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

[Atemporal]

I don't have any Carminas but, time ago, a member sold a gorgeous black balmoral on Simpson last. Pristine! UK 8.5. The length was 11.89" -I remember it very well because it seemed quite short to me. So if you add 0.4cm -which is the normal increment for each half size- you get 30.6 cm. Having said that, I also read some posts pointing that Simpson's UK 8 length is almost equal to Rain's 7.5 UK -which called my attention given that Simpson's insole length is a tad longer. A 9 UK equal or shorter than 30.5 cm looks short to me -unless the last is longer that the sole which it's perfectly possible.
Sorry mate, I think I have not been very helpful. I have probably increased your doubts.

Anyway, as most of the member mention, you should focus on the insole dimensions rather than the outsole if you want to find your best size.

Thanks @Ugrant
Any information is welcome.
And yes, it's a little bit surprising what you say about Simpson's length (half size down) being almost equal to Rain's one.
If we look at the insole measurements provided by Peitron we clearly see Simpson is 1 mm longer. Interesting.
Perhaps those posts you mentioned we're based on just a visual comparison (not measured with a tape)
Let's see if someone could throw here some measurements.

 

[harlequin782]

I think the rain last's larger heelcup creates extra room, on a sole size that appears to be the same sole size as (or even a little smaller than..) the simpson last.

 

[Patrick1053]

Maybe I need more caffeine but I just missed that joke so hard.
These were olive shell U-tip derbies on triple sole + tomir. Think slightly more elegant paraboot. A bit of a tribute to the old military style u-tips.

The angle of the picture makes the toe of the shoe look bulbous. I love the style, and I'm sure they are great (or will be when you get a satisfactory pair)

 

[Atemporal]

I think the rain last's larger heelcup creates extra room, on a sole size that appears to be the same sole size as (or even a little smaller than..) the simpson last.

You mean that the shape of the heel cup extends over the sole, right? So when positioning the shoe against a wall, the heel counter will contact the wall first, instead of the heel (sole)
That way Simpson may have less curvature/convexity than Rain.
Yeah that is an interesting point. I will try to check some pics.
That convexity in the heel cup is one of the things that I find less attractive in shoes. I normally prefer something a little bit more straight.
Thanks @harlequin782

 

[harlequin782]

You mean that the shape of the heel cup extends over the sole, right? So when positioning the shoe against a wall, the heel counter will contact the wall first, instead of the heel (sole)
That way Simpson may have less curvature/convexity than Rain.
Yeah that is an interesting point. I will try to check some pics.
That convexity in the heel cup is one of the things that I find less attractive in shoes. I normally prefer something a little bit more straight.
Thanks @harlequin782

Correct and I agree

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Bourbon Frankenstitch..

 

[KarlHungus]

Received these from the last custom weekend but hadn't gotten around to posting.
Color 4 / brown elbamat Calway on Rain and brown CXL shortwing on Soller.

 

[DB2000]

Bourbon Frankenstitch..
View attachment 1812199

If I remember correctly you tend to go for Oscar last? Do you size the same as C&J 325?

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

If I remember correctly you tend to go for Oscar last? Do you size the same as C&J 325?

Hi, I do size the same on those two mate. Fit similarly for me.

 

[snuff_daddy]

If I'm a 9D brannock what size should I get for Carmina loafers

 

[User888]

If I remember correctly you tend to go for Oscar last? Do you size the same as C&J 325?

I actually size down on C&J, I'm 7.5 while 8uk in Carmina, not sure.if anyone else has the same "issue". I think I'm somewhere in between bit the Carmina 7.5 is just too tight while a uk8 with a small leather insole provided by them works perfectly well.

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Natty cxl Frankenstitch..

 

[FatTuesday]

Boxcalf & Russian reindeer designed for inclement weather, like today...

 

[Marshak]

Enjoying this pair of split-toe bought during Carmina's summer sale. I found the uppers too spread out during the first test but the fit is excellent and I think the model has been built like this. The lama leather is incredibly soft.

 

[Carmina]

Hi everyone,

My name is Caterina, I work at Carmina Shoemaker and like you I am a lover of classic dress shoes.

I am at your disposal to solve all your doubts and questions.

Little by little I will be answering all your messages and I will also tell you some of our latest news and offers.

Nice to meet you