Hello, hello, hello—welcome back to another Shoe Snob unboxing! Today we’re diving into something new from a brand many of you know and love: TLB Mallorca Sacchetto Loafers.
We’ve covered their Goodyear welted shoes plenty of times, but this time TLB is switching things up with a new Sacchetto collection—Blake-stitched loafers made with Bologna construction, and yes, they’re still crafted entirely in-house in Spain.
Let’s jump into what makes these loafers special.
TLB Mallorca Sacchetto Loafers
TLB Continues to Evolve
Although TLB has been around for about 10 years, that’s still relatively new in the grand scheme of traditional shoemaking. But what they’ve accomplished in that time is impressive—rapid growth, an expanding range, and more recently, diversifying their construction techniques.
They’re no longer just a Goodyear-welted brand. Now they’re offering sneakers, Bologna/Blake shoes, and who knows what’s next. And the best part? They’re keeping all of this in-house.
Most people don’t realize how big a deal that is. Different construction methods require totally different—and often expensive—machines. Most factories specialize in one method. But TLB is becoming a multi-discipline powerhouse, doing it all under one roof. That’s great news for consumers because you know exactly where your shoes are being made—and the consistent quality to expect.
Understanding Bologna (Sacchetto) Construction
“Sacchetto” means “bag” in Italian, and that’s the idea behind this construction method: wrapping soft leather like a bag around your foot. Think glove-like comfort.
In this case, TLB combines a Blake stitch with a Bologna-style build. There’s a ¾ insole, with soft leather wrapped underneath your foot, stitched together, and layered with foam for extra comfort. You’re essentially standing on the reverse side of soft leather—super comfortable, plush, and easy on sensitive feet.
I don’t usually wear Bologna-constructed shoes myself—I have sensitive feet and often need more support. But this construction felt surprisingly comfortable. I tried both pairs on and was impressed with how soft they were underfoot.
The Models: Penny and Tassel Loafers
TLB sent me two models:
- Model 2034 – A beautiful mid-brown penny loafer, possibly in their “casta” leather. It’s got some real depth to it—not your standard box calf.
- Model 2035 – A rich, dark brown suede tassel loafer that reminds me of bitter chocolate. Soft, subtle, and elegant.
Both are built on a rounded last—nothing extreme, just classic and well-proportioned. They fit true to size. I took my usual UK 6.5 / US 7.5 and they fit perfectly with a thin sock (or sockless, which is how I wear loafers in the summer).
Leather, Comfort, and Expectations
These aren’t welted shoes, so we’re not talking about the kind of durability you get with multiple resoles over decades. The leather used here—likely an Italian-style Nappa leather—is softer, more flexible, and not meant to last generations.
But that’s not the point. The point is comfort. The feeling of soft leather wrapping your foot. The ability to slip them on and off effortlessly. These shoes are made for comfort and casual elegance.
If you’re the kind of person who hates creasing, good news: this leather creases far less than traditional calf used on welted shoes. It’s just softer and more forgiving.
Pricing and Value
At around €244 (roughly $295), these loafers are priced extremely well for what you’re getting: great design, high comfort, and fully in-house Spanish craftsmanship from a trusted brand.
A Shift in the Industry
Mark my words: you’re going to start seeing more of this. Traditional welted shoe brands are beginning to dip into Blake and Bologna constructions. Why? Because the market is shifting. The rise of the soft slip-on loafer (à la Loro Piana) is undeniable.
Consumers want lightweight, soft, easy shoes. And brands like TLB are smart to respond to that demand. I expect others to follow.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely impressed by the TLB Mallorca Sacchetto loafers. It shows their adaptability, their commitment to quality, and their vision for where men’s footwear is headed.
If you love TLB but haven’t tried Bologna construction, this is a great entry point. Soft, stylish, comfortable—and at a fair price. You know the brand. You trust the quality. You won’t be disappointed.
What do you think of Bologna-constructed shoes? Would you try a pair like these? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
As always, thanks for tuning in. More exciting content is on the way, including some directions I’ve never explored before. Stay tuned, like, share, and comment to keep the algorithm loving us!
Learn more here: https://www.tlbmallorca.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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