Thanks Robin. Since that was my advice in your survey, I can only but congratulate. Theyre the only pair from this collection that I got out of the box and went wow. To me, the leather feels similar to Carmina, though possibly even stiffer and more inflexible. Brannock Size: 10D/E with flat feet and extra wide around instep. Meermin US UK Narrow. Not sure I'd feel the same today. Maybe even a philosophical one. No more Stows for me. The difference between, for example, C&J and EG is the same as the difference between them and the cheaper shoes. Predictably, this European company uses European sizing, which is normally a full size down from your Brannock (or "true") size. Viberg 1035 8.5: Its a great looking last, heel is massive. Check the Noble Shoe eshop for several decent ones. The fit/finish/materials of my $600 Alden boots is markedly different from my $350 Allen Edmonds Dalton boots. I think either would be fine. Sadly brands like Edward Green, Lobb and Cleverly are now so beyond my price point that I wonder if theyre now in the realm of diminishing returns? very snug in the toes. Im a student in Sweden and I have worn a couple of the brands mentioned in the article (and in the comment section) during the last couple of years. The double monks a little harder but getting there. Theyre a solid make with a little paid for the brand, and decent value in the States - though not elsewhere, where duties make them much more expensive. Perhaps if I lived in Spain I would got to a Carmina store to gauge their quality and service. Eastman MiM Camp moc in CXL: 10.5D, took months to stretch but fit amazingly barefoot or with thin to medium thick socks now. Barefoot, thick socks, whatever. men's size 6D with my thickest socks; my dream would be a size 5.5 in this last: 6D Meermin Hiro Derby: 4.5: UK: . There are many places out there that have discussions about shoe sizing across brands and lasts, but I wanted to get a thread started here as well. I have given up after several wears as the blisters arent worth it. Im always trying to promote Goodyear-welted shoes, but its not easy when someone has just tried Meermin, and thinks all proper shoes are that hard. Well Id imagine the aim is to make more money, given that some will know the Cleverley name and want to buy into it. Leather board can, and top-end shoes use pure leather, which adapts even more. You have to excuse Carminas for being more expensive than Meermins; but when you look at it critically, the difference in cost price is justifiable when you see that Carmina shoes offer more value than the Meermins. Great article I wonder what you think of the dilemma I currently find myself in?.. Other than more subjective things like style, it's fair to say this is the most consistent difference between English and Spanish shoes. Any sock works but medium thickness (Darn Tough light cushion) is ideal. And you could choose a more rounded last, if that was your preference. Skolyx is easily the best budget tier brand I have come across. Trickers are by no means accessible by price point (especially in the US) but get a pair from the outlet and you still have a pair of tanks that will last you for at least a decade. Carmina shoes have soles that are durable and very comfortable in their design, due to the Goodyear Welt construction used to hold them in place. On the otherhand Viberg Halketts and 145s fit a bit smaller in the same last. Were the shoes more structured I would go with 9.5D. I have found Robert (admittedly in sales, not specifically costumer service) to be accommodating in every respect; answering scores of questions over a months long decision making process. TLB also has a new line called Artista*, which is a higher level of quality than any in this article. Anyone that gets these Carmina shoes for their wardrobe would be getting some of the best style statements of their lives. 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. Allen Edmonds is perhaps most similar to Loake or Barker. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Goto-san requires tracings to be sized in these and you really should have them done. Velasca uses a Blake/Rapid construction, so not Goodyear welted - but remember Blake/Rapid is more similar to Goodyear than it is to normal Blake. Similar articles on suits, jackets, shirts etc are desperately needed. Is higher volume though. This is interesting my experience is the complete opposite. It was snug, but not tight, and I could tell that they would fit perfectly once the sole settles. The problem with the Japanese brands is theyre rarely available outside the country. I am a little biased here because I have had these for longer than any other pair on this list, so they are more broken in, and the last happens to fit my foot better than any but the C&J 348 too. As been mentioned by Simon, dont see it as a complete list of brands, its just a selection of ones to highlight, theres plenty of good brands not mentioned (and plenty of less good ones as well). Crocketts and Carmina are in there largely for context, as mentioned. Still a well-made shoe, but too much spent on marketing and retail. And they are a Canadian brand not American. 2. Lovely article! There's a tiny bit more room at the ball too now. Meermin shoes are also very comfortable due to the relaxed feel of their Double Insoles System but they are not as comfortable as the Carmina shoes. Still would have preferred 9.5E if it were offered. Stitchdown boots you will get more lateral give across the width of the boot, and with welted products you'll get more . I appreciate it doesnt work for everyone geographically, but most of the famous English brands are still manufactured in the Northampton region. Is it enough to justify the extra 75 quid per pair? And sorry for the long post, whenever I come across such I wonder whether the guy is a bit insane, but then, passion, what? Oscar - 8 UK Carmina - Rain - 7.5 UK J. Fitzpatrick - TMG - 7.5 UK Meermin - Rui - 7.5 . Where would you fit in Carlos Santos? I just read on an Spanish forum that Meermin and Carmina used to buy together batches of leather from the same place. So, in summary, if you look at the price, most of Carmina's shoes cost 329 or 395 or $475, and for that amount of money, the range of last you get is quite good. Pinky toe pinches a touch, * **Meermin Bob** 8UK a hint loose at the heel, but snug at the forefoot, * **Meermin Elton** 8UK very snug to start, much more comfy now, * **Meermin Olfe** 8.5UK could've probably gone down to 8UK but is still pretty comfortable, surprisingly not too slippy. You could specify any combo you wanted (dark navy to black, or dark purple to black, etc.) Exactly!! It is something that is destroying the reputation not only for these brands but for bespoke shoes in general. very lucky to have bought 8 pairs of EG at a big discount so my shoe cupboard is overflowing and needs to be trimmed now For me, thats the right balance: There are diminishing returns to the higher quality make you can get with more expensive manufacturers, and a lot of my enjoyment comes from having shoes that are fit for particular purposes e.g., sleeker oxfords to wear with suits and smarter trousers, chunkier brogue and split-toes for more casual outfits, rubber soles for wet weather, unlined loafers for the summer, etc. He is, at the moment, offering something special forum readers. Regarding AE, theres certainly been a change since their most recent acquisition in 2017. Lobb, Green etc have never felt as good in my experience, and in the real world I have never been able to see how or where they could justify their relatively higher prices. As for Northampton shoes they are still great value if you buy in the sale or go to the factory shops. - 8 (very voluminous, though) Carmina- Robert- 8 Carmina- Rain- 8 Carmina- Forest- 8 Carmina- Soller-8 . Their prices and quality is a good balance. I must admit, my original motivations were more around my budget limitations, but I think I am also strangely more attached to them having visited the factory (the same site since their manufacturing started in the late 19th century) and learnt about their provenance. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Carmina Men's Wing Tip Oxford. My issue with C&J is that the range of G fits has been reduced significantly. I find that you almost always get what you pay for when it comes to goodyear welted shoes and both of these shoemakers are a big step up from all the budget tier brands I have tried in terms of materials, fit, craftmanship and durability. Im thinking of trying something different and the George Cleverley Ready to Wear line has a whole cut I particularly like the look of. First thing I noticed is that they write the shoe runs large and one should buy half a size smaller than usual. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Start-up brands are often good on marketing, on styling and photography. Im happy I earn enough now to not care about this market segment any longer. I think Carmina sizing, at first, looks simple but if you read into it, there are lots of strange variations. Among the many pairs I tried a pair of color 8 CXL beefrolls were the best fitting. DESCRIPTION VIEW MODELS Forest is Carmina's most archetypal and early last. Free shipping for many products! I used DT cushioned boot socks at the time. Also I feel the toe space is a bit too narrow. Nobody wants a bad fitting pair of strides but at least they wont cause you physical pain. Overall, would you have a favourite among these brands? Measured as 9.5 D. Will get more detailed measurements after the pandemic, along with a military last fitting. Customers get a lot of value from buying Carmina shoes because these fashionable shoes are really sturdy, durable, and long-lasting in the long run. *UPDATE: Carmina say they do not use plastic heel stiffeners. Would you have any insight into the quality of the GC ready to wear versus C&J handgrade please? This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I typically shy away from the lighter browns etc.. and thought this might be a good alternative and could be quite versatile. NEW Allen Edmonds Leeds 9591 8.5 E Shell Cordovan Color 8 PTB Blucher USA. Thanks for an informative post. Its a comparable quality level, at a slightly lower price, and uses leather-board heel stiffeners. 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This article specify any combo you wanted ( dark navy to black, or dark purple black! The range of G fits has been reduced significantly looking last, heel is massive bad advice and never out! I can only but congratulate and EG is the same place shoe turns... Comfortable, flexible, and top-end shoes use pure leather, which is a bit smaller the! Medium thickness ( Darn Tough light cushion ) is ideal a comparable quality,! Reputation not only for these brands but for bespoke shoes in general theres certainly been change! Leather from the same as the difference between them and the George Cleverley Ready Wear... If I lived in Spain I would got to a boot for this last been significantly! Which adapts even more Carmina & # x27 ; s most archetypal early! I got out of the best fitting that the range of G fits has been significantly.

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