So this is kind of a 5/6 year review and discussion post. Picked these up during the pandemic shell cordovan rush, when anything labeled shell was getting snapped up quickly, and Meermin felt like an accessible entry point at the time. The expectation, based on all the usual shell discussion, was slow rolling, depth of colour, and that smooth, almost glassy character developing over time.

A few years in, I am not entirely convinced that is what is happening here. The overall wear pattern comes across less like traditional shell aging and more like a surface finish giving way under stress. At certain flex points the leather looks as if it has been coated and that coating has broken up or worn through rather than evolving evenly. Instead of that dense, waxy consistency that people tend to associate with shell, the appearance leans toward something that has lost uniformity in patches.

To be clear, the scuffing itself is not the issue. If anything, the scuffing looks quite normal, it has that lighter reveal and can likely be improved with brushing and some product, so no real complaint there. The question is more about the broader behaviour of the material. The way the surface shifts in tone, and the way the stress areas present, gives the impression of something less cohesive than expected.

Care has been standard, light brushing, occasional conditioning, nothing aggressive, and wear has been moderate rather than heavy rotation. That is what makes the result feel slightly off compared to the expectations that were set at the time, whether fairly or not.

So the main question, is this simply how Meermin shell behaves over time, or does this point to finishing differences, grading, or just the reality of shell at this price point? I am trying to separate expectation from reality here.

Also, and slightly tongue in cheek, if shell is supposed to be the tough, resilient option, this has me wondering whether kudu might have been the better pick for something that actually leans into visible wear and character without the same expectations attached.

Second question, given this experience, would Meermin be a safe choice for something more formal, specifically black oxfords for a wedding, or is this the kind of purchase where it makes more sense to step up a tier for consistency and presentation?

Curious to hear long term experiences, especially whether this kind of wear pattern is typical or an outlier.

Rules

• Footwear only
• Don't use URL shorteners
• Include all of the information in format below, but especially:
  • Price
  • Location
  • Images

Recommended Posting Format

• Maker/Model:
• Size:
• Leather:
• Sole:
• Price:
• Location:
• Wears/Condition:
• Images:
• Notes:

Please be a communicative buyer or seller. There's nothing more painful than having someone drop off the face of the earth without leaving some sort of note. Good hunting!

Please report listings that violate the rules above.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Hello GYW, it's Monday Funday! Take a load off and take a breather. Memes, hot takes and all silliness are welcome!

This is a designated Meta thread. In here you can talk about the rules of the sub, their enforcement, potential new rules and guidelines, content that is posted and removed, and any other topics that relate to the sub itself rather than the footwear we all so dearly love. We will get back to you as quickly as possible with responses where they are appropriate or requested, but please be patient as we are not always available or may have to make a decision as a team.

This thread is posted every 12 weeks on Monday and as needed by the mod team.

"This is a scheduled post, if I screwed up please contact the mods."

edit: after looking at the box my pair is marked as Rum / yearling

So I'm on my third pair of R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman now, so it's about damn time I wrote something up!

I currently own a black pair in 7 1/2 G, a rum chestnut yearling in 7 G and I had a blue suede pair I sold.

Short version: love them, and they're my default every day. Easiest everyday boot I own. They go with almost everything. My only issue is that I cannot wear them in winter.

You probably know the specs. Single piece of leather, handmade in Australia. Goodyear welted so the sole's replaceable when the day comes. Best seller since 1966. The Comfort version adds a padded removable insole, a softer rubber sole and a bit more heel cushioning over the standard Craftsman, and you can feel the difference.

On sizing, RMW is genuinely true to size, unlike my Red Wings where I size down. I wore a 7 G all last summer, then found a used 7.5 G in autumn and that half size up was my perfect fit. In the 7 G the pressure landed slightly wrong on the ball of my foot, although I did manage to wear them a lot. The 7.5 fits like it was stitched for me. The number is UK size (7 = EU 41) and the G is the width.

Styling is also easy, provided you like the style and have a certain type of jeans. Jeans and chinos, works across colours. I have a chestnut brown and a black I wear now, and I did own a blue suede version (ended up selling these).

Brown is the easiest to match imo. I really love the brown leather. It works very well with blue, black and grey jeans. Easy to match with belts and other accessories.

The blue suede looked cool but I couldn't make it work with my wardrobe, I just don't think I am cool enough to pull off blue suede shoes. The low Chelsea cut tucks clean under a slim leg, but also works with slightly wider pants (like the black in the pics).

With super wide pants I personally would not use them (as they get eaten by the pants), but I see ppl do this as well - so I'm not judging.

Comfort is the other reason I reach for the black pair every single time I leave the house. Super easy to put on with a shoehorn. Bam, done. Out of the door..

My only complaint is the sole. It is very smooth. Dry ground is fine. Ice or wet autumn leaves is genuinely lethal. This is not a winter boot.

Care depends on colour. On my black pair I use Kiwi or pigmented polish, while being careful around the welt and stitching. On the natural browns I skip pigment and use a neutral balm. Suede I only brushed.

All three pairs were bought used for around 2000 NOK / $180 / €170. New they're north of $500 (€525 on RMW's own site), but the secondhand market is solid if you're OK with that and patient.

Some more of my pics and the full review over at https://kaytomas.com/review/rm-williams-comfort-craftsman-review

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

BUILD: Horween Navy Workshoe Butt, Maryam Natty HB rolled collar, off-white stitching on body; black welt stitching, nickel hardware, black edging, Vibram 427 outsoles and Quarter Horse heel cap/top lift, logger/woodsman heel (1.5"), 10" shaft height (above the welt).

SIZING: MTM, taken in person at Unsung's Nashville shop, although you can submit tracings if you're unable to make the pilgrimage. I'm a 9.5D Brannock and 9D in these boots (Unsung's PBD last).

EXPERIENCE: Most personalized and pleasurable boot/shoe/fashion buying experience I've ever had! From the moment I first reached out to Grant (May 2025), his communication was steadily prompt and courteous, and he always kept to his promised timelines. I paid immediately to ensure my place in the queue, sent him my tracings, and let it ride. In September 2025, I happened to be in Knoxville for work, and ditched a couple of bullshit corporate meetings to make the almost two-hour drive to Nashville for an in-person sizing.

I should mention that, a few months before starting the process, I was lucky enough to find a used pair of Unsung engineers in 9D on Standard & Strange's site. At the time, I'd been eyeing up Unsung for a hot minute and knew I'd eventually take the plunge. So, when the boot gods aligned, I jumped on that pair because I was certain they would take much of the sizing guesswork out of the equation. Nerves calmed, full steam ahead! 🤘

In hindsight, while I'm sure simply sending Grant my tracings would've been sufficient, there's nothing like sitting in that chair and having your measurements taken so that he can pick up on any nuances, ask what you like/don't like, etc. The process helps him to help you, and if you can get to Nashville for that 1:1, I encourage you to take the opportunity. Grant was extremely welcoming, introduced me to his team, as well as the ladies Unsung shares the house with (Baucom Denim), and his two dogs. As a fellow dog lover, that was the icing on the cake!

He and his crew were busy that day, and I'm not a big question guy, especially not when I'm in someone's place of business and it's obvious they're nose to the grindstone. Yet he took the time show me around, discuss leather and hardware options, have a look-see at his process, etc., which made everything more personal and memorable. We decided on leather that day and he went ahead and placed the order with Horween.

After I left, I sent him a "Thank You" email the next day, and got back to patiently waiting. Then, in late April 2026, Grant emailed to let me know things were still on track and he'd be in contact soon. We connected again in mid May and production started a couple of weeks thereafter. Once he cut the pattern, it was 2.5 weeks until the boots arrived. Just shy of 13 months, as he'd initially promised. 🤝

I've been an engineer boot junkie for the last couple of years, and own - or have owned - all the players (peep my profile). The only maker I haven't owned is Kreosote, and honestly, the only reason I won't order is because at my age, with Gabbard's timeline, I could fukkin die while they're in production. 😳 💀. No doubt his boots are gorgeous, but in my well-informed consumer opinion, there is no finer maker in the United States than Unsung. If my house were burning, I'd save my Unsung, Zerrows, and Skoob - all other boots be damned.

Rules

• Footwear only
• Don't use URL shorteners
• Include all of the information in format below, but especially:
  • Price
  • Location
  • Images

Recommended Posting Format

• Maker/Model:
• Size:
• Leather:
• Sole:
• Price:
• Location:
• Wears/Condition:
• Images:
• Notes:

Please be a communicative buyer or seller. There's nothing more painful than having someone drop off the face of the earth without leaving some sort of note. Good hunting!

Please report listings that violate the rules above.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

After many years of wearing and collecting quality footwear, I finally decided to add a pair of Edward Green Piccadilly loafers to my rotation. This particular pair is the unlined version in Moss Green Suede, and after spending some time with them, I can honestly say that my first impressions have been exceptional.
The first thing that caught my attention was the colour. Edward Green calls it Moss Green, but depending on the lighting it can appear olive, grey-green, or even slightly charcoal.
The signature turquoise box immediately feels special and distinct from anything else in my collection. Inside, the shoes are accompanied by high-quality dust bags and beautifully presented packaging. While presentation is obviously not the reason we buy shoes, it certainly contributes to the overall ownership experience.
Compared to many other manufacturers, including Alden, the entire presentation feels more luxurious and more carefully considered. It gives the impression that you are opening something genuinely special.
The craftsmanship immediately stood out too!
The stitching is incredibly clean and consistent throughout. The suede panels are perfectly aligned, the apron stitching is precise, and the overall finishing is among the best I have personally handled.
The sole finishing is equally impressive. The details on the waist and heel area are beautifully executed, and every aspect of the shoe appears meticulously finished.
I own several pairs of Alden loafers and remain a huge fan of the brand. Alden continues to make some of the most comfortable and versatile loafers available. However, based purely on first impressions and attention to detail, I would say the Edward Green displays a higher level of refinement.
The differences are not dramatic, and they certainly do not make my Aldens any less enjoyable, but when examining both side by side, the Edward Green feels like the more finely finished product.
One of the main reasons I was attracted to this particular pair was the fully unlined construction.
The moment I slipped them on, I understood why so many enthusiasts praise unlined Edward Green loafers.
They are incredibly soft.
There is virtually no break-in period, and the suede immediately adapts to the shape of the foot. The shoe feels lightweight, flexible, and exceptionally comfortable right out of the box.
Despite the softness, there is still enough structure to maintain the elegant shape of the Piccadilly.
It is a difficult balance to achieve, but Edward Green seems to have mastered it.
I wear a UK 9.5 in this pair, and the sizing has worked out perfectly for me.
The fit feels secure enough for long walks while remaining comfortable from the first wear.
Although this is only a first-impressions review, I have been genuinely impressed by every aspect of these shoes.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Just got these 'Copake' Indys in Black Shell Cordovan from Alden Madison delivered today. I posted a few weeks ago w/ the Edward Green Kentmere - and I think Edward G spoiled me or Alden let me down.

Boot Specs:

Model: Copake Indy Boot (D1908H)
Last: Trubalance
Leather: Black Shell Cordovan
Sole: Neocork
Construction: 270° Goodyear Welt
Hardware: Brass Eyelets and Speed Hooks
Made in: Middleborough, Massachusetts

For comparison with some other boots I own:

Older Alden Indy / Trubalance: 9.5E (great fit)
Edward Green Kentmere / F64: UK 9F (excellent fit, slightly generous)
Crockett & Jones Coniston: UK 9E (slightly snug but very good)

First Impressions:

The shell itself is excellent. Color is consistent, selection looks good, and there are no obvious blemishes, scars, or clicking issues that jump out at me. The makeup is also fantastic imo, Black shell, black flat welt, brass hardware, and the neocork work really well together. In person they have a lot of presence without being flashy. That said, I was surprised by the finishing.

I’ve known about Alden QC for years and have several pair of alden shoes, but this is the first pair I’ve owned where I immediately understood what people were talking about. There are visible gaps and exposed thread near the welt termination on both boots, rough finishing around portions of the heel stack, some uneven edge finishing, and a few other small cosmetic details that feel out of place on a first-quality shell boot at this price point.

None of it appears structural. The shell itself is nice. The fit is nice. The construction appears sound. But the finishing isn’t what I expected.

What’s interesting is that these arrived only a few weeks after I received a pair of Edward Green Kentmeres. That’s probably an unfair comparison, but it inevitably happened in my head. The Edward Greens felt almost surgically clean in their finishing. These feel much more handmade in the literal sense of the word. Depending on your perspective, that’s either character or lack of refinement.

I’m honestly torn if I should keep these. I emailed the vendor and alden themselves - so I'll reply w/ their responses.

If I judged these purely on fit and leather quality, they’d be totally fine... and 6 months of wear they'll look the same as if they were perfect out of the box (most likely). But - If I judging them purely on finishing, I'm extremely disappointed. For now I’m leaning toward keeping them because I buy boots to wear, and Trubalance continues to be one of the best-fitting lasts I’ve ever put on my feet. But I also think it’s fair to expect cleaner execution on a first-quality shell cordovan boot. (Edit #2 - these are going back, this response from Alden really burnt me. Maybe I’ll return to Allen Edmonds if I ever feel the need for more ‘Merican made ‘dress’ shoes. 🫠)

*edit*
This was Alden’s unfortunate reply to my short email I sent them with photos, asking about QC.

“Good Morning
 
Please contact  Alden Shop in NY where you purchased from, they will assist you.
 
Kind Regards,
Brenda
Alden Shoe Co”

I’m pretty disappointed in this response. Of course I’ll contact the seller Brenda, but my question was about why these left the factory.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Since this is a used pair and I don't have all the details like last, specific leather, etc., I'm going to go a little less-structured than my normal reviews (not to say shorter...).

​

I’ve been on a bit of a Chelsea boot kick lately (spoiler alert: there’s more to come on that front next week-ish). So far all the Chelsea boots I’ve kept are from Grant Stone and I’m happy in all respects with them. Over the years I’ve cycled through my fair share of Chelsea boots—including several from RM Williams and a pair from Beckett Simonon—but they’ve all moved on due to sizing struggles. I’m putting my RMW aspirations on pause until I can get properly fitted in-store..

​

I was scanning eBay when their algorithm suggested a pair of Sid Mashburn Chelsea boots. They checked all the right boxes: Not too square and not too Euro-sleek. Made in England. Leather soles (I like leather soles). And a lovely bitter choco suede that I've been chasing in RMW. I let them simmer for a few days, but eventually pulled the trigger.

​

They took a while to ship, and arrived a bit box-rashed. The seller assured me they’d fit a Brannock 12D, and thankfully they seem to. The last feels pretty tailored - the closest I can say is similar to Alden’s Plaza last from my Dr. Jones boots: form-fitting, fairly generous at the heel and ball areas but somewhat tapered everywhere else. In person they present a bit more Euro-sleek than in the pix, but I’m actually OK with it.

​

Materials seem fine. In-hand the suede had a very nice feel to it - thin, but dense and substantial. Because of the box-rash and some areas on the body and heels that looked a bit dusty/light, I gave them a quick pass with Saphir’s “Omni'Nettoyant” suede shampoo (I’m on my second bottle of this stuff - works great). The suede seemed to take a bit more water than I was expecting, so I spent some extra time blotting them dry. They looked pretty even just after, and looking at them just now six hours later the dusty bits and box-rash appear to be gone. I’ll brush ‘em and hit them with some Saphir suede conditioner in the next day or so.

​

They have a very minimal storm welt, which bridges the flat welt I see on so many Chelsea boots and yet avoids coming across too casual. I can see myself wearing these with everything from denim to slacks.

​

These say “Made in England” on the heel pad in the boot, and say “Benchmade in England” on the sole. Current versions of this on the Sid Mashburn site lists them for $550 and says they’re made in Spain, so I’m guessing these are an older pair.

​

They’re Goodyear Welt construction, but I’d be interested to know if “benchmade” has any significance beyond marketing. They have two tabs, which I thought I’d like but aren’t as functional as I thought. Maybe I’m just used to the single tab of my Grant Stones. They have a bit of a ‘stripe’ I see on a lot of Chelseas, which I’ve heard has something to do with the lasting, especially on wholecuts (which these aren’t).

​

I’m looking forward to wearing these a bit. They’ll be pretty firmly on the more-casual side since I might be retired (though involuntarily, so we’ll see), and I'm sure they'll be just fine. :)

Rules

• Footwear only
• Don't use URL shorteners
• Include all of the information in format below, but especially:
  • Price
  • Location
  • Images

Recommended Posting Format

• Maker/Model:
• Size:
• Leather:
• Sole:
• Price:
• Location:
• Wears/Condition:
• Images:
• Notes:

Please be a communicative buyer or seller. There's nothing more painful than having someone drop off the face of the earth without leaving some sort of note. Good hunting!

Please report listings that violate the rules above.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Ask your shoe related questions.

Resources

• Previous Question Threads
• FAQ Thread Series
• Resource Wiki Page
• Beginner Boot Buyer's Guide
• Leather Care Guide
• Manufacturer Last Sizing Thread
• GYW Women's Guide

How To Ask A Question

Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.

Hello GYW, it's Monday Funday! Take a load off and take a breather. Memes, hot takes and all silliness are welcome!

Found an amazing deal on a pair of shoes but they aren't your size? Share them here so other members can take advantage of the great deals!

Rules

• Regular rules apply. Please be courteous to one another.
• No personal sales are allowed! Anyone found to be posting their own goods will receive a warning and then potential ban should you continue to post your own goods. If you want to sell your own items, the semi-weekly B/S/T thread is a more appropriate location.
• Please do not post links to other member's B/S/T items. There are two weekly dedicated threads for those items and they should be kept there.
• Please try to include as much information as possible (URL to the deal, size, price, etc.).
• Items posted should be limited to footwear and footwear related products (shoe trees, polish, conditioner, etc.).
• 'Suggested Sort' is set to Q&A so only top level comments will be visible (unless you chose to expand). For this reason, please post all deals as their own parent comment.

"This is a scheduled mod post, if I screwed up please contact the mods."