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Zapasman

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^LM uses paste cork filler as most GYW and some HW RTW shoes (most full cork layer sheet). The squeaky sound in some LM is due to the stiff upper leather IME. Nonetheless great shoes.
 

dluce76

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^LM uses paste cork filler as most GYW and some HW RTW shoes (most full cork layer sheet). The squeaky sound in some LM is due to the stiff upper leather IME. Nonetheless great shoes.

Not sure about the squeak - I have it bad in both the RTW burgundy LM on new Rey and MTO shell adelaides. The adelaides are actually far worse than the other, and the shell definitely isn't stiff. Though the shell adelaides it sounds like it's coming from the sole rather than the upper leather.
 

dluce76

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In case noone has answered, I have a pair of LM HW on the New Rey.

Comparing to Carmina Simpson, which is my best last, the New Rey:
- is longer/more space in toe box;
- tad wider;
- has a less thicker sole (I believe due to the absence of cork when in handwelt construction) = more flexible = feeling more stones/uneven ground;
- makes a squeaky sound when walking;
- leather still kinda stiff after one year.
I have these burgundy cap toe brogues on the new Rey as well. Best fitting last for me at meermin. The upper leather has creased a bit over the years but otherwise I really do enjoy these shoes. You do have to size up though - I'm an 11D in most shoes (10.5 in loafers) and take 10uk in most meermin, but take 10.5uk on new Rey last.
 

thuhoan

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I have these burgundy cap toe brogues on the new Rey as well. Best fitting last for me at meermin. The upper leather has creased a bit over the years but otherwise I really do enjoy these shoes. You do have to size up though - I'm an 11D in most shoes (10.5 in loafers) and take 10uk in most meermin, but take 10.5uk on new Rey last.

Any other brands/lasts that fit similar to the New Rey?
 

josef1

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I'm in need of replacing my work shoes which are some cheap Aldo's. I like meermin's price point, but wanted to know if the quality and durability is on par?

If youre asking if its on par with Aldo, I would objectively say its miles ahead.
If you're asking if it's on par with the more popular goodyear welt brands such as Allen Edmonds or Carmina, it definitely falls below in terms of finishing. Then again those brands are two steps higher in terms of price.
Meermin though I would say might have the best quality and stylings at its price range.
 

NoNameNecessary

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If youre asking if its on par with Aldo, I would objectively say its miles ahead.
If you're asking if it's on par with the more popular goodyear welt brands such as Allen Edmonds or Carmina, it definitely falls below in terms of finishing. Then again those brands are two steps higher in terms of price.
Meermin though I would say might have the best quality and stylings at its price range.
Seriously? AE and Carmina is on the same level? Well finished Meermin is miles ahead of AE, poorly finished seconds are not much worse than AE. On average Meermin is about the same quality as AE while miles ahead for styling. Not one person in a hundred would even compare AE with Carmina
 

josef1

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Seriously? AE and Carmina is on the same level? Well finished Meermin is miles ahead of AE, poorly finished seconds are not much worse than AE. On average Meermin is about the same quality as AE while miles ahead for styling. Not one person in a hundred would even compare AE with Carmina

You misunderstood. Comparison was made on price range which AEs and Carminas are on the same field. Stylings would be subjective as AEs follow more of the classical American standards and shapes. That's like apples and oranges. I of course would always prefer the stylings of Carmina and Meermins but cant deny the beauty of an AE Strand. Meermins fall a chunk below those price ranges and consistent QC and finishing are far. Premium lines and seconds are a whole other topic
 

Zapasman

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Not sure about the squeak - I have it bad in both the RTW burgundy LM on new Rey and MTO shell adelaides. The adelaides are actually far worse than the other, and the shell definitely isn't stiff. Though the shell adelaides it sounds like it's coming from the sole rather than the upper leather.
In your case it could come from the shank.
 

Alpha11

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Seriously? AE and Carmina is on the same level? Well finished Meermin is miles ahead of AE, poorly finished seconds are not much worse than AE. On average Meermin is about the same quality as AE while miles ahead for styling. Not one person in a hundred would even compare AE with Carmina
I not sure where you are getting your Allen Edmond's shoes from or info from however, I would argue the Allen Edmonds are actually better than Meermins.

I own 11 pair of AE and 3 pair of Meermins and can say that I believe my AE are better than my Meermins in construction and material. I just had two pair of AE that were recrafted that I have owned for 8 yrs.
 

NoNameNecessary

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I not sure where you are getting your Allen Edmond's shoes from or info from however, I would argue the Allen Edmonds are actually better than Meermins.

I own 11 pair of AE and 3 pair of Meermins and can say that I believe my AE are better than my Meermins in construction and material. I just had two pair of AE that were recrafted that I have owned for 8 yrs.
With all due respect, Americans overvalue “made in USA” products than they truly deserve. Specifically for AE, have you bought any AE in the past two years? Direct or indirect from third party retailers? AE’s quality has never been consistent with the products sold by third parties. AE’s QC has also worsen so much more in recent years even you buy directly from them. Lots people posted terrible experience and pictures recently. In my own experience, I only have two AEs, finish may be slightly better than Meermin but leather not as hard wearing.
 

Alpha11

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With all due respect, Americans overvalue “made in USA” products than they truly deserve. Specifically for AE, have you bought any AE in the past two years? Direct or indirect from third party retailers? AE’s quality has never been consistent with the products sold by third parties. AE’s QC has also worsen so much more in recent years even you buy directly from them. Lots people posted terrible experience and pictures recently. In my own experience, I only have two AEs, finish may be slightly better than Meermin but leather not as hard wearing.
I see we have a difference in opinions in regards to Allen Edmond's as well as Meermin. Unfortunately, I do not see either one of us changing each others minds.

To answer your question directly : yes I have purchased Allen Edmond's shoes from their store just a month ago, a pair of their Cornwallis in walnut. The fit and finish is top notch and fit just like the other AE I own.

I can not say the same for the Meermins I have. If you read here on this forum you will learn that I am not alone is my assessment as far as Meermins shoes are concerned.

Cost is relative to one's own financial ability and should not be the defining factor when choosing a product. I am willing to pay the cost I feel is fair for a quality shoe.

Allen Edmond's, Alden, Crockett and Jones, and Edward Green are in my shoe wardrobe because I like their quality and style. With Alden and Allen Edmond's being in the US and their recrafting service makes them all that much more appealing to me.

While I cannot speak for every American, I will say that if it helps keep an American worker employed then I will pay a little be more.

I am always reminded of these old saying: you get what you pay for" and I am too cheap to buy cheap shoes"
 
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Webbo

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Could you comment on the sizing/fit please. I cannot see where it says what last they are made on so wonder do they run narrow/wide/long TTS etc.

Thanks

A quick update. I received the unlined loafer in brown calf and will echo all the previous comments on them, superbly comfortable and extremely well made with no QC issues at all. They are a little more aggressively pointed than my usual loafers but even with my wide foot my standard 10.5 UK size fits well TTS, if as little snug, but with the softness of the leather this is no problem. Only wish I had bought them in blue too. Value for money these particular Meermin's take some beating.
 

alexSF

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A quick update. I received the unlined loafer in brown calf and will echo all the previous comments on them, superbly comfortable and extremely well made with no QC issues at all. They are a little more aggressively pointed than my usual loafers but even with my wide foot my standard 10.5 UK size fits well TTS, if as little snug, but with the softness of the leather this is no problem. Only wish I had bought them in blue too. Value for money these particular Meermin's take some beating.

Has anyone received the GMTO String Loafers?
The pair I ordered, expected to be delivered late July, was postponed to mid September...
 

Dichnotfu

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Can't help but laugh when people really believe Carmina has a better QC and customer service than Meermin.
 

SchachMundialECapital

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Can't help but laugh when people really believe Carmina has a better QC and customer service than Meermin.

Care to elaborate on that statement, please? With examples, if possible. Many who have been following this thread likely consider that to be inflammatory and not backed by any evidence.
 

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