Have you ever wanted a pair of shoes that you can comfortably wear to any occasion without compromising style?
Oxfords are just too dressy for jeans, and sometimes, loafers are too relaxed for suits.
This is where derby shoes come in.
They’re cozier than regular formal footwear and classier than sneakers—ultimate versatility.
I searched far and wide for the best derby shoes for men, whether you’ll show them off during corporate parties or you want to impress a date.
Keep reading to find the pair you’re looking for.
Key Takeaways
Selecting the best derby shoes for men was no easy feet (sorry!). It took hours of reviewing brands and reading countless reviews. I chose the top seven based on the item’s size, color, and material.
The Bruno Marc Men’s Casual Dress Derby Sneakers sit at the top spot because of their classy appearance and sneaker-like comfort. They are followed by the affordable AMAPO Men’s Casual Lace-Up Derby Shoes, which are versatile and vegan-friendly footwear.
Our Top Picks
Why they’re great: The Bruno Marc Men’s Casual Dress Derby Sneakers combine the beauty and elegance of dress shoes with the comfort of kicks. They are built with synthetic materials from the upper to the sole, giving them durability to tank against daily wear. The perforated holes provide you with proper air circulation while also appearing stylish.
The insoles are made from soft and resilient cotton, which gives your feet the support they need to avoid pain and problems. They also come with shock absorption properties, so you can rush through the day and still have the energy to dance the night away. These derby shoes are made to make you feel great whether you’re wearing a full suit or denim.
Who are these for? Perfect for men who want a comfortable yet cool pair of shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some may find the cushion a bit too thin; insoles would definitely help.
Material: 100% Polyurethane | Sole Material: 100% Thermoplastic Elastomers | Sizes Available: 8–13 Wide | Colors Available: 6
Why they’re great: If you want a more budget-friendly option, then try the AMAPO Men’s Casual Lace-Up Derby Shoes. Priced at nearly $20, they are made with both rubber and vegan-friendly faux leather. They sport a classic style that pairs well with any clothes. The durable sole has non-slip properties, providing you with great grip and stability even on wet surfaces.
You can wear them for 10 hours a day, and they won’t break down. The smooth upper makes them easy to clean: just wipe the smudge off with wet tissues, let the shoes air dry, and you’re good to go.
Who are these for? Great for guys looking for affordable and beautiful dress shoes. It’s as simple as that.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These derby shoes aren’t waterproof, so you can’t wear them during rainy days.
Material: 100% Faux Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–11 | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: The Allen Edmonds Men’s Cyrus Derby Loafer raises the standards of what counts as luxurious derby shoes. Made from pure leather from the upper down to the sole, these loafers are all about style and comfort. The insole cushions your feet and is also resistant to impact, preventing them from incurring problems like plantar fasciitis.
The stitched outsole ensures that they won’t break off easily, even if you wear them every day. The brown color option has a lighter hue on the heel, adding an elegant flair to the overall design. You can take the Cyrus Derby to the dressiest office party, but they are also rugged enough to make you look sexy with jeans.
Who are these for? Anyone looking for premium derby shoes that stand out should try these.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They have a $300 price tag. Luxurious indeed.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 7.5–12 | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Simple yet beautiful, the Amazon Essentials Men’s Derby Shoe provides you with a no-nonsense pair of footwear that you can match with any of your closet staples. They have padded insoles to make your feet feel cozy, and the lace-up closure allows you to easily adjust the fit.
They are made from synthetic leather and rubber, making them affordable without sacrificing much on quality and features. The elongated almond toe and slim modern welt give off understated elegance, and the 1.25-inch heel can make you appear taller. These plain-toe derbies also have grippy outsoles, so you won’t accidentally slip while walking.
Who are these for? Ever the minimalist? Want that to translate to your footwear? Try these derby shoes on for size.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They might not be comfortable for guys with wide feet.
Material: 100% Faux Leather | Sole Material: 100% Synthetic Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: Designed for daily wear, the LLYONE Men’s Casual Business Orthopedic Derby Shoes are leather-made footwear that also boast high-performance cushioned insoles. They can easily absorb impact and ensure maximum comfort from their ultra-soft texture.
The outsoles offer excellent grip and traction that you won’t accidentally slip or trip out of nowhere. These lightweight business-casual shoes are also resistant to water, which means that you can wear them during heavy downpours without having problems. Breathable, flexible, and built to last, the LLYONE Derby shoes will give you all the comfort and style you need to get through every day of the week.
Who are these for? An excellent choice for gentlemen who want derby shoes that can survive long daily travels.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The appearance leans more on the casual side. Just something to keep in mind.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 4
Why they’re great: If you’re subjected to standing around all day whether in or out of the office, then try the Vance Co. Men’s Murray Casual Derby. They come equipped with 4 mm memory foam footbeds that make every step a total breeze. Created with premium vegan leather, they have an upper that boasts an embossed texture that’s durable and breathable to wear.
The rubber outsole provides you with enough traction and bounce that you can practically run with them on. The round-toe box structure also gives you ample wiggle room, giving your feet the true comfort that they rightfully deserve.
Who are these for? These are for men looking for comfortable derby shoes that can survive daily wear.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are a touch on the casual side, so if your daily attire leans more formal, then they may not be for you.
Material: 100% Faux Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: The Jousen Men’s Formal Business Derby Shoes are meant for leather footwear fans. Made from 100% animal hide, they boast a beautiful appearance and smooth texture. The coloring process is handmade, which gives them a glossy finish. They don’t skimp on comforting features, too, because the leather lining and insole keep your feet cozy, odor-free, and dry.
You won’t deal with sweat when wearing these all the time. The wing-tips, perforated trims, and blind-eyelet lacing showcase that timeless dressy design that most Oxfords come with. If there is footwear that can elevate your suits more, then look no further than the Jousen Derby Shoes.
Who are these for? These are for the men who love derby shoes but also can’t seem to steer away from leather. The solution is here.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: They are quite narrow wing-tip derbies. If you have wider feet, then you may have to look elsewhere.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors Available: 6
Buying Considerations for The Best Derby Shoes For Men
Size
You shouldn’t buy a pair of shoes just for the style alone. They should provide you comfort, especially if you will wear them all day. They need to fit snugly and have soft cushions so you won’t have to deal with foot problems. If you have wide feet, then a roomy toe box will do wonders for you. A pair shouldn’t feel loose, too because they might slip off.
Color
Most derby shoes come in three shades, which make them easy to pair with other clothing options. Pairs in black match well with almost anything, but they tend to appear too normal. Derbies in brown hues are great with other neutrals. Whites will elevate your suit further if they are of the same color. Depending on your preference and style, you can benefit from any of these choices.
Material
Your derby shoes’ materials will depend on your needs. If you want sturdier and more luxurious footwear, you can go for leather builds. They have that timeless and classy shine, but they do come at a high price. Synthetic options are available, often made from polyurethane or rubber. These shoes are also durable and affordable, but they don’t have that premium appearance.
How We Chose
Many footwear brands will claim that their derby shoes are built to last a lifetime and have the most appealing designs. These assertions, however, come with little evidence to back them up. To truly get the best out of the rest, I chose the best derby shoes for men based on the following factors:
Purpose: How comfortable do you want the shoes to be? Do you want versatile pairs fit for any event? I chose derbies that can cater to specific individual needs.
Craftsmanship: Their build quality ensures that your footwear will last a lifetime. I handpicked products that have impeccable craftsmanship, from stitched soles to stylish details.
Customer reviews: What customers say about the shoes are also great indicators that they are must-haves. Their first-hand experience has proven valuable when making this list.
Price: Blowing a hole in your wallet shouldn’t be your top priority, especially if the affordable alternatives are more than enough. I made sure that each of the top seven derby shoes had a balance between quality and price.
Why Trust Us?
Uncovering the best derby shoes for men requires meticulous research and expert knowledge. Joe Niehaus has written various articles for notable websites like The Adult Man and Men’s Health. He has also tackled similar categories, from handpicking comfy mules to classic sneakers. This gives him a strong background in figuring out what kind of footwear will benefit men the most.
His methods include studying the product’s features and judging its materials. He also considers customer feedback, so readers will get tailored recommendations alongside real-life testimonials. In turn, they can make informed decisions that will allow them to find the solution they need, ultimately maximizing their wardrobe investments.
Final Verdict
The best derby shoes for men should have a classy and versatile design alongside a comfortable fit. The Bruno Marc Men’s Casual Derby Sneakers come with the upscaled appeal of dress shoes but the comforting features of kicks. The trendy leather upper, cushioned insoles, and over 1,000 positive Amazon reviews prove that these modern derby shoes deserve the best overall spot.
FAQ
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If you want to look your best during formal events, then go for Oxfords. Derby shoes are more versatile as their design makes them appropriate for a wider range of events, but they do lack the elevated elegance of the prior.
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Derby shoes are good for men who want a pair that they can take to corporate meetings and backyard barbecues. They are dressier than loafers but more comfortable than regular Oxfords.
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Derby shoes look great when paired with jeans and a sweatshirt, but you can also easily pull off business casual attire with them on. A sleek pair of dress pants and a button-down will do, but you can go for a full suit, too.
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