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

[stook1]

Hi! I was hoping to get some advice. I'm a long time Allen Edmonds customer, but have recently taken a liking to Carmina (primarily due to the pics and discussion I've seen in this thread). I've been eyeing three shoes specifically:

Wholecut Oxford 910 Rain
Chelsea Boots 80216
Cordovan Balmoral Boots 80092 Forest

Now I normally wear 3E width in Allen Edmonds. Does anyone know how Carmina width on the Rain and Forest lasts compare? Is one more narrow than the other? My worry with getting an ill fitting Oxford is that the v-shape vamp will be too wide.

Can you be more specific about your AE sizing? Which model / last? I might be able to help you a bit as I have some experience with both makers.

 

[prettybasicdood]

Can you be more specific about your AE sizing? Which model / last? I might be able to help you a bit as I have some experience with both makers.

The most comfortable my feet have been is on the AE 65 last. Recently got the Fifth Street boots made in chili cordovan in 8.5 EEE. Although I feel like I could stretch these out a bit, not sure how cordovan does with stretching.

On a side note, I've only worn these a handful of times, and I gotta say, AE's quality control is pretty bad. These are the first shoes I've had made from the trunk show, and it came with chipped soles, loose threads and deep grooves/marks on it. Because I've worn this pair a few times, I imagine AE won't take it back or fix them, pretty disappointing experience overall.

Hence, Carmina ¨̮

 

[Betelgeuse]

I also have a pair exactly the same as those on the uetam last and the same cordovan hatchgrain strap make up. Inspired by you !! So I blame you !!

Hahaha nice! I may have to blame you if I get them on the Genova last.

 

[PACostag]

This was a gamble. I think it paid off View attachment 1864826
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@scb how are these beauties doing?

 

[stook1]

The most comfortable my feet have been is on the AE 65 last. Recently got the Fifth Street boots made in chili cordovan in 8.5 EEE. Although I feel like I could stretch these out a bit, not sure how cordovan does with stretching.

On a side note, I've only worn these a handful of times, and I gotta say, AE's quality control is pretty bad. These are the first shoes I've had made from the trunk show, and it came with chipped soles, loose threads and deep grooves/marks on it. Because I've worn this pair a few times, I imagine AE won't take it back or fix them, pretty disappointing experience overall.

Hence, Carmina ¨̮

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Any other shoe sizing references that you are very confident in as far as sizing? The 65 last runs long, somewhat narrow, and has a low cone height. I am a 10D brannock and tend to do best in a 9.5EE or 9EEE on the 65 last, although I can also wear a 10D, 10E, and 9.5EEE with various pros/cons to each fit. I size down this much, in part, because it reduces the risk of creasing through the toe caps, and I increase the width the manage the change in length and ensure that I get a proper lace closure on the oxfords. It's very common for people to drop down a half size in length and go up a width on this last.

Just based upon your size and how the these boots have started to roll, I would say you are probably a 9EEE in either Rain or Forest. I would bet that Detroit, Soller, or Llubi would also work for you. Maybe Oscar, which is more of a standard sized last.

But if you have other sizing references that would be helpful.

 

[saurabh]

Carmina Calway Bakers Russian Grain/Suede Boots!

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Amaretto Franken..

 

[Betta]

From a fee waiver event many moons ago
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Love those. What last is that?

 

[jischwar]

Love those. What last is that?

It's the Robert last

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Natty Franken shell…

 

[Jeddie]

Natty Franken shell…
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Beautiful boots! What last?

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Beautiful boots! What last?

Those are on Forest mate.

 

[Jeddie]

Those are on Forest mate.

Thank you, i thought so. Thats my go to last

 

[saurabh]

Picked up the Carmina Bourbon Cordovan boots from the NYC store located at 53rd Street and Madison Ave today!

 

[Peter_QK]

Picked up the Carmina Bourbon Cordovan boots from the NYC store located at 53rd Street and Madison Ave today!

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Nice pickup. Are they on oscar last? Hows tbe size compared to brands like alden barrie, tb, cj conistons and etc?