Carmina Shoemaker has just taken the shoe industry up a notch with its new 3D technology akin to the likes of Nike/Vans style customization. And they are the first in the Welted industry to do this as a true consumer-facing brand. And what a project it was. I know all of the details but not sure I can share them here, as it is not my info to share, but let’s just say that it was a year in the making and a project and a half! And as I have touched on this before, the Pandemic for some gave the opportunity to really buckle down on projects that kept getting pushed back by too much business (imagine that). The slow period of life gave us time to re-focus and really knock out things we needed to but may not have had time for. So Carmina did just that by building one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
The funny thing is, is that I can just imagine other shoemakers using this customization tool to design their own shoes. It really is that good and sometimes you want to do cool things but have a hard time putting them together in your mind. This tool makes that now a walk in the park. In 10 mins I knocked out a couple of design ideas just to give you some inspiration. Me personally, I love to make a sample to then see it in person. Something about the element of surprise makes it more special. That is at least how I feel as a designer. But as a customer, man this really helps to alleviate any fear one might have of making a bad combination. I can see this helping more people make bold decisions that they might have been too afraid to make before, for fear of forking over $700 and then not liking it.
It has been great to see how much Carmina has grown over the last few years and it is thanks to their efforts of pushing themselves, with projects like these and the launch of new stores, that they have been able to progress so rapidly. I can only imagine that now the competitors will be scrambling to get a 3D system of their own. The shoe industry will soon catapult to a return to classic shoe wearing. Instruments like this help with that. And I know just how many miss wearing their nice shoes and cannot wait to do so again. This tool will help you feel closer to that by knocking out a few new, custom designs that are uniquely yours. Imagine the billions of combinations to be had!
The system is very easy to use. And with the mouse pad, you can turn it all around and zoom in as well. It is really quite impressive just how technical and accurate it is. Even if you are not in the market for a pair, it is actually quite fun just to mess around with. I highly suggest all try it out and even if you are not in the market, start building a wish list 😉
In celebration of this launch, Carmina is waiving Custom Fees from today until the 17th of October. You have 5 days to go crazy on their new system!
Please do take note that as a very powerful system, there might be some slow/downtime with the new tool as it is very hard to service that type of interface. I did experience some issues myself just playing around with. Don’t get frustrated if you have to refresh a few times. But know that they are working to fix the issues.
Happy Shopping!
www.carminashoemaker.com
Dear Mr. Fitzpatrick,
I have not used Carmina’s 3D tool and I’m sure it is different to the one I’ll describe, but I’ve seen such tools used in brands like Idrese and a local shoe shop. It’s great that larger brands are starting to incorporate such system, but is this really an innovation? It may really be, but I’d like your input on this.
Sincerely,
Luís Graça
No, they are not the first to use it. They are the first in the welted community to do so.
Hi, They are not the first in GYW construction. BESPOKE FACTORY out of Spain has been producing made-to-order Goodyear Welted shoes for two years now..! Available in many high end boutiques worldwide
yes, I know bespoke factory and that they have a customization service. They are not as customer-facing as Carmina. You have to get permission from them to use their site by filling out a form. And then pay a fee for a service. It is not the same. My statement stands that as a RTW brand in the welted shoe industry, Carmina is the first of their kind. Bespoke Factory is not the same type of company. They are more catered to another style of service. They are also not a brand, but a company that outsources to other factories.
Thanks for news, plz review best shoes of 2022
My pleasure.