I’ve been writing The Belgian Diaries for a while. . Belgian Shoes have certainly a very specific aesthetic. They tend to divide men into rabid obsessives or concerned skeptics. It took me a while to catch up with them. I saw my friends wear Belgians different ways. These were stylish, mature men like Glenn O’Brien and Duncan Hannah, who wore them with suits. But also friends my age, like Aaron Levine, who wore them with jeans. Finally, about ten years ago, I was ready. I crossed the line and never looked back. 

Like a white sport coat or a seersucker suit, Belgian shoes seem more daring until you wear them a bit. Then they seem completely natural. These Arthur Sleep opera pumps are the next step in my continuing education. Made in London, they’re the perfect shoe for a tuxedo (though probably in black). I think black tie is a good gateway for anything in the velvet slipper category. I saw these on the street photographer Robert Spangle, and thought the looked great. 

They have a thin, firm leather sole, so they have more shape and support than the Mr. Casual Belgian. I had them made in brown velvet because, well, that’s just where I am right now. Am I thinking about a brown tuxedo? I might be (only Jake Mueser knows for sure!). I’ll wear them around the apartment until they’re broken in. Once I’ve lived in them a while I’ll wear them out with a suit. I think something like this should be worn without a lot of delicacy, it’s alright if you get them scuffed—they’re already on the precious side. Like a lot of good ideas it seems a dangerous at first, people have to catch up with you. But don’t be shy, you can pull this off.