Case Study - Belgian Shoes
Shoes are very personal, just like any piece in our wardrobe. We obsess over them; they allow us to be expressive and to show our true colors; you can learn a lot about someone just by their shoes. My favorite is The Belgian style loafer. My favorite brand is Belgian Shoes, which can be found on 55th and Park Avenue in New York City. You must plan a trip as you can not order online, although if you call them, they will slip a pair in the mail for you.
It is the most versatile, stylish, and comfortable shoe I have found. These shoes are a staple in my wardrobe, and I'll tell you why. They are truly the most versatile shoes I have in my rotation. From going to the beach or picking apples to full-on black tie, they will have your back in any situation. They come in many different hides and materials, From classic cowhide, ostrich, and my favorite, pressed lizard to suede and wool options. I find it nearly impossible not to match them to any outfit. The silhouette frames the foot perfectly, creating an elongated look that can be worn with everything from shorts to suit pants; no more clucky horse bit loafers that add a bulky look when just trying to be casual in a pair of gym shorts, and yes they even look good with gym shorts and crewneck sweater. When dressing them up, they add elegance without sacrificing comfort when choosing a more dressed up shoe; if a traditional patent leather shoe is your choice when going black tie, give these a try, and your look will be complemented by many.
Taking a look at the different textiles they use, it changes from material to material when it comes to the durability and shape of the shoe when wearing them over time. When taking a deeper look into their leather options, an important thing to keep in mind is the weather and climate you will be wearing them in and how broken in you wish for them to look; I will categorize them from soft and whimsical to rugged and durable. Their cowhide comes in at the softest and quickest to lose their shape over time. Now, this is not a sour attribute, depending on what you're looking for, especially when it comes to a lived-in look; the next is the ostrich verities; these are slightly more form-fitting yet supple just like the cowhide and will lose their form slower than the previous option. I suggest you save these guys for the spring and summer months. Moving on to the tank, which is the lizard calf. These will keep their shape much longer and look like brand new shoes years after their purchase date. Focusing on the pressed Lizards, these are your all year round shoes, from going to a wedding in the summer to dropping the kids off at school in the winter. This is the best part about this variety, especially when wearing them in the winter. The leather is very resilient to salt. I have always had a problem with my other loafers when trying to get out that ugly stain that wraps around the upper of the shoe. These fight against the staining and will leave very minimal signs of it. If you happen to come across a heavy patch and some does want to cling onto the shoe, it's no problem. Just take a brush and quickly buff it out, and within seconds, it's like nothing ever happened. Even a simple rag will do the trick; now, don't go swimming in them, but they are damn near waterproof. Besides the ostrich, the other two leathers come in many different colors, which I find to be one of the most beautiful parts of the brand: the personalization to oneself and style.
Switching from hides and transitioning into their textiles, these are in my mind where the brand separates itself from the rest of the pack and shine! The options are unmatched and truly allow for anyone to find a shoe that fits them from suede, woven suede, wool, linen, and animal print. They will have something for you, guaranteed. These are without a doubt their softest, most supple line even behind the cowhide, yet are surprisingly quite rugged when it comes to keeping their shape over time. Now, they are not leather, so it will deteriorate faster than the more beefed up hides, yet they keep their shape surprisingly well.
In terms of construction it is a very no nonsense shoe; a single stitch fuses the bed of horse hair with a very soft piece of leather. The interior construction is as beautiful as the outside silhouette. These shoes will forever be in my daily rotation. I highly suggest looking into finding yourself a pair and trust me, once you do, you're hooked for life. Just don't blame when the addiction gets out of hand
