Danish Menswear Brand Forét and Kleman Just Dropped a Smart Derby Shoe You’ll Want to Wear All Fall

Since the 19th century, derby shoes have served a purpose for the likes of Nordic fisherman and former U.K. prime minister Edward Smith-Stanley, who found it difficult to wear boots. Today, F1 star Lewis Hamilton and Pharrell Williams are often spotted rocking them with their own unique flair and a new footwear collab by Forét and French shoemaker Kleman aims to help you do the same.

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The Danish menswear label dropped its first-ever collaboration with Kleman on Thursday, which offers an updated take on the shoemaker’s “Major” derby. Made in France, the chunky shoes feature a rubber sole for durability and comfort, plus a seamed top and minimalist two-eyelet design. The collaborative style comes in black and brown variations, topped with suede and limited to 200 pairs each. You can cop a pair now via the brand’s website or retailers like END for $253.

“I was introduced to the guys from Kleman through a friend from the industry,” Forét creative director Jesper Finderup tells Robb Report via email. Online meetings and sketches took place thereafter before Finderup picked up the first samples during Paris Fashion Week. When asked what makes the collab ideal for the brand’s customer, he adds, “we wanted to make a partnership with someone like-minded—with the same eyes for details.”

Fans of Kleman know it’s been producing men’s and women’s footwear styles that range from loafers to boots for the last 75 years. High-quality construction is baked into the company’s DNA and in an ode to the two brands’ shared ethos, the words “slow” and “down” are subtly embossed on the top of their new release as a tribute to longevity and “the pursuit of a mindful lifestyle.” For the uninitiated, keep reading.

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Brand 101

Forét was founded in 2014 by Finderup and childhood friend/co-founder Jeppe Meier. Today, the duo works alongside five others in Copenhagen to bring its contemporary apparel with an outdoor touch to market. Brands like Nanamica and Aimé Leon Dore come to mind when viewing selects by the brand ranging from recycled wool knits to organic cotton trousers. But who exactly is the Forét customer? “He is a good guy, loves coffee, slowing down, and appreciates the small things in the everyday life,” Finderup says.

How I’d Style Them

While derbies have always caught my attention, I’ve never felt compelled to style them into my NYC wardrobe of classic black blazers and free-flowing neutral ensembles. But, if I had to style a friend in the Forét + Kleman collab, I’d suggest relaxed-fit trousers paired with a crisp white tee under a slightly oversized blazer (or jacket). A canvas tote bag supporting one their favorite museums or food spots could complete the look, further factoring in sustainability which is a key incentive at Forét .

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