When it comes to men‘s dress shoes, most guys want footwear that looks great, feels comfortable, and doesn‘t cost a fortune. Unfortunately, finding shoes that check all those boxes is often easier said than done. Designer shoes from top brands can easily cost $500 or more, putting them out of reach for the average guy. Cheap shoes, on the other hand, are often poorly made and need to be replaced after a year or two of regular wear.
Luckily, the days of having to choose between overpriced luxury footwear and cheap, disposable shoes are over thanks to innovative brands like Morjas. This direct-to-consumer shoe company is on a mission to offer handcrafted, high-quality leather shoes at reasonable prices. In this in-depth Morjas shoes review, we‘ll take a closer look at the brand‘s styles, craftsmanship, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their shoes are the right choice for your feet and your wallet.
About the Morjas Brand
Morjas was founded in 2017 by Swedish entrepreneur Henrik Berg with the goal of making luxury men‘s shoes more affordable and accessible. As a young guy working in finance, Berg was frustrated with the high cost of most well-made dress shoes. He saw an opportunity to create high-quality leather footwear at a lower price point by cutting out the retail middleman and selling directly to consumers online.
Berg spent a year traveling around Europe to find the best materials and manufacturing partners before launching Morjas. Today, the brand works with family-owned factories in Spain and Portugal to produce their shoes using a 128-step process designed for quality and durability.
Morjas is committed to timeless style and versatility rather than chasing fast fashion trends. The brand offers a curated selection of popular shoe styles like penny loafers, chelsea boots, oxfords, and white sneakers, with a focus on minimalist designs that can be dressed up or down. Subtle design tweaks make Morjas shoes more comfortable than traditional versions of these styles.
From a values perspective, Morjas emphasizes sustainability by using vegetable-tanned leathers and high-quality construction designed to last for years. The company also donates 1% of revenue to provide shoes to children in need. With rave reviews from publications like GQ, New York Magazine, and Financial Times, Morjas has quickly made a name for itself as a rising star in the men‘s footwear space.
Overview of Morjas Shoes Styles and Craftsmanship
One look at Morjas‘ product lineup shows that the brand prioritizes versatile, timeless styles over of-the-moment trends. You won‘t find any chunky sneakers or ultra-pointy toes here – just the classic men‘s shoe silhouettes that have been popular for decades.
Morjas divides their shoes into three main categories:
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Loafers – Featuring penny, tassel and horsebit loafer styles in leather or suede. Designed for both casual and formal looks.
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Lace-ups – Oxford, derby and brogue styles for dressing up, plus casual sneakers and boots. Made with both smooth and textured leathers.
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Boots – Chelsea, chukka and lace-up boot options that transition seamlessly from workday to weekend. Sturdy construction stands up to the elements.
Within each category, shoes come in neutral, versatile colors like black, brown, tan, and white, with the occasional navy or gray option. A few models feature a painted patina for some visual interest. Minimalist designs keep the focus on the leather and craftsmanship.
Speaking of craftsmanship, this is where Morjas really stands out from other shoe brands at this price point. Every pair is handcrafted by artisans in Spain and Portugal using a rigorous 128-step process. The shoes start with full-grain, vegetable-tanned leathers, which are colored with eco-friendly dyes.
Many models feature a Goodyear welt, a time-intensive process that allows the shoes to be resoled in the future for added longevity. Other thoughtful details include durable rubber soles and padded insoles for all-day comfort. Based on customer reviews, Morjas delivers impressive quality and comfort for the price.
In-Depth Look at Morjas‘ Best-Selling Shoes
To give you a better sense of what Morjas has to offer, let‘s take a closer look at some of the brand‘s most popular models:
The Penny Loafer
Morjas‘ take on the classic penny loafer is a best-seller for good reason. Handcrafted from full-grain leather or suede, it features a low vamp, raised stitching, and a beefroll around the edgewith Morjas‘ signature design tweaks for improved comfort. A microfoam padded insole and studded rubber outsole provide cushioning and traction.
Customers rave about the fit, noting that this loafer is roomier than most and doesn‘t require much break-in time. The leather is supple yet structured, molding to your foot with each wear. Dress them up with slacks and a blazer or go casual with jeans – these versatile loafers can do it all. At $259, they‘re an excellent value compared to similar styles from designer brands.
The Chelsea Boot
Every man needs a reliable chelsea boot, and Morjas‘ takes the cake in terms of quality for the price. Made from soft, full-grain leather, this boot features elastic side panels for easy on and off, plus a rear pull tab. The leather lining wicks away moisture, while a microfoam padded insole provides comfort for all-day wear.
With a sleek, streamlined silhouette, The Chelsea Boot pairs well with both tailored trousers and casual denim. Customers appreciate the craftsmanship and supple leather, which creases beautifully with wear. A few reviewers wished for a slightly more tapered toe box, but overall, feedback on fit and comfort is very positive. At $345, these boots are a smart investment that will last for years.
The Sneaker
Proving they can do more than just dress shoes, Morjas also offers a range of high-quality leather sneakers. The simply named Sneaker features smooth, full-grain leather in classic white or black. With a minimalist design, these kicks put a luxe spin on an old-school tennis shoe silhouette.
Morjas didn‘t skimp on performance features – The Sneaker sports a micro-cushioned footbed and arch support for comfort, plus a stitched rubber cupsole for flexibility and traction. Customers love the simple, stylish look and high-end feel of the leather, which is much nicer than you‘d expect at this price point. At $195, these are a great option for guys seeking a sophisticated sneaker that‘s a cut above your typical Nikes or Adidas.
What Customers Are Saying About Morjas Shoes
Morjas may be a newer brand, but they‘ve quickly developed a loyal following among men who care about quality footwear. The brand has racked up hundreds of glowing reviews from satisfied customers who appreciate the craftsmanship, comfort, and reasonable prices.
Many reviewers specifically call out the suppleness and rich look of Morjas‘ vegetable-tanned leathers, which are often compared to shoes twice the price. Comfort is another big selling point, with many guys reporting that Morjas shoes feel great right out of the box with minimal break-in time. The classic, understated styling also earns plenty of praise from customers who prefer timeless looks over flashy trends.
Of course, no brand is perfect, and a few reviewers had quibbles about Morjas‘ designs and fit. Some guys with wide feet found certain styles a bit too narrow, while others thought the toe boxes were too roomy for their taste. A handful of reviewers had issues with quality control, such as loose stitching or mismatched leathers. However, the vast majority of customers had only positive things to say about their Morjas shoes.
Ordering, Shipping, and Returns
As a direct-to-consumer brand, Morjas sells their shoes exclusively through their website at morjas.com. The company offers free delivery in Europe and Australia on orders over $150 USD. US orders are shipped via DHL Express for a flat rate of $20 USD, with free shipping on orders over $200 USD.
Shipping times vary by location, but most orders are processed within 1-2 business days. You‘ll receive tracking info via email when your shoes are on the way. Morjas offers a 60-day return window for unworn shoes in their original box. You‘ll get a full refund minus a $35 USD return shipping fee.
To ensure you get the right fit, check out the helpful size guide on each product page, which includes measurements and a comparison chart for US, UK, and EU sizes. If you‘re still unsure, Morjas‘ customer service team is happy to provide personalized sizing advice. Keep in mind that Morjas shoes only come in standard D width, which may be a dealbreaker for guys who need wide sizes.
The Bottom Line: Are Morjas Shoes Worth It?
After thoroughly researching the brand and reading dozens of customer reviews, I can confidently say that Morjas shoes are absolutely worth the money for most guys. While they‘re not the absolute cheapest men‘s shoes on the market, Morjas delivers impressive quality, craftsmanship, and comfort for the price.
The fact that these shoes are handcrafted in Europe using time-honored techniques and top-notch leathers sets them apart from cheaper, glued-together footwear. Morjas‘ classic designs are easy to dress up or down, making them a smart addition to any guy‘s shoe rotation. With proper care, these shoes should last for years, making them a more sustainable choice than fast fashion footwear.
Of course, Morjas isn‘t the only direct-to-consumer brand shaking up the men‘s shoe industry. Competitors like Beckett Simonon, Meermin, and Velasca offer similar value propositions, often at slightly lower prices. However, Morjas stands out for their unique combination of style, quality, and customer service. The 60-day return policy and free shipping on larger orders are added perks.
The biggest potential downsides to Morjas shoes are the lack of wide sizes and the inability to try them on before buying. Some guys may also find the $259-$345 price range too steep, although I‘d argue that Morjas provides excellent value for your dollar. Most designer shoes of comparable quality cost hundreds more.
At the end of the day, if you‘re willing to pay a bit more for well-crafted, comfortable shoes that will go the distance, Morjas is absolutely worth checking out. Between their glowing reviews and generous return policy, you can feel confident ordering a pair to see for yourself what the hype is about. Chances are, your feet will thank you.
