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

[toblov]

Rain last is okay. But usually when do we pay for this?
maybe I cant afford more in this period

Great. 50% when the order is placed, the rest at delivery.

 

[othertravel]



The Simpson last does not come in different widths. The only Carmina lasts that are available in different widths are the Detroit, Rain and Forest lasts.

Hey Leeves,

Is Simpson really a narrow last, or is it a low-instep last? My feet are average width but have a low instep, and Simpson fits me fine.

Also, which other Carmina last are good for a low instep?

 

[MGD83]

Simpson really isn't that narrow in width - I think it's probably an American D. The reason that Simpson can be perceived as a narrow last is I think I best suits a very low instep. I have a pair of Simpson monks in suede that fit me fine, and I had a pair of oxfords that I had to sell because I just couldn't lace them up without suffocating the top of my foot. I don't find the Simpson last to be tight at all in the toe box or the forefoot area (ball of foot). That's only my opinion of course, I'm sure others will weigh in.

As for the rain last, I find it to be more accommodating to a wider foot, but I don't find it to be exceptionally wider then Simpson. Honestly, I wouldn't even classify it as a typical US E width in, for example, the Allen Edmonds park avenue. For me, rain has less room/height in the toe box but more instep room. Also the heel cup is a bit higher too, which is a feature I like. I'd say this last is probably a US D boarder line E.

The forest last is kind of a merging of the other 2 lasts. You have a shorter last with a higher toe box, and slightly more instep room then the Simpson and a higher heel cup. It's probably the closest to a true US D width.

I find the forest last to be very comfortable for myself, and I think I has the best arch support when comparing it to Simpson and rain. Of course Simpson and rain are the better looking lasts because of the sleeker profile.

 

[RogerP]

Quote:
There's no way to accurately quantify this, but I find Simpson narrower than an American D. I can and do wear a number of AE shoes in a 10D. I can't get my foot into Simpson last shoe unless it is more than a full size too big. A UK 9 Simpson is hopeless for me. I'd put lasts like Robert and Forest as a "D", Rain as a "D/E" and Simpson as a "C/D" in terms of nitional US width for a given size.

 

[Burton]



Quote:
There's no way to accurately quantify this, but I find Simpson narrower than an American D. I can and do wear a number of AE shoes in a 10D. I can't get my foot into Simpson last shoe unless it is more than a full size too big. A UK 9 Simpson is hopeless for me. I'd put lasts like Robert and Forest as a "D", Rain as a "D/E" and Simpson as a "C/D" in terms of nitional US width for a given size.

This is exactly my experience as well. I find the Simpson to be very narrow.

 

[beez]

Speaking of Simpson (and I know there is a carmina sizing thread), does everyone go TTS with Simpson?

I do.

 

[halfnhalfnhalf]

Quote: This is exactly my experience as well. I find the Simpson to be very narrow.

I have a high instep, and Brannock-wise I've been measured at 10.5 D on the right and 9.5 E on the left. 9 UK Rain and 9.5 UK Simpson both fit me very comfortably. For comparison's sake:

AE 1 and 5 - 9.5 E
Alden Trubalance - 9.5 D
Alden Grant - 10 D
Alden Aberdeen - 10 E

 

[V1KTA222]

Thanks Leaves and everyone else for the replies. Now I know not to go back to that boutique!

 

[bkotsko]

There is an inherent beauty about the Jodhpur.
While the Forest last isn't the sleekest, these boots are beautiful.
Carmina x @Epaulet

 

[WiredandTired]

Steve at GF has done rain lasted jodhpurs. They turned out pretty great, much sleeker and refined.

 

[bkotsko]

Steve at GF has done rain lasted jodhpurs. They turned out pretty great, much sleeker and refined.

Yeah, the Forest just fits me best. Epaulet has Rain as well.
Steve and Skoak have both done them.

 

[budapest12]

There is an inherent beauty about the Jodhpur.
While the Forest last isn't the sleekest, these boots are beautiful.
Carmina x @Epaulet

 

[ayush12345]

Hi where can I check for a carmina GMTO ?
anybody interested in a pair of oxfords or loafers in burgundy cordovan on simpson ?
Its not offered on RTW as of now..

 

[Skoaktiebolaget]

Hey Leeves,

Is Simpson really a narrow last, or is it a low-instep last? My feet are average width but have a low instep, and Simpson fits me fine.

Also, which other Carmina last are good for a low instep?

It's not technically a narrow last. We refer to it as "snug fitting" as it accommodates for a low instep and narrow feet but it is not a narrow fitting last per se.

Other Carmina last that are notably snug around the instep are Robert and the loafer adapted Uetam last.

 

[Gianni Cerutti]

There is an inherent beauty about the Jodhpur.
While the Forest last isn't the sleekest, these boots are beautiful.
Carmina x @Epaulet

I love this color...beautiful boots