Carmina Shoemaker Reviews 

They make quality shoes, but recently they have become fraudulent with their return policy. I wanted to make a custom size for a pair of boots. I sent pictures of my measurements (calf and feet) and Brenda replied saying that I would not need a custom order, that UK size 9 would fit me based on my measurements. Brenda also said I should let them know how it fits when I receive my order. However, the boots didn't fit when I received my order and they did not reply any of my emails when I requested for a return/exchange. Carmina doesn't provide a return slip, their policy requires the purchaser to contact them to initiate a return/exchange. It's sad because I have bought about three pairs of shoes from them in the past and I have also returned shoes with them, but my last experience with them was deceptive.

*update* my response to Carmina’s reply: Carmina is trying to make it sound like I made a custom order. I did not make a custom order. Carmina recommend a size to me based on measurements I sent but the boots did not fit my calf area and Carmina refused to accept my return. This is a form of fraud.

Great shoe quality but eur 50 for a return or exchange in 2024?? Such a disappointment from an otherwise solid brand

Received full support from Brenda to create a lovely pair of shoes tailored to my taste. Her constructive explanations and advice helped build my confidence in designing my shoes.

The challenging aspects include production lead times, availability of stock for current models, and made-to-order (MTO) production times. These areas could be improved to make the process even more competitive.

Overall, Carmina remains one of my top-tier shoemakers.

"It has been a pleasure purchasing several boots and shoes from Carmina. The support has always been quick and clear. Very satisfied!"

I ordered two pairs of shoes, one of which required customisations and urgent delivery for my pre-wedding photoshoot, the other one needed more time to be manufactured.

Carmina's customer service/delivery team provided great flexilibility in promptly working on and first delivering the urgent pair, with the other pair delivered at a later date - all without any extra costs.

Special shoutout to Brenda who gave periodic updates to me throughout the process to provide me with assurance that the shoes would arrive on time for my shoot. It was thoughtful and much appreciated.

Customer service is fantastic! Brenda was very informative and especially helpful in choosing the right size for me. I chose the Balmoral Boots in Tan Grain, and I am delighted. The leather is supple; the fit is spot on like a glove; and the color is an eye-catcher in dazzle and beauty. These boots are also such a pleasure to wear and walk in because of their comfort. I love them!

Amazing customer service and attention to detail. A company that truly cares for its clientele. I am actually switching from some very top brands I used to buy to Carmina for their amazing customer service which is usually lacking these days. The quality of their shoes I find to be superior to shoes from their more expensive competitors. A big thank you especially to Marie and Ariadna.

I've rather recently sold off 4 pair of handmade men shoes, but still owe and use 2 pair of EG, 3 pair of C & J and 3 pair of Carmina.

The last pair purchased was actually a pair of Carmina loafers in dark brown suede. This time I used Carmina’s custom online service which gives you the possibility to configure the shoe after your own preferences to a negligible extra charge.

I choose to put on Rendenbach (JR) soles and go for tassels and EE-width which goes extra well on my feet.

The result was pretty much awesome in this price segment, both in terms of quality, fit and not least the appearance. Personally I can't see any reason what so ever not to go for Carmina when it comes to purchase of a pair of pure classic, tassel loafers in suede. And for sure, you will quickly find out Carmina offers numerous of other shoe models to choose between.

I've made all my previous orders on the Carmina official website and I have only very good experiences to share from doing this. Firstly, we are talking about great products & craftsmanship, but furthermore, any inquiry is replied upon in a very prompt & swiftly manor, delivery is fast and easy to track, and at least for me it’s obvious the Carmina staff (not least Brenda to mention anyone in particular..) are keen on and besides very able to make sure you get fully satisfied with your purchase.

My order got more than a month of delay because the leather I selected wasn't in stock, and noone notified me.

To make up for that, they upgraded my order to 'custom' so I got the chance to fully customize my shoe, including using leathers that aren't even proposed on the website!! (at least at the time of writing). I could even ask for custom width to the Inca last that is not normally offered in wide, and they accepted, knowing that this would require last modification.

On top of that, they also offered me a complete shoe care kit for compensation of the great delay my order took.

I received the pair yesterday and have to say the shoes were worth the wait, the length is great, the width and instep is slightly (barely) on the tight side but the leather will surely give after a few wear, so the size would be spot on. Construction quality is great. I have another pair of Goodyear welted shoe (Allen Edmonds) and I can say Carmina is better constructed with more attention to details. Only the left shoe sole had some minor stitch alignment issues but luckily noone would get to see that.

Now I am so happy to have a very rare (if not unique) pair of oxford. Thank you Carmina!

Ordered out of curiosity a pair of cap toe oxfords on April 3rd. Received the shoes on May 28th.

I‘m into well made shoes for at least 20 years, but haven’t had such a bad experience with a renowned company before. Bad fitting, bad quality an an after sales sales service I wish nobody to go trough. Promises not held, long communication delays and overall not solution oriented.
I heard about bad service before, but didn’t want to believe it, or thought at the least the shoes may be good, but how wrong have I been.
Save you some time, money and energy and look elsewhere. This is a company that needs to learn the hard way on product improvement and how to deal with customers.

From UK looking for a pair of patent shoes.
I very muched liked a pair from Crockett and Jones but could not justify the asking price but was still tempted until I came across Carmina shoes by accident and saw a very similar style to C&J for much less and after further research found that both were of quality goodyear welted construction, calf leather, leather sole however the what finally made my final decision to go with the Carmina was that their finish had a closed stitching on sole (C&J open stitch), the price and customer service by Brenda from Carmina who always replied back.
When the shoes arrived I was blown away by the style, size was perfect, fit a little tight being new will need to be worn a frew time to loosen.
Thank you Brenda and Carmina

So if you are into shoes you will find no better. So I ordered some shoes and there was a slight delay so carmina gave .e a free gift (item related to shoes). It wasn't necessary but they did it anyway. Furthermore, carmina was only a few weeks late and I'm like I ordered from other shoe makers that I ordered 8 months ago. (The other shoemakers say nothing) So on top of making a perfect shoe their customer service was top notch. Thank you

I am shoes lover and have already bought 16 pairs of shoes from Carmina (mostly in shell cordovan) . Besides the high quality shoes they produce, Carmina has an exceptional customer service, Ioana (in the past) and Brenda have always been very accommodating. Brenda always provides best advices and does everything she can to make customer happy. I appreciate her professionalism and dedication to picky customers like me.

Carmina's after sale support is absolutely wonderful. If there is any issue with the item, they will work out a solution with you and then proactively provide you with updates throughout the process. Marie at Carmina is, in particular, a joy to deal with. Highly recommend Carmina to anyone considering buying leather shoes online.

I'm an Australian customer who has made three orders with Carmina in total. Always really reliable regarding postage (incredibly quick!) and communication. The products are beautiful and of excellent quality. They recently accommodated a request I had regarding a customer order, just wonderful customer service all around.

After viewing numerous videos about Carmina shoes, I decided to try the brand. The ability to customize models was a major factor in my decision. Since they offer so many different lasts, though, I thought it best to purchase a standard model first to evaluate the fit. I ordered a wholecut in Museum Black along with a matching belt. The quality and fit were superb. Those concerns allayed, I have since ordered two customized pairs that have exceeded expectations. Customer service has also been excellent. Most recently, I asked if there was any chance my custom order could be completed and delivered before an upcoming trip. I was kindly informed that since my ordered involved exotic skins (crocodile), the CITES paperwork and customs regulations of importing into the US would likely delay the order significantly. Imagine my surprise when they expedited the order anyway, and I received them in plenty of time before my trip! In addition, the shoes are beautifully constructed and extremely comfortable. I look forward to many more custom pairs!

I'm a customer from Australia, I'm extremely happy with my recent purchases with Carmina. It's the first time I invested money on handcrafted shoes and I must say what a wise choice! The design and the leather Carmina used are amazing!! I feel so so happy when I'm wearing Carmina shoes, can't help dancing! and I received so many compliments! This brand is a treasure. Carmina has different types of shoe lasts, giving customers lots of choices. I bought two pairs of boots and one pair of Oxford, I will buy more before end of the year!
Also for new customers, Carmina uses DHL for express post, it's easy to track, I enjoyed tracking my parcel as if I were travelling in the Europe : ) : )
P.S and the most important, Carmina has the best customer service I ever know, Brenda kindly emailed me the detailed measurements of shoe lasts, all my three pairs of shoes are perfect in sizing!

My first purchase of Carmina footwear, after months of viewing their shoes/boots, accessories and website information. Took advantage of the free belt with footwear. Brenda was extremely helpful in ensuring the shoe and belt sizing was correct. Purchased the Rain Chelsea boots a suede belt and an exceptional long bullhorn shoehorn. Goods arrived v quickly and the presentation matched the quality of the boots and belt. Will buy from Carmina again without hesitation.

Was contemplating on purchasing a pair of chelsea boots from Carmina. Had a few concerns as this was my first pair from them and was unsure of the various last sizes.

I contacted customer service and had the pleasure of being assisted by Brenda who was very patient in providing the necessary information I needed which eventually led to a purchase. 3 days later the shoes arrived in Singapore and were a perfect fit!

Thank you again to Brenda for the quick, efficient and friendly service. 10/10

Ordered a brand new pair of shoes for 525.00. Wore them gently a handful of times going to and from a store. No rough wear whatsoever. I go to put on one of the boots and I heard a snap sound, the elastic now looks wavy. I've had this happen with chelsea boots after years, not a month. I went to take photos of the shoe to send to Carmina and while I was taking photos, I noticed that the front of the sole is also coming off of the boot. This is not normal clearly and I let them know that. They, however, continue to insist I must have done something to cause this myself and the best they can do is offer me to send the faulty boot to a warehouse for repair. No offer to replace or refund whatsoever and no acknowledgement they sold me a poor quality faulty pair of shoes for full price. It is a shame as I really liked the way they looked and would have been a return customer. I expected a lot better customer service considering the price. I can't figure out why they wouldn't stand by their quality standards, especially if it meant they would gain even more customers due to the word spreading about their great customer service. I wish I had researched the brand better because now I'm seeing that I am not the only one who has had a similar issue.

Edited after reading reply: You can restore my confidence now by helping reach a solution so I am not out 525.00. I didn't want the repair option because this shouldn't have happened after a few wears, period.