My Meermin Saga Update - New Double Monk Unboxing

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Shirt in the video - Criquet Shirts: thekavalier.reviews/criqu5cb1f
For reference, I am 6’4 usually 170lb. Typical sizes of clothing:
T-shirts: S
Long sleeve shirts/button downs: M
Dress Shirts: 15.5 x 35
Pants: 30 x 34
Dress Shoes: 12
This video is not sponsored, I am unboxing on camera because I love the brand and want to share better menswear with the world. This video probably contains affiliate links which support the channel. Have a product you would like me to review? Comment below or email [e-mail]

[@Meirjolanknits]

I bought my first meermin's last week. I wore them on times I didn't have to walk much. Until I had to walk a lot (unplanned). My heels were totally busted and bleeding. I 'drowned' my shoes in leathertherapy conditioner and put stretchers in. I tried them several times in a warm room and now after one week they fit like a glove and are very comfortable! I ordered myself another pair in a different color, thaha.

[@chiongms]

Great job!! Can't wait for your Carmina shoe review. And hopefully to see you getting a Crockett & Jones soon.

[@NDakota79]

They look awesome! I just bought the ankle high version of these Meermin double monks. Great for autumn and winter.

[@EscobarStyle]

Whoa!! That double monk Jon. Now THATS right up my alley. And that Carmina looked sweet that night also.

[@hameed9727]

what a beauty! Love the color.Thank you !

[@TheIngeniousBastard]

I enjoy your channel and appreciate your honesty. I've been doing a bunch of shoe research and was on Meermin's website. Needed to see some reviews and saw that this vid had just popped up. Perfect timing. I think I'll be pulling the trigger on the Fifth Avenue Cap-toe Oxford with Dainite Rubber Sole in oxblood from Allen Edmonds. They're having their big sale right meow. $245 is hard to pass up. Thanks for all the knowledge.

[@The_Kavalier]

That is a great deal! Yes most of these smaller brands only offer one width as well which many guys can’t deal with, in starting to look at more custom footwear though!

[@nathanvilla1]

I can’t wait to hear your opinion on Carmina. Go into as much detail as possible as I am seriously contemplating getting a pair. The only problem is, it is hard to get info on the sizing and the quality compared to other brands at their price point. Keep up the great work brother :)

[@SoXFireBlade]

Very excited to know your opinion on them and how they compare with other brands

[@inthezone4123]

My Meermin captoe oxfords are the most comfortable shoes I own. I have Alden, Crockett & Jones, Church's and Dacks in my little collection. Thanks for this video.

[@eddier401]

Really nice. I just recently purchased a pair in brown suede. They're not as narrow as people say. Wide feet here.

[@mikalrain]

I once sat 15 minutes past closing time in the Madrid store. The lady was really polite and insisted I left happy. That is really good service.

[@The_Kavalier]

Love to hear that!

[@saibushayer]

I am a sucker for brown shoes. Love those monk straps!!

[@Chris.Alvarez]

I watched because I am about to order some boots from Meermin but I subscribed because you started to sing The Front Bottoms, excellent work!

[@The_Kavalier]

Did we just become best friends?

[@Chris.Alvarez]

The Kavalier I think we just did

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

Those are good looking! 😃

[@jociaszamora2267]

Hi Kavalier, I'd definitely be interested to see a review on Carlos Santos shoes as they seem to be a great value for what you get.

[@tla3420]

Awesome review. I was actually looking at this brand today, and the only thing I don't like is the Goodyear welt separation near the inside heal. Understandable for the price

[@BoltofGreece]

Those monks are gorgious, love them

[@sandromorales5460]

I was waiting for this video so long.... now I will be waiting for BS vs Meermin. This is my question now. Thanks I love your videos. Where is the bacon and eggs picture??

[@georgegarrod2700]

I've nearly had 10 pairs of Meermin shoes. My experience has been great everytime and the one return I made was dealt with instantly and effortlessly.

[@The_Kavalier]

That's great to hear!

[@GamingDrummer89]

I've been keeping my eyes on Meermin's factory 2nd deals on their eBay page...since they don't offer returns on those, I want to ask around a bit about some of their shoes before I commit to one model or another. Do you have any of their stuff that is made on either the Hiro last or the Olfe last? The reason I ask is because those feature a medium-low and low instep, respectfully, but they have a couple models I like the look of on those lasts. I know I don't have that high of an instep, so I'm wary of the Rois last models. Just as a control, how do Meermin's shoes in each of these lasts fit compared to an Allen Edmonds Strand or Fifth Avenue?

[@bishop1shox]

Hi George,I’m a 9.5E,which Meermin will work for me?

[@eminsubasic3762]

Oooo thumbs up for removing breakfast pic in background! New one is just right!!

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you! I have some videos shot with the old one but I am excited for a new chapter for the channel :-)

[@wallyg77]

I was actually checking these out the other day cuz I'm a sucker for double monks, digging the Criquet polo sir

[@The_Kavalier]

Thank you! A few of these coming into the rotation

[@wallyg77]

@@The_Kavalier Maybe a future vid?🤔

[@bernardtan1]

Are GOLD BUCKLED double monk strap shoe okey ?

[@dxm5234]

sounds similar to my experience with meermin, they returned the same faulty shoes I sent back wasting 4-5 months and many frustrating emails review loake?

[@shoesincharge8890]

Any follow up on how they wore after time?

[@GamingDrummer89]

A few questions...IIRC, these shoes are in the Elton last, which is described on Meermin's site as having a "mid to high" instep. What height of instep do you have (or regularly buy shoes in)? The reason I wonder is because I'm looking at their factory seconds on their eBay site (yeah, I'm kind of a cheapskate, lol), and so I won't be able to return them. Thus, I'll have to get the size right on the first try. I'm looking at some laceup Oxfords that are on the Elton last, and I'd like to know how the instep fits with that last. I believe I have a normal instep. Just as a reference point, how does the instep on this shoe feel compared to the instep on an AE Strand of the same size and width? A 10.5 standard in a Strand is great on the instep but too snug at the front for me, so if the instep on an Elton shoe feels similar to that on the AE Strand, I'd know a US 11 would work perfectly on the shoes I'm looking at.

[@carlosjones6278]

Love the shoes

[@phillipyao4260]

Which has better leather quality, Ace Marks or Meermin?

[@ranger_who]

Did they include their branded shoe trees with those shoes or you had to order them separately?

[@Jcrossover05]

Even with their new return policy to new york, I really wish they were free returns. I'm looking forward yo your carmina review though!

[@styzoom]

They look really nice. I think you have the same size as me. I bought 2 pair (auction), unfortunately both didn't fit well. One had a last that was too wide and the other is slightly too big (11 UK). I need 10.5 UK as well. Is this the RUI last?

[@DEN3366]

Is it easier to get on and off than lacing shoes?

[@AsianxWu]

What is a shoe or brand that you'd recommend that's comfortable right out of the box? I've only found Italian, blake stitched shoes to be very comfortable right out of the box. It might be due to their softer/thinner leather, but I want to hear your take/opinion on it.

[@kongmw]

glad the saga is finally over lol

[@seamonster170]

Can you do a review on cobbler union?

[@EmpireStateStudios]

Bought a pair, they are worth it 😊

[@nathanprice2853]

Nice criquet shirt Jon!!!

[@The_Kavalier]

Nice eye Nathan! Have a few more coming into rotation. Loving these!

[@nathanprice2853]

The Kavalier absolutely! I’m a big fan of them myself! What do you think of the quality compared to other polos you own? I own the same navy one you are wearing. I’ve actually had it for 2 years and love it. Still holding up well. After being washed and ironed and worn hard for 2 years it’s about to be on its last legs, but my favorite polo.

[@RJ-rm3fy]

So did you get a UK 11.5? or US 11.5? Great review btw!

[@AsAnAtheistFilms]

Did they reimburse the $60 in shipping? Hope they did.

[@mikalrain]

This is Meermin: What they save in China they give you in leather. Half-day to break in. Value/price = excellent. Jon, next time look at Crownhill!

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Great looking shoes

[@Steviewonderwhy]

Are theses better then acemarks

[@BenArthur]

I remember you showing me these hahaha. That shoe had a spear in!

[@Blast20nx]

Check out Orban's. It's a french brand.Same price like Meermin and better executed. I own a pair of oxford dark brown soho with leather sole. I am very pleased with them.

[@tenniskid2010]

Spier and Mackay are releasing dress shoes (wingtips, brogues) next week Price range in the $200-$250. It would make a great review since they are expanding into footwear. ? Thursday review in the future?

[@jrlee31]

Pls tell me your size comparison with Allen Edmonds 65 last. Thanks.

[@matthewl.5612]

Finally. LOL! And how does the sizing compare to Beckett Simonon?

[@The_Kavalier]

I wear a 12 in Beckett Simonon 11.5 in these

[@rajkhatri5590]

Which last is this?

[@simmyjer]

Is this on the elton last?

[@bbartel1978]

The meermin double monks I got had poor finishing and dark glue spots on the leather near the welt. Was a pain to deal with customer service. Will not be trying them again.

[@wongpantai9710]

Im planning to buy shoes from ebay since im from Indonesia, there is no way i can try us/europe shoes in shop. I suspect my feet similar to yours, 12US all across athletic shoes, best fitting so far in NB 574, very tight and hugging my feet in comfortable way, my feet are skinny and have low instep. So what is your athletic shoes sizes? i hope i can get some insight buddy, tia!

[@fluxnfiction5559]

so when are we getting another review???

[@kevink1595]

They are a beautiful colour (patina)

[@The_Kavalier]

Patina, finish, polish... whatever you call it 🤨

[@a.m.m.4592]

Just went to the Meermin store in New York two days ago. Considering my high instep I needed to try them on prior to purchase. The shoes were just too stiff for me. My other shoes (Carmina, AE, and J. Fitzpatricks) were just more comfortable out of the box. However, I do think they are a good value as they seem to have a very sturdy build.

[@The_Kavalier]

Yes I think once you’re into the world of AE, Carmina etc then it’s tough to go back down to this level but a great value for sure

[@armandol1826]

A. M. M. Magnanni thoughts?

[@kevinmiller9718]

Meermin or Beckett Simonon? I’ve watched your videos on both and trying to make a call. Granted time for the later isn’t a concern. Just going for comfort, longevity and quality. Thanks for the help!!!

[@tariqmohammed3343]

What lasts are the monks built on?, I could tell that your earlier oxfords were built on the ELTON last from the order page. A review on the different between last would be nice. Well done with the reviews.

[@The_Kavalier]

Great idea Tariq!

[@sandromorales5460]

When you said about size go down from 12 AE to 11.5 Meermin are both using US mesurement, or it is 12 US to 11.5 UK. I want order a pair but not sure about size. I am 7.5 E AE last 65. Thanks..

[@karlhennig2698]

see my comments below re. Meermin sizing issues

[@godra051]

Where in NY?

[@pmrp12]

Beautiful monk straps! Now I’m torn between Meermin, Beckett Simonon, and Ace Marks for my first pair of double monks-which is the best shoe for the best value?

[@The_Kavalier]

Beckett Simonon. Great idea for a video

[@aymanalij]

Leather quality is probably around the same on all three. The price differences come from goodyear welt vs blake stitch, made in china vs italy vs columbia, and shipping time. Depends on what is more important to you.

[@africanriftvalleyfish8287]

It appears from the video that the finish of these is not uniform? Thanks!

[@The_Kavalier]

Right, they have a unique and varied finish. Quite beautiful in person

[@westfieldartworks8188]

God, I tried EVERYTHING to get the size right BEFORE I ordered with Meermin. They just kept referring me to their size chart. Well, I ended up being slight off on the size....my Meermin double monks are just a bit tight. I'm a first time customer. I just found out a moment ago that I will have to pay for the shipping back, AND....they will not refund the shipping costs to send the shoes to me. Looks like it cost me $31 dollars to try on a pair of Meermin shoes. I hope I wrong about this.....because right now I'm furious...

[@The_Kavalier]

That sucks Anthony! I hoped that my experience was an isolated issue but seems that is not the case.

[@westfieldartworks8188]

@@The_Kavalier Thanks John....Sorry to cry on your shoulder....lol....I was just really mad. Thanks buddy.

[@george5737]

I am not sure if Meermin is really worth it, I have a pair of the country calf double monks and they are ok I guess. The thing is that if you know where to look during sale period you can get amazing shoes at 70-80% off from sites like MrPorter. I got a pair of O’Keefe double monk straps for $200 and they are amazing.

[@saodavi6267]

I ordered a pair earlier this year. The sizing was off (too small) but I sent it in to NY for an exchange without issue.

[@porfirio9735]

How is the sizing? Half size down from TTS?

[@saodavi6267]

@@porfirio9735 I had to order a half-size up to get a good fit. I wear 10.5 US, I had to order 11 US ... which is a 10 UK ... which is the standard that Meermin uses for their sizing.

[@ckkk1m]

planning to head to new york soon and drop by meermin myself! do the shoe trees come with the pair?

[@The_Kavalier]

No, those are separate 🙃

[@Channel4178]

Thank you for all your videos. They are very helpful. I am looking to buy a Tux for my upcoming wedding (Budget $900), how would you compare/rank Oliver Wicks, Black Lapel, Lanieri and any others that you would recommend? Are you still planning on doing the MTM Roundup for 2018?

[@The_Kavalier]

I don't know that I will get the roundup completed for 2018 but should be my first video of 19. With each of those the Lanieri one has the most substantial construction so I would lean that way.

[@Channel4178]

@@The_Kavalier , thank you! Keep up the amazing work, the videos are great!!

[@sirjohndoeofpa3292]

Nice shoes. Some people buy their shoes at Walmart and expect compliments....lol

[@daniellee8162]

Beautiful, been looking for that exact look for in Burgundy. Are they true to size?

[@The_Kavalier]

I went a half size down from my normal Allen Edmonds size

[@daniellee8162]

@@The_Kavalier Thank you for your answer.

[@Craig0935]

@3:04 you can see your heel wiggling around in the shoe @5:31 the leather buckles so hard it looks like the mouth of the Harry Potter sorting hat. Meermin only comes in D width, from the looks of it you probably have an A or AAA width foot, very narrow- Try buying a size 10 MAYBE 10 1/2 and you'll be much happier in the long run.

[@Craig0935]

@5:30 you can see the excess air between your foot and the shoe before you even step forward- this means excess fabric aka too big of a shoe

[@user-fb1vw1vl8u]

Sizing? Are they true size? If they are oversized, how many sizes ?

[@karlhennig2698]

I have been having sizing issues with Meermin. I ordered UK8 but they were too small. I requested the measurements for the lasts that they use and based on the measured girth of my foot that would place me at least at a 9.5UK, which is US 10.5. I have never worn a 10.5 shoe, typically US 9.5 or US9 on a longer/pointier shoe. So this is a bit frustrating. Also my physical measurement of the UK8 size shoe they sent me doesn't quite match the numbers they provide. Do I take the plunge with ordering a size 9, and send back if needed in order to go up to the UK9.5. Its a costly way of trying on shoes, but if I can sort out their sizing then I should be good. I like the shoes. I agree that the leather is stiff on my Meermin UK8. Can't comment on how quickly it wears in. All the best

[@diggidyd2009]

I wish I hadn’t bought my Meermin shoes. They’ve never broken in because the leather is so stiff and as a result I rarely wear them because they’re so uncomfortable.

[@desertknights5003]

What other brands make soft dress shoes with a nearly prices?

[@SeeMeFlee]

Would you recommend these ones or thursday boot?

[@The_Kavalier]

Thursday has a better overall experience for ordering, returns, and less hassle. At basically the same price I would pick Thursday right now but these are nicer from a finishing standpoint.

[@mishasumi6827]

I have had any similar experience with merriment their customer service is not good

[@davidmeza3157]

I still don’t agree with their shipping ($20) and return policy ($20). They should pay for returns IMO.

[@abel7053]

Did they offer you any compensation because of all the headache they put you through? Like a discount on your shoes? That sounds incredibly frustrating to go through for them to just say, "Oh that's not our policy. Sorry."

[@nodieusa]

I stumbled upon both Meermin and Carmina's stores last weekend in Madrid. The shopping experience at Meermin was awful! Even though I already own a pair of Carmina's, I was blown away with the quality of their other shoes. Yeah they cost twice as much, if you ask me they're totally worth it! I don't think I'm ever buying Allen Edmonds after experiencing Carminas...

[@jacknjill3000]

Are Caminas the same company as Meermins and the higher line? I know Meermin has a higher line.

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Niiice choice 👍🏼

[@EffortlessGentTV]

Btw did you get the chance to check out any pairs from the Linea Maestro line?

[@The_Kavalier]

No, I didn't do nearly enough research before I went in there. Have to go back!

[@yitzhaksteinberg8524]

Which is better Carmina or Paul Evans?

[@mikalrain]

Because 'Italy' is more of a brand (PEs are "made in Italy"), that's an imagined value you pay for. Both Carmina and PE project themselves as high-end/luxury, so you pay for that imagined value too. Labor costs in Spain are slightly lower than in Italy. If you find two pairs priced equally, I'd say Carmina is the better value/price option, but, hey!, it ain't science.

[@paladinclothiers3628]

They should never have been made with a staple in the first place. But, looking at those double monks you can see all sorts of low end flaws. Not sure how that ends up being a value?

[@kennethgraniero1124]

Great review, what brand polo is that?

[@The_Kavalier]

Criquet Shirts

[@kennethgraniero1124]

Looks great, thank you! 👍

[@hbchristmas5352]

They sent a pair with obvious damaged up top 6 inches long. I paid express shipping thinking I can wear them soon... Lol Now I paid shipping pack...lol Not a fan still..

[@guerreiroitaliano6952]

Tome like !

[@JohnnyVichi]

would you recommend meermin boots?

[@mikalrain]

Check out Stridewise. He recently reviewed a pair.

[@sleepy4078]

I am getting their chelsea boots next week and i will tell you my opinion on them

[@DailyRitualW4r10ck]

Do RM Williams . I just picked up their Chelsea boots and love the leather. Check them out bro.

[@Fenixx117]

How is the sizing? I want chelseas and RM Williams and Meermin are at the top of my list so far

[@DailyRitualW4r10ck]

Benevolent_Tyrant sizing so I am a 9 in US but my CPs I wear 41 which is an 8 so I went 7 1/2 for UK and they fit perfectly.

[@MrUSMCEngineer]

I was interested in a pair of Meermin shoes, but after your experience with their customer service, I think I’m going with something else. I don’t have time for 36 emails to get a refund.

[@nbourbaki]

The claim of a cork midsole filler promoting the comfort because it conforms to the shape of your foot is dubious marketing. To expand on why it's dubious: - Firstly, Goodyear constructed shoes will have empty space between the insole and outsole, hence the need for a filler. - The filler is most often cork, because it's cheaper than leather. Ferragamo uses leather and calls this feature the 'tramezza'. - If the filler is a cheaper cork agglomerate (cork particles + glue), the agglomerate will flee from your foot's pressure points until there's nothing "cushioning" the pressure points from the outsole. I think the Meermin shoe that offers the best value is their Linea Maestro line...they say it's handwelted but I'm curious about what shortcuts they take to make it mass-production friendly. Also, a possible workaround to that 'break-in' period: just condition the leather with e.g. lexol.

[@The_Kavalier]

Tramezza - love that maybe the next step in these reviews is to just saw the shoe in half? I’ve heard of the pressure point reduction feeling in long term wear of Thursday Boots but haven’t experienced that on mine yet. Thank you for teaching me, I always learn from you guys 😄

[@piedadsaiz]

Customer service, as you know it in the US, it's non existing in Spain. They don't understand the concept of taking care of a paying customer

[@davidmeza3157]

I purchased loafers and have only wore them about 6 times and the first layer of the sole started peeling. I contacted customer service and they've yet to respond. What a waste. I share so people become aware of their service.

[@xxpowwowbluexx]

What in the world?!!!

[@RabbiTrogdor]

Looks like there were quite a few defects with the wood on this shoe. That plus the bad experience... No thank you.

[@juliollancari9512]

Mucho gusto. Ami me encantan los zapatos. De. Vestir. Acá en Perú. Lo conocemos como el modelo escolta. En cuero charol y brachot. El color café. Y color negro.. Mi padre fue un zapatero. Y me enseño el oficio. Y aprendí todo lo q es compostura. Osea arreglarlo. Y me mando a estudiar. Y aprendí como hacer mi propio zapatos a mi gusto.. Incluso. Viaje a Argentina. Y trabaje. Arreglando. Calzados. El muy buena zona de la Argentina. Por el obelisco.y bueno un gusto y saludos. Del perú 🇵🇪

[@chrisbreidenbaugh3697]

Why have I never heard anything good about Meermin customer service???

[@arbur4746]

I'm not a big fan of Allen Edmonds but I much rather buy AE on sale than Meermin, Meermin although very cheap, lacks the QUALITY!

[@Dan-lq6dg]

Monk straps look like pilgrim shoes

[@mikalrain]

Ha ha ha! Isn't that what they are? 😁

[@myfamilyadventures336]

Thanks for the review. I won’t be buying from this company.

[@danielhakimi]

For what it's worth, your experience actually is unusual. Meermin's QA is normally great. C&J, alden, and Carmina should all be great too. If you need another recommendation: Zeb Shoes are totally custom, and I don't think the guy even has a website -- as far as I know, he has an instagram presence and a reddit presence. How's that for an alternative business model? www.reddit.com/user/zebshoes.

[@danielhakimi]

Oh, and one more recommendation -- skoaktiebolaget is a store that sells a bunch of great brands, and as I understand it, it's something like a union or joint venture of those brands so that they can have the web presence of a large, modern company in one site dedicated to quality footwear (and other stuff too). Plus, you'll get bonus points with shoe nerds if you know how to pronounce it! www.skoaktiebolaget.com/

[@adriangarcia1342]

Looking at these shoes closely the fit and finish doesn’t look that great. They look a little be like factory seconds. I know you can’t expect perfection at the $200 price point.

[@samuelmoore5303]

Customer service for Meermin is awful in my humble opinion

[@michaelfarrer3974]

Your jeans are to short

[@topxandy]

What a disaster brand. Without mentioning the service the quality doesn’t look good at all. 1- Edges of the lining is fraying. 2- Poor sole quality. 3- Bad workmanship by inking the sole margin.

[@The_Kavalier]

GWYPF - Get what you pay for

[@Johnd161]

Customer service and quality is much worse these days, don’t recommend meermin

[@LibertypopUK]

These shoes are terribly hard and not good for your feet! These monks wrecked my feet, meermin is trash