Get a Closer Look of The Loafer: https://meermin.com/collections/mens-loafers/products/101381-copper-antique-calf-e
Don't worry, Meermin has always been on our plans. This time, we're finally going to review one of the Meermin's Loafers - The 101381 Tassel Loafer. Actually, I know some of you may have no idea of this brand as it's relatively new to those brands which have a long-standing history of producing shoes. Long story short, Meermin is a young brand and provides shoes at a super affordable price.
The Loafer that we're going to talk about is one of the most classic pair of Tassel Loafers, and it's named 101381. First thing first, in terms of the price of it, it's priced at only $195 — what a steal. You may not be convinced by now, but after reading the whole post, you'll know it's definitely under-priced.
With that being said, let's dive into today's review. Enjoy!
Brief Background of Meermin
Meermin is a family-owned business based in Spain since 2001. As told by its founder, Pepe Albaladejo, to sell quality shoes for around $200, they don't wholesale to any agents or middlemen.
Another important factor to lower the price is the shoes are well-made in China. The reason why they produce shoes in China is that there are trained labours who can do things like hand-welting, which is impossible to achieve in Spain. Pepe also said the margins are very low, and the prices have not been raised in five years.
Although the prices Meermin offered are very competitive, the construction and the choice of leather are in good quality. For instance, all of the shoes are Goodyear Welted, and they used French calfskin from D'Annonay.
1. Look and Fit
The Meermin 101381 Dress Tassel Loafer (The 101381) is made with the RON last. According to Meermin, the Ron last features a low instep and round toe shape. As we all know, one of the signature features of a Loafer is the low-vamp design. (Vamp refers to the forepart of the Loafer which covers the wearer's instep and toes. For more explanations on unknown terms, please check out our post by clicking HERE.) Therefore, as the RON last features a low instep, it's ideal for producing Loafers.
In terms of the look of it, it retains the classic look from the 1950s. There are 3 main features of the 101381. First of all, there are two tassels as most of the Tassel Loafers do. They look classic without any extra decoration such as a kiltie.
Secondly, there is a classic moccasin stitching along the edge of the vamp. It is a classic feature for most of the moccasin-like shoes. For Tassel Loafers, most of the moccasin stitchings are subtle and elegant. They are not as bold as those on the Penny Loafers. That's why the Tassel Loafer always has a higher level of formality than the others.
Thirdly, the thin leather strap which connects the tassels is visible. Similar to the boat shoes, a thin leather strap is attached to the vamp and the quarter. It's the feature that you can see solely on Tassel Loafer. (Again, for terms explanation, click HERE.)
For the fit of the shoe, it fits true to size. As the RON last has a low instep which means the Top Piece of the 101381 is widely opened. Therefore, please choose size wisely. Plus, it's a lined shoe which means the interior of the 101381 is slightly smaller than a regular unlined shoe. Therefore, with the sleek design, we would say you don't need to size it down.
2. Quality
We will look into the construction and the choice of leather in this part. We would say the 101381 is of excellent quality. You simply can't find anything better within $195.
For the construction, Meermin always used the renowned Goodyear Welt construction to ensure the durability of the shoes, and the 101381 is no exception. The welt is visible around the edge of the 101381. In order to hide the stitching on the welt, some sawtooth patterns are added on it. Plus, by using the Goodyear Welt construction, the wearer can resole the Loafer after a handful of years to keep it durable and fresh.
Moreover, it's a pair of Loafers with a single sole. It means there is no midsole between the insole (the part that the wearer's foot usually steps on) and the outsole (the visible part at the bottom). It's not common for Loafers to have a "Double Sole" as the thickness would simply destroy the elegance of the Loafer.
For the choice of leather, the upper of the 101381 is made of the fine Antique Calf provided by a renowned French Tannery, namely Annonay. The leather is not shiny yet has its nature shininess which is subtle and elegant. Also, as mentioned above, the 101381 is a lined Loafer. The lining of it is made of Full Grain Calf, which is soft and durable. Due to its softness, it provides much comfort to the wearer.
3. Styling Guide
The 101381 is as versatile as other Tassel Loafers that we've reviewed. It can be worn with most of the classic pieces of garments in the wardrobe as well. From an everyday business look to a weekend grocery shopping style, there should be no problem at all.
To be more precise, we would say the 101381 has a higher level of formality than Penny Loafer and Bit Loafer. Therefore, don't worry if you are wondering if it can be worn with a suit. Just make sure you don't wear a suit with a higher level of formality than a double-breasted suit.
Here is a typical way to wear the 101381.
Recommendation 1: Casual Working Style
Top: Shirt in a light blue/ Chambray Shirt (You may unbutton the first or first two buttons)
Outerwear: Skip or Suit Jacket in Navy
Accessory: A decent Watch with a Dark Brown leather strap
Bottom: Chinos in Khaki (with a simple Dark Brown belt)
Socks: Invisible socks
Shoes: The 101381
Bonus Tip: When going to work, you always want to attract less attention as working is not the right occasion for clothes that are too loud. Keep it subtle and show your taste with watches or the choice of shirts.