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

[Churchill W]



Trying these new puppies out at home. Is this much gap considered okay and normal for RTW shoes? They feel comfortable. How much will they give over time to perhaps reduce the lacing gap?

I'd rather have some gap after they have been broken in than for them to be fully closed.

 

[Gabru]

@clarksdb,

yeah that gap is too much even for new shoes. I bet as they break in, the gap will close in to some extent but that won't be enough. Here is a pic of my well broken in pair ( non carmina) but to me this is a nice gap without getting completely closed.

 

[peppercorn78]

^^^ Strands looking boss...

 

[jamie411]

In my experience, once broken in they were only about 1/4" closer than they started. For me that makes the gap less than 1/2" and I'm fine with that.

@clarksdb. Those look too narrow or you have too high an instep. You either need a wider last or a wide size.

 

[clarksdb]

Thanks gents. I guess they will be going back. The store only does exchanges and they dont have a black cap toe in Rain.

So I will try on the C&J Belgrave which they have in black.

 

[The False Prophet]

I am cursed with an absurdly high instep, and I find the Simpson last pretty okay.

I seem to recall reading that it's actually very similar to the Rain, but more tapered in the toe. By my estimate, they are a little narrower in the heel too.

Assuming you get the right size/width, I think that the tapered toe is actually better for a high instep, as it means less excess leather over the forefoot which will crease up badly.

Before you return those beauties, try doing the laces with a 'bar' lacing method (Google it). That will make a surprisingly big difference.

 

[tv2177]

Can anyone share how they break-in if they have a high instep? I find it really difficult to break in my forest last cap toe I got from Skoaktiebolaget.

 

[clarksdb]



I am cursed with an absurdly high instep, and I find the Simpson last pretty okay.

I seem to recall reading that it's actually very similar to the Rain, but more tapered in the toe. By my estimate, they are a little narrower in the heel too.

Assuming you get the right size/width, I think that the tapered toe is actually better for a high instep, as it means less excess leather over the forefoot which will crease up badly.

Before you return those beauties, try doing the laces with a 'bar' lacing method (Google it). That will make a surprisingly big difference.

Thanks, i will try that. Though I thought they are already bar laced?

For reference though this is how the Rain last fits after only a couple wears on me. Definitely can tell the last works better than Simpson for me, unfortunately. That too the Rain is a half size smaller.

 

[The False Prophet]

Something like this is what you want...

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm

 

[laufer]



I am cursed with an absurdly high instep, .

Enzo Bonafe is your friend.

 

[alexSF]

Someone could explain me why Carmina secondary market is full of shoes near or above € retail price?
Is carmina market/request so strong?

I'm searchig a string loafer since a long time but never found a decent price (already covered with various C&J suede loafers so I would not invest much money)

Thanks

 

[Gabru]



^^^ Strands looking boss...

Thanks Pepper

 

[clarksdb]

Yay or nay for these? I'm just under 30, can I wear these to weddings as a guest (evening, non-black tie) and interviews?

https://www.skoaktiebolaget.se/collections/carmina/products/carmina-balmoral-oxford

 

[The False Prophet]

Depends on what you're interviewing for. Wouldn't wear for any kind of professional job interview, but if you're in something creative, sure.

 

[Southeasterly]

I'd proudly wear those to a wedding or an interview. You don't want to work in an organization that is so conformist as to disqualify a candidate for wearing shoes that are too badass.