A case for Belgian Loafers

The best silhouette in the game

I was chatting with a friend the other day who had a predicament. He was looking for black leather shoes for the spring. I am a big proponent of a solid black Chelsea boot for winter, but he was looking for non-winter wear. The black loafer is a unique ask. The penny loafer is the most common—you could go anywhere from Bass Weejun to JM Weston and plenty in between. But I thought about how I was in a similar predicament a few years back and decided to opt for the Belgian Loafers. They are oft mentioned in circles of people like me who obsess over items such as these but are not frequently talked about outside of them, so I'm taking this opportunity to wax poetic about the pair of shoes with the best silhouette in the game.

I must admit, it took me some time to feel fully confident wearing these. As my friend put it, his hesitation (as was mine) is that they "appear too dandy-like." I felt similarly but was pleased to report that unease decreased with each subsequent wear.

While a brown loafer is versatile, there is a time and place for the black loafer, and it's good to have in the repertoire. Belgians are available in brown, a color I highly recommend. However, I suggest considering the Belgian if you're specifically in the market for a black loafer and are over thirty years old. Its unique design and versatility make it a worthwhile investment, and it could go well with a tux, a pair of chinos, or, *gasp*, a pair of jeans.

Buying a pair of these shoes is the hardest part because they fit so slimly, and the Belgian (yes, they are made in Belgium) shoe sizing is unique (they come in multiple widths). I wear a size twelve, average width typically, but in Belgians, I wear a 10.5 triple wide. Thus, I recommend going to a store to try on a few pairs to get the sizing correct, and there is no better store to go into than the Belgian store in Midtown Manhattan.

With carpet and wood walls from the 1980s, it is a time capsule. It's a small store, with just two rows filled with different variations of identical shoes on both walls. It's perfect. While I was there, a lady who entered the store wearing a pair of Belgians bought what I could only believe was her twelfth pair of Belgians. The occasion was for what I could only assume was a polo match she was reluctant (secretly happy) to attend. It was a pleasure to witness this. I'll look for any excuse to buy something in an actual store.

If the tied ribbon bow isn't for you, Baudouin & Lange make a similar shoe and silhouette but sans tassel, which could also be an excellent option—as seen here. They definitely work. Call me old-fashioned, but I like the traditional ribbon. I think it's fun and unique and an excellent way to add variety to the wardrobe. And yes, I know, the sticker shock on a pair of these is high, but trust that you won't have to buy another pair for a very long time (if ever).

That said, Belgian Loafers are Belgium's third-best export. Kevin De Bruyne is number one, of course, followed closely by waffles. They are a solid, respectable third, still on the podium and behind two all-time greats.

Tot ziens,
Tim