Frank Tan Derby

Product Description

The Brown Brogue

This tan derby is just gorgeous. The colour is a rich brown, the pointed toe is on a contemporary last and the pin detail surrounding that, a designer edge. Brog comes form the gaelic word ‘brog’ meaning low heeled shoe.  Also centred in Ireland and Scotland is the origin of the perforation (which defines a brogue) which came about to deal with excess water in the shoes of workers in wet fields. From such humble origins and over the years, the brown brogue became accepted as formal wear. This tan derby also has a wing tip to the pointed toe which is indicative of a brogue and for a great read check this article out.

The Modern Derby

We have talked of the holes but what of the laces? The way these lace up make these a derby. The identifying factor is that you have open leather flaps and that is where the laces tie through making this style of shoe better for wider feet. The Earl of Derby certainly needed such assistance and has ben credited with popularising the derby shoe. In the style world today, the tan derby is considered formal enough to wear for a wedding, work or finer social occasions. Having said that, if we want to get particular, the black oxford is still the pinnacle of formality. What is great about this brown derby brogue is the very modern edge it has and this means it can be worn with aplomb whether you want to dress up or down. We see this working beautifully with a mod like suit for a really vintage feel, or with tight jeans for an indie feel. This article from Gentlemans Gazette is informative and fun.