Meermin doesn’t have a long history as the English shoemakers which easily span one century, and even many Italian brands have decades of history. However, its ability to grab market share is hard to ignore. Of course its price is a killer but its models and lasts also stand to challenge.
I certainly know there are quite a few of complaints about is lousy customer service, well the profit margin may not be sufficient to manage that level.
And the most positive feedback I heard and I experienced myself is the leather quality which I care most.
I contacted Meermin and got the sales data which tell what models are the best sellers from its 21 years history, this is a piece of great information!
Let us go, from the top 1 downward.
No. 1 101198
Cap toe oxford with swan neck decoration on the quarter, an imitation of Chelsea from Edward Green. The most conservative and classic dress shoes are always most cherished, no matter in which country.
There is one point about Meermin to share, model 101198, 101430 and 101534 all have the same pattern only sitting on different lasts, and because 101198 came first and went with Meermin’s most iconic last Hiro, so it is the best seller not the other two.
The same applies to the whole cut oxfords, 101240, 101340 and 101540.
Personally I dislike this practice as it put heavier burden to customers to memorize which model to buy and share.
Although different lasts demand different model numbers, leather options do not, above picture is suede brown 101198.
No. 2 – 114414
Unlined penny loafer.
I think this one is very unexpected to me as unlined penny loafer gained popularity only recently and this one sell really good!
Unlined is promoted for its comfort however I never feel uncomfortable in a pair of well fit lined loafers.
So, my take is casualness is unstoppable.
Sometimes I wonder whether the visual impact is much stronger than the different feelings in them.
No.3 – 101341
A pair of standard, almost textbook level double monk. That monk shoes can have a position in the top 5 is shocking to me.
From well known to less known, the consequence is oxford, derby, loafer, boot and monk. Only a few people know about this shoe, not to mention buying it.
But for who has donned this model, they will tell you they are a wonderful combination of formality and convenience.
Double monk is more usual than single monk, and cap toe adds its fashion safety.
No.4 – 101381
I long before found a very interesting phenomenon that tassel loafer is more popular than penny loafer which I disbelieved. Tassel loafer is associated to Feminine or banker in the know, how come people love them more than penny loafer? But data never lie.
A funny fact, I have more tassel loafers than penny loafers.
Strap with different leather is a great design.
No.5 – 101050
Boot finally catches up, and it is easy to guess, it is a pair of Chelsea boots. Meermin makes this one from one piece of leather without seams under the elastic band.
Coupling with its very unique waxed shell cordovan, the flavor is quite intriguing.
Conclusion
Data mining is always very fun.