6 Derby Shoes Women Should Style This Season! (2021)

The Best Derby Shoes for Women (2021)

Even though derby shoes have been popular for nearly 175 years, they remain among the most misunderstood shoes today, particularly when it comes women’s fashion.

When should I wear a derby shoe?

Are they casual or formal?

Are they even shoes that women should wear?

What IS a derby shoe anyway, for crying out loud!

These are all reasonable questions – and ones I’ve asked before – so let’s start tackling the derby shoe definitions!

First, a derby shoe is distinguished by both its quarters and shoelace eyelets sewn on top of the vamp. This latter feature directly contrasts derby shoes with the equally popular and timeless Oxford shoes, which have eyelets sewn under the vamp.

Second, derby shoes are uniquely versatile.

Along with suits or other formalwear, most derby shoes will hardly seem lacking or out of place. On the other hand, pairing derby shoes with jeans and casual tops is a great way to make a bold, trendy-yet-casual fashion statement.

Finally, derby shoes are definitely menswear-inspired, but that’s exactly what makes the look so unique, fun, and popular right now for women! Most importantly, you should wear what ever makes you feel like your best self!

Keep reading for 6 derby shoes women should consider rocking this season!

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The Best Women’s Derby Shoes (2021)

Inspired by menswear and delightfully striking a balance between casual and formal, derby shoes are this season’s hot new footwear!

Top Derby Shoes Women Should Style

Best Black Derby: Dr. Martens
Best Brown Derby: Dr. Scholls
Best Formal Derby: Vionic
Best Casual Derby: Franco Sarto
Best Leather Derby: Ecco
Best Suede Derby: Nisolo

The Best Derby Shoes Women Can Pull Off!

Best Black Derby: Dr. Martens

Black and brown are the classic derby colors, and my favorite black derby shoes come from Dr. Martens, a brand with a legacy equal to that of the derby shoe itself!

Featuring smooth, polished leather, a traditional lace-up style, and a Goodyear welt construction that creates superior durability, these platform shoes are the perfect introduction into derby shoes women can easily pull off!

Dr. Martens 1461 Quad Platform

Sold on Zappos, Dr. Martens, Nordstrom, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Brown Derby: Dr. Scholls

If you prefer a more laidback derby shoe, check out this fun and casual version from Dr. Scholl’s.

Offering a light brown upper with a cute white platform, these derby shoes are the perfect way to accent your casual spring and fall outfits!

And, as you might expect, the Dr. Scholl’s shoes feature best-in-class footwear technology, including an anatomically cushioned insole, a padded quilted collar, and even textile lining made from recycled materials!

Dr. Scholls Lillian Platform Lace-Up Shoe

Sold on Zappos, Dr. Scholls, and Nordstrom

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Formal Derby: Vionic

For something that’s both comfortable yet elegant, check out these formal derby shoes from Vionic.

The polished leather, wide laces, cut heel, and multi-colored platform all provide a sophisticated look that will instantly elevate any outfit!

And, with a podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed that yields total arch support, these formal derby shoes won’t wear you down or leave you feeling sore, either!

Vionic Adina Lug Sole Derby

Sold on Zappos, Vionic, and Nordstrom

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Casual Derby: Franco Sarto

Although these derby shoes from Franco Sarto may look intimidating and formal, the reality is they work perfectly with fun and innovative outfit pairings.

Everything about these shoes screams quirky and unique, from the glossy patent leather to the oversized lugged outsole to the contrast stitching along the midsole!

Franco Sarto Florita

Sold on Zappos, Franco Sarto, Nordstrom, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Leather Derby: Ecco

These women’s derby shoes from Ecco are probably the most traditional thanks to the modest heel and an overall aesthetic that authentically represents a standard, menswear-inspired derby shoe.

While I like this bold approach, what attracts me most about these black derby shoes is the two layers of top-grain leather used to create an incredible soft texture all throughout the upper!

Ecco Sartorelle 25 Tailored Tie

Sold on Zappos, Ecco, Nordstrom, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Suede Derby: Nisolo

Since most derby shoes are made from leather or synthetic fabrics, I always get excited any time I see suede derby shoes. like these gems from Nisolo.

Much softer but slightly less durable than true leather, suede is the perfect fabric to wear when you want to appear effortlessly chic – provided you can treat this delicate fabric with care and protection!