Kudusole: Why the Mellor II Might Be the Last Leather Sneaker You Ever Need

When we designed the Mellor II, our goal was simple: build a sneaker that wears like a classic, feels like a favourite, and lasts like a GORAL should. Recently, Tom from Kudusole spent some time with a pair in Maryam TPR Toscanello leather. His verdict? They’re not just worth the hype - they might just be the leather sneaker.

Here’s why:

BUILT THE RIGHT WAY - At GORAL, we build every pair by hand in our Sheffield workshop. The Mellor II is made with Blake stitch construction, which means it’s fully resoleable without losing shape - a detail that sets it apart from most sneakers on the market. We do this because we don’t believe in disposable footwear. When your sole wears out, we want you to keep wearing the shoe, not throw it away.

LEATHER THAT GETS BETTER WITH AGE - Tom reviewed the Mellor II in Maryam TPR Toscanello, a full-grain Italian leather that starts with character and builds patina over time. We use leathers like Maryam, Horween Chromexcel, calfskin, and suedes not because they’re trendy, but because they age beautifully.

MINIMUM DESIGN, MAXIMUM DURABILITY - We keep branding subtle. No logos, no gimmicks. Just a clean silhouette with hand-cut French binding. The Mellor II is built to go from jeans to tailoring - smart enough for the office, laid back enough for the weekend.

CHOICE OF WIDTHS - One of the most important details? Choice of widths. We offer the Mellor II in both Regular (D) and Wide (EE) fittings. Tom found the fit true to size and noted the shoe’s impressive comfort once broken in, thanks to a soft leather lining and supportive insole. Yes, thicker leathers can take a wear or two to settle in. But that’s the trade-off for shoes that are made to go the distance.

LIFETIME WEAR - We don’t follow trends. We build sneakers the same way our family’s been making shoes for generations: with care, purpose, and the intention that they’ll outlast whatever’s next. As Tom rightly points out, the Mellor II is resoleable, rebuildable, and reliable, a sneaker that gets better with every wear.