When an occasion doesn’t call for a gentleman to wear the more formal Oxford shoe, the Derby is the next choice. The style is also known as the Blücher, so named after the General who first came up with the idea of putting overlapping side pieces of leather to be attached to his soldier’s boots. It helped him kick Napoleon’s ass.
The difference between the two is the placing of the leather lacing pieces; with the Derby, they go on top of the vamp. This exterior attachment can be seen in this example, a pair of brown camel skin Derbys by Church’s.
The semi-formal setting of work is where the Derby flourishes. They are also ideal for social engagements and leisure activities that still require a certain level of a gentleman’s attention to social obligation. Derbys are very appropriate for street-wear in almost all settings, unless one is in an Easter Parade.
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