Baudoin & Lange "Sagan" Belgian Loafers, a clumsy review of an elegant shoe

The last thing I need is a new pair of shoes. But then need really is of very little consequence. Over the years I've acquired a serviceable, if not impressive array of footwear. That's actually not that easy to do living in Dallas, the footwear desert of the western world. I've sworn off buying anything new unless it fits a particular need. And when I do identify a need, I'm generally required to mail-order shoes because, short of high-end cowboy boots, sourcing proper footwear in this town is impossible.

A couple of months ago I happened on a blog post about a new Belgian loafer maker in London who was taking pre-orders for their first shipment of lamb suede Belgian loafers in a variety of colors. I visited the website and decided to take the plunge. At £255 (£285 including shipping to the US) the price was not exactly cheap, but for the purported quality, not prohibitive either.

I normally wear a size 11 1/2 D in most US brands and either a 10 1/2 E or 11 in most UK brands. The sizing chart on the website directed me toward a 44, which seemed small, but I went with it given the assurance that returns were not an issue. I opted for the blue-grey suede in a plain configuration.

I placed my order on 6/29 and waited. The shoes are made-to-order and turn around was quoted at 4 weeks. Generally consistent with that promise, the shoes shipped with the company's initial shipments on 8/2, arriving a couple of days later by express shipment.

Initially I was not impressed with the packaging. A simple (small) shipping box into which the shoes were crammed. The shoes arrived quite misshapen. Additionally, when I first tried them on, they were quite tight and I worried that they were incorrectly sized (too small). I decided to put some shoe trees in them and try them again the next day. So glad I did.

Keep in mind, these shoes are quite light. They are really slipper-like. After one evening sleeping in shoe trees they had both regained their elegant shape and stretched nicely to a near perfect glove-like fit. I worried that because they stretched so easily at first, keeping them on shoe trees might over-stretch them. But after 4 weeks that hasn't been the case.

These have been a really great addition to my summer shoe collection. I've worn them casually. I really like the simple, elegant lines and the great glove-like fit.

Here are a few pics. If you have questions, let me know.

Dear Mark,

This is Bo from Baudoin & Lange. Thank you for your review, I really enjoyed reading it, it is always lovely to hear from our customers.

I'm very happy to hear that you like the shoes.

In terms of the packaging, I fully agree with you. Our first focus is always on developing the best possible shoe, and the packages has been left behind in the first 3 months of our new brand. However, we are currently in the process of designing fully new packaging which should all be ready within the next few weeks.

In terms of delivery times, we are also aiming to get this down to about 1 week within the next few months.

Always happy to answer any questions as well!

Best,
Bo van Langeveld

Hi mark,

I am on the fence between these, Belgians, and the rubinacci version. Do you have experience with any of the other two brands? I am looking Mainly for a comfort comparison but would also appreciate comments on quality. I am almost sure the Baudoins are of the highest quality but real world experience is good to hear. Thanks!



trailer36 said:

Hi mark,

I am on the fence between these, Belgians, and the rubinacci version. Do you have experience with any of the other two brands? I am looking Mainly for a comfort comparison but would also appreciate comments on quality. I am almost sure the Baudoins are of the highest quality but real world experience is good to hear. Thanks!

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Sorry no. No experience with the other two brands.

trailer36 said:

Hi mark,

I am on the fence between these, Belgians, and the rubinacci version. Do you have experience with any of the other two brands? I am looking Mainly for a comfort comparison but would also appreciate comments on quality. I am almost sure the Baudoins are of the highest quality but real world experience is good to hear. Thanks

Click to expand...

Hi trailer36,

I won't comment on the quality of other two brands, as I'm undoubtably biased towards Baudoin & Lange and that wouldn't be fair.

What I can say is is that we really focus on using the highest quality leathers and materials to fully handcraft every shoe, without making any concessions on quality.

Comfortability is one of our main focus points, and a lot of testing and developing has gone into this. The fact that the shoe is unlined gives it so much more flexibility than the more commonly seen lined-loafers. This in combination with the padded insoles gives the wearer a very light and uber-comfortable shoe.

I am sure that our current customers can confirm the comfort of the shoes

Bo

Just received these over the last couple of months. As I'm in a cold weather climate, these will have to wait until the spring. Their trademarked heel.

brax said:

Just received these over the last couple of months. As I'm in a cold weather climate, these will have to wait until the spring.





Their trademarked heel.

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Hope you will enjoy them brax, and eager to hear what you think of them!

Love the look of the Sagan's. Definitely on my bucket list of shoes.

Just got my first pair from the armoury, will see how it fair in the next few weeks, first impression is very soft, almost slipper like

Thanks for the review, Mark.

Does anyone have any experience with the napa leather version? I'd also love some sizing advice: Would a 42 or a 43 be best for someone who's a 10C on the Brannock (or Alden's Hampton or Van lasts)?

Just got my first pair in. Technically they're a birthday present, so they'll sit in my wife's closet for a month. I did try them on to make sure they fit...pretty solid fit assuming they will stretch just a bit. What is everyone's experience with longevity, so far?

they definitely stretch, I'm 9.5D to slightly wide and got 42, and a bit tight out box, but definitely stretch to comfortable now. Longevity is fine for now, though I don't wear them in winter so only one summer experience, thus not a lot data point.

Just got a pair in bark gray, and I really like them.

The only problem is that they're a bit big. I'm usually a 10C and got the 43s. They're slightly loose now, even with liner socks, and I'm afraid they'll stretch. My wife is usually a 35 in shoes and got 35 for hers. They're a bit loose too.

loose where? Mine definitely stretched a bit, though not a lot.

In the length. I think they'll be fine though. Just wish they carried half sizes. I asked for the lake to be 1 cm longer, and I'm glad I did. Might try a 42.