Italian Antonio Meccariello is one of the most reputable manufacturers in the famous shoemaking country down south. Now he is launching a new website with an online store, where a limited number of shoes in his Argentum RTW line is sold at a very competitive price, probably among the most bang for the buck you can get today.
Antonio Meccariello has figured on the blog several times before, for example in this buyer’s guide (Swedish only, use the translation tool found in the sidebar), but a lot has happened over the years since it was written. He has launched the new top line Aurum which is made to a very high standard, as well as come up with a replacement for the old standard line called Argentum, available in a few different set-ups. These shoes is more similar to Aurum in design and finish. It’s less Italian than what Antonio did before, he has glanced more towards Japan and England and France, the shoes are really elegant, more classic and with an improvement in the level of craftmanship compared to the previous standard line.
Antonio Meccariello in his workshop in Naples.
Meccariello’s new website has been in the works for a while, but because of some problems with getting a good payment solution solved it has been delayed. Now, however, it’s finally up and running. This website is exemplary in its class, stylish and modern with good pictures, and especially lots of information. Here you find substantial info on all his various lines and ordering procedures, reviews of the production, size guide and more. Definitely informative.
One of the models in the Argentum RTW line.
The biggest fuzz, however, will be around the new webshop. You can buy several models from his Argentum RTW line for immediate delivery, and also make the MTO of the same line. The range of finished shoes are very limited, so if you want a pair you probably need to act fast before the model and size you’re after is out. Argentum RTW and MTO has a machine made Goodyear seam to keep down the cost, but unlike virtually all other Goodyear welted shoes he does not use so-called gemming wherea canvas rib is glued to the insole to which the welt is sewn. Here a machine cuts out a feather in proper, 4-5 mm thick soles that the Goodyear seam then is sewn in, which means that in many ways it’s more like a hand welted shoe than standard Goodyear. Despite this, the price level of those ready-made Argentum is only € 500, which is an unbelievably good price for this product. To order in different width or model that is not included, the price is just over € 550 and wait 10-12 months, also this is a really good price.
FInish of details that you don’t find in many shoes at this price point.
Regarding MTO prices vary depending on the model, leather choice etc, but start at € 650. An educational order form is found where the choices are quite evident. Size-wise, they are relatively standard in size. You can pay with all major credit cards.
For Argentum Hand Welted and Aurum you still order via email only.
These in my eyes really amazing prices is only introductory and are valid until the end of September, then they will be raised slightly. If you have been eyeing Meccariello for some time, now is a good time to jump the fence.
Amazing split toe derby which is priced a bit higher, due to the extra hand work involved making the upper.
Meccariello’s rendition of the adelaide model.
Chiseled toe.
Excellent sole with bevelled waist. All pictures: Antonio Meccariello
