Carmina Shoemaker
Majorcan Goodyear welt shoes, family factory in Inca since 1866
Philosophy
Mallorcan shoemaker heir to a family tradition dating back to 1866. Carmina produces entirely in Inca Goodyear welted shoes that rival the best of Northampton. Flexible MTO programme, premium leathers, fair prices.
History
Inca, Mallorca, 1866. Matías Pujadas opens a small bespoke shoe workshop in this inland town that would become the leather capital of the Balearic Islands. His son Mateo takes over in 1905 and establishes one of the first Goodyear welted shoe factories in the archipelago. Then comes José Albaladejo Pujadas, the great-grandson. In 1961, he trains with the finest shoemaker in Florence before returning to Inca to build one of Spain's largest shoe companies. In 1962, he launches the Castellano Loafer model 1330, which becomes a Spanish classic.
In 1997, José decides to start fresh. With his wife and sons, he founds Carmina Shoemaker. The ambition: to create some of the world's best handcrafted shoes, from Mallorca. Everything is made in Inca, on the island. No offshoring, no outsourcing. Stores follow: Madrid in 1998, Paris on Avenue de l'Opéra in 2003, Barcelona on Paseo de Gracia in 2010, New York in 2017. Six generations of shoemakers.
The MTO (made-to-order) program has become the brand's great strength. The lasts - Rain (classic, round), Simpson (elegant, elongated), Forest (in-between) - cover all feet and all tastes. You choose the leather, sole, construction, color. The value proposition is formidable: €350-600 for handmade Goodyear welted shoes from a Mediterranean island. Among enthusiasts, Carmina has been a safe bet for years. Some recent quality control signals and occasionally slow customer service, but nothing that undermines the overall solidity. The women's collection, launched in 1999, remains one of the few GYW offerings on the market.
Iconic Products
Castellano Loafer 1330
The original loafer, launched in 1962 by José Albaladejo. A Spanish classic that has survived decades. Round shape, Goodyear construction, box calf leather. The family's historic model, before Carmina even existed.
Rain Last Oxford
The Rain last is Carmina's signature: classic rounded toe, neither too wide nor too pointed, that suits almost everyone. In black box calf cap toe oxford, it's the perfect suit shoe at €400. The gateway shoe for les passionnés.
Programme MTO
Not a model but the service that makes the difference. Choice of leather (box calf, shell cordovan, suede, museum calf), last (Rain, Simpson, Forest, Oscar), sole, construction, color. ~8 week lead time. Accessible bespoke, without going through Savile Row.