Dress shoes may all look the same, but there are actually a wide variety of styles when it comes to footwear for smart casual, semi-formal, and formal occasions. While you’ve likely heard of Oxfords and brogues, there are a few other similar styles that differ slightly from the aforementioned styles – the Derby shoe and the blucher shoe. 

At first glance, you may not notice the subtle differences between Oxfords, Derby shoes, and blucher shoes; however, we’re here to explain everything you need to know about Derby shoes and bluchers, how they differ from each other (as well as Oxfords), how to style them, where to wear them to, and more. Read on for everything you need to know about these ever-so-slightly different styles of dress shoes. 

What Is a Derby Shoe?

A Derby shoe is a dress shoe that’s very much like an Oxford but differs slightly because of the lacing system. While Oxfords have a closed-lacing system, derby shoes have an open-lacing system, which means that the fit is more versatile, as you can tighten or loosen the shoes with ease. 

Derby shoes also feature two quarters (which start near the top of the foot and wrap around to the heel) that are sewn together – which is where the eyelets for the open-lacing system are sewn and meet a vamp (the upper section that covers the front of the foot) with a tongue. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are also sometimes referred to as Gibson shoes. 

What Is a Blucher Shoe?

A blucher shoe is a type of dress shoe that’s very similar to the Derby shoe, as it features an open lacing system and pieces of leather sewn onto the vamp to create the lacing system. Blucher shoes come in a variety of colors and materials and are ever-so-subtly different from the Derby shoe, although the terms “Derby” and “blucher” are commonly used interchangeably.