Derby “Brogue Master” Khaki suede (last 437)

This is our Brogue Master, boys.

“Master”? Well, probably because it immediatly rules upon any pair of brogue shoes out there. And because it will also let you master your degree of elegance, whatever the context or situation. Your reflection in the mirror will thank you.

A couple of details regarding this marvel of balance: it is a sharply-cut full brogue (pierced right through with graceful little holes called brogues) with a wingtip pattern (in the shape of a bird’s wing) which rises high on the upper & circumvents the shoe and takes you on a flexible and robust rubber sole. Goodyear storm welt and baraquette heel (flat and overflowing) to give a beautiful generosity to the look.. and feel.

Its (Italian!) suede calfskin is shark or taupe grey: furtive, powdered, discreet, animal-like.

A well-built pair of shoes with a pleasant shape (the very round 437, that of our desert boot) it sits the silhouette well and gives that je-ne-sais-quoi to the look that some will consider as the cool. We could imagine this Brogue master, at the end of the 50s, worn by Coltrane or Miles Davis, for a Columbia Records cover: loose pants, high waist, a beautiful starched cream shirt impeccably tucked. We could also easily visualize this pair worn by The Specials, the classy British ska group formed in Coventry in 1977.

Shoes sheltered from any precarious passing trend, they reign beautifully under every latitude. For, yes, this is also a summer brogue or more exactly an all year rounder. Its rubber sole and suede calfskin duo is your comfort ticket: a winner every time.

The full brogue definitely has its new master.