Beckett Simonon Vincent Belgian Loafers Reviewed

Style & Appearance

The Vincent loafer’s toe shape is sharper than traditional Belgian loafers; Beckett Simonon describes it as “almond-shaped.” I would compare it to the toe box of cowboy boots; definitely not cour-jester style, but nevertheless pronounced.

Inside, these Belgian loafers are lined entirely with Vachetta leather, which makes them exceedingly comfortable, especially when worn without socks. The non-removable leather insoles also provide ample cushioning, and the additional foam insoles can be used for extra padding or for those with .25 or .75 shoe sizes.

These shoes are Blake stitched, which, while requiring more skill and equipment than Goodyear welting, is indeed recraftable. To me, this isn’t really a drawback; I plan to add a rubber sole pad for easy, inexpensive replacements and weather protection during the Pacific Northwest’s rainy months.

With proper care, these shoes will last a long time and are more comfortable than cemented construction shoes due to their cork filling. Additionally, they feature a steel shank, which will further support the feet when walking.

Lastly, these components might set off airport metal detectors… being a pilot, this is something I tend to keep in the back of my mind.

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to sizing, Beckett Simonon’s website is a little vague.

While the website does describe the “tapered waist” of the Vincets, the width isn’t mentioned. I am a size 9D on most shoe sizes, and I would describe these as a 9C – so slightly narrow; if I were an avid sock wearer, I would absolutely consider going up a half size. Thankfully Beckett Simonon has a very generous return and exchange policy.

When I put on these shoes for the first time, they were definitely snug. I had to use a shoe horn and a technique my wife showed me, where you heat the backend of the shoe with a hair dryer to make the leather more pliable.

However, they are extremely comfortable on the foot. The full leather lining prevents the swamp foot feeling (especially when worn sockless), and the leather was already breaking in. There is no doubt that these will fit like a glove in a month.

Dress Code & Formality

While Beckett Simonon’s website describes these loafers as suitable for everything from “super casual to supremely formal,” I have a slightly different take. In my view, the almond-shaped toe box leans toward formality, making them ideal for pairing with jeans and an Aloha shirt but less suitable for ultra-casual outfits.

For instance, they’re not ideal for late-night runs in shorts and an oversized T-shirt, situations where traditional Belgian shoes would excel. Instead, the Vincent loafers would stand out in black tie events, especially if it’s the black pebble grain leather variation.

For a photo shoot commemorating my one-year wedding anniversary, I paired them with a Kent Wang Aloha shirt and a bespoke suit from Observer Collection (review coming soon). Despite the 100-degree heat, the Vincents were perfect.

On a separate occasion, I styled them with a pair of white jeans that I refuse to keep clean—they’re the most casual pair of pants I have! Even when contrasted with my well-worn jeans, the Vincent loafers nevertheless helped to elevate the look.

Closing Thoughts

Beckett Simonon is a unique shoe manufacturer that takes great pride in its work and its workforce. Their commitment to showcasing the care they extend to their craftspeople is impressive.

These made-to-order loafers ship in two to three months after ordering, with Beckett Simonon keeping customers well-informed throughout the process.

I received detailed updates about the leather cutting and the craftspeople involved, totaling around nine emails, including shipping and follow-up notifications. This generous communication built anticipation for the delivery. However, my editor, Rafael, who forwarded all the emails, might not share my enthusiasm.

At $175 (with our unique “BU20” discount code), the Vincent loafers are a great deal, designed to wear in like your favorite jeans.