Unboxing 101430 from Meermin

Meermin is the price killer, maybe the best one all over the world. Its achievement lies on the fact that many enthusiasts who have long been purchasing much higher level brands highly praise the shoes based on its price.

101430 is the best seller which copies a very iconic model from an English shoemaker, you can tell this from the first sight.

Let us have a look.

Unboxing

The shoe box is so great that I think the ones of Gaziano & Girling, Corthay or John Lobb cannot match.

It is made of recycled paper but very sturdy. A strong Nordic simplicity feeling.

The stamped logo is quite impressive.

A sticker on the side has all the information of this pair. Model number 101430, last Rois. Size UK5, Width E. Upper is black calf and sole is City rubber sole.

Remove the cover, one shoe bag lay on top. A wad of paper to fill up the empty room as the box is universal for shoes and boots.

Only one shoe bag is not so preferred by me. As putting two shoes into one bag they rub each other and damage the mirror shining.

Then the shoes jumped out.

Last

Meermin的当家楦型是Hiro is the most well known last from Meermin, a classic round toe, and this one, Rois is just a revision of Rois with slightly rounder toe.

Above is the official description of last Rois, however put on the shoes, I feel the toe is not round enough, still temporary.

Pattern

I mentioned that one model is copied, and everyone with discerning eyes of shoes can tell it is Chelsea from Edward Green from the swan neck design.

I think the swan neck shape is almost identical with the one of Chelsea, however I just feel it is too small and cramped.

Construction

The fudge on the edge of welt is most eye catching as it is super fine and runs along the waist. The welt is not wide and proportionally good with the thickness. From distance, I don’t think anyone can say anything bad about Meermin shoes.

Craftsmanship

Upper stitches are very straight and fine. It is unexpected at this price point.

Outsole

City rubber sole is sleeker and confined than the usual studded sole or Commando sole.

I don’t remember I saw other brands put nails in the rubber heel block. Meermin does, however not too impressive.

Most brands use its own branded city sole, while Meermin cooperates with one, sadly I cannot recognize the brand.

Leather

It almost becomes a ritual that when talking about Meermin leather, it is hard and hard to break in. From my experience, I don’t feel they are harder to break in than other brands.

Details

Except the model number and size on inner lining, there is some information on the tongue as well. The golden one should be the production number for traceability, and below are “Designed in Mallorca, Handcrafted in Shanghai”. Meermin never hides their shoes are made in China.

Half sock lining is the same as the upper, and the leather is thick which offers more cushion.

Conclusion

Meermin is price killer for a reason and its shoes are really very value!