Review: Meermin Suede Chelsea Boot in Brown
I love recommendations! Places to eat, sights to see and shoes to buy. If you tell me that I simply must try something, I’m down for it.
Meermin has been on my list to try for a long time and now I finally get to see if this pair of suede Chelsea boots will be my last, or the first of many.
The Specs
| Brand | Meermin |
| Model | 101050 |
| Colour | Brown |
| Retail Price | $230USD + Shipping and Taxes |
| Size Reviewed | 8UK |
| Fit | Full size smaller than sneaker size True to dress shoe size (narrow) |
| Upper Material | Brown rapello suede |
| Sole | Meermin Rubber |
| Lining | Grain calf lining |
| Last | Hiro E |
| Construction | Good Year Welt |
| Made | China |
| Extras | Dustbags |
The Look
A whole cut, narrow, round toe Chelsea boot is pretty classic and Meermin hits all the right points. It’s narrow opening at the top of the boot pairs nicely with an outfit with a slimmer silhouette.
Two pull tabs at the top are convenient when slipping these boots on, some may prefer a single pull tab, but I actually think having two tabs is useful for getting your foot in the narrow opening of the boot.
The dark brown suede gives you the versatility to wear these casually and more dressed up. It’s definitely on the sleeker side of Chelsea boots though, so going on construction sites or shearing sheep definitely isn’t recommended with this pair.
Note: there were a few marks from transportation on the suede, but nothing a suede brush couldn’t address.
The Feel
The brown rapello suede is soft to the touch and has a terrific texture to it. Paired with the vegetable tanned leather interior it’s a snug but comfortable fit.
As mentioned before the shoes are narrow and Meermin are notorious for a harsh break in. The first few outings confirm this, I’ll update this the future to see if they get more comfortable with time.
The rubber soles are definitely a great addition to the boot, sometimes leather soles just aren’t required and the grip from rubber soles is definitely noticeable.
The elastic around the ankle is substantial as well, hugging and giving support in the right areas. I appreciate this a lot, I’ve had boots in the past that don’t feel like the elastic is going to last at all.
Is it Affordable?
For a lot of people $230 is a lot of money to spend on shoes. But considering they’re good year welted, which means they can be resoled a whole bunch of times, it’s on the inexpensive end of shoes that are constructed like this.
If you can’t afford good year welted shoes, look for blake stitched shoes, as they can be a great alternative.
But if you wear Chelsea boots frequently, this pair from Meermin could be considered an investment that will last you decades if you take care of them correctly.
If they’re within your personal budget, I’d definitely recommend picking a pair. This is my first pair from Meermin and I doubt they will be my last.
