Another black derby post (Solovair Gibson)
Hi. I’ve been thinking about picking up some black derbies for a while now. Haven’t found secondhand Alden, AE, Rancourt, etc in my size.
Criteria:
Under $300
Black
Rubber sole
Comfortable
I was really drawn to these shoes from Solovair? My biggest question is: are they as difficult to break in as Dr Martens? Do they hurt like Dr Martens?
Any other recommendations for black derbies?
The shoe is the Greasy Gibson Shoe: https://us.nps-solovair.com/products/s3-995-bg-g
NPS Solovair US
Black Greasy Gibson Shoe | Solovair | Handmade in England
Black Greasy Gibson Shoe made of leather using Goodyear welted construction with a signature soft suspension sole. Handmade in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England.
12 Replies
They are functionally the exact same as Dr. Marten's
Solovair was the original Made in England Doc factory and the shoes are essentially just the made in england docs without the name
Ah. Okay so I imagine their comfort is probably similar to Dr Martens
If you were looking for AE/Alden/etc, did you try Berwick or Meermin? They will fall within your budget.
If you want a chunkier style like Solovair's, tho, they are not the right choice, they offer classic styles.
You are right about AE/Alden not being the right aesthetic. I looked just to look. I do want somewhat chunkier. I already have formal shoes so that some causal beater ones
Maybe the aesthetic I really want is the Paraboot Chambord. But my wallet is not ready for that and am still just in the considering stage
Plus they’re pretty hyped
Kleman might be worth a look
If you have small feet then: https://www.marrkt.com/products/chambord-shoes-1
Unfortunately too small. 8.5 bannock. But thank you!
yes, but once you break them in they're the best
thanks to the soft sole
just power through the first few weeks*
I’m just going to say if your shoes hurt for a month straight you’re buying the wrong shoes.
Kleman seems like a good suggestion! Now I’m just trying to figure out the US to EU conversion since I’m in between sizes.
I just got some Frodans. I went with the same size I always get for non-sneakers and they might be a touch snug, but comfortable overall.