The Riding Boots 1506 are heeled riding boots manufactured by Carmina Shoemaker using the Perla last with a 40mm heel height. Built with 360-degree Goodyear welt construction in black Rusticalf tumbled leather, these boots feature silver rubber soles and orange kid leather lining. The model 1506 represents Carmina's approach to combining traditional construction methods with contemporary women's footwear design, manufactured in the company's Inca, Mallorca facility where the family has produced shoes since 1866.
The Perla last employed in the Riding Boots 1506 features a rounded design specifically created for maximum comfort during daily wear with moderate heel height. According to Carmina, the fitting characteristics closely resemble the Oscaria last, producing dress boots with refined aesthetics despite the rounded lines. The boots undergo approximately 150 manufacturing steps over several days, following the same hand-welting techniques used across Carmina's entire product line.
The Riding Boots 1506 employ 360-degree Goodyear welt construction, a method requiring around 150 steps in the manufacturing process. The construction involves two separate stitching operations: the first unites the upper leather to the welt strip, while the second connects the welt to the leather sole. This double attachment system facilitates resoling, allowing the sole to be replaced without disturbing the upper. Between the insole and outsole, cork filling molds to the wearer's individual foot shape over time. With moderate use, a pair of Goodyear welted shoes can be rebuilt three to four times. The additional stitching between the outsole and upper offers a higher grade of water resistance compared to other construction methods.
The boots use Rusticalf leather, a tumbled full-grain leather created by placing hides in a tumbling machine with small stones. This process loosens the fibers and brings out the natural grain structure, producing a soft leather with a semi-sheen surface finish. The tumbling develops a natural pattern in the leather while maintaining comfort and flexibility. The boots feature orange kid leather lining, providing moisture management and interior comfort.
The silver rubber soles used on the Riding Boots 1506 are thicker than Carmina's York and Tomir sole options, with greater surface texture. These soles provide complete coverage and protection of the sole area. Carmina recommends silver soles particularly for shoes worn on rainy days or cobblestoned streets, noting them as an appropriate choice for boots requiring enhanced traction and durability.
The Perla last features a rounded design with a 40mm heel height, intended to maximize comfort for daily use with added height. Carmina positions this last as appropriate for shoes worn regularly when moderate elevation is desired. The fitting characteristics of the Perla last closely resemble those of the Oscaria last, according to the company. Despite its rounded lines, the Perla last produces dress shoes with refined aesthetics.
Carmina provides width options across its product range: E/D for narrow fitting, EE for standard fitting, and EEE for extra wide fitting. Each additional width level adds 3.18mm to the width of the shoe at its widest point. For customers seeking their first pair of Carmina shoes, the company typically recommends the Rain last, which fits true to size.
Carmina has operated in Inca, Mallorca since 1866, when MatÃas Pujadas opened a small workshop in the town, beginning a family tradition of shoemaking spanning six generations. In 1905, Mateo Pujadas opened one of the first Goodyear welted shoe factories in the Balearic Islands. The first Carmina Shoemaker retail store was founded in 1997 by José Albaladejo near Paseo del Born in Palma de Mallorca.
All manufacturing activities are conducted in Inca, Mallorca, where the factory employs around 150 workers. The production process relies on manual craftsmanship, with artisans employing traditional Goodyear welt construction techniques. Many employees have worked at the factory for generations, passing down shoemaking knowledge through family lines. Carmina created a lightweight Goodyear welted "Soft Welt" Collection through the expertise of experienced craftsmen. The company maintains an inventory of over 18,000 leather hides across its operations.
Industry publications have noted the quality of Carmina's craftsmanship and finishing, with customers consistently praising the high quality leather, beautiful designs, and exceptional construction. Reviews describe Carmina as making some of the finest shoes in the world, with outstanding quality and value for the craftsmanship level provided.
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