TLB Suede: Beautiful Ones
Let’s see if there’s any 90’s kids whom got that reference.
It’s been a while since I wrote about shoes. I’ve added two pairs to the collection since last time so I thought I would write post about them.
This continues from where we left off last time with TLB Mallorca and my article about loafers.
Even though I have quite a few pairs I want to acquire; chukkas and black suede loafers to name a few, I’ve been quite satisfied with the collection I have. You can read more about my satisfaction with TLB Mallorca here if you want to learn more. Also, disregarding the two pairs this article is about, some years of wearing and rotating my collection has passed which gives me a lot more insight into what I wear most and what I need.
Speaking of what I wear most, the newest contributions to my collection; a pair of suede monk straps and suede loafers, both brown, are getting the majority of my attention it would seem.
The Shoes
First off all, both shoes are from the TLB Mallorca Artista line.
This time around I didn’t order them custom, mainly for one reason; both pairs had the city sole as rtw models.
Secondly, the colour of each was exactly was I was looking for.
Specs
・117 Artista Loafer
Suede from Charles F. Stead Tannery
Goya last
Goodyear Welted
8 SPI
Calf lining
Vegetable tanned leather insoles
Leather heel stiffeners.
City sole
I did a review of the Artista loafers which you can read here.
Seeing as these are the same last and model I won’t go into details on the shoe, but rather the leather and the usage.
The monk straps feature double straps, cap toe and are also made on the same last, the Goya, which is the last all my Artista shoes are made on.
Specs
・118 Artista Double Monk Straps
Suede from Charles F. Stead Tannery
Goya last
Goodyear Welted
8 SPI
Calf lining
Vegetable tanned leather insoles
Leather heel stiffeners
Double buckle
City sole
Brown Suede Leather
For the two shoes in question it didn’t say specifically which tannery the leather comes from, but a look around TLBs web store reveals other suede shoes in the same brown shade with leather from Charles F. Stead Tannery. Being one of the few remaining renowned tanneries in the UK it would suggest we can rest assured the quality of the leather is on a par with what we’ve come to expect from TLB Mallorca.
And that’s also my impression after about half a year of wear. Both pairs really hold up well.
Suede is incredibly easy to maintain and also a lot more ideal for rain and snow than generally assumed. I’m not saying you should wear these as rain boots nor that they can’t get scuffed up.
But in my experience it’s easier to refresh them after wear than for instance having to redo a mirror shine. Depending on the leather; whether it’s suede or nubuck and the damage, usually the basic toolkit: wire brush and suede block will do the trick.
Why brown suede?
I’m not sure if the answer to this question is as obvious to everyone as it is to me, but these shoes are incredibly versatile. Assuming you don’t wear black suits, these shoes goes with absolutely everything. I could be more specific, but honestly besides the aforementioned black suit you’ll be hard pressed to find a colour they can’t be worn with.
They are inherently casual, so maybe not the shoes you should rock up in a wedding or business meeting in, although I wouldn’t mind that either.
Granted I lean more casual in my style even when wearing suits so it might be easier to incorporate brown suede shoes into my style.
What I do think however is that what both these shoes lacks in formality they weigh up for in sophistication.
Of course, the bevelled waist and quite smart shape of both shoes helps in this area. If they had a more squared toe and higher rounding of the toe (let’s imagine something like boat shoes) they wouldn’t look quite as smart.
In the case of the monk straps I find that this sophisticated look is even more prevalent.
They are not as extravagant as leather monk straps with their rather muted appearance but at the same time they have just about enough flair to make them interesting.
Conclusion
This was a rather short article but seeing as I’ve already been through the technical aspects in both previous articles, about the TLB Artista Oxfords and the Artista loafer I figured adding this as an additional article was a better idea.
I recommend getting your hands on a pair of suede shoes. Whether a classic dress shoe like an Oxford or a loafer, they’re one of the most versatile shoes you can own in my opinion.
