Artizan Belgian Slipper - Crown Northampton

Crown Northampton

Artizan Belgian Slipper

One of the leading shoe manufacturers in Northampton has been making a comeback for several seasons now. Crown Northampton continues to impress us with their innovative stylistic proposition and centuries-old craftsmanship. We've already spoken twice about this English brand, and we're revisiting it today with models we are particularly fond of.

Let's discover the Artizan Belgian slipper from the Jazz collection.

A slipper unlike any other

Perhaps you're familiar with the Belgian loafer, a shoe that's halfway between an indoor slipper and a deconstructed moccasin. The ambivalence of this piece lies in the fact that it can be worn both indoors and outdoors. Indeed, the usually leather sole wears out as it hits the pavement, but this OVNI calcéophile doesn't leave passers-by or its wearer indifferent.

Having already owned this model, specially ordered from Crown two years ago, and paying tribute to the traditional Belgian loafer with a smooth leather ribbon on the vamp, I wanted to try something more streamlined.

The English house's "Artizan" model addresses the issue of the sometimes fragile sole by offering a Vibram rubber outsole. This ensures greater durability and longevity. Not to mention the comfort it brings to the feet! A leather sole can sometimes prove cumbersome due to its rigidity - even after many wears - unlike a rubber sole, which more readily relieves the arch of the foot. At least, that's the observation I've made.

But then, why wear this type of hybrid shoe? It's very enjoyable to wear Belgian loafers outdoors, especially when they're made of leather. Crown Northampton offers this model in black calf, in brown Janus calf from the English tannery C F Stead in Leeds, one of the best for this leather, as well as in suede grey and white.

The leather - instead of the usual canvas for example - gives the shoe a more outdoor wearable aspect due to the natural resistance of leather.

Nevertheless, I have two reservations about this model.

The first is that the leather - though beautiful - is quite matte for my taste. I would have liked it to be naturally slightly glossy, but this is a request I can meet myself by polishing them.

The second is the lack of a heel on the rubber sole. Indeed, the Artizan is primarily an indoor model and does not require a particular heel to tread about one's dwelling, no matter its size. However, a heel would have given the piece a more formal, desirable aspect. Be that as it may, it's likely easier this way to pair it with a more casual outfit and will convince you to do the same.

Finally, let's add the option to choose from three different sole colors. Also remember that all Crown Northampton models are offered as MTO, or made-to-order. The British brand therefore does not keep stock. Each order thus paves the way for rationalized and thoughtful production. This could explain the fluctuating wait time of 9 to 12 weeks. But with Crown Northampton, the praise of slowness prevails.

How does this model fit?

This is always a tricky question to answer precisely. Both Crown Northampton and I would answer the same way: this model fits true to size. In other words, go for your usual size. Note that, like any leather shoe model, the Artizan will stretch over time.

How to wear the Artizan Belgian slipper?

This model is easily adaptable. Here, I'm wearing Herringbone twill fatigue pants, a Bugatti blue work jacket, and a black Uniqlo U t-shirt. The divisive style of these shoes calls for caution and simplicity in an outfit.

Let's underline that this model is perfectly wearable in winter, simply favor wearing socks.

So here's the perfect alternative to traditional boat shoes and other espadrilles. There's no doubt that once you try them on, you'll be convinced by this essential footwear.