In day where casual is overtaking dress style Carmina has gone on board with that idea and launched their own driving loafer range. It surprises me that it actually took them this long to do so. Being a complete shoemaker, I would have thought they would have started one ages ago. But its never too late so it is nice to see them starting now rather than never. And man, are they nice!
The collection is impressive to be quite frank. A strong collection full of colors and leather types, you even see one made for the cult Cordovan customers in Black and Color 8 Horween Shell. Imagine that. Driving loafers in shell cordovan. Thats a loafer that will go the distance! And it better for the price on it!!
The soles are precisely what I like in a driving loafer. The studs are luxurious for the uber rich who only wear them in cars and on yachts but for those that actually intend to wear them as shoes and not ornaments, a full sole is needed. I particularly like the light leather/rubber combo on the suede ones. A beautiful contrast.
Starting from $330 for their leather/suede options to $720 for Cordovan the price tag is no easy swallow. They are displayed with shoe trees but I couldn’t understand if that pricetag included them or not as I did not see it as an easy add-on item (maybe because I was looking from the mobile version which could be limited). Being that Carmina stands for quality I can imagine that they well made and justified at their price, shoe trees or not.
Well, better get your pairs in quick. I am sure these will go fast!
“Thats a loafer that will go the distance!”
Except that Carmina has just confirmed that, due to being Blake stitched, they cannot be resoled. So these are $720 shells with an expiration date and as such become an extremely difficult proposition.
It’s a shame, too, given their cool niche and novelty and of course Carmina’s exceptional quality, but for a casual shell handsewn or driver-ish venetian loafer, the smarter money is spent with Rancourt for a shoe that isn’t useless after the first sole.
Yea I get that. A good cobbler could resole then though by adding a full rubber sole. It would not be the same naturally but would give you more life
It’s hard to come by experienced people about this subject, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks