The characteristic distinction of the best derby shoe is the construction of the upper part of the shoe where the laces attach. The lace eyelets are placed in two side flaps which close on the tongue. This design was so common in the early 20th century that it became the format most sneaker designs follow to this day.
The Derby Shoe is one of two general categories of leather dress shoes, the Oxford being the other. Derby shoes may have been replaced by everyday trainers a long time ago, but they are still a very useful tool in any man’s arsenal. This is the fundamental shoe option to go with a suit or black tie. They also pair well with jeans and chinos for business casual or a night out. We’ve put together a list of the best men’s derby shoes available for every occasion.
Alden Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher
The American classic
Alden has been handcrafting leather footwear in Middleborough, Massachusetts since 1884. They are one of the most respected footwear companies in the world and their products are built to last a lifetime if properly cared for. At $820, the Cordovan Plain Toe Bluchers are an investment that will be the highlight of any outfit and can probably be passed down to your kids one day.
Alden Cordovan Plain Toe Blucher
The American classic
Crocket & Jones Highbury Plain Toe
The English originals
Derby shoes were invented in England and Crocket & Jones still makes their shoes by hand the same way they did a hundred years ago. Buying an English-made derby is like buying a Swiss-made watch, generations of craftsmanship are evident in every pair. Whether you wear them with a tailored suit or a pair of worn jeans, your feet will be the center of attention.
Crocket & Jones Highbury Plain Toe
The English originals
Derby Cole Haan Harrison Large Cap Toe
The essential dress shoe
Cole Haan makes a dress shoe as reliable as you’ll find anywhere. Their Harrison Cap Toe Derby is a perfect all-around dress shoe, whether you need them for work, for a date or for that rare formal occasion. If you only need one pair of dress shoes in your closet, this is a great option.
Derby Cole Haan Harrison Large Cap Toe
The essential dress shoe
Ecco City Tray Plain Toe Derby
The everyday minimalist
Ecco designs its shoes with comfort as the main objective. They make classic styles that can be worn all day, five days a week, without destroying your feet. Their City Tray Plain Toe Derby is great for a shoe, especially if you’re on your feet all day. They’re also great if you hardly ever wear dress shoes, but comfort is your main concern when you do.
Ecco City Tray Plain Toe Derby
The everyday minimalist
Børn Todd spigot derby
The almost sneaker but not
For quite some time now, shoe companies have been making dress shoes with sneaker soles to make them more comfortable and functional. This evolution isn’t a bad thing but a lot of them are veering too far into sneaker territory and losing the derby look. Børn did the combination perfectly with his Todd Plain Toe Derby. It’s a leather derby upper with a rubber sneaker sole that takes nothing away from the classic aesthetic.
Børn Todd spigot derby
The almost sneaker but not
Derby Astorflex Coastalflex
Crepe Sole Comfort
Crepe soles became popular with desert boots and wallabees. Crepe material provides bouncy comfort with every step. Now you can get virtually any style of shoe with a crepe sole. The Astorflex Coastalfelx is an excellent derby with crepe sole in camel suede that goes perfectly with jeans, chinos or shorts.
Derby Astorflex Coastalflex
Crepe Sole Comfort
Allen Edmonds Nomad Buck Suede Derby
The perfect match with denim
There is a timeless beauty in the combination of beige suede and distressed denim. Complementary textures and contrasting colors are a dress match made in heaven. Allen Edmonds Nomad Bucks will breathe new life into your favorite pair of jeans. Of course, they are also perfect with a suit, tailored trousers or dark chinos.
Allen Edmonds Nomad Buck Suede Derby
The perfect match with denim
Derby shoes were your grandfather’s sneakers and when you style them it helps to think of them that way. They can be an everyday shoe if you want to upgrade your look a bit. You know they work with suits, but they don’t have to collect dust in your closet between formal occasions. Swap out a pair where you normally wear sneakers and you will see the improvement. All of the options on this list are a good place to start depending on your personal style and needs.
Also, you should always have a well-groomed pair ready for those formal occasions, but if you have another pair, don’t be afraid to beat them. A good derby can age like a good boot and improve with wear. Once you’ve spent time in a derby, you might wonder how you lived most of your life in sneakers.
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