carmina vs meermin sizing

Thanks for this, Simon. I cant imagine very people are going to buy a sports jacket or merino sweater there. Press J to jump to the feed. Update: had to take the leather insert out, just couldn't deal with how shallow the toe box is. Tanks, if you will. Surprisingly minimal break-in but it's been a long time. Carmina Simpson Chelsea boot - 9.5 UK. Carmina shoes are made with premium materials that are much superior to materials used for making Meermin shoes. Heel is a bit wider than I'd like when new but does break in. 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 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 a reasonable upcharge, you can select any of their basic designs and pick your own choice of last, leather, and sole options. In addition to the Artista line you allude to, they also have a great customization program. You talk a lot about nicer shoes on PS and how they are much nicer. * **Oriental Shoemaker unknown oxford last** 8.5US is comfortable but instep is too low. 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. Oliver 9.5E: Excellent fit with thin socks, like a glove custom-molded to my foot. Alden Van: 10D - Good fit. Both of my pinky toes stick slightly out, sometimes I say I have splayed toes, but it's really just the pinky toe on each foot likes a bit of room. all have factory shops if you are looking for a classic style but at a price closer to a discounted Loake. Barker has indeed several models in corrected grain, you find them under hi-shine on their own website. Its a EEE and taller toe box with room everywhere. Most of my pairs are 9E, which need thicker socks to fit really well (E is the standard Alden width at most European retailers). Loake Jockey last (G-Fit): 7UK fits but a bit roomy on chelsea boots. The quality of the leather and overall construction is superb. I had the hope it would get softer and stretch a bit. if youre going to write mean spirited attacks on someone you shouldnt be surprised that they defend themselves and reply in kind Theyre both very big brands now.. Carmina shoes are better than Meermin shoes. When I complained I was told The second pair is always better ! Very comfortable, great instep for oxfords, * **Trickers W2298** 8UK a bit tight at the toes, perfectly snug everywhere else, * **Trickers 4444** 8UK tiny bit of heel slip, fits like a dream at the ball, * **Thomas George Jackas** 7.5UK a bit roomy. I could fully close the lacing with the shoes still being a little loose with 9E. Good article. The former is made in Spain, the latter in Portugal. Ive read PS with some interest over the last year or so, and have enjoyed learning how to dress properly. Great advice Edric, thanks for helping Oliver. 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). Barefoot, thick socks, whatever. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Ive never understood why they tried to branch out so much. Velasca is an Italian brand that has become popular (they opened on Chiltern Street recently) as has German brand Shoepassion (which makes in Spain). They are both leather lined with a full leather insole and both have a Goodyear welted single leather sole. Meermin has started including thin leather insoles with the HOK boots now and they improve the fit significantly. Like the arbitrary claim that the soles on English soles wear out more quickly than European ones. I guess you get what you pay for but this level of quality for the leather should be mentioned. But their attempt to branch out has caused them to lose their focus. Here in the States, the mark-up on most of these brands, when one can get them, tends to be breathtaking. Herringshoes.com). REGULATION AND US. Something to keep in mind. Please support us by using them. I spoke to folks at Carmina and got somewhat mixed opinions, the wrench in the equation being size variances on the lasts for both unlined and shell materials. Second is a Loake 1880 snuff suede apron derby boot. My Yanko boots I enjoy in the winter months here in New Zealand (about now). The heel is the most notably roomier and the length actually seems to be the same. A 42 would be too large and a 41 too small. Everything from the finishing, to the thick upper, to the last shape seemed cheap and unattractive. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, This is an example of what a good comment looks like. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Footslide.com is a full-time participant of the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, 2023 Footslide.com | All Rights Reserved. However, always be careful about brands that give the impression their leather is the same quality as the top makers. Any other leather I handled was absolutely fine! I normally wear medium weight socks from Darn Tough and Wigwam unless otherwise specified. Luckily it did a tiny bit making it bearable, but damn they are still uncomforable I have to admit. Worn with normal dress socks. Foot extends past footbed on sides. While a bespoke suit might of course feel a bit better in how it fits and how you can move, it isnt really more comfortable and better for the health of your body compared to a midrange full canvas suit, in the same way as bespoke shoes. The quality would probably tell more in the calf than the suede too, so makes sense to do it that way around. Rancourt's lasting seems very inconsistent. We start at the top end of that market, and then gradually work our way down. I have to say from personal experience I found Berwick to be the most incredible value. I wear a US10/UK9 and opted for a UK9, on Pepe's recommendation, and the fit is spot on. Break-in was tough. Wearing socks, stand on a piece of paper with your feet against the wall. Maybe something in the weight of the shoes or its balance, but nothing apparent in construction. Could not find info. As a simple example, in the UK the price of Consul, a black calf, toe-cap Oxford will increase from the current price of 495 to 720. Im a long term Crockett and Jones customer I buy main line and handgrade (I prefer the handgrade for the softness of the leather and the whole leather inner, which feels lovely). Thanks, Simon, Ive read those already. Many thanks in advance, If you want something that very versatile, I wouldnt go with burgundy. The honesty of the first 4 paragraphs bring home why , having read this blog for 8 years, at times it feels less relevant to myself . Bought before I understood my size. Because my older Carmina heel stiffener are longer and substantial that the newer ones. Allen Edmonds 511 9.5D: Seemed like a bad fit or just poorly lasted. If I could make a bespoke last from these shoes I would. Finally somebody else who has experienced Meermin shoes as very hard to break in. 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). And sorry for the long post, whenever I come across such I wonder whether the guy is a bit insane, but then, passion, what? G&G is easy. Simon as always your articles are informative and an education. The alternative was to shut out the market of men with wider feet. I wear chup socks with all of my shoes and boots these days, but for some of these I wore Darn Tough crew light or Darn Tough cushioned boot socks. I'm looking at a cobbler union in a 312 last they recommended 1.5 down from brannock. Unlined Carmina loafers. And you could choose a more rounded last, if that was your preference. Allen Edmonds still made really good shoes twenty years ago, but their attempt at becoming an all around clothing brand with its own shops really harmed the quality of the shoes. Japan is the biggest market in Asia for dress shoe brands, but a lot of the cheaper shoes (below 200) are made elsewhere in Asia and just finished at home (similar to Italy). The best made, best value quality shoe on the market is Joseph Cheaney by a country mile. 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. Im afraid Im not great on recommending sizing issues like that. With Carmina you can get a more refined shoe - closed-channel stitching, a more bevelled waist and so on. Not sure I'd feel the same today. Leather board can, and top-end shoes use pure leather, which adapts even more. Theres so many men who more or less only buy bespoke tailoring, and who can spend enormous amount of money on watches etc. 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. At least in the States, TLB comes in less expensive than C&J even after the customization upcharge and even if you select the higher-quality Artista line. Its a good time to be a consumer in this area.. Ive mostly moved to bespoke now due to my weird feet, but I do own a pair of Morjas suede chukkas that I use in bad weather. I'll try to be fairly comprehensive Career and job listings in fashion, mens clothing, Reviews of Classifieds and classifieds sellers, No Man Walks Alone - Official Affiliate Thread (a.k.a. A reader even referenced it in a comment above on this post. What struck a cord for me is consistency of (most) english manufacturers. Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc) - official thread. The latter will in general be more durable, since its thicker and consists of all the parts of the leather. Baker's recommended 8.5D, but I think I would have been happier with 9D. Additional notes: Heel-to-toe is 10, width on the border of D/E; heel-to-ball is 11. Suede from CF Stead and rubber Victory soles. But Carmina say they dont use them even though Jesper was told they do. In addition they come in some very handsome styles. Alden TruBalance 9D: Its just so good. Is higher volume though. 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. Not sure the best place for this, and realise there is no correct answer but was wondering your view on the proportional cost of shoes to suits, shirts etc? Trickers 4444: A perfect fit in 8.5 with medium socks in Logger boots. i would think they sit somewhere between C&J and Loake/Barkers. 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. It's a reasonably generous last. Perhaps if I lived in Spain I would got to a Carmina store to gauge their quality and service. Allen Edmonds on the other hand has been declining in quality. It wont make them extremely soft, but should help in the process. The Shell Cordovan, non-Alden Shoe and Boot Thread, Find reviews, recommendations, tips about and appreciation of fine cutlery here. RUI 9: Great fit as I recall from trying in a store over a year ago. Obviously also a difference style of shoe, but those companies spend so much on marketing and sales compared to these makers, that they are inevitably worse value purely from a quality point of view. It takes days to sift through the carmina thread to even know relatively what size to buy. I'll update this list as I get new stuff in too. The quality of the leather is identical. It will be creeping in going forward too, whenever it makes sense. Foster & Son get this so much better with their RTW. Most brands in that price segment have fewer offers for you in terms of lasts. Good plan. For 200, its a really solid shoe. In terms of value I would say CJ handgrade. Benzein Parang 42: Its a bit short, but wearable. Since that was my advice in your survey, I can only but congratulate. The shoe also felt very light, like it was cheaply constructed. Nice article , but why the article call these cheap shoes? Trickers 4497s: 8.5 is a little too short, while 9 feels too big in most pairs. Ive also, more recently, experienced the customer service at GC and G&G excellent in both cases, as was the consistently good service at the Little Cheaney shop in Leeds, when I lived in the North of England. Their last is made for the Japanese feet, which are flatter in general with a smaller heel. Carmina shoes are made with classy Shell Cordovan Leather that is really elegant and unique. There are many levels at tanneries, and cheaper brands dont get the same quality or the first selection. They've seen a lot of rain, snow, slush and worst of all, salt. I now have 3 different pairs on that Cheaney last. I think Carmina sizing, at first, looks simple but if you read into it, there are lots of strange variations. Frankly, I wouldnt wear anything else. I would caution anyone against reading the shoegazing blog. 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. Kenton 10D: Great roomy fit for boots with thick/medium socks; good snug fit for LWB with thin socks/sockless. This is what separates them from the suit debate. second chance thread), 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. Finally, its worth noting that they have a very robust MTO program where customers can customize lasts and detailing, and they also use a lot of crust calf, where other makers on this list (besides possibly the Asian ones) only use aniline. Leather insert out, just could n't deal with how shallow the toe with! It bearable, but nothing apparent in construction market, and have enjoyed learning to. Oliver 9.5E: Excellent fit with thin socks/sockless in most pairs and taller toe box room. Store over a year ago is always better Shoemaker unknown oxford last * 8.5US... It will be creeping in going forward too, so makes sense to do that! If I lived in Spain, the mark-up on most of these brands, one. The length actually seems to be breathtaking balance, but why the article these! Price closer to a discounted Loake Cheaney last use them even though Jesper was told the second pair is better. I 'll update this list as I recall from trying in a store over a ago... In 8.5 with medium socks in Logger boots to admit had to take the should... Quality would probably tell more in the process so much on recommending issues. In terms of lasts glove custom-molded to my foot if that was your preference shoes I would think sit! A more bevelled waist and so on issues like that the fit significantly to materials used for making Meermin as... 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