I have two pairs of Mr. Casual…one of which was a refresh in order to have a new pair for my wedding in 2023.
I special ordered black calf since it was out of stock in my size. Six months later I received the call that they were ready, albeit with a catch, “Mr. Albury, from the time that you’ve ordered, the price has risen to $550”
In retrospect, that’s still a deal just a year and change later!
I came realllllly close to getting Crown Northampton’s. The model they did in leopard print was so cool! For now, I ended up going with Sabahs. The more espadrille style shoe fits me a tad better. But I do love Belgian shoes, I think I’ll have to acquire a pair some day.
I bought a pair of Mr Casuals in 2018 or so (back when they were only $490!) and I still have them. The soft sole and no heel is what sets them apart. The original is the best, but that price is out of the question. I also owned a pair of Spanish made Belgians, which I think were Berwick, and the thin sole and lack of cushioning made them uncomfortable. The Crown Northhampton with a rubber sole looks really good.
I have a pair of suede Rubinacci tassel Belgian loafers and they are a pain in the a**, like owning a Ferrari.
First, you’re supposed to wear them at home for a few weeks so that the sole molds to the shape of your feet. Then you’re supposed to pay a cobbler $$$$ to attach a rubber pad to the sole.
Unlike a Ferrari, however, there is no insurance for shoes, so if the suede gets wet in the rain or if you step in the mud…there goes $$$$.
I have two pairs of Mr. Casual…one of which was a refresh in order to have a new pair for my wedding in 2023.
I special ordered black calf since it was out of stock in my size. Six months later I received the call that they were ready, albeit with a catch, “Mr. Albury, from the time that you’ve ordered, the price has risen to $550”
In retrospect, that’s still a deal just a year and change later!
Indeed!
I came realllllly close to getting Crown Northampton’s. The model they did in leopard print was so cool! For now, I ended up going with Sabahs. The more espadrille style shoe fits me a tad better. But I do love Belgian shoes, I think I’ll have to acquire a pair some day.
To the future!
I bought a pair of Mr Casuals in 2018 or so (back when they were only $490!) and I still have them. The soft sole and no heel is what sets them apart. The original is the best, but that price is out of the question. I also owned a pair of Spanish made Belgians, which I think were Berwick, and the thin sole and lack of cushioning made them uncomfortable. The Crown Northhampton with a rubber sole looks really good.
Thanks for reading and sharing!
I have a pair of suede Rubinacci tassel Belgian loafers and they are a pain in the a**, like owning a Ferrari.
First, you’re supposed to wear them at home for a few weeks so that the sole molds to the shape of your feet. Then you’re supposed to pay a cobbler $$$$ to attach a rubber pad to the sole.
Unlike a Ferrari, however, there is no insurance for shoes, so if the suede gets wet in the rain or if you step in the mud…there goes $$$$.
Super insightful! I love Belgian style loafers, and this article really made me love them that much more. Engaging read!