Meermin is a Spanish shoemaker - http://www.meermin.es/

Let us know how the Clarks work out..

Pretty good value for 280

^That is like asking, when you're looking for a wife, what are the things to be considered

As far as I know there's no GYW machine locally. Nearest is in SG so there's still hope.

Yup I imagine resoling would be a pain in the ass so better off getting glued shoes.

^A better analogy to your Ferrari one: Guy buys a Merc but the nearest service center is 500 km away.

So if you decide to buy a Merc, better be sure you have the money and time to maintain it.

New shoes need breaking in, can hard for some people. Prince Charles comes from the richest royal household in the world, yet he still wears a pair of shoes bought in the 70s.

I doubt they were a couple then. He's a huge fan of Lobbs.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-...-recycling.html

Creases are normal but weird/excessive creasing is usually a sign that the shoe does not fit well (e.g. too large). If you want less creasing go for pebble grain or suede.

Head to The Armoury for some Carmina p0rn...

Those 2 brands will bust his budget though...

The shoes may be real but I'm not sure if they qualify. They look decent though.

Wow, I got my Vass and C&Js for less than that.

Nope got it through a forum member with good connections.

He's got a couple pairs for sale on thekerbau now

Trickers and Alden make mostly chunky shoes which are not that elegant to go with a suit. I would prefer Allen Edmonds, they make a decent product. Of course you can go for English makes as well, e.g. Loake, C&J, Alfred Sargent, Cheaney etc.

Locally Plal carries Loake, Cheaney and a few other brands worth checking out, at least good for sizing if you plan to buy overseas.

For someone who is new to 'proper' shoes Vass and Carmina may be a bit on the premium side (unless you are pulling in big money). You don't want to spend big bucks buying Vass online only to find out the sizing or last does not fit, and that's money burned. Perhaps start with entry to mid level brands in the learning curve, then when you are knowledgeable and experienced enough move up the dress shoe ladder.

Speaking from experience but don't take my word for it

Be warned, it may be a slippery slope. Soon you'll be lusting for G&Gs and Cleverleys

Loake 1880 is their premium line I think, not likely to use corrected grain. The shoes in the Chinese forum look like full grain, FWIW.

That is called stacked leather. Can't imagine if they were made of wood, they'd probably crack during wear.

I can't say for sure but you can see the pores on the leather indicating full grain. Corrected grain is easy to spot as it gives off a glossy shine.