Wednesday 3 October 2012

A New Pair Has Arrived

So, after some thinking I did end up ordering a test longwing pair from Meermin, a new Spanish shoe manufacturing company that has been getting a lot of buzz in the menswear circles in the Internet. I have a few friends that already have a pair or two, and they've mostly been happy with their purchases. Here are some initial thoughts I have of my pair.




First off, the customer service is pretty good taking into account that (rumored) they are completely stuffed with orders and strugling to produce enough shoes to meet the demand. Most of their stock is sold out so for those you'll have to wait for 1-2 months, these ones were in stock and it still took more than two weeks.




So, the quality control seems to be lacking a bit, but for 160 Euros you can't really ask for a pair of John Lobbs. There are a few scratch-like marks and something that I hope is too much polish. I haven't tried removing it yet. The leather feels much superior to other shoes in this price range.

One word of criticism to myself is that I didn't spot the fact that piece of leather "under the wing" isn't a single piece like in more expensive longwings, but actually three pieces with seams on both sides. Maybe I'll get over it with time, but it does kind of break the sleek shape of the shoe when the longitudinal lines don't go the whole shoe's length (which I feel is really the point in a longwing brogue shoe).



The looks then. Honestly I was expecting them to have a bit nicer shape, and in general I just can't fathom why cheap things cannot be styled like expensive things. In my opinion the shape at the tip of the shoe is a bit too bulky and the shoe could be a tiny bit more elongated. However, they are still good enough for the weather that's to come. I wouldn't want to ruin a pair of Aldens in the slush and snow that's about to hit Finland soon.



So, what will I pair them with? Probably they will be used mostly with my different chinos, like here with my olive Incotex pair. Also, jeans are a perfect fit for these, but I will need to get a slimmer pair. My current raw denim pair has been slimmed to fit my boots and I don't think I'll be wearing them too much with this pair. Guess you could also think about using them with a nice rough-textured suit, somekind of tweed for example.

9 comments:

  1. Nice! I was curious about meermin too, but right now I have way too much shoes and except for a couple pairs of chukkas I have all the basics covered both in leather and suede. Maybe next year I'll give them a go too. About the shape I think they are lovely for pairing with a heavy knit like a shawl collar cardigan and jeans. For suits I prefer an elongated shape too and I know how hard to find a pair with a decent price is.


    Vali

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    1. Yep, but I think they'll prices will go up before that. I agree these look OK, but after drooling over different kind of Aldens in the Barrie last it's just not the same. Perhaps I'll get a pair of those in navy suede for next summer. The Barrie last just has that perfect long, sleek and low profile. These are good looking in a different way.

      But yes, why I bought these is really to wear them with some dark jeans and more street style jackets (clothes that I really like wearing during fall and winter time). What I really need now is an olive parka jacket and a few thick knits. And a wool cap.

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    2. The Aldens in blue suede with white welts are porn!

      Also, I can't wait to see your outerwear game! Given the weather you're dealing with it should be very interesting. I've never owned a parka because the weather never really called for one,so I have only overcoats and a peacoat. Right now I have my eyes on something even lighter http://www.montecore.it/index.php?page=collection_2012#/18, the navy double breasted one! Unfortunately I have no ideea what it costs...

      Vali

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    3. Yes they are. Just perfect for rougher summer looks.

      To be honest my winter wear has a lot less variety. When it gets cold it usually happens that you end up using your warmest jacket, and if not needed, suits aren't really the first option. Furthermore, it's already getting so dark I'm not sure if I have enough daylight to take any pictures. Heh.

      Anyway, I think that jacket is a bit too short, no? If you want a padded jacket I think Boglioli has some, you should check them out.

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  2. Great shoes and blog! Keep updating, man.

    Fabio
    The Bespoke Dudes

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    1. Thanks Fabio! That's a great site you've got there.

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  3. Lovely new pair you got there!
    -B

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    1. Thanks again. I wonder what B stands for, Batman?

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  4. Hello. I'm considering getting a pair myself and was wondering how the sizes run.

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