Unboxing the Sagan Stride Belgian Loafers from Baudoin and Lange

Unboxing the Sagan Stride Belgian Loafers from Baudoin and Lange

I recently purchased a pair of Sagan Stride loafers from the Belgian shoe company Baudoin and Lange, known for their high quality leather shoes. As soon as I opened the box I could tell these were a cut above your average loafers. The dark brown leatherlooked rich and supple, with intricate broguing details that will only get better with age. In this article I'll give my initial impressions after unboxing and trying on this stylish pair of shoes.

First Glance at the Packaging

The Sagan Stride loafers came packaged in a classy black box embossed with the Baudoin and Lange insignia. Nestled inside was a branded dust bag to store the shoes, and the shoes themselves wrapped in tissue paper. Right away you can appreciate the premium packaging, which reflects the handcrafted nature of these Belgian loafers.

Taking the Shoes Out of the Box

As soon as I slid off the dust bag I could see the beautiful leather and intricate stitching. The darkened edges of the leather are painstakingly burnished by hand. And the leather is full grain, which will mold to your feet over time. The classic penny slot accent gives these loafers a touch of flair. So far my impressions are extremely positive.

Trying on the Loafers

Despite looking dressy, the Sagan Stride are surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. The leather interior is lined with cushioned padding that feels great. As I walked around in them, the leather upper already started conforming to my feet. And the leather sole has just the right amount of structure while retaining flexibility. The craftsmanship that goes into a pair like this versus a regular mall brand loafer is night and day.

Features that Make the Sagan Stride Stand Out

After checking out the details and trying on my new Sagan Stride Belgian loafers, a few features really stand out that make them unique:

Hand-Burnished Leather

The full grain calfskin leather on the Sagan Stride loafers features a hand-burnished finish. This artisanal technique gives the leather a subtle two-tone look. And the burnished areas will wear nicely over time, developing a beautiful patina.

Goodyear Welt Construction

These loafers feature high quality Goodyear welt construction. This means the upper is stitched to a leather welt strip, with the sole then stitched to the welt strip. Goodyear welted shoes can be resoled again and again, making them extremely long lasting.

Padded Leather Interior

Your feet will be comfy all day long in these well-made shoes. The inside features full leather lining that molds to your foot's shape. And the padded insole provides cushioning and support right out of the box.

Oak Bark Leather Sole

The sole is made from oak bark tanned leather for flexibility, with a rubber topy applied to the bottom for durability and traction. The signature Baudoin and Lange rivets decorate the soles for a visible mark of their quality craftsmanship.

Sagan Stride Review: Elegant, Comfortable Belgian Loafers

After unboxing my new pair of Sagan Stride loafers from renowned Belgian brand Baudoin and Lange, I'm very impressed with the details and comfort. Right out of the box these shoes look and feel luxurious, from the full grain burnished leather to the padded interior lining.

Key features like the Goodyear welt construction and leather sole indicate these loafers are built to last. And they look sharp enough to wear to the office or out on the town. If you're looking to invest in a pair of high quality Belgian loafers, the Sagan Stride from Baudoin and Lange are an excellent choice.

FAQs

What types of leathers are used to make the Sagan Stride?

The Sagan Stride loafers use premium full grain calfskin leather for the upper, along with oak bark tanned leather for the sole.

Are the Sagan Stride shoes resoleable?

Yes, the Goodyear welt construction method used allows the Sagan Stride loafers to be resoled multiple times, extending their lifespan.

How long is the break-in period?

The full grain calfskin leather will mold quickly to your feet, but expect one to two weeks of regular wear for the shoes to fully conform to your shape.

What widths are available?

The Sagan Stride is available in medium width in full sizes from 7 to 13. Wide or narrow sizes can be custom ordered.