The black shoe you don’t own yet

Most men have a clear picture in mind when they think of a black shoe: a polished calf Oxford, reserved for formal occasions. Beautiful, but often a little too stiff for everyday life.

Black suede is different. It keeps all the versatility of black, but with a softer surface, richer color, and a more relaxed attitude. It’s the black shoe you can wear far more often – from casual weekends to festive evenings in December.

For this season, we have worked with Edward Green in Northampton to create an exclusive Black Suede Trio: three loafers on the classic 184 last, each showing a different side of black suede.

Why black suede?

Black suede is still surprisingly rare. Many clients simply aren’t familiar with it, so they default to the “logical” choice of black calf.

But once you try black suede, it starts to make perfect sense:

• The versatility of black
  It goes with almost everything: navy, grey, charcoal, black, deep green, and brown tones.

• The richness of suede
  The nap of the suede breaks up the light, so the color feels deeper and more interesting than flat calf.

• Less rigidly formal
  A black calf Oxford says “occasion”. Black suede can dress up or down, which makes it easier to wear through the year.

That combination is exactly why we like black suede for travel, for dinners with friends, and for the festive season. It looks intentional and refined, without ever feeling too serious.

Three loafers, three moods

All three pairs in the Black Suede Trio are crafted by Edward Green on the 184 loafer last, known for its balanced, elegant shape and comfortable fit. Each loafer has its own character.

Hampton – the clean, modern loafer

The Hampton is the most minimal of the trio. A clean apron-front loafer in deep black suede, it feels at home with modern tailoring: soft-shouldered jackets, flannel trousers, and dark denim.

If you want a black shoe that can handle meetings, dinners, and travel days with ease, this is the natural starting point.

Belgravia – the expressive tassel loafer

The Belgravia is Edward Green’s iconic tassel loafer, complete with braided side plaiting. In black suede, it becomes a little more playful, a little more characterful.

You can wear it with a navy suit, with chinos and a knit, or with rolled jeans for a smart-preppy look. It is the pair for clients who enjoy a touch of flair.

Horton – the refined buckle loafer

The Horton is the most formal member of the trio. The strap and buckle bring a monk-strap level of presence, while the black suede keeps the look warm and modern.

For black-tie dinners, festive evenings, and sharp tailoring, the Horton is a beautifully refined choice – especially if you like the idea of wearing a loafer with a tuxedo.

How to wear black suede all year

One of the main advantages of black suede is how naturally it moves between different settings and seasons.

A few styling ideas:

• Casual: dark denim, a fine-gauge knit, and the Hampton or Belgravia.

• Smart casual: grey flannel trousers, a navy blazer, and any of the three loafers.

• Office: a navy or charcoal suit with the Hampton or Horton.

• Festive: a tuxedo or dark dinner suit with the Horton, or the Belgravia if you like a subtle twist.

Because the suede softens the color, black suede loafers rarely feel too much. They simply look considered.

How the pre-order works

This Black Suede Trio is an exclusive special make-up with Edward Green, available by pre-order only.

• Pre-order window: until 24 December 2025 (Amsterdam time)

• Delivery: expected May–June 2026, in time for spring and early summer

• Options: all three pairs are shown unlined; a lined version can be ordered on request during the pre-order window

Each pair is crafted to order in Northampton. As with all made-to-order shoes at The Hand, we are here to help you choose the right last, size, and configuration. If you would like to feel the 184 last in person, you are very welcome at our boutique in Amsterdam, or we can advise you remotely based on your current pairs.

The black shoe you’ll actually wear

You may already own a black calf dress shoe. You might not yet own a black suede loafer.

Our experience is that, once clients add black suede to their rotation, it quickly becomes the pair they reach for most often: just as versatile as black, much easier to wear, and quietly special.

If you’re curious to explore this side of Edward Green, the Black Suede Trio is a beautiful place to start.

Explore the Edward Green Black Suede Trio and pre-order your pair before 24 December 2025.