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

[jet-stream]

Well, my new Carmina Detroit-last PTB's arrived yesterday. Nothing special, just the stock configuration. I wear 7D/E in Barrie, 6.5 in many UK brands (C&J, AS). I based my order on the different sizing lists there are on the internet. Overall concensus was that the Detroit is a very voluminous last, so size down. It took me a loot of research to deside on the UK size 6. Shoes were packed very and complete immaculate our of the box. The slightly angular look of the Detroit last makes the shoes a very different proposition compared to the Aldens for example. All visible work on the shoes was top notch, and the color of the stock brown calf was beautiful.

The shoes were a snug fit (shoe horn definitely required), but just a tad too small. I felt pressure on my toes, and left pinky was clearly aiming to get out of the shoe.

I decided to send the shoes back for refund (thank god of Paypal return refunds program). Carmina were courteous about shipping back. I feel like reordering in UK6.5, but I'd need a bit of your support here.

I'm still unsure weather I should go for the larger UK6.5 size. It might in the end just be too much.

Can you guys help me? Best fitting shoes for the are US7E/D Barries, also Alfred Sargent 87 and 109 lasts fit perfect in UK6.5. My C&J's are on the 341 last and at UK6.5 they are okay, but a bit on the large side.

FYI - I believe Carmina charges shipping for returns only, not for exchanges. You may want to contact their CS for inputs as well.

 

[Misterg12]

First day on the Polo suedes. Absolutely love this shoe and the soller last.

 

[orahandmade]

Went to SG Carmina today Vivek was very helpful and we enjoyed our shopping experience props to Carmina's SG.

 

[AunToni]

Shoe laces? Come on man, use velcro.

Do you go over or under? Makes a massive difference.

See this video for visualization:

 

[jet-stream]

Went to SG Carmina today Vivek was very helpful and we enjoyed our shopping experience props to Carmina's SG. View attachment 833868 View attachment 833869

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+1 for Vivek.
Also, +10 for including the missus. It's a smart move. My wife has the exact shoes you pictured.

 

[chrfi]

I went through a similar issue with the Detroit PTB fit. In the end I took the same size as the Alden Barrie in E (10.5) any smaller and the width pinched my little toe. If the 6 is a little tight I would have thought 6.5 would do the job without being overly long. They are lovely shoes but a much more refined PTB than the Alden, Detroit is also quite a big last but nowhere near the Barrie in terms of volume.

Thank you for your comments! I've now returned the shoes and as it's not really a season for those anymore, I think I wait until I get an opportunity to visit one of their stockists during the winter and really try different sizes.

 

[insy]

First day on the Polo suedes. Absolutely love this shoe and the soller last.
View attachment 833864

It's the model from the outlet section, right? Are you sure it's on the Soller last? The last looks very sharp, I thought Soller is similar to Detroit, very much a round last?!

 

[NycLondon]

Has the Carmina showroom in New York City opened yet? It would be fun to know, and, if not, then will there be a little opening party?

 

[Misterg12]

It's the model from the outlet section, right? Are you sure it's on the Soller last? The last looks very sharp, I thought Soller is similar to Detroit, very much a round last?!

It is the model from the outlet and it is on the soller last. Pretty wide in the mid section, narrow at the heel but pointy on the front maybe do to tie fact it had the Norwegian stitch I love the fit.

 

[naspratt]

First day on the Polo suedes. Absolutely love this shoe and the soller last.
View attachment 833864

Those look sharp! Are they unlined?

 

[orahandmade]

+1 for Vivek.
Also, +10 for including the missus. It's a smart move. My wife has the exact shoes you pictured.

Nice ! Vivek was very helpful and convinced her that this color is very versatile and wearable. Cheers!

 

[Misterg12]

Those look sharp! Are they unlined?

They are fully lined. Just spent 9.5 hours on them and my feet feel incredible. I wear a 10.5 U.K. In Detroit and these are 11 U.K. and are spot on in fit.

 

[Misterg12]

Carmina 532 Detroit calf vs Carmina Polo suede Soller last. Very different.

 

[Butterfeet]

Soller looks like a rounder version of Simpson then? Long and narrow. I have almost the same pair you have, also in Polo suede, but in Simpson with 6 eyelets and dainite soles. I love it.

 

[Carmina]

FYI - I believe Carmina charges shipping for returns only, not for exchanges. You may want to contact their CS for inputs as well.

You can find our shipping and return policy in the following links: https://www.carminashoemaker.com/shipping-return https://www.carminashoemaker.us/shipping-return If any of you have further questions, provide us with your details and we would love to provide you with more information.