TLB Vegano Tassel Loafers
I reckon at this point whatever praise I have to add about TLB; the shoes, the quality, the great people that work there, would render superfluous. I have from the start been in complete awe of what they have achieved. I can without a doubt say that this is the best ready to wear (and mto) alternative out there.
As you might expect, there is an update, an addition to the line-up and one that I’ve been anticipating for quite some time now.
And if you happen to share my enthusiasm, check out their loafer selection at TLB Mallorca.
Specs
・144 Artista Tassel Loafer
Vegano Brown
Goya last
Goodyear Welted
8 SPI
Calf lining
City Soles
Leather heel stiffeners.
Single Leather Sole
The current state
I’ve been asked about my ever expanding loafer line-up, specifically as I have ventured into some other brands the curiosity seems to have arose around why that is. The short answer is rotation.
The longer answer is that there are certain styles I wanted to add and then there is also the element of construction for which having some shoes made with Blake stitch and some bonded in addition to all the Goodyear Welted shoes is ideal at least to me.
Why?
Because if you’re planning long consecutive days of walking GYW shoes can take its toll on your feet, or in my case my lower back. So my mentality around this is that my Goodyear welted shoes are the investment pieces, for which I stay loyal to TLB because they are, as mentioned, the undisputed best. While on the other hand I supplement my line-up with other shoes for rotation especially if I’m traveling and plan to walk a lot. As you know, I don’t wear sneakers, so although I consider all my loafers my sneaker substitute, bonded and Blake stitch versions are there for when I’m really working my feet.
Now, back to TLB.
My TLB loafers make up the main part of my shoe collection, aside from my laced shoes which are all TLB, whether it be tassel loafers, penny loafers, suede or box calf. I wear them a lot.
I tend to wear loafers all year round, mostly wearing suede versions in fall and winter, which, when spring time came around again this year reminded me that there is one pair I don’t yet own, which have been on the list for quit some time.
Vegano brown tassel loafer
There it is. My first pair of loafers from TLB way back in the day were a pair of vegan brown penny loafers. They are my most worn shoes, if not beaten by their suede tassel loafer counterpart. So, having a tassel loafer version in this colour was always in my plans, but getting lost in all sort of other shoe models, like Norwegian split toes, and happily so mind you, I never got around to acquiring them. Until now.
If you want to read more about TLB tassel loafers as far as details goes, you can read about them here.
But for now, I’ll start by saying they are incredibly versatile and this specific shoe is particularly so.
The Goya
All my TLB shoes are on the Goya last, which fit me like a glove. As mentioned countless times, stumbling across this last I decided I would never really need to venture into bespoke shoes, at least not for the purpose of attaining a better fit.
The other aspect of the Goya last is that it is in my opinion the perfect round shaped toe last. It’s elegant and sleek without being loud.
For any shoe type, whether loafers or Oxfords this is really the last to go for.
Now, of course, everyone has to take their foot shape into consideration on this, but from what I’ve heard it’s also a pretty versatile last in that a lot of people find this last to fit them well.
The Colour
So to the main point. Vegano brown. This is my favorite colour especially for spring and summer. It goes with more or less anything, whether dark brown, light brown, white tones or gray, it just elevates any lower shoe, sock and trouser combination, or if wearing no-show socks it works equally great. I think it’s important to start off with dark brown shoes in any model you acquire first because for the most part they will be more versatile. But if you’re like me and wear tailored clothing exclusively, thus also casually, this colour will be your best friend.
The Sole
For these shoes I actually went with city soles. A rubber sole that provides more comfort, better grip while also not taking anything away from the look or sleek design TLB is known for.
My reasoning is hard to swallow, even for me, as I do love a clean-looking leather sole and I have for the most part ordered my shoes with leather soles in the past.
But I have come to terms with the fact that a rubber sole is just far more comfortable and also more convenient.
For a lot of my TLB shoes, specifically those that I wear the most I have added rubber soles to the leather outsole afterwards and I have noticed a significant difference in how comfortable they are to walk on. This is another part that will differ from person to person, so if you prefer leather soles and have no problem walking on them for hours that’s great. But in my case this was the best route to go.
I anticipate these to be worn a lot, thus I took that into account when going with city soles as conversely, with oxfords which I wear once a week at the most, I still prefer a leather sole.
I don’t suspect a conclusion is necessary as it would essentially be the tenth unison conclusion letting you know how much I love TLB shoes, but as far as my line-up goes, acquiring these was a big relief.
I have not been paid or otherwise compelled to write this article.
