Working Shoe for Young Exec - Part 2

[clokwerk0]

An update with regards to my Robinson's shoes order.

Parcel arrived yesterday afternoon, before I could sent them an email enquiry.
Delivered by SingPost as Registered Article, therefore there is a tracking number under Robinson's free shipping option via Royal Mail.

Wonder why they could not have included the tracking number in the email they sent informing that my order has been shipped?

 

[cokiee]

When I first started out on this shoe journey, I tried out some meermins.
2 were linea maestro. 3 were from their standard line.
Across the board, the leather was deplorable. Felt like cardboard. With one of the LM pairs showing prominent creasing, being from non optimal parts of the hide being used.
Dry, stiff, lifeless.
The last sizing was also inconsistent between pairs. Same last, same size, all oxfords, each felt different.
Visible finishing problems on one of the linea maestro pairs as well.
Sole edge finish all over the uppers.
Horrible break in period.

Eventually sold them all.
And good riddance.

Definitely the worst shoes I've ever worn.
Even deleted them off my IG to get rid of the bad memories.

Made in China, understandably.

Made in China? Wow never knew that!

Sent from Xiaomi MI 3W using GAGT

 

[Newtothis]

@thundermarch what brands would you then recommend that are in the same price range as meermins? Or are meermins, at that price range, one of the best you could get?

 

[urbanturban]

Loake, Herring, Cheaney are at a price point which offers very good value.
Especially during sale.

 

[thundermarch]

Loake, Herring, Cheaney are at a price point which offers very good value.
Especially during sale.

These are some good suggestions.
Apparently orbans and crownhill are also players in this price bracket. And reasonably good.

 

[All in a Day]

@thundermarch what brands would you then recommend that are in the same price range as meermins? Or are meermins, at that price range, one of the best you could get?

Nobody support local? While the shoes are manufactured in Vietnam, LLYR and Edetal are local brands that do offer decent stuff at their price points ($350 for Edetal to my knowledge) plus a very critical benefit of being able to touch, feel and try the shoes in the flesh before pulling the trigger.

Although I wouldn't deny that with the current state of the GBP, one might want to go for Loake 1880 at a similar budget.

 

[thundermarch]

Nobody support local? While the shoes are manufactured in Vietnam, LLYR and Edetal are local brands that do offer decent stuff at their price points ($350 for Edetal to my knowledge) plus a very critical benefit of being able to touch, feel and try the shoes in the flesh before pulling the trigger.

Although I wouldn't deny that with the current state of the GBP, one might want to go for Loake 1880 at a similar budget.

Well, you are absolutely right.
Nothing better than being able to see, feel and try the shoes on before buying. But regrettably, I do not know enough about these makers, nor have any experience with them, to give any advice.

Though I do agree about supporting local. Am a big Vanda fan.

 

[stevenlucianto]

These are some good suggestions.
Apparently orbans and crownhill are also players in this price bracket. And reasonably good.

Carlos Santos from AFPOS is also in this price range, with free shoe trees and matching saphir wax. If buy 2 pairs can use SF discount code, free shipping and no gst if you ask to send separately (i think?).

AFPOS also offers GMTO with Carlos Santos, anyone interested in split toe derby? Not sure if they want to do split toe derby tough since it is similar to skoak.

And for anyone that interested in buying rubber soled Meermin, do remember that their rubber soles are a lot softer compared to dainite. I have both and the difference is quite far.

 

[Darknight55]

Nobody support local? While the shoes are manufactured in Vietnam, LLYR and Edetal are local brands that do offer decent stuff at their price points ($350 for Edetal to my knowledge) plus a very critical benefit of being able to touch, feel and try the shoes in the flesh before pulling the trigger.

Although I wouldn't deny that with the current state of the GBP, one might want to go for Loake 1880 at a similar budget.

But their sizes are so limited. Why bother going down to feel when they dont have any larger sizes (US10+)

 

[All in a Day]

Well, you are absolutely right.
Nothing better than being able to see, feel and try the shoes on before buying. But regrettably, I do not know enough about these makers, nor have any experience with them, to give any advice.

Though I do agree about supporting local. Am a big Vanda fan.

And Josh Leong too? Looking forward to see your bespoke commission from him!

 

[All in a Day]

But their sizes are so limited. Why bother going down to feel when they dont have any larger sizes (US10+)

Oh.. I was not aware of that. I wear US9.5 so still managed to try!

But I think they should heed that feedback. As with the rest of the world, current generation Singaporeans are generally larger built than previous generations.

 

[Drifting2Anchorage]

Nobody support local? While the shoes are manufactured in Vietnam, LLYR and Edetal are local brands that do offer decent stuff at their price points ($350 for Edetal to my knowledge) plus a very critical benefit of being able to touch, feel and try the shoes in the flesh before pulling the trigger.

Although I wouldn't deny that with the current state of the GBP, one might want to go for Loake 1880 at a similar budget.

EEA starts from 399 now. Was there couple months back. Leather is thicker than 2yrs back. But I don't see how it warrants that price. Maybe the location counts a part.
LLYR.. The lasts ain't for everyone. Depending on feet. Have a black austerity Oxford from em.. Break in was hell. Needed loads of wear. Leather is thin though from Annonay. But much lower tier leather used. Some imperfections. But it's a start for those starting out.
When you have graced Carmina, C&j, Loakes and such.. You won't consider llyr. Probably the contemporary penny loafers. Pretty well made.

 

[thundermarch]

And Josh Leong too? Looking forward to see your bespoke commission from him!

I respect what he does, a lot.
One day I'll get a pair from him.
But I'll be honest... there are too many Jap bespoke makers to try right now.

 

[thundermarch]

EEA starts from 399 now. Was there couple months back. Leather is thicker than 2yrs back. But I don't see how it warrants that price. Maybe the location counts a part.
LLYR.. The lasts ain't for everyone. Depending on feet. Have a black austerity Oxford from em.. Break in was hell. Needed loads of wear. Leather is thin though from Annonay. But much lower tier leather used. Some imperfections. But it's a start for those starting out.
When you have graced Carmina, C&j, Loakes and such.. You won't consider llyr. Probably the contemporary penny loafers. Pretty well made.

Hey man, so when do you want to come over ?

 

[razoreigns]

Hi gents, I am looking to buy a pair of chukkas with a $150 budget. Would really appreciate if you could provide some recommendations. Thanks in advance!

 

[RayeAng]

Loake, Herring, Cheaney are at a price point which offers very good value.
Especially during sale.

Not to forget barker. I think ur shoes are well made as well.

 

[RayeAng]

Hi gents, I am looking to buy a pair of chukkas with a $150 budget. Would really appreciate if you could provide some recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Try herring. Last check they have some loake chukkas. Else if you want to go budget.. try Imm clarks outlet or changi outlet.

 

[razoreigns]

Try herring. Last check they have some loake chukkas. Else if you want to go budget.. try Imm clarks outlet or changi outlet.

Thanks! Unfortunately, herrings sale doesn't have my size. I am still considering if I should go for a suede or calf. Is it harder to maintain suede?

 

[clokwerk0]

Thanks! Unfortunately, herrings sale doesn't have my size. I am still considering if I should go for a suede or calf. Is it harder to maintain suede?

I find than suede/nubuck footwears are easier to maintain. Just brush off dusts and grits, apply eraser if necessary, wire brush to bring out the nep, followed by spraying on suede protector.

Occassionally, I would shampoo my suede boots when it gets too dirty and to remove spots.

 

[royfang]

Hi, is black hammer a good choice for work shoes?

My current formal shoes suffered tears at the front part due to me frequently bending them when kneeling to pick up boxes from the floor so I'm looking for a replacement pair.