CARE & ACCESSORIES
"Forget Common Projects - This UK Brand Does It Better" - Cameron O.
If you’re looking for a resoleable leather sneaker, look no further. Most modern sneakers are designed around speed of production rather than longevity. Materials are selected for consistency, construction prioritises efficiency, and repair is rarely considered part of the product’s life. People are looking for more durable alternatives, and handmade leather sneakers are becoming more and more popular. The Mellor II approaches sneaker design differently, built in England using traditional shoemaking methods and premium materials, it applies principles normally reserved for heritage footwear to an everyday silhouette. A recent unboxing from Cameron O. gives an outside perspective on the Mellor II, highlighting details that are sometimes only noticed when the shoe is handled in person.
The term handmade is frequently used in footwear, but its meaning varies widely. In mass production, sneakers move through automated assembly lines where components are bonded quickly using adhesives. Handmade footwear follows a slower process involving skilled operators completing multiple stages of construction by hand. At GORAL, production focuses on, small-batch manufacturing, manual lasting and finishing, individual quality inspection, construction methods that allow repair. Our shoemaking history dates back to 1936, production moved to Sheffield in 2006, where footwear continues to be made using traditional techniques in a small workshop environment. Sneakers are often treated as short-term products but our approach begins with durability as a requirement rather than an afterthought. The construction of our Mellor is a marriage of a blake stitch, cupsole, and side wall stitch; combined to create a durable and resolable sneaker made for a lifetime of wear.
One detail often noticed immediately is the smell of natural leather. If your shoe collection includes shoes made with different materials, give them the sniff test. You’ll immediately notice the richness of natural leather vs a synthetic alternative. The Mellor II is available in several premium leathers, including Horween Chromexcel leather, produced by the Horween Leather Company. Chromexcel is processed slowly using oils and waxes that penetrate deep into the hide, creating leather that changes gradually through wear.
Most modern trainers rely on synthetic uppers designed for lightweight performance and uniform appearance. Leather is slightly heavier and because it’s a natural material, no two pairs of shoes will be exactly the same. Leather sneakers become unbeatable when they’re broken in as the shoe moulds to your foot and develops a subtle, soft patina.
Leather sneakers
Mould to the foot over time
Can be maintained and repaired
Develop character through wear
Synthetic sneakers
Maintain initial appearance briefly
Often crack or delaminate with age
Are rarely repairable
This difference influences both longevity and overall ownership experience
The Mellor II avoids prominent logos and decorative elements, branding is limited to a subtle tongue stamp, allowing proportion, material, and craftsmanship to define the shoe. Simpler designs avoid hype and tend to remain wearable for longer because they aren’t tied to seasonal trends. Sneaker and shoe design is strongly influenced by the last, the wooden or plastic form around which the shoe is built. The Mellor II uses our G1 last, developed to create a balanced silhouette with a slightly tapered toe. This produces a cleaner profile than many athletic trainers while maintaining everyday comfort. Last design affects appearance, flexibility, and how the shoe ages through wear.
The Mellor II uses blake stitch construction, a method more commonly associated with traditional leather footwear. A single stitch runs through the outsole, insole, and upper, securing all layers together. This construction provides the ability to resole the shoe but the biggest benefit of a blake stitch is that unlike most glued sneakers, the outsole can be replaced once worn, extending the lifespan of the footwear.
The Mellor II fits true to size and is available in both regular (D) and wide (E) fittings. Sizing ranges from UK 6 to UK 13, including half sizes, allowing for more accurate fit selection. Alongside ready-to-wear models such as the Calfskin Nappa White, the Mellor II is available in multiple high quality leathers and colours. The Mellor II sits between traditional trainers and formal footwear. It offers sneaker comfort while maintaining the structure associated with leather shoes. Many wearers choose it as an everyday option suitable for both casual and business-casual settings. It’s a shoe you can wear to the office, a dinner party and
Handmade footwear reflects the time required to produce it and the cost of skilled manufacturing in England. The intention is longer ownership and fewer replacements over time. Handmade sneakers prioritise durability, repairability, and material quality, which can extend usable lifespan compared to mass-produced alternatives.
