Searching for Derby shoes

[Pandaros]

Hi guys,

I'm new to high quality shoes. I bought my first set of Barkers about 6 months ago and now there's no looking back. I received a E300.00 bonus from work for efforts during the Covid situation, and want to get a good pair of dark brown derby shoes with it. That, I guess, is my budget and I'm a size 10.

I've identified these ones:

NPS BLAIR Plain Derby Shoes - Walnut Calf with itshide Sole

Part of the NPS Heritage Collection. Classic Derby plain shoe produced in Walnut calf leather uppers, leather linings and goodyear welted itshide sole. Walnut Derby Shoes Calf Leather Upper Fully Leather Lined Goodyear Welted itshide rubber Sole Shoes are supplied boxed. - Style Code - Leather...

www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk

I really want, however, a leather sole because I've never had one before. I've done copious amounts of googling, but can only find a size 10 pair with leather soles in Australia. Everywhere else they're out of stock in my size. In addition I want to continue with supporting the Made in England brands and lines, as well as having calf uppers.

I don't know if anyone here has advice on getting shoes that are out of stock everywhere with the soles you want, or if anyone knows a similar style elsewhere that meets my requirements.

Nice to finally have gone from silent lurker here to active participant.

 

[Braid]

Hi guys,

I'm new to high quality shoes. I bought my first set of Barkers about 6 months ago and now there's no looking back. I received a E300.00 bonus from work for efforts during the Covid situation, and want to get a good pair of dark brown derby shoes with it. That, I guess, is my budget and I'm a size 10.

I've identified these ones:

NPS BLAIR Plain Derby Shoes - Walnut Calf with itshide Sole

Part of the NPS Heritage Collection. Classic Derby plain shoe produced in Walnut calf leather uppers, leather linings and goodyear welted itshide sole. Walnut Derby Shoes Calf Leather Upper Fully Leather Lined Goodyear Welted itshide rubber Sole Shoes are supplied boxed. - Style Code - Leather...

www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk

I really want, however, a leather sole because I've never had one before. I've done copious amounts of googling, but can only find a size 10 pair with leather soles in Australia. Everywhere else they're out of stock in my size. In addition I want to continue with supporting the Made in England brands and lines, as well as having calf uppers.

I don't know if anyone here has advice on getting shoes that are out of stock everywhere with the soles you want, or if anyone knows a similar style elsewhere that meets my requirements.

Nice to finally have gone from silent lurker here to active participant.

There are a lot of different type of derbies, from very sleek (2 or 3 eyelet plain toe derby in elongated last) to very casual or country style derbies (like the iconic Pembroke from CJ) and everything in between (split toe derby for example).

If I were you I would start understanding the use case and how formal/elegant you want them to be.

If you are looking for a casual "everyday" derby I would avoid leather soles and opt for Dainite, as it is more durable and works better with rain and foul weather.

As you are just starting this journey I suggest not to rush into buying multiple pairs of shoes, tastes evolve quickly and you could regret some of your first purchases.

I love derbies, below some shots fo my collection that I hope can help you

 

[Eddie.Lin]

You should consider SoH George if you don't mind split toe derby. Like @Braid mentioned, Dainite sole would be much more versatile than leather sole.

George Split Toe Dark Brown Utah Calf Re-Order - Sons Of Henrey

Because of the enormous interest in this model, we have this model in continuous production at the factory. Demand from our...

sonsofhenrey.com

I think @BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes could provide more advise when it comes to split toe derby.

 

[Texasmade]

My 2 preferred dress derbies are the John Lobb Archer and Corthay Arca.

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

You should consider SoH George if you don't mind split toe derby. Like @Braid mentioned, Dainite sole would be much more versatile than leather sole.

George Split Toe Dark Brown Utah Calf Re-Order - Sons Of Henrey

Because of the enormous interest in this model, we have this model in continuous production at the factory. Demand from our...

sonsofhenrey.com

I think @BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes could provide more advise when it comes to split toe derby.

Hey all! Thanks for bringing me in @Eddie.Lin on the conversation. As for @Pandaros query, the Split Toe Derby (SpTD) is my favorite derby.

Now, why the Split toe? You are possibly thinking that split seam looks very mmmehhhh. But the Split Toe Derby provides you the opportunity to be dressed up (when properly polished and if you select a smooth leather) or dressed down (because of the seam). A plain toe looks more dressy at times or just plain. Wingtips are as busy as a Subway station. SpTDs on the other hand provide a bit of visual interest without looking busy. It is also the kind of shoe you appreciate more while on your feet then in the showroom.

I believe the Sons of Henrey offering is your best option at this price point for a SpTD.
The more aesthetically pleasing, and better constructed options are substantially more expensive. Furthermore, you mentioned you preferred a made In England shoe. Most "Made in England" Split Toes, specifically, and shoes, generally, tend to be on the expensive side of things.

All hope is not lost though. Herring has really nice offerings while keeping costs more approachable. Additionally, the majority of their shoes are made in Northampton, England. Even more interesting, Herring shoes are made by Cheaney and Alfred Sargent (not all so you'd have to look into the particular shoe). Those two brands are on the upper end in terms of price, and very well respected here or anywhere.

Herring Shoes - Luxury Men's Formal & Casual Shoes

Herring Shoes are specialists in high quality men's shoes. Our list of suppliers include Church's, Loake, Barker, Cheaney, Alfred Sargent, Trickers, Sebago, Wildsmith, Saphir and our own Herring shoes. Here you can find brogues, monk shoes, oxfords, boots and many other men's shoe styles.

www.herringshoes.co.uk

You can also wait for many of the top English brands to have sales (Cheaney, Alfred Sargent, and even have seen Crockett and Jones around that price when heavily discounted).

If you are willing to expand your country of manufacture options, then the Sons of Henrey immediately should be on your radar. Carlos Santos also has nice options.

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

I'm new to high quality shoes. I bought my first set of Barkers about 6 months ago and now there's no looking back. I received a E300.00 bonus from work for efforts during the

Forgot about your sole requirement. How about meeting in the middle? A leather sole with a rubber attachment of some kind.

 

[comrade]

Ludwig Reiter. Very high quality. I have two pairs:

Ludwig Reiter Classics

www.ludwig-reiter.com