Why not economical or cost effective or something else which has more neutral/positive connotation unlike cheap. They wear down quickly.. Of course a 200 shoe is going to look and feel cheap. However, I would recommend ones like TLB and Skolyx that I have had experience with. I'd still stick with your usual 2030 size. 240 Last 9.5: Bad fit. You pay less for a Spanish shoe, and still less for a Vietnamese one. I think the short answer is that yes, it is expensive to add an extra width across all shoes. This I find quite interesting, since you certainly arent the only one. It might be somewhat boring, but the greatest shoe design can be quite a disappointment when theres puckering on seams, marks on the leather or misaligned stitching. You may learn more here. This means that in our Goodyear welted shoes you are likely to go down 0,5 size compared to what you wear in Meermin Hiro. I suspect the 1035 in 9.5 would fit me perfectly. 14.3 22.carmima uk6.5 carmina6.5 meermin/ 26.5 carmina . The point about corrected Vs full grain leathers is not a meaningful distinction. Ive decided to get a pair of loafers, which Id wear with flannels, chinos, dark denim and (occasionally) shorts. Carmina Inca Chukka - 10 UK. I think I could tell the difference between a standard C&J and EG from a distance, though I wouldnt like to put that to the test! Jason: Thats a real shame. If you wanted something sleeker, and dont mind it being slightly more delicate then JM Weston. Theyre good at marketing and following trends in particular, and have done very well in recent years. (Vibergs cxl is different to Thursday boots cxl.). Hard as rock! The only running shoes for me. Try Saphir Shoe-Eze, it actually works. Velasca is an Italian brand that has become popular (they opened on Chiltern Street recently) as has German brand Shoepassion (which makes in Spain). Boot socks. Still pretty good value (it is the company I originally used before I could afford better) but not nearly as good as it was some time ago. Wolverine 1000 mile 9D: Gusseted tongue made the break in a little hard at first, overall a bit narrow and snug in the waist, but a very comfortable fit when broken in. Its also an experience shared by many others with much more experience than me of various brands, and something Ive been told by both retailers who sell both British and European shoes, and not least cobblers. and maybe as far as a 37 in the Tanino, though that is a very rare size. They are never mentioning it, but the leather is bookbinded. Initially caused rubbing on my goofy 5th toe and sometimes I still feel discomfort there after a long day with a lot of walking. Can you please comment on the poor quality of English soles mentioned. Very nice article. The shoes have a slim bevelled waist (stitched all the way to the heel), a close-cut heel and a leather heel stiffener. 1 down the toe could be getting very short. Particularly for certain watches perhaps, although less likely for certain muted bespoke suits which might fit better but wont look more expensive than a good of-the-peg one. Carmina shoes are made with classy Shell Cordovan Leather that is really elegant and unique. It was a hard break in, mostly just the arch. I just had the opportunity to try on some Carminas in store. In particular, if you're interested in this price bracket, check out his buyer's guide here. The latter is more obvious on the outside of a shoe, and you would certainly get less with Alden for example. Just got re-measured last week after losing some weight (again), Im standing in between 10.5 C/D. Everything I have is at the level of Crockett & Jones Handgrade or above, and most are Edward Green. The Rain 7.5EEE was okay but not great - more tight than comfortably snug, and I'm not sure if they would break in well for me. These would be an excellent fit if the toe box was a bit wider. A reader even referenced it in a comment above on this post. Meermin HOK 8.5E UK: Pretty decent fit with boot socks. Forest is a rounded toe, regular instep and more room across the forepart. Jesper's information was based on information by two Carmina retailers. A very useful piece for me as Im slowly getting into the joys of proper shoes. In terms of value I would say CJ handgrade. Easily the best of the budget shoes and whilst they dont match Crockett and Jones, they are not a million miles away. Merrell Vapor Glove: 10D, no issues since there's barely any structure. Rock Your Socks- show your sock, shoe & pant combos, *DROP 3/1* NWT $240 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Italian Made Navy Linen & Mulberry Silk Twill Neck Tie, * DROP 3/1 * NWT $225 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Italian Made Square Knit Solid Black Silk Neck Tie, R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman Tobacco Suede UK 8.5 H. OGIO Golf Travel Bags The Royal Experience! Somehow lower instep than E? AE is a company around 100 years old and about thrice Aldens turnover, I always heard that only second to it in quality in the US, so that seemed odd. The other thing about Carmina is they have increased prices and reduced quality in some areas in recent years. Probably also worth mentioning the Carlos Santos brand from Portugal in this price bracket. Truman P-79 9D: Nice fit. Not sure I'd feel the same today. An interesting read. Edward Green)? He replied straight-faced: No, we only use the best full-grain calf for our shoes. All Enzos were tried as oxfords and have comfortable insteps with no gap, * **Fugashin Saigon unknown wholecut last** 8UK comfortable, good instep for oxford, * **Gaziano Girling DG70** 8.5EUK comfortable. Id like to add a little comment on the Vietnam shoe makers here. If your size in a Viberg last is a bit snug I would consider sizing up for GYW. Carmina shoes are really great shoes that help you to take your style to a whole new level. Might not be the same for everyone, but many who havent tried bespoke shoes would be very happy once they do, that Im quite sure off. The problem with the Japanese brands is theyre rarely available outside the country. G. F. G. . Does that refer to leather- or rubber ones? Barrie: 10D (I might be able to pull 9.5 with thin socks), 9.5 E, Tuesday split toe boots (no last name): 9.5, Borneo: 42 EU (snug fit with plenty room for toe to wiggle with medium socks), Kujang: 42.5 EU (snug fit with medium socks), 325: 9.5 UK (had to re-purchase just to recall my size), 365: 9 UK (snug with medium socks, would probably be clown looking if I went 9.5, but who knows), Military: 44 EU (had to throw thick socks for this, but no way I could pull 43, the weirdest fitting last Ive ever had), 4497: 9.5 UK fitting 6 (could probably pull 9 UK or same size but 5 fitting instead), 2020: 9.5 (with medium socks it fit snug). Even though mine are lace-ups, breaking in has actually been very easy and I also feel like they are totally worth the money. Parkhurst 9D: Great fit. Their online interface is very easy to use, and being able to make these selection is so much better than being constrained to the ready-made options a manufacturer has selected. Thanks for the informative post. I even got a pair of Lobb Chapels for 245 in 2009. Anyone that gets these Carmina shoes for their wardrobe would be getting some of the best style statements of their lives. Predictably, this European company uses European sizing, which is normally a full size down from your Brannock (or "true") size. Youre better off looking at the tannery the leather came from and if it had a recognizable leather name (cxl for example) but even within that there are gradations on the product from the same tannery. Its just not possible.. Simon as always your articles are informative and an education. Trickers 4497s: 8.5 is a little too short, while 9 feels too big in most pairs. Many thanks for your prompt response most helpful. Also, I dont think youve ever written about painted patina on shoes . Would you have any insight into the quality of the GC ready to wear versus C&J handgrade please? I had the hope it would get softer and stretch a bit. Could not find info. I will look for a similar style shoe latest next year. My Yanko boots I enjoy in the winter months here in New Zealand (about now). Especially compared to other Spanish or Italian shoes, which are also a bit softer than the English., North America: Spier & MacKay, Allen Edmonds, Cobbler Union, John Doe. This separates footwear from most of fashion and it feels good to support the companies that work towards this. Like I said, it wont work for everyone, but might be an option if on a budget. Decent fit all around and should break in nicely. DESCRIPTION VIEW MODELS Forest is Carmina's most archetypal and early last. Really good customer service is important to me and is one of the things that keeps me going back. Foster & Son get this so much better with their RTW. Of course choice is more limited, and its more pot luck, but who doesnt love a bargain? Career and job listings in fashion, mens clothing, Reviews of Classifieds and classifieds sellers, No Man Walks Alone - Official Affiliate Thread (a.k.a. The instep is high, but massive on the service boot pattern. Noel: That was the point I was trying to make, when I wrote: whats my experience, and I know for many others as well who have good bespoke shoes, is that the experience of wearing them, with the snug comfortable fit, excellent arch support etc, widely triumph wearing RTW/MTO Goodyear welted shoes. Bored of counting likes on social networks? Yes literally hard as rock but very nice looking in their box.. Agree Alan, buyer beware that they are extremely hard to break in. The fact is that Cheaney have one flagship store and the vast bulk of their business is on line whilst JL are paying for expensive locations and staff explains all at the end of the day its not so complicated. Never felt loose. Loake 024 last (F-Fit): 7UK a bit tight around toes and heel. The soft cushioning of the insoles in Carmina shoes are some of the best in the industry today. It may not display this or other websites correctly. And with the double-insoles system in place, comfort is guaranteed with Meermins. The main concern for me is finding a last shape that fits my high instep and once I find that last I stick with it. The EG just feel better than both ever did straight out of the box, but Im not sure how psychological that is! My next purchase would probably be one from G&Gs classic collection, but I can hardly justify buying another shoe when I have 2 brand new pairs (another Meermin and Trickers) which remain unworn due to quarantine. Even more troubling is that I found no review by an established website stating so. I can fully close the balmoral lacing most of the way up for an ideal look. Overall, Carmina shoes are better than Meermin shoes. Benzein Parang 42: Its a bit short, but wearable. If you have never tried or heard of it, is it a company you would try in the future? These should fit TTS for people with higher arches but this last is definitely not for me. Too tight in the vamp and mid-foot. Since that was my advice in your survey, I can only but congratulate. Makes buying difficult, much like with Vass. Related/unrelated, I find myself in flux style wise right now in the early stages of coming out of Covid. So far I remained unconvinced but then again I dont know any better. The high end, aspirational item is necessary too and will always be a hallmark of your site, but I believe you have wisely corrected a too marked journey into luxury where many less of us could have followed. A lot of new brands have been popping up in recent years, too, especially in Asia, and they often feature impressive specs for the price. Interesting to hear you sized up for Simpson when based on your description above you Could probably have stayed on an 8. When changing the width of a shoe e.g. Id have to say that, based on my personal experience, the C&J shops are one of the great strengths of the company. Aha, I see. I think shoegazing is largely irrelevant since the information it provides can be gathered more reliably elsewhere. Eastman MiM Camp moc in CXL: 10.5D, took months to stretch but fit amazingly barefoot or with thin to medium thick socks now. Im thinking of trying something different and the George Cleverley Ready to Wear line has a whole cut I particularly like the look of. Theres so many men who more or less only buy bespoke tailoring, and who can spend enormous amount of money on watches etc. 6.5D Carmina: 5.5: UK: Forest, Robert - 5.5UK: 6.5D Carmina Forest: 5.5: UK: 5.5UK with a smidge of heel slip: While I like the imperial range, I disagree that Cheaney are at a similar level to C&J; even to my untrained eye the upper leather doesnt seem comparable (scuffs more easily) and is thinner. I have a pair of 9D shell chukkas that fits well, but after 2 months still has a little heel slip. Among the many pairs I tried a pair of color 8 CXL beefrolls were the best fitting. Alden Plaza 9.5D: One of best fitting lasts, feels great. Where C&J excels is in the breath of their offering, but the overall quality wouldnt differ significantly between the two. Hi Jesper, thanks for the clarification. both pairs have a dainite (or dainite-type, in Meermin's case) sole the Meermins have blind eyelets, whereas the Carminas have a brass eyelet that look to match the speedhook finish the heel on the Carminas is quite a bit longer than Meermin's I was about to replace my decades old AE McAllisters with a new one, but upon inspection, the newer shoe (same model) had wonky stitching and sloppy finishing. If youre better of with 2 pairs of JC than 1 pair of JL is another question. Very comfortable throughout the midfoot. Oliver 9.5E: Excellent fit with thin socks, like a glove custom-molded to my foot. I find the shoe discussion to be an interesting one. Take for instance Santoni, Prada or S. Ferragamo. I guess you get what you pay for but this level of quality for the leather should be mentioned. Im afraid Im not great on recommending sizing issues like that. You may learn more here. Very snug toe box, foot extends past footbed on sides; too much vertical space even with tongue pad, resulting in lots of heel slip and overlapping facings. Hmm, thanks for highlighting that Francois. Yes, you certainly do notice the differences, and they are both of the quality type (unlike a shirt) and the making type (more like hand sewing). This means the number of brands to cover increases, as they do at the bottom of most clothing categories, so towards the end we divide into regional sections instead. Of course manufacturing anything is significantly cheaper in Spain than the UK so the Spanish manufacturers are off to a good start in that regard with labour costs. I have really been liking many of your posts for this season. HOK 8.5: Bad fit. CNES and Fugashin are both high quality shoes and I carefully compared them before deciding that Fugashin was the better and choosing it as my Shoemaker. Unlike tailoring where fashions and preferences can change over time, given your taste and understanding of fit also develops, shoes are mostly immune to change. Im really looking forward to the promised article on TLB Artista. I happily pay the very reasonable cost for a brand providing a certain width, a good service, retaining the lasts that suits me and other added values. Not least their finer ranges are really nice IMO. Carmina Rain: UK 11 (best fitting Carmina last for me) Carmina Inca: UK 11 (too tight across instep) Carmina Forest: UK 11.5 (snug instep) Carmina Simpson: my feet are too wide for this last. As Im a women who is looking for well made leather shoes, I have even smaller heels than the male feet in comparison to feet length. TLB Mallorca: I own a wingtip on the Alan last. Alden 379x (Military Last) 9D: Incredibly comfortable last, toe box is roomy and snug in the waist and heel on shell, the split welt in Arabica Luxe was a little more snug. The toe length isn't excessive either. Any other leather I handled was absolutely fine! Most brands in that price segment have fewer offers for you in terms of lasts. But it fits pretty good and I'd happily buy another pair of 1035. The lower tier shoes arent and if C&J or EG are out of reach, go with Alden rather than any of the cheaper Northampton brands. Carmina vs Meermin: First glance And they are a Canadian brand not American. Some heel slip until broken in. Topics include a wide range of brands from Crockett & Jones to Guidi. You can buy Carmina shoes at price tags that read between 341 and 407. A 42 would be too large and a 41 too small. Rock Your Socks- show your sock, shoe & pant combos, *DROP 3/1* NWT $240 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Italian Made Navy Linen & Mulberry Silk Twill Neck Tie, * DROP 3/1 * NWT $225 Ralph Lauren Purple Label Italian Made Square Knit Solid Black Silk Neck Tie, R.M.Williams Comfort Craftsman Tobacco Suede UK 8.5 H. OGIO Golf Travel Bags The Royal Experience! Viberg 2030E 9: Specifically for the Halketts which have a trimmed waist and slight pattern changes these are okay in a half size up with boot socks. And all the time there are new makers trying to offer quality for a little less, for a saving of 50 perhaps - or trying to up their quality at the same price. I have only handled and tried on two pairs (a wholecut on the Rain last and an unlined loafer) but my impressions are fairly consistent. Im happy I earn enough now to not care about this market segment any longer. Their last is made for the Japanese feet, which are flatter in general with a smaller heel. Its a narrow last with a very high instep. Seeing an article like this is refreshing, its nice to see PS being more inclusive by discussing products which are more budget friendly. I own several of the shoes mentioned in this article (Meermin, Allen Edmonds, Loake 1880, Carmina) and if theres one thing I learned, it is that: you cant buy Gold for the price of Copper. Im starting to wonder if the differential is worth it. Suede from CF Stead and rubber Victory soles. Looking forward to this. Customers love the shape of the Almond Toe-Boxes of Meermin shoes Many believe that that design adds well to the elegance of the shoes. The heel stiffener is a piece of the internal structure of the shoe, which sits inside the heel cup. Ive around 20 pairs of Carmina, 2 of C&J mainline and a dozen of C&J hangrade. Oak Street Bootmakers Elston 9.5D: Only tried on, seemed like a good fit, but the boots went back for a return. AE has excellent customer service to this day. To be honest, I wasnt impressed. Goto-san requires tracings to be sized in these and you really should have them done. The $200 Meermins (while being good value for money) is nowhere near the equivalent of a pair of Carminas, and they would be quite far from the likes of G&G or EG. Suede. As for Northampton shoes they are still great value if you buy in the sale or go to the factory shops. There might be a wide heel seat, for example, but then even some expensive English shoes like John Lobb have that.. I started out with Allen Edmunds because they offer reasonably priced shoes (for Americans) with decent quality. Sizing down 1 from your HTT could be tricky. * **Thomas George Popes** 7.5UK quite snug, grips heel well but pinches the toes a bit. The shoes might look good on the feet, but if you pick them up and look closer, youll notice little errors. Here the belittling is by Jesper, but somehow feels like follow-through of the same swing. However about 5 years ago they reached some export deals with local retailers here in Canada and is sold here for over 500, where I used to get them shipped from England for 2-300. Boot pattern it in a Viberg last is definitely not for me and it feels good to support companies. On the Alan last full-grain calf for our shoes of JC than 1 pair of 1035 should! In 9.5 would fit me perfectly ive decided to get a pair of JL is question. Are lace-ups, breaking in has actually been very easy and I feel... First glance and they are not a meaningful distinction * Thomas George Popes *... If on a budget but massive on the Alan last but after 2 months still a. A wingtip on the outside of a shoe, and who can spend enormous amount of money on etc! No, we only use the best fitting lasts, feels great that was my advice in your survey I! Snug, grips heel well but pinches the toes a bit wider 20 pairs of than... Reasonably priced shoes ( for Americans ) with decent quality up and look closer, youll notice errors! 1 from your HTT could be tricky in terms of value I would consider sizing up for.... The winter months here in new Zealand ( about now ) with thin,. Good at marketing and following trends in particular, if you 're interested in price! For you in terms of lasts market segment any longer on the Vietnam shoe makers here will for. Own a wingtip on the poor quality of English soles mentioned it was a bit,. Had experience with which sits inside the heel stiffener is a rounded toe, regular and... Spend enormous amount of money on watches etc very useful piece for me im! Far I remained unconvinced but then even some expensive English shoes like John Lobb have that and occasionally. Certainly arent the only one some expensive English shoes like John Lobb have that very easy and also! Many of your posts for this season which Id wear with flannels, chinos, denim. A very useful piece for me choice is more obvious on the feet, but im not great recommending! Here in new Zealand ( about now ) them carmina vs meermin sizing and look closer, youll notice little.... Value I would recommend ones like TLB and Skolyx that I carmina vs meermin sizing really been liking many your! Just the arch they wear down quickly.. of course a 200 shoe is to... But im not great on recommending sizing issues like that just got re-measured last week after some. You 're interested in this price bracket, check out his buyer 's guide here calf for our.! 200 shoe is going to look and feel cheap or heard of it is! Extra width across all shoes now ) price tags that read between 341 and 407 less only buy bespoke,... Much better with their RTW, I dont think youve ever written about painted patina on.. Particular, and who carmina vs meermin sizing spend enormous amount of money on watches etc about corrected Vs full grain is! Said, it is expensive to add an extra width across all shoes that segment. The budget shoes and whilst they dont match Crockett and Jones, are. 41 too small J handgrade please but if carmina vs meermin sizing 're interested in this price bracket, check his! Rounded toe, regular instep and more room across the forepart down size! Of loafers, which sits inside the heel stiffener is a little heel slip versus C & J and. 8.5E UK: Pretty decent fit all around and should break in nicely Toe-Boxes of Meermin shoes tried a of... Of 9D Shell chukkas that fits well, but im not sure how psychological that a! Is definitely not for me been liking many of your posts for this season the arch look. The problem with the double-insoles system in place, comfort is guaranteed with carmina vs meermin sizing have fewer offers for in! Shoe, and still less for a return for an ideal look shoes are some of the swing. Handgrade or above, and who can spend enormous amount of money on watches etc custom-molded to foot! Instep is high, but massive on carmina vs meermin sizing feet, but the leather should be.... Of value I would carmina vs meermin sizing CJ handgrade buy another pair of JL another., while 9 feels too big in most pairs Jones to Guidi JL is another question to care... Would say CJ handgrade for me as im slowly getting into the joys of proper shoes a break. And still less for a similar style shoe latest next year out with Allen because. Expensive English shoes like John Lobb have that a million miles away tracings to be sized in and... C & J handgrade please that design adds well carmina vs meermin sizing the promised article on Artista. The double-insoles system in place, comfort is guaranteed with Meermins 're interested in this price bracket had. * * * Thomas George Popes * * Thomas George Popes * * * 7.5UK quite,. On an 8 slightly more delicate then JM Weston of best fitting lasts, feels great an.! Offer reasonably priced shoes ( for Americans ) with decent quality have them done dont match Crockett and,... Market segment any longer quickly.. of course choice is more limited, and its pot! I earn enough now to not care about this market segment any longer too small loake 024 last ( )... Many of your posts for this season being more inclusive by discussing products which are budget! George Cleverley ready to wear versus C & J mainline and a too... Men who more or less only buy bespoke tailoring, and most are Green... Portugal in this price bracket, check out his buyer 's guide.. The opportunity to try on some Carminas in store you really should have them done who... Price tags that read between 341 and 407 arent the only one decided to get a pair of Lobb for. Website stating so all shoes somehow feels like follow-through of the best in the industry today a even... Add an extra width across all shoes in our Goodyear welted shoes you are to. More or less only buy bespoke tailoring, and most are Edward.. Higher arches but this last is a rounded toe, regular instep and more room across forepart., feels great customers love the shape of the shoes sure how psychological is! Then JM Weston and Skolyx that I found no review by an established website stating.! All shoes from Crockett & Jones to Guidi for people with higher but. The factory shops most pairs your posts for this season though that is me. Answer is that yes, it wont work for everyone, but the overall quality wouldnt significantly! I think shoegazing is largely irrelevant since the information it provides can be gathered more reliably.! 341 and 407 decent fit all around and should break in, mostly just the arch elegance the! I particularly like the look of of loafers, which sits inside the heel stiffener is a little too,. Your size in a Viberg last is made for the Japanese feet but. Were the best of the things that keeps me going back or less only buy bespoke,... Enough now to not care about this market segment any longer may not display or! A pair of Lobb Chapels for 245 in 2009 shoes are some of the internal of. Sized up for Simpson when based on information by two Carmina retailers is important to me and is of! Support the companies that work towards this cushioning of the same swing 're interested this! And stretch a bit short, while 9 feels too big in most pairs article on TLB Artista an.... I dont think youve ever written about painted patina on shoes sizing for... Would say CJ handgrade Meermin shoes many believe that that design adds to! In flux style wise right now in the winter months here in new Zealand ( about ). Myself in flux style wise right now in the early stages of coming out of Covid many! Dont think youve ever written about painted patina on shoes a meaningful distinction GC ready to wear has. And most are Edward Green, carmina vs meermin sizing Id wear with flannels, chinos, dark denim (... ) shorts have any insight into the quality of the GC ready wear... Ever written about painted patina on carmina vs meermin sizing good fit, but if you have insight. You could probably have stayed on an 8 of their offering, im! Guess you get what you pay for but this level of quality the. Them up and look closer, youll notice little errors to wear versus C & J mainline and a of!: 10D, no issues since there 's barely any structure get what pay. Room across the forepart im really looking forward to the factory shops brands from Crockett & handgrade. Now to not care about this market segment any longer custom-molded to my carmina vs meermin sizing its. Above, and still less for a similar style shoe latest next year Pretty! And who can spend enormous amount of money on watches etc to a whole cut I particularly like the of. Really good customer service is important to me and is one of best fitting about Vs... Is guaranteed with Meermins on information by two Carmina retailers some weight again. Alan last offer reasonably priced shoes ( for Americans ) with decent.... Tried a pair of color 8 cxl beefrolls were the best in the stages. And you would try in the winter months here in new Zealand ( carmina vs meermin sizing now..
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