A. Testoni Double Monks advice

PakMan · Nov 27, 2012

Hello All,
I'm a long time reader, first time poster. You guys do a great job with this forum!!

I've been in the market for a pair of black double monks in the $300-400 range. While on the search, I ran into a great deal and jumped on it:

http://www.amazon.com/a-testoni-Mens-M45483UDM-Monkstrap-Loafer/dp/B007632QTC

Got the shoes today, and the look great, except one issue.... the leather is extremely shiny!! It's described at polished, but looks almost like patent leather.... almost plasticky..... which is a no-no for me.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Is there a chance the leather is just too shiny as it new, and will dull out with wear and polishing?

Can you recommend any other options? (I already have a pair of AE Neumora in brown).

Your help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

Mute · Nov 27, 2012

They're supposed to be decent quality. Most of the SF members who've owned Testoni shoes have been happy with the quality. For an alternative in the same price range, you might want to give Meermin a shot.

SloopyNoob · Nov 27, 2012

Did you look at Magnanni? Meermin LM line is really nice also according to SF members.

dragon8 · Nov 27, 2012

Mute said:
They're supposed to be decent quality. Most of the SF members who've owned Testoni shoes have been happy with the quality. For an alternative in the same price range, you might want to give Meermin a shot.

Not a bad price point.

cbfn · Nov 28, 2012

I take it for granted that you ordered the brushed nero? If yes, send them back. If I'm not mistaken this is corrected grain leather,which explains the shine. Get a pair of Meermins instead.

PakMan · Nov 28, 2012

Christian B said:
I take it for granted that you ordered the brushed nero? If yes, send them back. If I'm not mistaken this is corrected grain leather,which explains the shine. Get a pair of Meermins instead.

Yes mine are the "brushed nero".... and you hit the nail right on the head. I had read about corrected grain, but never encountered a pair before. These are going back. I'll take a look at Meermins. Also found some good feedback on Loake.

Thanks for the feedback everybody!

cbfn · Nov 28, 2012

Would advise you to not buy the Loake Cannon, the last is not as flattering IMO. The leather isn't as good as the Meermin's either after what I've seen and experienced. The Meermins from the Linea Maestro is a good buy.

PakMan · Nov 28, 2012

Christian B said:
Would advise you to not buy the Loake Cannon, the last is not as flattering IMO. The leather isn't as good as the Meermin's either after what I've seen and experienced. The Meermins from the Linea Maestro is a good buy.

Noted.... thanks again!

Regarding the Meermins, sounds like you've bought those. I'm kind of a blind man on the website, as its not in English. Can you comment on their sizing?

The site suggests UK8 = US10.5 = EU42..... That looks off, as I would think US9 = EU42.... I'll stick with that size unless they run long or something.

cbfn · Nov 28, 2012

I don't have a pair from the Linea Maestro, but I have two pairs from the classic line and they are quite good value/money. If you go to meermin.es and click "Enter" you get the english version. I agree, that sizing is way off, I'm a US8 in AE, UK7 in C&J, Loake etc. and a size 7 in Meermin, while I am a 41 in EU shoes.

Latest posts

A. Testoni Double Monks advice

PakMan

New Member

Mute

Distinguished Member

SloopyNoob

Senior Member

dragon8

Distinguished Member

cbfn

Distinguished Member

PakMan

New Member

cbfn

Distinguished Member

PakMan

New Member

cbfn

Distinguished Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Latest posts

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

How important is full vs half canvas to you for heavier sport jackets?

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Members online

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON:

Newest Posts

New Listings in Buying and Selling