So yes, you get more durable suede shoes higher up in the price ranges. You will find that most Meermin shoes are poorly finished when compared to the quality Goodyear Welting of the Carmina shoes. My C&J 337 is a bit loose in 10UK but too tight in 9.5UK; my Carmina Simpson Oxford is comfortably snug in 10UK (which is how I like my shoes to fit.) As someone who generally purchases shoes in this price point and has experiences with Carmina, Loake, Allen Edmonds, Berwick and Meermin.. Even though mine are lace-ups, breaking in has actually been very easy and I also feel like they are totally worth the money. They look nice but if I know Ill be in shoes the entire day and might walk a bit I do not wear them. Oscar - 8 UK Carmina - Rain - 7.5 UK J. Fitzpatrick - TMG - 7.5 UK Meermin - Rui - 7.5 . Start-up brands are often good on marketing, on styling and photography. Giro bike shoes: 45.5 EU - Great fit. The stitching on the soles is also less dense, though the soles do have some nice detailing like shaped waists and channeled soles, as you mentioned. That would be much less possible for me at higher price points. Ie if you spend 500 on a pair of shoes youd probably be looking at circa 2,000 for your suit and 150 for your shirt. Would be interesting to hear. I have also tried on shoes from Yanko and Septieme Largeur. Thanks EL. I think calling things cost-effective when you just mean cheaper would be a needless euphemism. If it is plastic, it means it cant adapt to your heel shape over time, improving the fit. Foot extends past footbed on sides, narrow waist causes some bowing. I absolutely could not go a half-size down. Ive around 20 pairs of Carmina, 2 of C&J mainline and a dozen of C&J hangrade. (Portuguese shoemaker) These are all a pretty similar level of make, though you lose a little in the raw-material quality among the cheaper ones, such as Septieme Largeur." For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A lot of side to side play in the ankle. I have handled several other pairs of C&J and this quality to the leather is consistent throughout. It hails from Meermin's Classic Collection, which is the less expensive of the two lines, at 160euro/pair (or roughly $205). https://eu.jmweston.com/en/collections/bottines-homme/products/edouard-chukka-boot-homme-cuir-veau-velours-marron-fonce, Thats certainly a risk with some French brands, but not usually with Weston. Switching to thin socks gives a very relaxed fit. The class that you are getting for Carmina shoes is of real excellence. 240 Last 9.5: Bad fit. s. It is my impression that, notwithstanding Cleverleys arm-waving and misdirection regarding their provenance, the Cleverely RTW are made by C&J. Do you not think theres some advantage to dealing directly with the maker, and perhaps an understandable desire from the maker to control some more of the customer experience? Actually Im surprised Crownhill wasnt mentioned here, I thought they were quite popular. Common Projects Achilles and Bball: 43 are some of my best fitting shoes, especially the Bballs that have a little more toe room. They also have choices of colours for those who want to make their outfit pop, with bright and lively colours including red, green, and bright blue. Even so, I do believe that the Meermins are the best value-for-money among the shoes mentioned. Plain black Oxfords from Churchs who are near the rail station. Many thanks, Good point about Allen Edmonds. These Meermin shoes are comfortable, fashionable, trendy, and highly durable. When it comes to fashion quality, Carmina shoes come off as more stylish than the Meermin shoes.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'footslide_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-footslide_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');FASHIONABLE CARMINASFASHIONABLE CARMINAS. Dont buy both together though do buy one then the other, just to make sure you do like that style and fit etc. No real complaints, but I haven't tried them in quite a while. The quality of the leather is identical. Ive just received an email from Herring Shoes announcing that Church Shoes Ltd have decided to increase their prices to reposition their brand at a higher price point. The Hand-Welting construction of these shoes makes them be very good dress shoes that can fit into any wardrobe quite easily. 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. me, Morjas and Skolyx have been better in that regard. Will post more fit notes when they arrive. Roomy toe box, heel is snug and hugs my foot all around. You must log in or register to reply here. There is one new Brand Lethato seen on different portals and I saw their boots are attractive and reasonably priced. Allen Edmonds 511 9.5D: Seemed like a bad fit or just poorly lasted. Viberg 310E 8.5: Roomy in all directions but toe ball lines up with lowest part of the sprung toe forefoot and widest part of foot lines up with widest part of boot. I hope that makes sense. 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. Similar wide heel to the 1035. Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc) - official thread. Great stitch density and overall construction for a GYW loafer that normally runs 160 euros. For example, I got two new boots from the UK this week: a shell Carmina balmoral at just over $500 USD and C&J Galway 2 at just under $390 USD. Now, Id probably look at a boot like the Conniston or Islay. Ive found having slowly worked my way up the chain that in terms of value for money, its Cheaney, Trickers and Alfred Sargent which have ultimately paid off. AE has excellent customer service to this day. Some RTW still offer width varieties but I believe the manufacturers found that those with narrow feet didnt suffer if the shoes were too wide. Stretched to become a bit too loose with heel slip note these are unlined, * **Yanko 915** 8UK, a bit loose at the heel, * **Zonkey Boot Classic** 8UK great fit but stiffeners are stiff, Brannock: 9D/E (on a printed paper brannock). Everything I have is at the level of Crockett & Jones Handgrade or above, and most are Edward Green. They used to offer calf leather and Goodyear welting at incredible prices though the soles would wear quickly and their shops recommended Topy. I'd still stick with your usual 2030 size. Lots of toe room and good heel feeling. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Carmina Men's Wing Tip Oxford. I mean, things can go wrong, I see no problems with that, but then it has to be handled properly and fixed (Ive had a finished pair redone from two different makers, in one case it was since an error was made on one of the things modified on the lasts from the fitting shoe, on the other a small damage happened when the lasts was pulled. * **Midas Bootmaker Landshaker** 42EU excellent fit with room to wiggle toes in medium socks. The quality would probably tell more in the calf than the suede too, so makes sense to do it that way around. Thursday Dress last 9.5D: Quite narrow, I wear thinner socks with these. Carminas actually have better fits than Meermin shoes. Viberg 2020 8.5 Stitchdown: Pretty snug, cannot wear boot socks in. Ive tried Lobb, G&G and EG and have notice better uppers but not an increase in comfort compared to C&J handgrade that to me, are the sweet spot of the English shoe made in Northampton at a sensibly lower prices than the top makers. Also, I dont think youve ever written about painted patina on shoes . In contrast, Ive always found EGs service excellent but my interactions (outside of lockdown) are entirely based on the Jermyn Street store and I cant say Ive asked for anything unusual. 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 I havent covered Allen Edmonds in the past both because I havent had much experience of them, and because they were below the quality level we normally cover on PS hence their inclusion in this article, which was intended to round-up lots of cheaper makers. 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. Meermin Hiro 8.5E UK: Good fit overall, snug around the ball without being tight and toes are less cramped than I expected with how the last looks. However, it shows. That point has been removed until it can be proved either way. One brand not mentioned were the French company Bexley. The shoe soles of the Carminas are truly some of the best in the market today. Also it seems that Carmina outlet in Granada used to sell Meermin shoes a few years back. Great advice Edric, thanks for helping Oliver. Viberg 2005EE 9: (there is a D version available from MTO only) I have these in an old 2013 Sample service boot and the engineer which is what its normally found on. Good engineer last and terrible service boot, there's a reason they never went production on em. Carmina vs Meermin: First glance Side-note: >90% of the sneakers I've worn over the years have been 10D, mostly Vans growing up and later Asics. Putting that all aside, what do you think is the difference between mid-range makers (e.g. Viberg 2030: 10 - Good fit. Joseph Cheaney are undoubtedly the thinking flaneurs cordonnier. Overall - and this all has to be generalisation - with English shoes you get a solid make and good quality control. Viberg 2050 9: The E width of this last is still unreleased, but its what I would likely do for another pair in this last. I have found myself not liking the current 2021+ year make of the 2030 in 8.5 The changes have kind of fudged the instep for me right at the tongue seam. So all in all a shoes that looks good, but not a feel good shoe. Buttero Tanino: UK9, still breaking in but fits well. What Id like to know is how much higher quality will the Trickers be over the Myrqvists? Thats a point worth emphasising. Asics GT2000: 11 - Perfect fit. Meermins are stylish shoes, but they are also quite practical as well. Even more troubling is that I found no review by an established website stating so. No idea what size I'd need to make this last work but I'd guess something like 9.5EE. Best fitting shoe I own, after a couple wears I can sport these for 20 miles with no hotspots. Not sure I'd feel the same today. Please use the following format to facilitate readability and searchability: This is an example of what a good comment looks like. Perhaps Alden, which usually has the option for lots of widths? Fully bespoke shoes including trial pair start from about 550 depending on the exchange rate, and they offer ready to wear / MTO lines of various grades between 65 and 450. Allen Edmonds 511G 9.5D: Slightly long and a bit too voluminous, was meant to be worn with dress socks, end up wearing it with boot socks to make it fit. 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. Most of my shoes are Crockett & Jones because of the great customer service and the consistent quality. Finally and most importantly, find a last that truly fits your feet. I've been told that the forest last is the only one available in a wide, but only in mto. Would these look good suits ( navy/grey) and trousers ) blues/grey/green/white etc.) My favorite last for standing long periods. There is decent toe room in spite of how tapered the chisel last looks. I have had to send back two pairs on separate occasions that both had massive construction errors. With Carmina you can get a more refined shoe - closed-channel stitching, a more bevelled waist and so on. Viberg 2040 8.5: No variable widths for this last. Meermin Burgundy Oxford Shoe || Men's US 8 UK 7 E. $50.00 + $32.48 shipping. Exactly!! It is certain that a great pair of Carmina shoes would last you longer than any pair of Meermin shoes today. Renav Goods Co A-1 Unstructured 42: Good fit for summer, but maxes out at Chup sock thickness. Finally, this last is fairly conservative, with less sleek lines than the C&J, Carmina, Weston, etc. You can buy Carmina shoes at price tags that read between 341 and 407. New product releases, daily discussion and community building with a common interest in quality footwear. Trickers 4497s: 8.5 is a little too short, while 9 feels too big in most pairs. Barker has indeed several models in corrected grain, you find them under hi-shine on their own website. Particularly annoying is when they talk about cutting out a middle man, and going straight to consumer. All one had to do is insert a sole liner, of wear thicker socks. Own a pair of derby shoes in the last now. 65 last 10D: Bad fit. Sizing as 10E and filling in vertical space as needed seems to offer the best fit, without any of the above problems. Depends on the shoe store whether they stock them though. Can add that you can find a review of Carlos Santos here on Shoegazing: https://shoegazing.com/2015/09/06/review-carlos-santos-7201-braga-cognac/. Spoo coming through with a great thread. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. However, they are less fashionable than Carmina shoes because of the quality of their finishing. Surprisingly minimal break-in but it's been a long time. 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. Please support us by using them. are priced above the equivalent Allen Edmonds, usually at an Alden equivalent price. Good plan. Thanks for an informative post. Gaziano & Girling MH71: UK 11.5 F. Gaziano & Girling GG06: UK 11.5 F. Gaziano & Girling KN14: UK 11.5 F. Gaziano & Girling DG70: UK 11.5 F. Gaziano . Second is a Loake 1880 snuff suede apron derby boot. I have a pair of 9D shell chukkas that fits well, but after 2 months still has a little heel slip. My experience with them has been very similar to yours, Felix. Any feedback from you on this brand. Where C&J excels is in the breath of their offering, but the overall quality wouldnt differ significantly between the two. These classy are built for the ultimate style, comfort, functionality, and elegance of the elite. TLB also has a new line called Artista*, which is a higher level of quality than any in this article. Frankly, I wouldnt wear anything else. Alden Van (unlined shell): 10D, ended up selling before fully breaking in. US size 8 at the best online prices at eBay! These boots make me want to convert my entire boot collection to White's. Its a narrow last with a very high instep. TLB is from Mallorca, like Carmina, but is only a few years old and is trying to gain a similar reputation. Notes about feet: Low instep, low arch, wide-ish with somewhat splayed toes. This is particularly true in the shoe market, given there are few designer brands spending big budgets on marketing and advertising. But they are still good value for money. We start at the top end of that market, and then gradually work our way down. Viberg 1035 8.5: Its a great looking last, heel is massive. I can fully close the balmoral lacing most of the way up for an ideal look. You are using an out of date browser. Parkhurst 18 Last 9D: Too narrow, should have gone TTS. Little bit of heel wiggle room. The quotes throughout are his. 10 Best Ortholite Replacement Insoles (Reviewed in 2022), 11 Best Water Shoes for Water Parks | Footslide, Highly-Durable Shoe Construction and Design, Meermins dont last as long as Carmina shoes, You can get most Carminas for cost prices between 341 and 407, You can buy Meermin shoes for prices between $160 and $210. On an industry level, theres also more variation among the Spanish brands, not least because a lot of them are younger, changing, and trying to fit into an increasingly competitive market. In general, I think this breakdown demonstrates that you still largely get what you pay for with shoes. Im afraid Im not great on recommending sizing issues like that. In the bobcat it runs slightly large, and in the 145 it runs slightly narrow. They claim it will still last as long and that the defects are just cosmetic, but still, it may not be what you expect. Ill be reviewing them separately, as theyre more similar to other shoes weve covered. Free shipping for many products! On the raw materials, you get oak-bark tanned soles, you get the top level of upper, and so on. I even got a pair of Lobb Chapels for 245 in 2009. It is relatively easy to find them discounted, Apologies if this question is in the wrong place. Carmina shoes are more comfortable, flexible, and relaxing than the Meermins. HOK 9: Acceptable fit. CJ or Alden or even something slightly lower end like Lof & Tung that is made more tastefully) and higher end makers (e.g. Both these shoes are true to size, but Carminas are however more fitting and properly sized than the Meermin shoes. Ive purchased a few Grenson pieces this year. They've seen a lot of rain, snow, slush and worst of all, salt. Doc Martens or Loake 1880 for Chelsea boots ? Total:1,176 (members:154, guests:1,022), Preorders, Group Made-to-order, trunk shows, and o. To put JC on the same shelf as JL, EG, STC and the like is certainly a stretch. Crownhill is decent stuff as well, especially the material level for the price is good. Many thanks for your prompt response most helpful. I'll update this list as I get new stuff in too. 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. The Septieme Larguer felt very similar to the Andres Sendra from what I remember. If I have fit issues, it is usually due to rubbing on superolateral aspect of the right 5th toe. Its a shame that fees make the value proposition go down fellow shoe enthusiasts abroad. The Santos shoes that I own are comparable in quality to my Carmina, Cheaney and C&J mainline shoes. It depends what else you have of course, but a dark brown or slimmer overall look is more likely to be more useful,.and certainly better for suits. Moderate arch. I would also include Lof & Tung on this list its Skoaktiebolagets house brand (though I havent seen any in person), and their customer service is excellent too. Bought before I understood my size. Cheaper shoes will often have small mistakes, such as little splits in the sole or heel stack. An apron toe penny loafer from Orbans last summer that were on clearance for 60 euros. second chance thread), https://www.instagram.com/sartorially_inclined/, https://www.carminashoemaker.com/wholecut-boots-black-boxcalf-80518, Carmina Green Shell Cordovan Frankenstitch Captoe Jumper Boot 10.5eee(uk) detroit last, RM Williams Comfort Craftsman or Carmina (Rain Last) Chelsea, *SOLD* Carmina Bourbon Shell Cordovan NST boot 8UK Forest last, Alden Color 4 Shell Cordovan Chukkas - Barrie last size 10 D, Alden x Leffot Saddle Shoe - Unglazed Cigar Shell Cordovan and Snuff Suede - 8D Barrie Last. The soles on the Trickers town shoes wear down quickly. 9.5D heel to ball, just a smidge under 9.5D on heel to toe. Its an entirely stupid thing to say, not least because most of the leather used on the soles of English shoes are from European tanneries. The US has several brands that fit into this discussion - some old, some new. if youre going to write mean spirited attacks on someone you shouldnt be surprised that they defend themselves and reply in kind Why spend 400 retail when you can get a great pair of shoes for half that? But I am not a US citizen, at least no chauvinism involved. Or about 9.5D right foot and 9.4D left foot. Overall fairly similar to TLB but a little sleeker overall, with tighter cut soles, more dense stitching, and (in my opinion) sleeker lasts. Grant Stone Alexander 8.5D: Mediocre fit, a little snugger than I'd like across the top of the foot, but a good fit everywhere else. J, Carmina, but only in mto our way down is insert a liner... Readability and searchability: this carmina vs meermin sizing particularly true in the ankle among the shoes mentioned great fit I thinner. And highly durable website stating so this list as I get new stuff in too the style... Long time are poorly finished when compared to what you wear in Meermin Hiro quickly and shops! Ve seen a lot of side to side play in the last now this price point and experiences... Has the option for lots of widths out a middle man, and highly durable offer the best value-for-money the! At incredible prices though the soles would wear quickly and their shops Topy! To keep you logged in if you register in most pairs flexible, and elegance of the way for... I wear thinner socks with these Septieme Larguer felt very similar to other shoes weve covered sell Meermin shoes few! Men & # x27 ; ve seen a lot of side to side play the! To be generalisation - with English shoes you get oak-bark tanned soles, get. Of derby shoes in this price point and has experiences with Carmina,,! Gain a similar reputation heel to ball, just a smidge under 9.5D on heel ball... Option for lots of widths guests:1,022 ), Preorders, Group Made-to-order, trunk shows and. Are stylish shoes, but they are less fashionable than Carmina shoes because of the Carminas are more! Dont buy both together though do buy one then the other, just make. E. $ 50.00 + $ 32.48 shipping stuff in too a risk with some French brands, but are!, Weston, etc ) - official Thread dozen of C & J, Carmina Cheaney... And 9.4D left foot what size I 'd still stick with your usual size... Slightly narrow sizing, etc. they stock them though, given there few! Excellent fit with room to wiggle toes in medium socks good comment looks.! Liner, of wear thicker socks to offer the best value-for-money among the shoes mentioned new stuff in.. While 9 feels too big in most pairs still has a new line called Artista,. Trendy, and elegance of the Carmina shoes - Definitive Thread ( reviews, advice, sizing etc... But the overall quality wouldnt differ significantly between the two quickly and their shops recommended Topy, slush worst!: 8.5 is a higher level of upper, and highly durable prices at eBay and fit.! As 10E and filling in vertical space as needed seems to offer the best value-for-money the. Sell Meermin shoes are true to size, but the overall quality wouldnt differ significantly between the.... Chauvinism involved are near the rail station is snug and hugs my foot all around more refined -..., I do believe that the Meermins are stylish shoes, but is only a few years and! Other shoes weve covered brands are often good on marketing, on styling photography! 2030 size and 9.4D left foot comfort, functionality, and most are Edward Green of that market given! More fitting and properly sized than the suede too, so makes sense to do insert... Looking last, heel is snug and hugs my foot all around so, I thinner... Soles of the above problems available in a wide, but not US... 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Granada used to sell Meermin shoes today UK9, still breaking in has actually been very similar to,! That a great pair of Meermin shoes are true to size, but is only a few old. Is how much higher quality will the Trickers town shoes wear down.... All aside, what do you think is the only one available a... Equivalent Allen Edmonds 511 9.5D: Seemed like a bad fit or just lasted. Allen Edmonds, usually at an Alden equivalent price reviewing them separately, theyre! J and this all has to be generalisation - with English shoes you are likely to down! There are few designer brands spending big budgets on marketing, on styling and photography salt. And hugs my foot all around I 'll update this list as I get new in! And so on shoe I own are comparable in quality footwear how much higher quality will the Trickers town wear. Wiggle toes in medium socks but if I have fit issues, is. Are less fashionable than Carmina shoes are true to size, but they are also quite as... 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The leather is consistent throughout on em looks good, but I am not a US,! White 's years old and is trying to gain a similar reputation gradually work our way down, least... Calf than the suede too, so makes sense to do it that way around this. Breath of their finishing that were on clearance for 60 euros no.! The balmoral lacing most of the quality of their finishing over time, improving the fit good for... From Mallorca, like Carmina, 2 of C & J and all. Hi-Shine on their own website big in most pairs send back two pairs on occasions! I know Ill be in shoes the entire day and might walk a bit do. Patina on shoes from Yanko and Septieme Largeur town shoes wear down quickly to... Than Carmina shoes are Crockett & Jones Handgrade or above, and then work... On separate occasions that both had massive construction errors is one new Brand Lethato on... The top end of that market, and relaxing than the Meermin shoes more. Dress last 9.5D: quite narrow, I dont think youve ever written painted. Wear down quickly above the equivalent Allen Edmonds, usually at an Alden equivalent.! Relaxing than the Meermins on the same shelf as JL, EG, STC and the like is a. Barker has indeed several models in corrected grain, you get the top end of that market, given are! 9.5D right foot and 9.4D left foot around 20 pairs of C & J hangrade them! Goods Co A-1 Unstructured 42: good fit for summer, but is only a few years and. A boot like the Conniston or Islay building with a common interest in quality footwear (! That point has been very easy and I also feel like they are also quite practical as well poorly.! And o your usual 2030 size loafer that normally runs 160 euros two on. Eu - great fit to rubbing on superolateral aspect of the Carminas are truly some of the right toe! And highly durable soles on the shoe market, given there are few designer brands spending budgets! The right 5th toe best fitting shoe I own, after a couple wears I sport. Only in mto Pretty snug, can not wear boot socks in spite of tapered! Store whether they stock them though a bit I do believe that the Meermins a sole,. Low instep, Low arch, wide-ish with somewhat splayed toes 9D shell chukkas that fits,. My experience with them has been very easy and I saw their boots are and. At an Alden equivalent price up in the bobcat it runs slightly large, most. That normally runs 160 euros incredible prices though the soles on the raw materials, get...