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

[DorianGreen]

Maiden voyage for my new boots in Tanned Vegano Calf on the Llubi last.

 

[DorianGreen]

Carmina again today. Oxford shoes in Marron (no indication for the leather on the box) on the Forest last.

 

[oskrusa]

Derbys on Oscar today:

 

[TheBlackDonDraper]

Selling a couple Chocolate Brown Suede shoes in Size 45.

Links from Grailed but rather cut a deal with a Styleform king. Hmu!

Cap toe Oxford Dress Shoes in Brown Suede​

Uetam String Loafers in Brown Suede​

 

[jays978]

Hi Gents,

I am in need of some advice. I have been playing around with Carmina's Customizing tool for a pair of work boots.

I settled on:
- Work Boots 80184/80223 (Soller last as I have wide feet)
- Burgundy Cordovan

What I have not settled:
- JR Soles (I want the luxury of leather soles but also durability) or Victoria soles? I live in a humid climate so would like advice on this as well - Are Victoria soles the more practical choice?
- Frankenstitch or traditional stitching? I am leaning towards JR soles and I thought pairing them with the Frankenstitch would be a nice whimsical touch.

CORDOVAN DRESS BOOTS 80184 OSCAR

ARMAGNAC CORDOVAN DRESS BOOTS...

www.carminashoemaker.com

https://www.carminashoemaker.com/custom-work-boots-80223

Settings I will be wearing them in:
- in the office, in a business casual/ casual setting
- out and about (bars, dinners)
- lots of walking while traveling (Think Tokyo, Seoul, States)

 

[onemoretime]

Hi Gents,

I am in need of some advice. I have been playing around with Carmina's Customizing tool for a pair of work boots.

I settled on:
- Work Boots 80184/80223 (Soller last as I have wide feet)
- Burgundy Cordovan

What I have not settled:
- JR Soles (I want the luxury of leather soles but also durability) or Victoria soles? I live in a humid climate so would like advice on this as well - Are Victoria soles the more practical choice?
- Frankenstitch or traditional stitching? I am leaning towards JR soles and I thought pairing them with the Frankenstitch would be a nice whimsical touch.

CORDOVAN DRESS BOOTS 80184 OSCAR

ARMAGNAC CORDOVAN DRESS BOOTS...

www.carminashoemaker.com

https://www.carminashoemaker.com/custom-work-boots-80223

Settings I will be wearing them in:
- in the office, in a business casual/ casual setting
- out and about (bars, dinners)
- lots of walking while traveling (Think Tokyo, Seoul, States)

I wouldn't get leather soles if part of the use will be extensive 'do it all' walking. I love all my leather soled shoes, but I never choose them when I know I'll be putting in some miles. I just don't find them comfortable for that purpose compared to other options. I'd definitely go with something rubber. Personally, for all around anywhere, anytime use, I'd choose a light lug like their tramuntana (still visually sleek, but adaptable to many uses and weather). The Victoria or any others are great options too. All subjective of course based on looks and your desired comfort. Choose based on your experience with the various options.
Unless I had several pairs of shell cordovan boots, I wouldn't go with Frankenstitch. I'd definitely keep it classic so I could press it into service at any formality needed. Then again, only shoe geeks really notice this stuff, and your expected use leans casual anyway, so if the Frankenstitch sparks joy, go for it. I'm sure you'll be super happy with any combo!

 

[stephenaf2003]

Natural shell ptb’s

 

[jays978]

I wouldn't get leather soles if part of the use will be extensive 'do it all' walking. I love all my leather soled shoes, but I never choose them when I know I'll be putting in some miles. I just don't find them comfortable for that purpose compared to other options. I'd definitely go with something rubber. Personally, for all around anywhere, anytime use, I'd choose a light lug like their tramuntana (still visually sleek, but adaptable to many uses and weather). The Victoria or any others are great options too. All subjective of course based on looks and your desired comfort. Choose based on your experience with the various options.
Unless I had several pairs of shell cordovan boots, I wouldn't go with Frankenstitch. I'd definitely keep it classic so I could press it into service at any formality needed. Then again, only shoe geeks really notice this stuff, and your expected use leans casual anyway, so if the Frankenstitch sparks joy, go for it. I'm sure you'll be super happy with any combo!

That is so true regarding reaching for rubber soled when I know I will be walking. The Frankenstitch advice is full of wisdom as well. I think I know what I need to do! Thank you so much. Cheers.

In everyone's experience, what is the lightest rubber sole offered by Carmina? I am looking at Silver as well as it seems to be their approach to Dainite.

 

[sf_esq]

Isn't the Victoria the lightest rubber sole? It's definitely lighter and less stiff than Dainite.

 

[jays978]

Isn't the Victoria the lightest rubber sole? It's definitely lighter and less stiff than Dainite.

Yes I have definitely heard that Victorias are light (I have only had experience with Dainite)
But conflicting further, I have also heard that in general, both JR and Victoria soles are quite heavy. And if paired with a material like Cordovan (not as breathable as a boxcalf), would not be the most comfortable, so I am trying to weigh all the options.

 

[KarlHungus]

Victoria is not objectively light but is robust and not overly heavy. If you want lightest weight/ least noticeable but offering the benefits of a rubber sole, then tomir is your best bet. Basically a topy on top of a leather sole

 

[sf_esq]

Victoria is not objectively light but is robust and not overly heavy. If you want lightest weight/ least noticeable but offering the benefits of a rubber sole, then tomir is your best bet. Basically a topy on top of a leather sole

Makes sense. Which is most comfortable? I find dainite stiff and the Victoria sole more comfortable. How does the Tomir compare?

 

[KarlHungus]

Makes sense. Which is most comfortable? I find dainite stiff and the Victoria sole more comfortable. How does the Tomir compare?

I find Tomir slightly more comfortable than Victoria, and Victoria more comfortable than dainite / silver. Ymmv

 

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Possibly been mentioned before but Victoria is actually Victory sole. Spelling error on Carmina behalf but if googling will have more success with the correct spelling: used extensively on British stuff like Loakes. It’s a little like Ridgeway in so far as not as chunky as a commando but because of the tread pattern a little softer than Dainite. I had these monks made a year or two back and opted for the Victory and is smart enough and practical.

 

[jays978]

Possibly been mentioned before but Victoria is actually Victory sole. Spelling error on Carmina behalf but if googling will have more success with the correct spelling: used extensively on British stuff like Loakes. It’s a little like Ridgeway in so far as not as chunky as a commando but because of the tread pattern a little softer than Dainite. I had these monks made a year or two back and opted for the Victory and is smart enough and practical.
View attachment 2281677

Thank you for the input. Those are BEAUTIES!!!