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

[emidyl]

+1. It's common for feet to swell during the course of the day so that a pair that's comfortable in the morning could be uncomfortable in the late afternoon.

that's why it is recommended to try shoes on towards the end of the day when purchasing. Your feet will be at it's largest size later in the day.

 

[emiristol]

is there supposed to be a difference in length for the same size among different lasts? i've observed that the simpson last seems to be ~.5 cm longer than the rain last, even for the same size

 

[emidyl]

is there supposed to be a difference in length for the same size among different lasts? i've observed that the simpson last seems to be ~.5 cm longer than the rain last, even for the same size

personally I think there would be a small increase in length due to the simpson being a slightly narrower last.
but I don't have both, can any members chime in?

 

[Papa Doble]



+1. It's common for feet to swell during the course of the day so that a pair that's comfortable in the morning could be uncomfortable in the late afternoon.

I've heard this before, but I swear my shoes fit smallest when I put them on in the morning.

There have been many times where I tried on a new pair of shoes late at night thinking they fit well, only to realize in the morning that they fit much more snug.

 

[NewYawker]

personally I think there would be a small increase in length due to the simpson being a slightly narrower last.
but I don't have both, can any members chime in?

I take the following carmina lasts in these sizes:

Detroit/Soller: 8UK
Rain/Queens: 8.5UK
Simpson: 9.0UK

Brannock: 9.5US

I can measure the length of the soles when i get home later but I think there is definitely variation in length in the sames size for different lasts. The soller last especially has an elongated toe that has a strong taper. All of the shoes I have in these lasts fit extremely well so there must be length variation if i take different sizes in each. Hope that helps.

 

[fairlynerdy]



is there supposed to be a difference in length for the same size among different lasts? i've observed that the simpson last seems to be ~.5 cm longer than the rain last, even for the same size

Different lasts have different measurements all around, not just width. The style and elongation of the toe box in particular will make a difference and the Simpson is probably the most elongated of the Carmina lasts.

 

[Zapasman]

Different lasts have different measurements all around, not just width. The style and elongation of the toe box in particular will make a difference and the Simpson is probably the most elongated of the Carmina lasts.

+1.

I have compare Simpson and Rain soles (not lasts) lenght/widht this morning. Both 9. Simpson´s sole is slighty shorter (5-7mm) and narrower (5mm) than Rain last. Simpson lower instep and overall, a snug last "on my" feet.

 

[Leaves]

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[LeatherBoot]

that's why it is recommended to try shoes on towards the end of the day when purchasing. Your feet will be at it's largest size later in the day.

I have never heard that but it seems like a wise idea. I am wearing the shoes right now at 11am and no problem...so as long as the vamp stretches with use I should be fine.

 

[dalevy]

I've heard this before, but I swear my shoes fit smallest when I put them on in the morning.

There have been many times where I tried on a new pair of shoes late at night thinking they fit well, only to realize in the morning that they fit much more snug.

I notice this too! It's strange. Then by the time I get to the office, things are looser until my feet swell at the end of the day.

 

[LeatherBoot]

Maybe the heat warms up the leather and makes it softer once you walk in them after a while.

 

[Papa Doble]



I notice this too!  It's strange.  Then by the time I get to the office, things are looser until my feet swell at the end of the day.

This is exactly my experience.

 

[New Shoes1]

I've heard this before, but I swear my shoes fit smallest when I put them on in the morning.

There have been many times where I tried on a new pair of shoes late at night thinking they fit well, only to realize in the morning that they fit much more snug.

Mine always loosen up within 10-15 minutes of putting them on. I've always assumed that was my foot sinking down into the cork.

 

[halfnhalfnhalf]

Maybe the heat warms up the leather and makes it softer once you walk in them after a while.

This.

 

[steveyoo1983]

is there supposed to be a difference in length for the same size among different lasts? i've observed that the simpson last seems to be ~.5 cm longer than the rain last, even for the same size

personally I think there would be a small increase in length due to the simpson being a slightly narrower last.
but I don't have both, can any members chime in?

Different lasts have different measurements all around, not just width. The style and elongation of the toe box in particular will make a difference and the Simpson is probably the most elongated of the Carmina lasts.

Correct some lasts feature elongated toebox, hence longer outsole length even between the same size.
Also sole choice (whether it has leather, dainite, stormwelt) may also affect the outsole length.
imho sizing a shoe based on outsole length may not result in a proper fit

This article should help too!

http://putthison.com/post/91752980303/q-answer-how-do-you-pick-the-right-shoe-size