Women's Derbies and Lace-up Shoes

The women's derbies section features characterful lace-up shoes: cleated sole Kleman derbies, Sebago boat shoes and Timberland, Torhill and Wallabee from Clarks, Highwood from Birkenstock. Pairs that can be worn from the office to the weekend, with jeans or tailored trousers.

Derby or richelieu: the difference

On a derby, the two sides with the eyelets are stitched on top of the shoe, and they open up when you loosen the lace. The fit is softer and accommodates a high instep.

On a richelieu, the eyelets are sewn under the front of the shoe, giving it a more closed and formal look. The collection features derbies and boat shoes, which are easier to wear daily.

The derbies Kleman

Kleman makes its derbies in France. The Padror, designed for SNCF agents in the 1990s, combines cowhide leather with a stitched upper and a rubber cleated sole. The Major reflects this spirit.

Their workwear style goes well with raw denim, wide trousers, or a midi skirt.

Boat shoes

The boat shoe Sebago, like the Docksides, is recognized by its lacing that goes around the foot. The Portland takes this principle further, and Timberland brings its Authentic with three eyelets.

They are worn barefoot in summer, with shorts or chinos. Find the collection on the Sebago women's page.

The Clarks and Birkenstock Highwood

Clarks introduces the Wallabee, stitched like a moccasin, and the Torhill, on its thick cleated sole. Birkenstock offers a lace-up shoe, the Highwood, in suede or leather.

How to wear a derby?

With rolled-up jeans: a visible sock or bare ankle.
With tailored trousers: for a masculine-feminine vibe.
With a midi skirt: and thin socks, for a more fashionable style.

The derby at work

A smooth leather derby, black or brown, easily replaces a high heel at work. It pairs well with straight trousers and a shirt and can be worn all day without discomfort.

A cleated sole like that of Kleman adds a more casual touch, suitable for less formal offices.

Choosing the right size

A laced derby adjusts to the instep: your usual size generally fits. Made from thick leather, it stretches a bit in the first weeks.

For a boat shoe without heel support, check that it doesn’t slip while walking.

Boat shoes and summer outfits

The women's boat shoe naturally pairs with summer outfits: linen trousers, canvas shorts, shirt dresses. Worn barefoot, it keeps the ankle exposed and gives a relaxed look, suitable for city and seaside. Brown or natural leather combines the easiest.

In mid-season, a thin sock matching the outfit extends its wear into autumn.

The derby workwear

Derbies with cleated soles, like those from Kleman, add a workwear touch to a feminine outfit. Pair them with high-waisted wide trousers, a denim shirt, or a velvet skirt to play with the contrast between sturdiness and femininity.

Cleated sole or thin sole?

A cleated sole adds volume and grips on wet surfaces: it’s the choice for workwear derbies. A thin sole, more elegant, is reserved for dressy attire and dry days.

Caring for a derby in leather

Brush it, nourish the leather with a suitable cream, and polish it from time to time for shine. Insert a shoe tree or paper between wears to maintain its shape.

Caring for a boat shoe

The oiled leather of a boat shoe requires suitable conditioning products and holds up well against sea spray. Rinse it with fresh water after the beach, then let it air dry.

Derby or moccasin?

The derby holds the foot better thanks to its lacing, while the moccasin slips on faster. For a day of walking, the derby is more reliable. Check out the women's moccasins.