look at the sole since it was concrete path and no noticeable wear on the rubber sole. That was one of my concerns I was not sure how this rubber was going to hold up. Several years ago I had a pair of AE's with that light weight rubber sole on them, wore out in a few weeks.

I was really on the fence between Rubi and Blue, love the Rubi but somehow I convinced myself that Blue would be more versatile.

 

[jet-stream]

Navy shell wholecuts, from yesterday:

 

[huskiee]

Has anyone here had these: https://www.carminashoemaker.com/mto-finished-2198/unlined-chukka-boots-snuff-janus-butt-80732

If so would be great to see a picture and hear thoughts. Trying to understand how sleek these are, compared to Alden unlined chulas for example.

 

[smoothguyto]

What do you guys think of the new GMTOs? Navy Wholecuts on Rain and the Semi Brogue Oxfords in Brown Vitello on Robert? I'm not familiar with the Robert last. How does it fit?