Just received a "starter" pair from the classic line. 12UK black wholecut in the Ama last and could not be happier. The leather has a smooth, tight grain and the welting and stitch quality is beyond my criticism. The Ama last, described as soft square, is elegant and well fitting for a mid instep D width . The Linea line offers so much more, and while many of the oxfords are on the New Rey last, I am prepared to buy more, and do so on the MTO program which is ridiculously low priced vis a vis Carmina, or the English makers. Wood Pegged, hand GY welted, antiquing and last options are obtained through the easy to understand pricing/ options model ( which Luisa or Pepe will quickly and pleasantly provide, as they answer all queries in like fashion)
I just purchased a pair of Simpson 10080 Cognac Shell from the Paris store and am sure I will love, but Meermin sources their shell from Argentina. Horween is the final name in shell, but do not underestimate or snub the Meermin shell, as I have seen and they are quite capable of providing a fully competent shell product. They are slightly thinner,as is Carmina's Horween vis a vis Alden, AE, but friends who own have nothing negative to report .
Meermin in short, offers a much, much better product than AE, notwithstanding some of the rough work production in Asia. I could care less, as they own the factory and the Chinese workers are highly trained. At the price point offered- NO SHOE compares.
