Top Derby Shoe Brands for Timeless Elegance

Derby shoes, known for their versatile design and comfort, have become a staple in both casual and formal wardrobes. With numerous brands creating their unique take on this classic shoe style, finding the best ones can be quite the task. We've curated a list of outstanding derby shoe brands that stand out for their craftsmanship, quality materials, and timeless appeal. To discover which brands made the cut and why they're worth considering, explore the list below.

Illustration of derby shoes

Best brands of derby shoes in 2025

Allen Edmonds

Allen Edmonds is renowned as one of the best producers of derby shoes, known for their high-quality, handcrafted leather uppers and durable construction techniques, such as the 360-degree Goodyear welt, which allows for easy sole replacement. Founded in the USA, Allen Edmonds has been a staple in American footwear for decades, with shoes manufactured less than 10 miles from their original factory in Wisconsin. Their shoes are made from open grain leather, ensuring a natural and long-lasting finish. The brand offers a comprehensive re-crafting program for $125, extending the life of their shoes significantly. With a wide range of sizes and widths available, from B to triple D and sizes 6.5 to 15, Allen Edmonds caters to diverse fit needs. For more details, visit their Derby shoes collection.

Church's

Church's, a renowned British footwear brand, has a long history of producing high-quality derby shoes, although recent years have seen significant challenges. Despite a 40-50% price increase in 2021, which led to a 57% drop in sales, Church's is still appreciated for its classic and durable designs, such as the Monk Strap, which features premium leather and Goodyear-welt construction. For a detailed review of Church's footwear, visit this Church's shoe review.

Crockett & Jones

Crockett & Jones, founded in 1879 by James Crockett and Charles Jones, is renowned for producing some of the finest derby shoes, leveraging over 145 years of shoemaking expertise. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality, Goodyear-welted shoes, with production figures exceeding 100,000 pairs annually. Their shoes, made from premium materials like Horween's shell cordovan and European calf skins, undergo a meticulous 8-week manufacturing process involving over 200 separate operations. Crockett & Jones has collaborated with iconic franchises such as James Bond films, featuring in movies like Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die. The brand's commitment to quality, fit, and comfort has solidified its position as a leader in the footwear industry. For more information on their products, check out the Bradford Derby Shoes in Dark Brown Cordovan.

Clarks

Clarks, a renowned British footwear manufacturer since 1825, is esteemed for its high-quality derby shoes, among other footwear types. The company's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in its iconic designs, such as the Desert Boot and Wallabee, which have captivated consumers globally. Despite current challenges, including a £32.1m loss in 2023 due to promotional pressures and inflation, Clarks remains a significant player in the footwear market, with a strong presence in the UK and international markets. The global men's formal shoe market, in which Clarks operates, was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% until 2032, with the Asia Pacific region holding a 43.5% market share.

Grenson

Grenson, celebrating over 150 years of British craftsmanship, is renowned for producing some of the finest derby shoes. Since 1866, the brand has been synonymous with superior quality, utilizing English calf leathers and a meticulous manufacturing process involving over 200 individual operations. Their Goodyear Welted technique, invented in the 1800s, ensures shoes that are durable and can be resoled multiple times. The G:One range, made entirely in their Northamptonshire factory, exemplifies the highest standards in shoemaking. With a commitment to detail and quality, Grenson's shoes can literally last a lifetime. Discover more about their exquisite footwear collection by visiting Grenson's official website.

Loake

Loake is renowned as one of the best producers of derby shoes, with a rich history spanning over 140 years since its founding in 1880 by brothers John, William, and Thomas Loake. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality, handmade Goodyear Welted shoes, with the majority of its premium collections, such as the "Loake 1880" and "Loake Shoemakers," made in their Kettering, Northamptonshire factory. Loake has also expanded its production to India for some styles, ensuring consistent quality and detail in every shoe. The brand has received several accolades, including a Royal Warrant by Appointment of HM The Queen and multiple awards such as 'Men's Footwear Brand of the Year' from Drapers and the British Footwear Association. Each pair of Loake shoes involves up to 200 different shoemaking operations and can take up to 8 weeks to create.

Thom Browne

Thom Browne is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs, particularly in its derby shoes. These shoes, often made in Italy, feature high-quality materials such as supple leather and Commando rubber soles, showcasing the brand's attention to detail and commitment to luxury. Despite a 19.7% revenue decline for the Thom Browne brand in the first half of 2024, the brand remains a staple in luxury fashion, with its derby shoes being a testament to its enduring quality and style. The shoes are characterized by classic elements like apron stitching and grosgrain tabs, and are available in various styles, including striped and solid colors. Thom Browne's dedication to preserving traditional tailoring while introducing radical designs has solidified its position as a leader in men's luxury footwear.

Berluti

Berluti, a renowned French leather maker since 1895, is celebrated for its exquisite derby shoes that embody boldness, imagination, and tradition. Known for its high-quality leather finishing, including calfskin, kangaroo leather, and alligator skin, Berluti has expanded its product line to include ready-to-wear menswear and bespoke garments. Under the LVMH group since 1993, Berluti has seen significant growth, increasing its annual revenue from less than 30 million euros to EUR100 million between 2011 and 2014. The brand's bespoke shoes require at least 50 hours of work and involve over 250 operations, ensuring absolute comfort and unique flair. With 60 boutiques worldwide, Berluti continues to be a benchmark for elegance and craftsmanship.

John Lobb

John Lobb, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1866, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest derby shoes. Acquired by Hermes in 1976, John Lobb continues to uphold its commitment to quality, integrity, and innovative techniques, with each ready-to-wear pair requiring 190 steps to complete and bespoke shoes taking an average of 50 hours. The brand's attention to detail and use of the finest leathers have earned it three Royal Warrants. John Lobb's shoes, such as the new 'Smith' derby, feature distinctive elements like voluminous soles and Goodyear welts, ensuring excellent grip and durability. With a global presence and a legacy of serving elite clients, John Lobb remains a leader in the luxury footwear industry. Discover more about their craftsmanship and explore their exclusive collection.

Tricker's

Tricker's is renowned as one of the best producers of derby shoes, with a rich history dating back to 1829 when it was founded by Joseph Tricker in Northampton. The company is celebrated for its high-quality, handcrafted footwear, with each pair undergoing almost 250 individual processes in its factory. As of 2019, 80% of Tricker's sales were overseas, highlighting its global appeal. Tricker's has maintained its excellence over the years, earning a royal warrant in 1989 and continuing to produce 1,000 pairs of shoes weekly with a workforce of 86 in 2021. The brand's commitment to traditional British craftsmanship has made it a favorite among discerning customers, including notable figures like Sir Edmund Hillary and Daniel Craig.