Meermin Mallorca Shoes

[hendrix]

lol.

I have never touched a pair of Meermins (nor do I intend to) but I find it ridiculous that people have to keep qualifying quality evaluations purely because some members are offended by the fact that they compare very well to other makers in the value department.

Do you own shoes from both Meermin and Carmina? You have some strong opinions that run contrary to the prevalent opinion on both makers, so curious if your opinion is based on actual experience or simply reading threads?

Slightly snarky (but no offense intended) translation:

1. Trust the internet, not your own opinion.
2. Don't trust the internet, develop your own opinion.

 

[New Shoes1]

Slightly snarky (but no offense intended) translation:

1. Trust the internet, not your own opinion.
2. Don't trust the internet, develop your own opinion.

The question was sincere. I own both Meermin and Carmina and like both, but would not say that they are identical in quality. Was curious if OP's opinion was legitimately formed or simply a recitation of what he gleaned from threads and is now passing off as authoritative fact.

 

[Quadcammer]



I have to agree that the very lowest priced Carminas can sometimes come down to only 65eu more than the hand-welted Meermins.  Yet the majority of Carmina's product in is the 400-500eu + range.  However, you dismiss the features that make one product more valuable while exagerating the benefits of its competitor (i.e. praising the aesthetics of a fiddleback waist that isn't seen by almost anyone over the proved quality benefits of hand-welting).  So yes, if we were to use such a cost/benefit analysis, Carminas would be the better value than Meermin.  All we have to do is choose Carmina's lowest priced models, fall in love with a rarely seen aesthetic feature, and arbitrarily decide that hand-welting doesn't create a better quality shoe.

These are not academic points. They go to the core of what makes one brand a better value than another.

There are not benefits to a fiddleback. its appearance only as you know. That said, the supposed benefits of hand welting are to me academic since I have not seen or experienced any gemming failures from GY products. If one wants to go to the "i'll own these for 30 years" or something, then maybe the hand welting advantage will come into play. That said, I don't think like that. I have no problem just buying new pairs after the 7 or 8 years I get out of a GY product. If you operate differently, than maybe handwelting is a benefit.

To me, value is determined primarily by appearance, finishing, and overall assembly quality (stitching and such), given that there is a basic quality and durability standard that is a given at this point.

 

[hendrix]



  The question was sincere.  I own both Meermin and Carmina and like both, but would not say that they are identical in quality.  Was curious if OP's opinion was legitimately formed or simply a recitation of what he gleaned from threads and is now passing off as authoritative fact.

well, the first thing is that what can be gleaned from threads can also be authoratative fact. Pictures, videos, expert opinion etc.

The second thing is that this thread is what, 1 year old? Given the exterior detailings of both brands is somewhat similar, I would imagine it to be difficult to form an opinion on quality based on a few months wear. That is the point in which one must weigh up the information presented to decide the likely winner of any product comparison.

That's not to say that aesthetic preferences shouldn't trump, because they should of course and Quadcammer is fully justified in his aesthetic preference. This is styleforum, not engineeringforum. It's just that aesthetic preference is not often used as the justification, and people seem to have to be almost apologetic when making unfavourable comparisons with other brands as they fear retaliation.

It's this type of atmosphere that hides information from noobs who might genuinely want to know.

 

[kcox68]

well, the first thing is that what can be gleaned from threads can also be authoratative fact. Pictures, videos, expert opinion etc.

The second thing is that this thread is what, 1 year old? Given the exterior detailings of both brands is somewhat similar, I would imagine it to be difficult to form an opinion on quality based on a few months wear. That is the point in which one must weigh up the information presented to decide the likely winner of any product comparison.

That's not to say that aesthetic preferences shouldn't trump, because they should of course and Quadcammer is fully justified in his aesthetic preference. This is styleforum, not engineeringforum. It's just that aesthetic preference is not often used as the justification, and people seem to have to be almost apologetic when making unfavourable comparisons with other brands as they fear retaliation.

It's this type of atmosphere that hides information from noobs who might genuinely want to know.

I'll take the hit for the confusion since I'm the one who conflated SL with Carmina. I should know how seriously posters will take their shoes on a message board dedicated to style and be more careful when writing.

Everybody, please consider me properly chastened. I will strive to ensure that I don't personally offend the sensibilities of the various shoe fans in future with less than double proofed research and an editor.

 

[AchtungBaby07]

Here's a snapshot of my latest MTO with Meermin.

 

[tomrakewell]

^ Can't see the picture

 

[terrorsquad]

Gentleman,

Any suggestions for a type of design for hatchgrain calf?I was thinking of a split toe like the EG Dover but a chukka or a wholecut like G&G will also be fantastic.

Would be interested to get some feedback from you guys

 

[OzzyJones]



Gentleman, Any suggestions for a type of design for hatchgrain calf?I was thinking of a split toe like the EG Dover but a chukka or a wholecut like G&G will also be fantastic. Would be interested to get some feedback from you guys

Wholecut chukka?!

 

[terrorsquad]

Wholecut chukka?!

Yup, along those lines. Though something like the G&G Arran below is lovely; love it

 

[OzzyJones]

Yup, along those lines. Though something like the G&G Arran below is lovely; love it

That shore is puuurdy!!

 

[AchtungBaby07]

here's a repost of my latest MTO with Meermin as some may have trouble viewing it.



Can't wait to lay my hands on them!

 

[terrorsquad]

here's a repost of my latest MTO with Meermin as some may have trouble viewing it.



Can't wait to lay my hands on them!

Lovely. I prefer suede for the dark brown area (yours look like calf) but still very nice. What last is this?

 

[AchtungBaby07]

Lovely. I prefer suede for the dark brown area (yours look like calf) but still very nice. What last is this?

good taste! Haha it is in fact suede on the dark brown area. Its made on the Olfe last.

 

[dufferin1]

Shoes were shipped today according to Luisa.