Design 
Quality of Materials 
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service I’ve had the shoe game messed up for years.
Too much of my time was spent obsessing over my athletic and casual shoes.
What’s the foam density of the sole? Will a slightly higher stack improve my mile time? I have to get the latest model. Last year’s model doesn’t have a reflective heel tab for my night runs!
Those were all valid concerns, but I’m hardly a professional athlete, and most of my time is spent in business-casual footwear for work.
All of which were horrible to my feet, not to mention my wallet. It was only after the return period had lapsed that I realized my latest loafers weren’t going to break in.
Through some Instagram scrolling, Meermin piqued my interest.
They work with some of the best tanneries in Spain, France, and Japan, three countries highly regarded for their hand-made goods.
The Softcalf Loafers got me going. I love penny loafers, but considering how highly Meermin speaks of their own quality, the price seemed too good to be true. After a couple of pairs headed my way, I spent a few weeks strutting my new dress shoes and I’m here to deliver the verdict.
Overview
Meermin is a direct-to-consumer company based out of Mallorca, Spain. Founded in 2001, Meermin’s specialty focuses on hand-made shoes with Goodyear-welted soles.
The loafers that they offer come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, and include materials such as vitello leather, suede, and more.
Unlike similar brands in the space offering multiple categories of men’s products, Meermin is largely a shoes-only business outside of its modest belt and shoe-care lineup.
If you’re gift shopping for the lady, they do have a small selection of leather handbags in the women’s section.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Meermin loafers are tailored to practically any audience. From young adults looking to spice up their fashion repertoire to elderly folks keeping it classy, Meermin is a great choice.
Although Meermin suits a wide diversity of ages, they don’t suit every type of weather, personal style, or activity level. Even though Meermin makes durable shoes, it’s best if your loafers aren’t exposed to precipitation or extreme amounts of walking.
A major benefit of loafers is their simple design, but this simplicity can be lost in finding a loafer that suits your foot’s width and length. Meermin has a 15-day return window, but they won’t refund shipping charges. If possible, I recommend visiting one of their retail location in NYC, Paris, or Madrid to avoid sinking money on postage.
Hands-On Review
Style
The Softcalf Loafer doesn’t dare to be anything more than it is, and that’s a plus in my book. Be it jeans or a suit, the penny loafer silhouette goes with anything.
The reason why the Softcalfs are so versatile lies in the fact that loafers are a sleek, classic shoe. Their classic style lacks any sort of intricacies or embellishments that might limit their compatibility with other styles.
Interestingly, Meermin doesn’t offer a colorway with a contrasting penny slot that’s common with the penny loafer design. I find the look old-fashioned, but it’s something to keep in mind if you like the visual motif.
If you take a look from the back side, it’s clear that Meermin took a no-frills approach to the overall design. It’s a run-of-the-mill penny loafer with color-matched stitching.
I’m tired of the beefed-up penny loafer trend with beefroll stitching and lug soles. The low-profile design lends itself to a classier, more professional charm—right up my alley. If you prefer a more elevated loafer to make a statement, Meermin’s conservative design language might be too neutral for your taste.
It’s more noticeable on my brown leather pair than the black variant, but the alternating shades of dye in the stacked leather heel highlight the manual process involved in making them.
Compare that to cheaper loafers with a single molded-rubber sole, or worse, a hybrid sneaker sole. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with those, but almost every high-end loafer has this effect in the heel.
Overall, I’m a big fan of the Softcalf Loafer’s styling. Meermin isn’t trying to push the envelope by any means, and I’m cool with that. I find value in style without a shelf life but is made with good materials. Something “hot” burns out eventually. “Handsome” is forever, which these are.
Function
I reach for the Softcalf Loafers any time I’m trying to look good without reserving an hour before my plans to brainstorm an outfit. That’s their role, and they do a great job at it.
They slip on with little effort, are easy to maintain, and last a long time when well cared for.
Loafers are designed for diverse settings, but most of them skew smart-casual or formal—two environments where function takes a back seat.
Yes, there are lug-sole loafers that fare better in the wintertime. I don’t think they’re nearly as timeless with a thin sole like the Softcalf’s. However, while the soles on these are slightly textured, I wouldn’t say they’re frozen-sidewalk capable based on how they feel over hardwood floors.
The Softcalfs, and Meermin as a whole by extension, fall into the second bucket. The unlined leather upper and stacked leather heel feel premium. Anyone who knows what high-end leather feels like can confirm. However, you won’t find memory foam inserts or microfiber lining to squeeze out a few more miles in them.
On an average work day, I walk between 2-3 miles. No pain, discomfort, or blistered heels, but anything more tends to make the balls of my feet sore.
This is standard for a loafer, so no points against Meermin on this front. If you’re looking for a dress shoe that goes beyond a loafer’s regular duties, prolonged walking or superior traction isn’t in the toolbelt here. If it’s any consolation, the coin slot is functional.
Construction Quality
The Softcalf Loafers are constructed with a flex Goodyear welt. I wasn’t familiar with how it differed from a regular Goodyear welt, but in short, it just means the sole itself has more flexibility for out-of-the-box comfort.
I do my best to extend the lifetime of my shoes. Nothing makes a bigger difference than if a shoe is constructed with a Goodyear welt—flex or not. Given that the calfskin leather was dyed in France before making its way to me, it deserves to stay out of the landfill. Knowing I can take these to a cobbler and swap the sole is a major boost to the personal value I place on them.
If the heels themselves break down before any part of the sole in front of it, the nailed heels add another point of repair.
Solid-soled shoes are starting to feel disposable now.
Now for the main attraction: the leather. It’s buttery, soft, and supple—like all truly good leather should be.
It might feel thin if you’re used to models such as the G.H. Bass Weejuns, but it has nothing to do with quality. Frankly, in a lot of cases, leather quality is inverse to thickness.
The Softcalf’s leather molded to my foot within a matter of days. My Weejuns still haven’t broken in to this day, which is why you’ll never see me wearing them.
Fit and Sizing
While Meermin offers sizing recommendations on their website, here’s what I can add:
These shoes tend to fit wider feet better. So if you have a narrower foot, the sizing might be trickier for you. But don’t fret too much. If someone with a narrow foot were to downsize, Meermin leaves wiggle room in the front of the shoe, so there’s not much to worry about.
An issue that people often stumble upon with loafers is slippage. I did encounter minor slippage at first, only wearing them barefoot. As I alluded to before, the Softcalf Loafer’s leather is flexible, so the slippage disappeared in about a week once it formed to my ankle and heel.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Anecdotally, I have a few banker-type friends who bought Meermins as their first work shoe. I still see them worn to this day, so I’d say that’s a good sign.
Meermin doesn’t follow the industry standard of displaying customer reviews on the product page, which could be a positive or a negative—it’s helpful information, but luxury fashion houses never have a review section, either. I’m no stranger to marketing, but with a limited retail footprint, on-site reviews would help make a more informed purchase.
The Softcalf Loafer has gained a lot of popularity. Customers love its breathability, comfort, and versatile style.
In my research, I found that professional reviewers, whether menswear bloggers or shoe experts share mostly positive remarks about the Softcalf Loafer’s comfortable leather craftsmanship and replacable sole.
There are a few customers who took their return frustrations to Reddit, saying that they wished shipping was included in the refund, so this is another reminder to take advantage of their brick-and-mortar stores if you can.
Meermin Softcalf Loafer Alternatives
TAFT The Fitz Loafer
TAFT is equally devoted to quality as Meermin, but their styling couldn’t be more different.
Just look at the Fitz Loafer. The blue checkerboard pattern is quite the departure from the Softcalf’s monotoned appearance. TAFT’s designs get even crazier than this, believe it or not. If you like colorful prints and all the attention that comes with them, you know where to go.
For a closer look at TAFT, read our review.
Featuring bold colors and striking patterns, the Fitz is more than just style over substance. TAFT’s Spanish artisans put the Fitz loafer together with a blake-stitch sole, and the blue check version is the update my shoe rack needed. They add some spice and elevate many of my outfits.
G.H. Bass Larson Weejun Loafers
In the business for almost 150 years, G.H. Bass is one of the dress shoe OGs.
The brand as a whole utilizes a lot of the same designs and construction processes as Meermin, and while the Weejuns are priced lower, they don’t match the Softcalfs in comfort.
Still, they’re one of the most popular dress shoes on the market. If you can handle a longer break-in period, G.H. Bass Weejuns are a worthy option.
Our style expert does a deep dive in our hands-on review.
These classic loafers in black leather look great matched with modern styling, but fit into office attire just as well.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- Both the sole and upper and made from top-of-the-line materials.
- The traditional design of the Softcalf Loafers makes them easy to style casually or formally.
- A flex Goodyear welt allows for an adaptable sole without sacrificing repairability.
- This degree of quality is hard to find in a shoe that costs less than $200.
What I Don’t Like
- While the soft leather upper forms to the foot easily, the overall design seems to work better for wide feet.
- Meermin doesn’t cover shipping costs for returns.
Who are the Softcalf Loafers for?
The Meermin Softcalf Loafers are made for guys who value versatile styling, premium materials, and being able to repair their belongings instead of buying replacements. They aren’t meant for touring a city but with premium materials and replaceable soles, they will undoubtedly endure years of wear.
The Verdict
Realistically, this shoe checks all the boxes for me.
With a timeless design and visibly gorgeous leather, The Softcalfs can spruce up any closet they call home.
I wish the return policy could be more accommodating, as sizing dress shoes is already a fickle mistress.
With that aside, two main attributes are really what sold me on Meermin, a brand I was largely unaware of before—repairability and comfort.
I haven’t had the best luck with most loafers. Stiff uppers that refuse to form to my foot take the fun out of their good looks. Meermin’s devotion to superb leather pays dividends both in style and long-term comfort.
In an age where it seems like companies don’t want you repairing their product and instead just buying another, I’ll happily support Meermin when I need a new style in my closet.
These bad boys transition between casual and semi-formal events without missing a step. Some might prefer a lined loafer, but with leather this soft, I didn't notice any major friction from the first wear. I try to wear shoes for as long as possible, so knowing that I can replace the sole thanks to a Goodyear welt seals the deal for me.
