My Shoe Collection, 80544 from Carmina

Carmina is the first Spanish shoe factory to challenge British shoe brands, although before it, there were brands like Yanko, which once dominated Spain. After the renaissance of classic men’s clothing, most audiences and online discussions to the Spanish shoemaker is Carmina.

How did Carmina make a name for itself at the time? Value is of course an extremely important factor, but in addition to price, its products are really good. I summarize into three points. One, close channel sole, at that time the British mid-range shoemakers were all open channel. Second, JR leather sole, although the British J.F. Baker and German Geberei Martin have more expensive and better oak tanned leather sole, the most recognized in this field is indeed Jon Redenbach. Third, Horween shell cordovan. British shoemakers rarely work with shell cordovan, and Carmina offers a lot of color option, and it is the best shell cordovan shoemaker Europe.

Today’s Carmina is no longer a newcomer who rushes to the punch, but a solid Spanish brand representative. In communicating with some loyal customers, I know that Carmina’s selling point is its extremely friendly customization service, which is indeed another way for the brand to continue to innovate.

Let us check my pair.

Last

Carmina’s most recognizable last, Rain. It may also be the first small square chisel last to enter mainstream audiences. Spanish brands are neither known for upper design nor for beautiful lasts, but whether it is Carmina, TLB, or even Meermin, there are accepted and gradually recognized lasts.

Pattern

It can be said that this is the shortcoming of all Spanish brands, or deliberately so, that is, absolutely do not innovate. Just use the style that everyone else plays, always play safe.

Leather

The leather performance is very satisfactory with very fine creases. I think the leather should be black calf from Weihenmier.

Construction

It’s arguably the most appraisable thing of Carmina, and why I don’t agree with many people who say Carmina is bad.

The welt is narrow, the fudge is dense, the stitching is close to the upper, and welt of toe is even grinded closer to the upper. You say this is bad?

The knurled on the heel is delicate enough and pressed very steadily.

There is a place that is not so well handled. The stitching at the waist is more difficult to get so close to the upper, but when sanding the edge, it is grinded to form a circular arc, so the grooves created by the thread are exposed.

Details

One very unpleasant thing about these shoes is that the crease enters into the cap toe. I touched it carefully, because Gangbao (Chinese name for toe stiffener) is too short, which is not a small design problem.

Carmina’s lining is interesting. It is smooth leather, but it has the touch of suede. The information printed in gold is relatively easy to fade. Size 5, style number 80544.

For Spanish and Italian brands, they like to use numerical numbers, the problem is I only remember 910 to this day, and I can’t get the rest right.

Numbers may not be difficult to remember, but the difference between numbers is so small, especially now that they are all 5-digit numbers, it is almost impossible to remember.

Summary

Carmina was and still is a fierce player!