When it comes to Spanish shoemaking, two names come up again and again: Carmina vs TLB Mallorca. Both brands are renowned for Goodyear-welted craftsmanship, elegant designs, and strong reputations among shoe enthusiasts. But how do they compare, and which one might be right for you?
To begin, I want to make it clear that when overall quality is comparable, I don’t believe one brand can truly be considered “better” than another. Such is the case with Carmina vs TLB Mallorca. What sets them apart comes down to individual preference—whether in style, detailing, or fit. Since those factors vary from person to person, one brand may feel subjectively “better” for a specific client, but that doesn’t make it objectively superior. But since everyone wants my opinion on the matter, let’s break it down.
If you are not familiar with either one of these brands, read more about Carmina here and TLB Mallorca here.
Craftsmanship and Construction
- Carmina
Carmina is known for its long-time company history and classic shoemaking tradition. Their shoes feature Goodyear-welt construction, high-grade leathers, impeccable shoe design, and solid finishing. They are often praised for reliability and durability. Some often mistake their robust nature as ‘stiff’, although I think that those same people are usually new to Goodyear-welted shoes. - TLB Mallorca
TLB has gained attention for meticulous finishing at a price point usually associated with less refined shoes. Their Artista line is particularly celebrated, offering narrower welt cuts, close-channel soles, and slimmer waist shaping—details usually seen on much more expensive shoes. Their focus has been on finishing, whereas other aspects are more basic, i.e., design, models, lasts, etc.
Verdict: TLB Mallorca often wins in finishing according to the masses (i.e., if you Google it), while Carmina holds strong with established consistency and heritage appeal as a long-time maker of quality footwear. Neither one is better here in my opinion, but most prefer the sole finishing on TLB shoes, specifically in the Artista Line, where they took the narrow waist to the next level for Spanish Shoemaking. Carmina has equally impressive finishing, i.e., fine fudging, thin, trimmed soles, and sole detailing such as nails. The craftsmanship, for me, is a draw. Carmina represents the proven benchmark with heritage craftsmanship, while TLB impresses with innovative finishing at its price point. Both stand out, but in different ways.
Style and Aesthetic
- Carmina
Carmina balances tradition with subtle experimentation in last shapes and shoe design. It is impressive how many models they offer with one of the largest catalogs known to man. They also offer a wide variety of exotic leathers, Cordovan, and Museum calf offerings, making them a go-to for something bold yet elegant. - TLB Mallorca
TLB focuses on sleek, yet classic silhouettes. While still being a young brand in the grand scheme of things, TLB Mallorca still has time to make more models, lasts, and refine its overall aesthetic. This often takes time and evolves when a brand is still young. For now, they remain very classic with a few subtly bold interpretations of existing ideas/designs.
Verdict: Carmina shines with breadth of options, boldness, and impeccable pattern making (i.e. design offering) while TLB appeals to those who want more understated elegance with restrained design. Most people love TLB’s classic styles, but when it comes to design, Carmina takes the win for me as they make more bold and unique models that align with my tastes as a designer.
Fit and Comfort
- Carmina
Carmina’s lasts can run on the narrow side (according to many), especially in the instep, which some people find challenging. They offer several last options, so finding the right fit may require research or trying on in person. This is usually the case when a brand is large and offers a lot of last options. - TLB Mallorca
TLB also runs slim (in the heel/arch) but is often praised for balance (wider forefoot) and comfort after break-in. Enthusiasts frequently highlight the well-shaped arch support and heel cup.
Verdict: Both brands require careful last selection, but many wearers find TLB slightly more comfortable out of the box as they have more ‘spacious’ lasts. I didn’t personally experience this, but it is often discussed in the forums. Personally, Carmina’s often fit me better as I have a slender foot that correlates to many of their form-fitting lasts. The Simpson last is a perfect last for me. As are the Uetam loafers. The Carmina 3D Bespoke shoe fit me better than most other ‘personally cut bespoke shoes have.’
The TLB lasts fit me great in the heel/arch region, but often leave a bit of room in the forefoot (for me) as I am more slender/shallow there. Both offer good fits, but for different foot types — Carmina excels for slender/narrow (form-fitting), TLB is often easier on broader or more standard feet from the start (generous fitting).
Price and Value
- Carmina
Typically priced a bit higher (especially for exotic leathers), Carmina leverages its heritage and variety. For many, it’s a reliable, smart choice in the mid-high market. You know that you are getting what you pay for when you go with Carmina; there is no doubt. - TLB Mallorca
TLB generally sits underneath Carmina in price while delivering equally fine finishing touches, especially in the Artista line. Value is the brand’s strongest selling point.
Verdict: TLB Mallorca offers hard-to-beat finishing for the price, but Carmina holds an edge for brand recognition and variety. For me, they are both equal in quality and construction. But if both are equal in quality and one is lower in price, then that is the technical winner. I will say, though, this is common for a newer brand competing in a highly competitive market to offer a lower price point (cutting into their own margins) as an advantage point against other brands. I know this personally, as my own shoes should be more expensive than they are, yet I price them lower to stay competitive.
Therefore, TLB shines on pure value, but Carmina provides added long-term brand equity, prestige, and variety that justify its higher price for many clients.
Customization
- Carmina
Carmina has one of the most advanced customization tools on the market. You can literally change every detail of the shoe, and you have an incredible amount of options to choose from. It is actually quite impressive when you think about it. Most people will take this for granted, as they don’t understand the stockholding of materials that Carmina possesses to allow this feature. - TLB Mallorca
TLB also has a great customization tool, but admittedly is not as in-depth as Carmina’s is. BUT, TLB does offer more width options, and this is a huge win for many who have hard-to-fit feet due to extreme width or narrowness.
Verdict: Carmina, for me, takes it, simply due to the sheer amount of options. But I have actually had people reach out saying how much they appreciate the fact that TLB goes up to extra extra wide and is able to fit their feet where others cannot. Again, like most things in this post or when comparing brands, it really boils down to what you personally value. At the same time, another follower wrote me, indicating having 6 pairs of Carmina and 4 of TLB Mallorca, and said they loved Carmina because of the vast amount of options they offer.
Conclusion: Carmina vs TLB Mallorca
Both Carmina and TLB Mallorca represent the very best of Spanish shoemaking, but they cater to slightly different audiences:
- Choose Carmina if you want heritage (a trusted name of quality), variety of leathers (especially exotic leathers), and a vast amount of styling options. Carmina is an industry leader for a reason, and that is not changing.
- Choose TLB Mallorca if you value subtle elegance, modern silhouettes (their famous adelaide), and outstanding craftsmanship at a lower price point.
Carmina remains the reference point in Spanish shoemaking, with heritage, boldness, and unmatched customization. TLB Mallorca has quickly earned respect for its finishing and value. Both serve slightly different audiences — and the real winner depends on which qualities matter most to the client. Either way, you’re stepping into world-class shoes with remarkable longevity and style. And hey, you can always start with one and then try the other and compare for yourself!
Visit Carmina’s site here: https://www.carminashoemaker.com/us/en
Visit TLB Mallorca’s site here: https://www.tlbmallorca.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
Shop · Marketplace · J.FitzPatrick · Patreon
***While both Carmina and TLB are supporters of the blog, this is an educational post written to satisfy the individuals who continue to ask this question. Everything written is my opinion and nothing more. When I reference the ‘masses, ‘ it is info gathered from reading forums and Facebook groups where I can gain insight into how others perceive each brand.***
I love the way you treaded the needle on this comparison. Your comments are fair and a great respresentation of each brand. I favor TLB fdue to fit. I struggled with Carmina to find a last that was comfortable. The number of last choices are overwhelming and their reccomendation to try the RAIN last as a first timer did not work for me. TLB has far less overall choice and the Artista line is a tremendous value. They are both excellent shoe makers
Thank you Michael, I appreciate that. My goal was to be honest and respectful of both brands. It was not to crown a winner per se, but rather just highlight each’s strenghts and let people decide for themselves which suits them based on their personal needs.
I recently purchased an MTO cordovan tassel loafer from TLB and find that it runs about a half size larger than my comparable Carmina shoes. An important distinction to consider when buying online.
Thank you for sharing Michael
And they both have outstanding customer service.
Thanks for sharing Arthur!