Craftsmanship and Horse Leather: Reviewing Goral's Mellor II Sneakers
As someone passionate about leather and craftsmanship, I always find myself on the lookout for unique and well-made products. Recently, I took on an interesting challenge: to test the durability of a pair of Mellor II sneakers from Goral, a brand based in the UK. These shoes caught my attention not just for their aesthetic appeal but also because they are made to order in England—a rarity in today's fast-fashion world. Here's a detailed account of my experience, from the moment I placed the order to the moment I put the shoes to the ultimate test.
DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products’ quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. You may read the full disclaimer here.
The Ordering Process
I paid $333 for the Mellor II sneakers, opting for the horse leather version instead of the Horween leather option. The idea of having a shoe made from real horse leather intrigued me, especially since I'd never owned one before. If you're concerned about the ethics of using horse leather, rest assured that no horses are killed specifically for their hides. The leather comes from countries like Poland and Kazakhstan, where horse meat is a significant part of the diet, and the hides are a byproduct of the meat production process.
Receiving the Shoes
The shoes arrived after about three weeks, packaged in a beautiful box and individually dust-bagged. My initial inspection revealed a slight blade mark on the back, which I felt should have been addressed during the making process. Despite this minor flaw, the overall presentation was impressive. I also took advantage of the personalization option available on Goral's website. Although I'm not usually one for personalizing my belongings, I decided to have initials embroidered on the leather to see how it would look. It turned out well, adding a unique touch to the shoes and serving as proof that they were made to order.
First Impressions
One of my main concerns when buying shoes online is sizing, but the Mellor II sneakers fit perfectly, true to the size advertised. The look and feel of the horse leather were immediately appealing. The finish was minimal but shiny, giving the shoes a classic and unique appearance. The construction seemed solid, with no glaring issues in terms of craftsmanship. Aside from the blade mark, I didn't notice any other flaws during my initial check.
@tanner.leatherstein $333 🐴Horse Leather Shoe - Made to Order in England - Is it worth it? DISCLAIMER: The “Rip My Bag Challenge” is a review series that tests leather products' quality, price, and craftsmanship. While the brand supports the challenge financially, my opinions stay fair, unbiased, and truthful. Products featured are purchased anonymously without brand involvement. Brands have no control over content, publishing dates, or the review process. You may watch the full disclaimer on my pinned video. #tannerleatherstein #isitworthit #goral #leathertok #review #shoereview #madetoorder #horseleather #affordableluxury ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
Materials and Craftsmanship
Upon closer inspection, I was impressed by the materials used in the construction of the sneakers. The main leather was horse leather, as advertised, and the interior featured two different linings. One had a more pigmented finish on the upper surfaces, while the other was a semi-aniline finish calfskin lining above the insole. There was also a full veg-tan insole between the softer sponge of the insole and the bottom of the shoe. This combination of materials provided excellent comfort and support.
Applying acetone to the horse leather revealed a tiny layer of finish on top of the top-grain leather, a typical feature for horse leather due to its often imperfect grain quality. This finish enhances the leather's natural beauty while making it more durable. The inner walls had a more pigmented finish to prevent color migration to socks, which I found to be a practical and appropriate choice. The lining above the insole was a beautiful semi-aniline calfskin, offering a nice balance of pigment finish for color correction and full-grain quality.
Leather Quality and Cost
Estimating the leather used in the shoes, I figured there were about three square feet of horse leather for the upper and four square feet of lining material, including the calfskin and insole. My estimate for the leather cost was $20 for the upper and $12 for the inner leathers, totaling $32. While I'm not an expert in labor costs, I assume the made-to-order process in England is significantly more expensive than mass manufacturing.
Overall Impression
Given the $32 worth of specialty leathers and the high level of craftsmanship, the $333 price tag seemed very fair. Comparing this to other shoes I've inspected, which often use general materials and are mass-produced, the Mellor II sneakers stand out as a great deal. Despite the challenge of ripping the shoes, I found myself appreciating their quality and durability. I'm even considering ordering another pair, given how much I enjoyed them over the past few days.
Conclusion
The Goral Mellor II sneakers exceeded my expectations in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and value. The unique horse leather, made-to-order process, and attention to detail make these shoes a standout choice for anyone interested in specialty leathers. If you're looking for a well-made, stylish, and durable pair of sneakers, I highly recommend giving Goral a try.
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