Meermin and Crockett & Jones

[DrewMill]

I know these two brands are not comparable, but I'm curious...

So, I'm in the market for a new pair of suede loafers, and as usual I'm trying to maximize my dollar. Here are two brands I'm looking at.

The Meermin suede loafers are $195

101484 - BROWN SUEDE - E

Discover our classic all-season penny loafer. Goodyear welted on the loafer dedicated RON last featuring an adjusted & comfortable fit. This version is made using our brown English suede, a beautiful & extremely versatile deep brown hue that can easily paired with a suit or a pair of jeans. This...

meermin.com

The Crockett & Jones suede loafers are $560

Boston Dark Brown Suede

Boston, a classic penny loafer made from the finest dark brown suede leather with a single leather sole. From the Men's Main Collection.

www.crockettandjones.com

Are the C&Js three times better? Should I save and buy a pair? Or are the Meermins a better "value"? Are there any other brands that might be a better maximization of my dollar spent? Cheanay? TLB Mallorca? Something else? Would love to hear any and all thoughts! Thanks!

 

[Phileas Fogg]

The real difference becomes apparent after a few years of wearing.

I don’t own Meermin so I can’t relate to the difference. I can attest to the quality of C&J, however, and I’m at a point in my life wear I’m comfortable buying less but of higher quality.

 

[TheShetlandSweater]

With loafers I'd strongly suggest buying what you can try on in-person. It can be quite hard to get a good fit on loafers and there aren't laces to adjust them. You can also try stores with very understanding return policies, but it is still important here to not just accept a fit because you already have the shoe. If you buy a shoe, pretend that you have not bought it yet until you have determined that the fit is great.

 

[Jamesbond1]

Meermin <<< Crockett & Jones!!!

 

[notdos]

Meermin, like all shoes, will give longer service when worn in rotation with several other shoes.
As far as I’m concerned, this is the most important rule in the shoe game.
Phillip

 

[Jamesbond1]

Meermin, like all shoes, will give longer service when worn in rotation with several other shoes.
As far as I’m concerned, this is the most important rule in the shoe game.
Phillip

Last longer than Crockett and Jones? Or just in general ?
Will C&J also not last longer in rotation?

 

[notdos]

Last longer than Crockett and Jones? Or just in general ?
Will C&J also not last longer in rotation?

If you only owned a single pair of shoes, C&J would be better than Meermin. But overall, no brand is going to last nearly as long without being in rotation with a minimum of 3-5 other pairs.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Last longer than Crockett and Jones? Or just in general ?
Will C&J also not last longer in rotation?

you have to properly care for either and not abuse them. This means treating the suede, brushing it, using shoe trees and trying to avoid extreme exposure to the elements. Part of this caring is proper rotation.

Assuming you do that for both pair equally, your original question is still best answered by how will each pair hold up after a few years.

Selection and quality of the materials used to make the shoe don’t always show their differences immediately. It takes time.

 

[Jamesbond1]

If you only owned a single pair of shoes, C&J would be better than Meermin. But overall, no brand is going to last nearly as long without being in rotation with a minimum of 3-5 other pairs.

But are we also not paying more for one that has better leather quality, is built better and has absolutely no pain breaking in?

Its like buying a corvette and a 911. Both are fast but one will outlast the other, is build better and also in general drives better

40 degrees in Utah the new corvette overheated on the 2nd consecutive lap while the 911 ran 4 laps without break with no issues.??

 

[notdos]

But are we also not paying more for one that has better leather quality, is built better and has absolutely no pain breaking in?

Its like buying a corvette and a 911. Both are fast but one will outlast the other, is build better and also in general drives better

40 degrees in Utah the new corvette overheated on the 2nd consecutive lap while the 911 ran 4 laps without break with no issues.??

Definitely paying more for a better product. I love my C&J’s. But, I feel like there’s a lot of “new” guys that think if they buy one pair of
EG’s, they can expect them to last forever. I’ve found that the key is rotation, regardless of initial quality. ??

 

[Jamesbond1]

Definitely paying more for a better product. I love my C&J’s. But, I feel like there’s a lot of “new” guys that think if they buy one pair of
EG’s, they can expect them to last forever. I’ve found that the key is rotation, regardless of initial quality. ??

Can’t wear the same shoe two days in a row! Nasty!!

 

[DrewMill]

Thanks for all the input so far. I absolutely know that C&J are better shoes with better components and construction, and will most likely last longer. I'm mostly curious about how much better C&J is than Meermin (are they 3 times better as thier price tags indicate), and diminishing returns in menswear. Also, what brands might be the most optimal as far as diminishing returns go.

 

[notdos]

The point to my post was..how will you wear them?
If you’re going to own one pair, and they’re going to be worn multiple times a week..def C&J.
If you’re adding a pair to a multi shoe rotation..go with Meermin. Gonna be stiffer up front, but will last very well in rotation. My .02

 

[DrewMill]

The point to my post was..how will you wear them?
If you’re going to own one pair, and they’re going to be worn multiple times a week..def C&J.
If you’re adding a pair to a multi shoe rotation..go with Meermin. Gonna be stiffer up front, but will last very well in rotation. My .02

Thanks. I have a rotation of enough shoes that I would were them once or twice a week. Although I would probably wear them more if I like them.

 

[TheShetlandSweater]

Thanks for all the input so far. I absolutely know that C&J are better shoes with better components and construction, and will most likely last longer. I'm mostly curious about how much better C&J is than Meermin (are they 3 times better as thier price tags indicate), and diminishing returns in menswear. Also, what brands might be the most optimal as far as diminishing returns go.

I don't know what 3 times better means. Three times more durable? Certainly not. Three times more comfortable? That will depend on the wearer. Three times more beautiful? That will depend on your eyes.

If you just want durability for price, get a pair of New Balances. You get proper shoes for aesthetics, but you also want them to be durable and comfortable. A lot depends on your budget, but what is most important is that you get shoes you like. You seem to be looking at brown suede penny loafers and those are some of the most versatile shoes, at least aesthetically. I think Alden's unlined suede penny loafers are nice. I have a pair and find them comfortable, versatile, and stylish. If you are in America, Aldens are also easier to try on in-person. There are also a wide range of widths, which is more important with loafers.

This article from Die, Workwear! is helpful. Here are 3 instagram accounts with a lot of Alden loafer goodness: 1, 2, 3. I think it is also telling that people outside the trad world wear these shoes. Simon at Permanent Style owns a pair, and the guys and the Armoury wear them a lot, or at least they used to. They used to be a big part of the Drake's aesthetic.

I am sure other brands are good too--most menswear brands you hear about on this site make a good product--but these are the ones I like best.