[jts287]

Hi friends!

As the title states, I'm on the market for a quality pair of boots for casual-ish wear in spring/fall. Would anyone mind providing opinions on those listed below and perhaps be willing to suggest others? I'm open to any color between tan and chocolate. I'm trying to keep my price point sub-$300USD, so not checking Alden, Carmina, or the Brit companies for this search. Also, no China, India, etc.

Meermin*:

Zegna:

AE**:

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/...r=2404#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=2

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/nomad-...r=6498#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=5

*The Meermin boots are unavailable in my size. They'll eventually restock those, right?

**Made in the DR. Not sure how that affects quality, all my AEs are US-made.

 

[SG_67]

I don't care for the AE. The suede looks distressed and I just don't care for that. Also, the boot just looks too weighty.

The Zegna sole will wear out quickly and for that reason alone, stay away.

I know others have had good thinks to say about Meermin. My understanding is that they are at least in part made in China and the final assembly is in Spain. But do t quote me on that.

Also consider Rancourt:
https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/men-s/boots/blake-chukka-flint-kudu-suede.html

 

[Flanderian]

Hi friends!

As the title states, I'm on the market for a quality pair of boots for casual-ish wear in spring/fall. Would anyone mind providing opinions on those listed below and perhaps be willing to suggest others? I'm open to any color between tan and chocolate. I'm trying to keep my price point sub-$300USD, so not checking Alden, Carmina, or the Brit companies for this search. Also, no China, India, etc.

Meermin*:

Zegna:

AE**:

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/...r=2404#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=2

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/nomad-...r=6498#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=5

*The Meermin boots are unavailable in my size. They'll eventually restock those, right?

**Made in the DR. Not sure how that affects quality, all my AEs are US-made.

The Meemin boot looks very nice, and should be a solid choice.

AE looks a little dicey, don't know anything about the DR footwear, but they've had QC problems in general.

Know nothing about the Zegna branded boot. Looks to be either Spanish or Italian make, doesn't look bad.

You didn't mention your size, but if you're a U.S. D width, these are a very solid, quality boot that's a good value, though the plantation crepe sole makes it more casual.

If you're a U.S. E width, these would be nice -

https://www.bradshawandlloyd.com/sanders-holborn-snuf-suede

And Herring has a very inexpensive but decent looking Portugal made boot -

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/canterbury_rubber-soled-chukka-boots/brown-suede

And these a bit more elegant that are made in England (Possibly by Loake) -

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/campden_rubber-soled-chukka-boots/brown-suede

 

[Tiger]

Hi friends!

As the title states, I'm on the market for a quality pair of boots for casual-ish wear in spring/fall. Would anyone mind providing opinions on those listed below and perhaps be willing to suggest others? I'm open to any color between tan and chocolate. I'm trying to keep my price point sub-$300USD, so not checking Alden, Carmina, or the Brit companies for this search. Also, no China, India, etc.

Meermin*:

Zegna:

AE**:

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/shoes/...r=2404#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=2

AE: https://www.allenedmonds.com/nomad-...r=6498#q=chukka&prefn1=size&prefv1=12&start=5

*The Meermin boots are unavailable in my size. They'll eventually restock those, right?

**Made in the DR. Not sure how that affects quality, all my AEs are US-made.

The Herring and Pediwear websites have multiple choices for you in your price range, and most are British-made...

 

[eagle2250]

The Meemin boot looks very nice, and should be a solid choice.

AE looks a little dicey, don't know anything about the DR footwear, but they've had QC problems in general.

Know nothing about the Zegna branded boot. Looks to be either Spanish or Italian make, doesn't look bad.

You didn't mention your size, but if you're a U.S. D width, these are a very solid, quality boot that's a good value, though the plantation crepe sole makes it more casual.

If you're a U.S. E width, these would be nice -
................................................................................

Curse you, my friend. Those Sanders in snuff suede are far more than just interesting. Indeed, the description of the boots construction makes it sound very comparable to the sand suede chukkas, fitted with leather tipped plantation crepe soles, and lined with glove leather I purchased from Alden and hence they are tempting...and they are of a snuff suede hue. But alas, what would I do with my Alden snuff suede flex-welt chukkas? What to do, what to do? :icon_scratch:

 

[mkrgk]

Curse you, my friend. Those Sanders in snuff suede are far more than just interesting. Indeed, the description of the boots construction makes it sound very comparable to the sand suede chukkas, fitted with leather tipped plantation crepe soles, and lined with glove leather I purchased from Alden and hence they are tempting...and they are of a snuff suede hue. But alas, what would I do with my Alden snuff suede flex-welt chukkas? What to do, what to do? :icon_scratch:

Have your cake and eat it too...

 

[Flanderian]

Curse you, my friend. Those Sanders in snuff suede are far more than just interesting. Indeed, the description of the boots construction makes it sound very comparable to the sand suede chukkas, fitted with leather tipped plantation crepe soles, and lined with glove leather I purchased from Alden and hence they are tempting...and they are of a snuff suede hue. But alas, what would I do with my Alden snuff suede flex-welt chukkas? What to do, what to do? :icon_scratch:

I suspect this particular snuff hue is a bit browner than your Alden's, and the last quite different. Therefore, they occupy entirely different and unique wardrobe niches! And at the current exchange rate they'd be the staggering sum of roughly $245.

Edit: As reported by member Lucido re his Sanders snuff over crepe Chelsea boots, "Snuff suede over crepe. They feel like walking on clouds." :devil:

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/com...hare-your-latest-purchase-here.238062/page-76

 

[jts287]

I'm a 12b, but I know that if I choose something other than AE, I'm going to hsve to make a d width work, which I can.

Flanderian, after reading up a bit, you're correct on the Meermin model being partly of Chinese manufacture. I know that even though AE builds in the States, the leather's globally sourced, so I'll keep an eye on whether those Meermins are re-stocked.

SG, any insight on the Zegnas? I kind of dig the perfing and pinking... I presume the soles are just regular shoe rubber (GY welted, though), and they're produced by some italian maker under license.

I do like the Rancourts. A lot, actually. I think I'm going to forgo AE, because all my dress shoes are that maker, and why not change it up?

I didn't previously think to look at BB, but I like these: https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fiel...var_MH00369_Color=NAVY&contentpos=2&cgid=0522

I haven't had a chance to check the English links you guys provided, but will. I'm at work, plus I'm in a life or death argument about TJ Maxx.

 

[SG_67]

I’ve bought Zegna shoes before, in deep discount. Some are better than others.

That particular sole is not very durable. I don’t think they are GYW but that doesn’t mean that they can’t the resoled.

 

[Flanderian]

I'm a 12b, but I know that if I choose something other than AE, I'm going to hsve to make a d width work, which I can.

Flanderian, after reading up a bit, you're correct on the Meermin model being partly of Chinese manufacture. I know that even though AE builds in the States, the leather's globally sourced, so I'll keep an eye on whether those Meermins are re-stocked.

SG, any insight on the Zegnas? I kind of dig the perfing and pinking... I presume the soles are just regular shoe rubber (GY welted, though), and they're produced by some italian maker under license.

I do like the Rancourts. A lot, actually. I think I'm going to forgo AE, because all my dress shoes are that maker, and why not change it up?

I didn't previously think to look at BB, but I like these: https://www.brooksbrothers.com/Fiel...var_MH00369_Color=NAVY&contentpos=2&cgid=0522

I haven't had a chance to check the English links you guys provided, but will. I'm at work, plus I'm in a life or death argument about TJ Maxx.

Actually, it was member SG 67 who mentioned they're made in China and finished in Mallorca. But I don't mind being confused with SG 67 , and his information comports with everything I've ever read about them. FWIW, member Momsdoc is the Meermin expert with many pairs of their footwear.

Having the time to look a bit more at Herring's offerings, and matching them up with your preferences, I've found what I would recommend. (BTW, I've done business with them twice, and they're very quick and a delight to deal with.)

The information that you're a 12B is very helpful. You likely know that you need to size down one full size from English sizes, so you'll be an 11. Fitting a standard width may prove a bit more challenging. The boots below look to be made on a narrower last, and their source, Portugal, has become a source for good quality and good value. So at $159, I'd think they'd come as close to what you're looking for as I know.

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/prod...=3799&siteNavEvent=herringToHerringEquivClick

 

[SG_67]

^ I can happily report that the Sanders crepe soles are indeed the most comfortable I've ever owned.

Anyway, strictly speaking it's a George boot rather than a chukka but the Sanders Edinburgh is available in the same shade of snuff suede with a single leather sole. Yours for £175 directly from Sanders.

I always thought a George boot had a buckle instead of lacing.

What's the difference between the two?

 

[derum]

I always thought a George boot had a buckle instead of lacing.

What's the difference between the two?

I think the only difference is the height, it's well above ankle. Lucido may have more to offer, but heres a Shipton and Heneage George boot:

 

[Flanderian]

I think the only difference is the height, it's well above ankle. Lucido may have more to offer, but heres a Shipton and Heneage George boot:
View attachment 23109

And Sanders and Sanders offers a patent leather version with spurs.

For those truly kinky evenings, perhaps? :icon_saint7kg:

 

[SG_67]

And Sanders and Sanders offers a patent leather version with spurs.

For those truly kinky evenings, perhaps? :icon_saint7kg:

Or when the car breaks down right next to the stables. Giddy up!

 

[derum]

 

[Flanderian]

Or when the car breaks down right next to the stables. Giddy up!

Sanders makes uniform boots and shoes for the British military, and I know I've seen this as part of a mounted dress uniform worn while on parade. But I can't find an image of it being worn. Yet.

 

[jts287]

Actually, it was member SG 67 who mentioned they're made in China and finished in Mallorca. But I don't mind being confused with SG 67 , and his information comports with everything I've ever read about them. FWIW, member Momsdoc is the Meermin expert with many pairs of their footwear.

Having the time to look a bit more at Herring's offerings, and matching them up with your preferences, I've found what I would recommend. (BTW, I've done business with them twice, and they're very quick and a delight to deal with.)

The information that you're a 12B is very helpful. You likely know that you need to size down one full size from English sizes, so you'll be an 11. Fitting a standard width may prove a bit more challenging. The boots below look to be made on a narrower last, and their source, Portugal, has become a source for good quality and good value. So at $159, I'd think they'd come as close to what you're looking for as I know.

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/prod...=3799&siteNavEvent=herringToHerringEquivClick

Wait, I size down from UK? I thought it was up one... edit- UK sizes are 1/2 less than US per Zappos, so I'm looking for an 11.5 or maybe 12.

I won't need these for a few months yet, so I'm not going to rush and get something I regret. I'll see if the Meermans restock, and see if BB and/or Rancourt do an end of summer sale...

 

[Flanderian]

Wait, I size down from UK? I thought it was up one... edit- UK sizes are 1/2 less than US per Zappos, so I'm looking for an 11.5 or maybe 12.

I won't need these for a few months yet, so I'm not going to rush and get something I regret. I'll see if the Meermans restock, and see if BB and/or Rancourt do an end of summer sale...

Nope, you generally go down one size from the UK size. I.e., if you take a 12 in a U.S. size, you probably take an 11 in a UK size. Some UK makers suggest only going down 1/2 size, but I'm a full size down in every UK make and last I've tried, though in fairness it might be closer to 7/8th of a size down. But I comfortably wear a UK 10 in every UK sized shoe, but require an 11 in almost every US shoe. (My experience is that Rancourt sizes are an exception as I need to size down 1/2 size to 10 1/2.)

 

[JBierly]

Nope, you generally go down one size from the UK size. I.e., if you take a 12 in a U.S. size, you probably take an 11 in a UK size. Some UK makers suggest only going down 1/2 size, but I'm a full size down in every UK make and last I've tried, though in fairness it might be closer to 7/8th of a size down. But I comfortably wear a UK 10 in every UK sized shoe, but require an 11 in almost every US shoe. (My experience is that Rancourt sizes are an exception as I need to size down 1/2 size to 10 1/2.)

G and G and EG are 1/2 size too. So you would likely be a 10 1/2 in both of those.

 

[Flanderian]

One full size down for me. I'm a US11.5 / UK10.5.

You mentioned you're a B width? I think the Meermins might be a better fit for you in that case. I find them to be a lot narrower fitting than anything out of Northampton.

Interesting! I haven't sampled any of the well regarded Spanish made/finished shoes yet (Hope to get boots, perhaps this winter.) but I've read that before about both Meermin and Carmina.

Carmina certainly does make very handsome and beautifully finished footwear, but the normal retail is now in the mid-5's U.S. Member Jeff Deist posted earlier today a link to an outlet selling them in the mid to low 3's which is really very appealing for anyone in the market.

https://askandyaboutclothes.com/community/threads/carmina-outlet-wow.239811/