The Original BELGIAN SHOES

A timeless handmade classic, ideal for everyday use.

The Original BELGIAN SHOES

A timeless handmade classic, ideal for everyday use.

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About

Belgian Shoes, a New York City institution, showcases a variety of hand-sewn, hand-turned loafers, manufactured in Izegem, Belgium, an historic centre of the nation’s shoe industry. Belgian Shoes are sold exclusively in their New York boutique and a selection of of styles through Paolo Moschino Ltd in London. 

The nephew of Henri Bendel, the founder of the eponymous New York City department store, discovered the shoes on a trip to Belgium. When the Bendel’s department store was sold by the family in 1955, Bendel established the Belgian Shoes boutique. In 1979. Bendel met Georges Vanacker, an established luxury shoe manufacturer in Belgium. They decided to do business together and became equal partners with a simple handshake. In 2019, Georges Vanacker became the sole proprietor of Belgian Shoes and entrusted his three daughters to run operations, manufacturing and sales.

Exclusive fan-base

As early as the 1960s, the shoe was recognized for its comfort and quality which was quickly embraced by the high touch, high value client. There have been few changes to the offering since then. Over the years these shoes have developed a dedicated following from those who have become addicted to the glove like fit and flexible leather soles that make ;Belgians’ the only loafer that matters;  the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Their devoted international following is a direct reflection of the quality and craftsmanship of the product, but also a rite of passage. Frequently adorned from generation to generation – grandmother to mothers, father to son. Our lifelong customers continue to wear and uphold the Belgian Shoes tradition. They are the ideal leisure shoe, perfect for everyday use and can transcend from day to evening with both comfort and style.

Artisanal Craftmanship

The signature styles; Mr. Casual and Midinette are a unique design of an unstructured loafer that is sewed inside out and then hand-turned after completion to create the shoe that you see today. 

The key to the shoe’s success is their indisputable comfort, which is achieved through their simple, hand-finished construction. Each insole is hand-sewn, over a light filling of ‘piano hair’ by skilled craftswomen, who work out of their homes in the Belgian countryside.

The signature bow in the vamp is the finishing touch, tied by a unique and qualified Belgian artisan.

To ensure a proper fit, you are required to wear the shoe outdoors, in dry conditions, where it will mold to your foot. After molding, a rubber corrugated sole is to be applied to protect the leather from the elements and extend the life of the shoe.  

Images Credit to: Belgians Shoes New York, Shane LaVancher and Paolo Moschino Ltd.

Own Your Style

Why not create your own style and customise your ‘Belgians’? They are a time classic in a wardrobe and a shoe that can easily become a personal signature, whether you want to wear them with a tuxedo or a tee shirt.

Redefining them for a new generation, the coolest wardrobe staples are those that are slightly unexpected, why not venture beyond the solid brown and blues… Belgian Shoes provide endless customisation options for a fee and will even make shoes out of your own material.

“They make a suit look cool and a little weird. They make a blazer and chinos look a little more ‘together’. They make white trousers and a black sweater look mysterious and, like… jazzy. They make a velvet suit look professional and adult. Basically, they add personality to otherwise totally understated clothing, and a little bt of seriousness to out-there clothing. Throw on Belgian shoes and suddenly your otherwise boring suit looks like Fashion.

belgian shoes Midinette

Latest News

The Story Behind Belgian Shoes

There are only two places in the world where one can purchase a pair of these iconic shoes: the Belgian …

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