Men's Derby Shoes

Men’s derby shoes

A classic men’s ensemble includes more than a jacket, formal trousers, and a shirt. A successful and fashionable outfit is incomplete without the right shoes. There are many types of footwear you can sport for an exceptional occasion, but if you’re up to speed with the latest trends, you know that the must-have of recent seasons are men’s derby shoes. These luxury shoes put a sophisticated or even avant-garde spin on formal footwear. Show off different colour variants of your hand-stitched derby shoes, in keeping with the current season. If you have a keen eye for trendy add-ons and accessories, men’s derby shoes should find their way into your wardrobe on the double.

What exactly are men’s derby shoes?

The origins of derby shoes are shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that their history dates back to the 19^th-century England and the figure of the Earl of Derby, from whom they take their name. Rumour has it that the earl struggled to put on his shoes due to his corpulent physique. To save him from this predicament, a shoemaker crafted the first pair of men’s derbies. These luxury shoes featured a comfortable slit which put an end to the earl’s suffering. Brand shoes were soon coveted across the entire England and today, they rank among the most popular men’s footwear choices.

What are the hallmarks of derby shoes? Their most conspicuous feature is the vamp detached from the tab. Additionally, derbies are typically plain with no perforations (broguing). In contrast to other types of formal footwear, derbies take a chunky rather than streamlined shape. They often have a thick sole – smooth, black, and made of leather. Some men’s derbies are fitted with hiking soles of an eccentric shape, which produce an original visual effect. However elegant, derbies don’t make for classic suit shoes. They usually complete casual ensembles when the key is to combine the air of classic elegance with the comfort of sportswear.

Are men’s derbies and oxfords one and the same?

Many people confuse those luxury shoes. Not without reason – men’s derbies and oxfords have much in common, with similarities far outnumbering the differences. The only important discrepancy is the level of formality.

Men’s derby shoes

Polish men often coordinate derbies with a suit or a dinner jacket. As a fashion craze of recent seasons, they are a common sight at very formal occasions, traditionally reserved for the oxfords. However, while luxury derbies made of chic grain leather may indeed top off a suit, these universal shoes are usually a smart-casual staple. Suede derbies pair perfectly with an informal but sophisticated look. Men’s derbies are ideal for a business meeting, a holiday dinner, a day at work, and less official occasions.

Men’s oxfords

Oxfords are derbies in a more classic style. They are your best bet whenever you need to appear in full dress and no half-measures will do. Across the globe, black oxfords pass for the top of the top in the universe of formalwear, which is why they are a natural fit with a suit, a tux, or even a tailcoat. Men’s oxfords stand out with their closed vamp which covers the tab. They are sleeker than derbies and may clash with an informal suit or everyday wear. Most oxfords have the so-called toe cap, which is a leather piece sewn on to the nose.

Men’s derbies at Apia.pl

Men’s derbies available at Apia.pl are the ideal choice for men who prioritise the comfort-and-elegance pairing. The selection includes both typical derbies and men’s lace-up dress shoes manufactured by luxury Italian brands. All Italian shoes available at Apia.pl share the highest quality of workmanship. Hand-stitched shoes made of real leather are a guarantee of durability and a timeless style. Looking for a less formal iteration of classic dress shoes? Try out derby shoes with a sleeker profile. And if you’re hunting for elegant officewear, your best bet are lace-up dress shoes by brands such as Apia or Officine Creative.

Browse through our classic, universal designs, explore the whimsical, ornate models made of top-of-the-line leather, or go for the fashion statements in bolder colours which will bring out your individual style. Or maybe consider the lighter, soft-to-touch derbies made of suede, which will pair perfectly with slim-fit jeans? Men’s derbies are a guarantee of good taste, avant-garde design, and reliable craftsmanship. Wherever you go, they will give you comfort and a flash of originality. Global brands, top quality, natural fabrics, and inimitable style come together only at Apia.pl

What to wear with men’s derby shoes?

As already mentioned, men’s derbies and oxfords are not the terms to be used interchangeably. If you’re looking for footwear that will match a formal suit, go for oxfords. However, when you need something more universal, brand derbies will be your safest bet. They usually come in black, but stylists strongly recommend owning also a pair of brown derbies, the top trend of recent seasons, or cognac derbies for a more extravagant vibe.

Men’s derbies and a sport coat are a match made in heaven. Paradoxically, their simplicity paired with a shirt or a jacket brings out an air of extravagance. This outfit will work at a New Year’s Eve party, a cinema or a theatre outing, or an important date. Hand-stitched derbies make also for excellent daily wear. They look great with slim-fit jeans and an on-trend leather jacket, or the hit of the latest months – an oversize parka. Colour-wise, derbies shine in darker ensembles.

When shirking excessive elegance, remember not to go overboard. Brand derby shoes clash with sweatpants or other sportswear staples. Blazers and hoodies are also a definite no. Stylish men have a high appreciation for intriguing combinations of derbies with chinos and a light casual shirt. Especially in the summer, this look will hit the spot both at work and at a cocktail party.

How to care for men’s derby shoes?

Like any luxury shoes, leather derbies for men available at Apia.pl require an adequate level of care. First and foremost, consider regular maintenance. Professional footwear stores like Apia.pl offer quality conditioners. Apply them once or twice per month, ideally prior to each polishing, to keep your shoes box-fresh as long as possible. Besides, before you proceed with the polishing, use a brush to remove dust particles from your derbies.

If your shoes got muddy, use a cloth and lukewarm water. All you need to do is carefully wipe the shoes with a damp cloth. Remember not to leave leather shoes to dry up at the radiator as it could cause deformations. If you’re using professional cleaning products, test them in an inconspicuous spot before the first use to see how the leather will react to the product.

How to properly polish hand-stitched shoes?

Your polishing technique should match the type of product you’re using. The most common shoe polish comes in the form of a paste. It is not only the most popular agent but also the easiest to apply. Remember to start by cleaning your shoes with a brush. Then use a soft cloth to apply a layer of paste to the front of the shoe, and take a fresh cloth to spread the paste over the entire surface.

If you have more experience, try polishing your men’s derby shoes with wax. The procedure starts the same – clean your shoes with a cloth. Next, apply a layer of wax, spread it over, and pour some water on the lid of the wax box. From now on, repeatedly apply the wax and instantly soak the cloth in the water. Continue until the result is to your satisfaction.