Grown-Up Sneaker Time with the Brilliant Goral Mellor

There comes a time on a man's spiritual style journey—after the lates dumb Nike SB raffle loss, after one’s heart no longer leaps at the prospect of the next overhyped collab—when a man gazes out across the yawning expanse of “the sneaker game” and feels, deep in his minimistically-inclined soul, the urge to graduate. To move beyond fleeting heat, to seek a more elevated, holistic communion between footwear and the self.

Gentle reader: at this cosmic threshold, let us introduce Britain's own Goral Mellor low.

PROPOSITION

The Goral Mellor II presents itself as the thinking man's exit strategy from the endless cycle of hyped sneaker releases and planned obsolescence. Made in Sheffield by a family-run operation with nearly a century of shoemaking heritage, the folks making these are showing max respect for the shoe game. The proposition: an investment in long-term style and comfort. But can this $300+ sneaker alternative really deliver on its premium promises?

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

First of all, let's talk about about what really makes these sneakers an investment. The Mellor II utilizes Blake construction—a welcome departure from the cemented soles dominating the sneaker market. This means full resolability when the time comes, transforming what would typically be a disposable purchase into a long-term wardrobe staple.

You know we loves us some Venusian GREEN, and for our Cortisian tastes the star of Mellor's universe of colorways is the Maryam TPR Verde leather from Italy's renowned Maryam tannery. This isn't your standard chrome-tanned sneaker upper; it's full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather with remarkable depth and character. We relish these green shades, and the verde green of this shoe strikes an ideal balance—sophisticated enough for elevated casual situations, distinctive enough to generate compliments, yet versatile enough for daily wear.

The crepe-textured TPR (thermoplastic rubber) sole provides the casual aesthetic of traditional gum rubber while offering superior durability and grip. It's substantial without being chunky, maintaining clean lines that work equally well with tailored trousers or weekend denim.

A Brief History of the Goral brand

Goral grew out of a family-run workshop in Sheffield, England, where traditional British shoemaking has been practiced for decades. Operating from their own factory, the brand built its reputation on small-batch production, hand-finishing, and an emphasis on durable construction. Rather than chasing seasonal trends, Goral focused on craft—selecting quality leathers from renowned tanneries and refining methods that prioritize longevity and repairability.

In the 21st century, Goral evolved from a behind-the-scenes maker into an eponymous label that blends heritage techniques with contemporary silhouettes. Signature models like the Mellor reflect this shift: sneakers constructed with dress-shoe methods such as Blake stitching, designed to be resoled and refurbished rather than replaced. Today, Goral’s ethos centers on sustainability through longevity—maintaining in-house production in Sheffield, offering resoling and aftercare services, and creating footwear meant to age well and remain in rotation for years.

REAL-WORLD TESTING: A DAY IN OJAI

To properly evaluate the Mellor II's versatility and comfort claims, I begin my day exploring my current haunt Ojai, California—a town that demands footwear capable of doing missing a beat.

Morning: Bart's Books Starting at the famous outdoor bookstore, navigating uneven concrete and tile surfaces, the Mellor II immediately impressed with its sure-footed grip and cushioned comfort. The leather was perfectly at home among the weathered book spines and California sun.

I'd even wear these badboys with shorts.

Mid-Morning: Three Birds Coffee The café test, perhaps the most crucial for any modern sneaker alternative. Sitting in the garden patio, the verde leather caught the dappled sunlight beautifully, while the refined silhouette elevated what could have been standard coffee shop attire. Comfort remained excellent.

Lunch: The Dutchess This bakery-bistro represents exactly the kind of "elevated casual" environment where the Mellor II should excel. Mission accomplished: the shoes struck the perfect note between relaxed and refined, complementing the restaurant's sophisticated-but-approachable atmosphere.

Afternoon: Sam Roberts LA Meeting Ojai fashion Godfather John Dennis at his curated vintage outpost, the Mellor II received the ultimate test—approval from a local who happened to be hanging out, one who spends his days around exceptional craftsmanship. The Blake construction and Italian leather immediately caught his attention, validating the shoe's serious construction credentials.

Cultural Interlude: Ojai Playhouse Walking the historic floors of this intimate theater, the TPR sole provided perfect acoustics—substantial enough for confident strides, quiet enough for respectful movement through the space.

Evening: Radio Roma The day's final stop proved the Mellor II's evening credentials. From morning bookstore browsing to cocktail hour, the shoes transitioned seamlessly, looking as appropriate with a Negroni as they had with morning coffee.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Comfort: 9/10 After 4 months of owning the shoe, I can report exceptional comfort and a real desire to wear these on a regular basis. The leather upper broke in gradually, as would a good pair of boots. Goral sent me a pair that fit my narrow foot exquisitely.

Versatility: 10/10 This is where the Mellor II truly excels. From casual morning errands to the biz/casual office to evening drinks, the shoe adapted to every environment with confidence. I even wore it on the long, mountainous neighborhood walks among the organge grove that I relish.

Construction Quality: 9/10 The Blake stitching, full-grain leather, and substantial sole construction all point to a shoe built to last. The resoleable design adds significant long-term value. The idea of resoling the shoe is a minimalists dream.

Style Impact: 8/10 The verde colorway strikes an excellent balance—distinctive without being attention-seeking, elevated without being precious.

VALUE PROPOSITION

At $328, the Mellor II isn't cheap. But then again, neither are you, dear connoisseur of the Cortisian. When evaluated against the total cost of ownership—including resoling capabilities, timeless design, and construction quality—it begins to make economic sense for the style-conscious consumer tired of replacing sneakers every season. And this is a sneaker that can replace several tiers of footwear taking up space in your closet– a real dream for a modern man with heritage sensibilites.

THE VERDICT

The Goral Mellor II succeeds brilliantly as a "graduate-level" sneaker for men ready to move beyond hype cycles and disposable footwear. It offers genuine versatility, exceptional comfort, and the kind of construction quality that justifies its premium price point.

This isn't a shoe for the noob—it requires an appreciation for heritage craftsmanship over obvious branding, and the patience to develop a relationship with footwear that improves with age rather than deteriorating. This shoe is for grown-ups, or for those who are ready to grow up.

For the discerning consumer seeking a single pair of shoes capable of handling everything from weekend errands to date nights, the Mellor II delivers on its ambitious promises.

Final Score: 9/10 Couldn't be happier with this style. The Mellor II is available directly from Goral in a variety of styles at goral-shoes.co.uk