Zerrows
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I want to update this thread once in a while with my positive and/or negative experiences regarding the Slit sandals if and whenever I want and have the time. Hopefully it'll be helpful in some way. Apologies in advance if my review is too long to read and if it clutters this thread. My review will focus more on the description side of things rather than giving explanations as the post turned out quite long as it is. It will also focus on the negatives as I think that focusing on these points may contribute to a more well founded decision-making. Besides, the positives have hitherto been mentioned more frequently both here and elsewhere and I wouldn't have much to add to all that anyway.
Disclaimer:
Needless to mention, my comments are based on my (obviously subjective) opinion, quality criteria/standards and experience. In that sense, of course my review is biased to some extent and is not in any way meant to damage the reputation and integrity of the brand or whatever. I'm writing everything with the best intentions. Moreover, since the style of the Zerrows is closest to Birkenstock Bostons and that's what I and most people own, my comparison will always be based on that model. Also, I'm very particular in the choice of my footwear. I value comfort and quality above all other criteria. That said, my right pinky toe splays quite a bit when I take a step which is why I can't and refuse to wear any footwear that doesn't use the so called "Munson" (also: "Swing") last such as those offered by White's Boots. The reason for this is that any other last restricts and pressures the front section of my feet resulting in my toes getting cramped together and my right pinky toe feeling uncomfortable. If you ask me, most people don't realize how super comfortable and anatomically correct the Munson last is. In that sense, it doesn't come as a surprise to me that it was originally developed with the soldiers' comfort in mind. All other lasts - which is what almost all of the footwear companies (exclusively) offer these days - change the natural shape of our feet overtime mainly for the worse. While I'm at it: I wear US 7.5 in White's Boots and own a pair of Swing last 5" boots with the left foot at width F and the right at FF. It's one of the most comfortable footwear I've ever owned in my life by far and they'd be absolutely perfect if the toe section had even slightly more room for my pinky toe. Birkenstocks come close to that level of comfort and it was my initial hope and expectation that the Zerrows Slits would too.Background:
As mentioned above, I received these four days ago. In that sense, my review may seem to be prematurely written and it may be criticized that "the leather will give in or expand", but I've tried so many (leather) shoes and last shapes in the past to know that if the shoes/boots are noticeably uncomfortable to begin with, nothing will change that - even having them professionally stretched at the cobbler etc. I have been wearing them all the time since then and so far I have five observations to share. These will mainly be related to points that I wish I could've read on the internet prior to my purchase.Review:
1. The fit: It's for sure different than my Birkenstock Bostons: I wear a size EU 42 (UK 8 or US "M9" according to Birkenstock) in the Bostons. When I wear my Bostons without socks, there's some room in the length. When I wear them with midweight wool socks (Darn Tough), they fit more firm, without my toes getting cramped in the length. Either way, my Bostons don't feel uncomfortable at all in the length. Before ordering my Zerrows Slits (size US8), I checked reviews, read their own size guide on their website and consulted them on Instagram via DMs (they are quite responsive). Long story short, the Slits, despite having very similar insole measurements to the Bostons and the outsoles being almost congruent, feel/fit shorter in length. My toes hit the front of the sandals even though my heels are aligned right at the white stitches. Adjusting the straps, i.e., tightening them to prevent my feet slipping to the front of the sandals did not help either (see also my third point below regarding the straps). In terms of width, the Bostons have more room in the front at the toe section as well. My right pinky toe feels less comfortable than when I wear the Slits which definitely apply more pressure and are more restrictive. I'm pretty sure this has to do with the difference in the last shape (i.e., the Bostons seem to use the Munson shape and the Slits use a more rounded last shape).2. The lining: Mike aka Filthy - may he rest in peace - was spot on about the lining in the toe section of these (I did the research for you, see his comment here) which he ended up removing. After only a day of walking around in the house, my big toe nail (I cut my nails very regularly) started scraping the lining which resulted in the lining starting to come off loose. The more the lining got looser, the more my toe nail started to get caught on the lining. The lining is glued to the top of the sandals on the inside, however - and this is the annoying part - it's been sewed between the vamp of the sandals and the midsole/outsole. In other words: You can't just take off the lining, you have to "rip the fuck out of it with a pair of pliers" as Mike described perfectly. This may result in popping some stitches off, so I'd be careful. I chose an alternative way and cut the lining off with the help of a knife and scissor. That took a long time and was a nightmare. I only did it on the right sandal, but if the left one bothers me the same way, I'll repeat the same process for the left one too.
3. The straps: With my Birkenstock Bostons, when I adjust the straps to the last hole, i.e., the tightest setting, the vamp of the sandals wrap around the instep of my foot just right. There is no unwanted heel slip when I walk or whatsoever, it's basically just right. Sometimes, when my feet swell (e.g., in warmer weather, in the evening etc.) or if I'm wearing midweight socks, I can even relax the straps and I still won't have any problems. With the Zerrows Slits, I can't wear them without having the straps adjusted to the tightest setting, because they'll simply slip when I walk. There are four additional holes to expand the straps, but I don't think most people don't even need to expand the straps that much. It would've been better (at least for me) if they had added some extra holes to adjust the straps tighter and not looser. If I punched an extra hole or two myself, the vamp would start to look weird and cramped.
4. The insole: Since the Bostons have the cork footbed which keep your heels secure in their place, your feet are less likely to slip out of the sandals. On the other hand, the Slits are more likely to slip when you walk, because they are "open" in the back. Moreover, the fact that Bostons have an insole that is grippy due to the use of the roughout side of the leather prevents any slip. On the other hand, the Slits use the smooth side of the leather which results in additional slippage, especially when wearing socks.
5. The arch support: Switching from the Slits to the Bostons results in an immediate relief in terms of arch support. There is an "Aha"-moment where you immediately realize how much arch support the Bostons offer as opposed to the Slits which are rather flat and in comparison offer a noticeably less pronounced arch support than the Bostons.
Final remarks for now: I don't regret purchasing these as it was a different experience and I love learning about things that I like or don't like as well as what works best for me and what doesn't. Of course the Slits are different than the Bostons. If they were the same, they wouldn't be Zerrows, they would be Birkenstocks. For my needs and foot shape, the Bostons work better. I just hoped to "upgrade" my Bostons to a better build quality and increase their longevity by ordering Zerrows' Slits which seemed identical if not very similar to my Bostons.
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I picked up Mike's pair of sandals in the auction and really only now have had a chance to wear them. Had no clue there was a toe liner modification he made but I can see the remnants now knowing to look. I can generally agree with a lot of what was said above. Still on the fence with keeping these or passing on, pretty sure the next size up would be too big unless only wearing with the thickest socks, which doesn't make sense for me and sandals. Surprised how much these feel broken in despite having almost no wear on the outsoles. Sunny Sunday Seattle sandals shot:
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Had a minor realization tonight going for a walk in Mike's sandals. Was having some trouble with the right one coming off during my forward stride which resulted in a couple of painful steps on the edge of the foot bed. This was a little counterintuitive to me since my right foot is shorter. It shall has the higher instep. After a thought, I tried loosening the buckle one position since it was fully tightened (but still loose on top of my instep). What happened is that this allowed my foot to scoot forward inside a bit more which reduced the sandal from slipping off. Still deciding on these but this assignment helped me and thought it could help someone else. Ymmv
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In addition to my pair of engineers, I’ve got another pair in the works. Also I just grabbed these from the shop Vancouver I really like them a lot.
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New arrival. Maybe 5 month wait. Burgundy Slit Sandal size 8. The size is perfectly fine. Probably could’ve gone with a 9 if I wanted to wear socks.
The sole is robust and stiff and I hope it loosens up with wear. Already feeling more comfortable 3 hours into wearing them. I cinched them down to the second-to-last hole on the adjustment strap and they are more secure on my foot.
I LOVE the color. So far far no discomfort on the top of my foot or toes. There is pure leather facing the top of my foot. Where did I read that there was a cotton fabric layer over the toes? Different sandal model?
I ordered factory direct, saved a bunch of money, got to pick my leather, but had too wait a while… well worth it!!!!
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@Autorotate , could you so kindly measure the internal from tip to the the thread , i couldn't make up my mind should i go for size 71/2 or 8 .. no hurry, thanks in advance.
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Breaking in the Boneakers. The sole is soft, but the leather is stiff! Pretty comfy though..planning on wearing them on an upcoming trip to Berlin 
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Those look good.
I’m waiting on some boneakers to be delivered from Berlin to UK… more soon. -
Had a good mail call today!
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Great @kkibbey23 are they shorter? The contrast rolled top is cool.
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Thanks!!! Yeah, although I don’t remember ordering them shorter that’s how’s they came. I’m ok with it! I think it’s 8 vs 10 inch. This olive horsebutt is a little thinner than our brown pair. Should make break in be smooth.
I really dig them. I’m trying to decide if I should throw them in the dome this year or not. The olive/natural top turned out better than I was thinking
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Had these in the Mail today. The quality is stunning but my girlfriend is not the biggest fan.
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Does anyone have experience with Zerrows Type One and Mr Lous? They are similar in price. Just wondering if build quality, comfort etc were comparable and if the shaft of the Zerrows works with slimmer jeans like the Mr Lou?
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@kkibbey23 should be able to answer your question @goldstone0
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@goldstone0
from my experience the quality of the zerrows is much better. I am not a fan of wesco to be honest, all you get from them is Red Wing quality for a high price.
look at eastwestapparel, Jamie has a wonderful variant of zerrows engineers. tea core latigo is great leather
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@Daniel-San Yeah, those are right up there.
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