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Shoenut

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Afternoon drink out and back to AE.
 

harlequin782

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I've finally scratched my Meermin itch. Definitely a notch below AE, but I think I'll get some good mileage from them...

Im planning to scratch my Meermin itch sometime early next year...its Ironic that you say they are a notch below AE, as Ive heard this from most sources, yet I am somehow ok with it. I think because what Meermin sacrifices to AE in quality, it appears to more than make up for in the way of sleeker, more elegant, shapelier looking lasts.
 

Shoenut

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Time to pick a few pairs to polish.
 

jet-stream

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I've finally scratched my Meermin itch. Definitely a notch below AE, but I think I'll get some good mileage from them...

Out of curiosity, what makes you say they are a notch below AE? In my limited experience (sample size of 1), I would put it on par with AE. Just wondering what you are cuing on ...
 

orange fury

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AE was making only 360 welted shankless shoes from the very beginning. That was their marketing angle: light and flexible.

The only time they flirted with 270 welted shoes was during the early aughts for the short-lived "executive" collection.

Here are some vintage ads for the "shoe of tomorrow"

View attachment 854462


View attachment 854463

At the bottom of the first ad: “most styles $24.95”

Do you know how many pairs of AE’s I would have if they were still $24.95 apiece?
 

Shoenut

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At the bottom of the first ad: “most styles $24.95”

Do you know how many pairs of AE’s I would have if they were still $24.95 apiece?
In 1940 $24.95 had the same buying power of $431 today. If the shoes today are of the same quality then AE is actually a better value now. But that quality question is a whole different debate.
 

orange fury

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In 1940 $24.95 had the same buying power of $431 today. If the shoes today are of the same quality then AE is actually a better value now. But that quality question is a whole different debate.
i know, I just meant if they were still the same price without factoring inflation.

I've finally scratched my Meermin itch. Definitely a notch below AE, but I think I'll get some good mileage from them...

Looks great. I still want to try out some of their shell offerings
 

peppercorn78

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In 1940 $24.95 had the same buying power of $431 today. If the shoes today are of the same quality then AE is actually a better value now. But that quality question is a whole different debate.

I hate to say it but all the vintage pics I've seen (pre 70s) look way better than modern issue.

IMG_1442.JPG
IMG_1443.JPG
 
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Thrift Couture

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Out of curiosity, what makes you say they are a notch below AE? In my limited experience (sample size of 1), I would put it on par with AE. Just wondering what you are cuing on ...
I, by no means claim to be an expert. But, in comparing this pair to my AE Shaker Heights and Alden Indy, the attention to detail was not there, the feel of the uppers was not as good, the finish of the inside of the boot was not as refined, and the fit was not as comfortable, to me. Granted this was a pair of seconds... But I have had plenty of seconds from AE, Alden, and even Grant Stone and the overall quality is still there. Today was my first day in the wild with them, I want to see how they hold up in my rotation.
 

Thrift Couture

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i know, I just meant if they were still the same price without factoring inflation.



Looks great. I still want to try out some of their shell offerings
Thank you! I wanted to try the shell, but I'm going to pass now. They do offer some tempting make-ups though...
 

Thrift Couture

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Im planning to scratch my Meermin itch sometime early next year...its Ironic that you say they are a notch below AE, as Ive heard this from most sources, yet I am somehow ok with it. I think because what Meermin sacrifices to AE in quality, it appears to more than make up for in the way of sleeker, more elegant, shapelier looking lasts.
You might be right. They do offer some beautiful styles, especially in shell cordovan. But you really need to be dialed in on the fit, and I have been reading about a few QC issues. With the pricey and slow shipping from Spain, it may be more trouble than it's worth... I was fortunate to find a second hand pair on eBay. The fit of the Hiro last in this boot for me is not optimal, but it's manageable.
 
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