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Forum Slipper

Mallard

$275

An iconic Venetian slipper made from soft cotton velvet. Provides elegant comfort around the palazzo, yet robust enough for a stroll before aperitivo. Great for driving too.

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Made to last with exceptional materials. A promise we stand behind.

Mr Marco's shoe factory has been making exceptional shoes in the Tuscan hills since 1948. Family owned and operated, now in the fourth generation, they have been making the Augie family of loafers for August Special since day one. Combining their wealth of experience, the most modern machinery, and highly skilled craftspeople, they supply some of the most discerning brands in the world.

Soft cotton velvet uppers, fully lined in cotton twill, edges are bound with rayon grosgrain tape. Rubber outsole is stitched through to the interior.

August Special shoes are crafted with great care, and like any meaningful investment they take just a little attention to maintenance. We offer a range of Saphir products specially curated to care for the August Special collection. Use cedar shoe trees after each wear to preserve shape and absorb moisture, allowing 24 hours between wears. Brush away dirt and grit daily on both leather and suede shoes and boots, paying attention to the welt area. For leather shoes, gently wipe the exteriors clean with a barely-damp lint-free cloth, and use conditioner sparingly—only when the leather appears dry. Apply cream polish occasionally for color restoration, reserving wax polish for when a higher shine is required. For suede shoes, gently use a suede brush to clean the surface, being careful not to over-brush as this can cause the nap to become shaggy. They can be sprayed with Saphir 'Super Invulner' to provide protection and waterproofing. Following this routine, your August Special shoes will develop a custom fit and should last decades with periodic resoling.

Anatomy of the Forum

The Venetian slipper is known in Italy as the Friulana, originating as a humble homemade shoe in the Friuli region during the 19th century, hand-stitched from cloth remnants and fabric scraps. In the postwar years the tradition was revived, adding outsoles cut from old bicycle tires for durability. In Venice they were soon adopted for their steady grip and quiet tread, and from there they slowly radiated throughout the country, eventually becoming the elegant house-shoe that we know today.

Our version is lined in cotton twill, trimmed in grosgrain, and pairs perfectly with an elegant tailored trouser as well as a favorite vintage jean. Black outsole stitching instead of the usual white ensures their quiet gravitas

The Forum Last has a distinctive rounded toe and gracefully low profile. This last creates an effortlessly simple shape that moves seamlessly from the cobbles of centro storico to the polished floors of the lobby bar.

Available in full sizes only, the Forum runs slightly large.

For whole-sizes, standard to wider fitting, regular to higher-instep feet - buy your usual size: If you wear a 9, choose a 9.

For half-sizes, between sizes, narrow feet or lower instep - buy a size down: If you wear a 10.5, choose a 10.