We already recommend Bobbies a lot: we say the greatest things about it, particularly about the moccasin and the desert boots.
Many of you ask us questions about summer shoes: "What should I wear on my feet during the summer?", "What material for my summer shoes?", " What vitamins are in them?" he in the tomatoes?
We often have the same reflex which is to put on canvas sneakers, espadrilles or flip-flops, for fear of suffocating our little feet. I'll show you that with summer derbies, it's also possible.
Who is behind Bobbies?
It all started in 2010 when two friends, Antoine and Alexis, went on a gap year in the banking sector. They quickly realized that it wasn't for them. That’s when Bobbies was born.
Photo credit: lesconnardsenrayban.fr .
They first decided to launch spiked moccasins. The two friends are “fans” of these products. The problem: they couldn't find original, good quality models at affordable prices. It is true that before the arrival of Bobbies on the moccasin market, the offer was very classic and the products too often overpriced.
Their goal was also to democratize this piece which was too often connoted "Versaillaise" by adding an offbeat side.
Over the past 4 years, the brand has come a long way by expanding its range of products. It now offers desert boots and derbies (they even have a women's range!).
Commercially speaking, the brand is also growing at breakneck speed, with points of sale in more than 30 countries! In Europe of course, but also in the United States, Asia and the Middle East. Which does not prevent the two founders from keeping their heads on their shoulders.
Derbys at Bobbies?
After desert boots and even high-top moccasins (yes sir!), the brand is launching into derbies this year.
In short, there is something for everyone, it is difficult to be disappointed.
Bobbies two-tone derby.
The making ?
Like moccasins, derbies were produced in Portugal, not far from Porto, a country known for the quality of its shoe workshops. There are over 100 operations required to build a quality derby. Know that only small hands can carry out such precise tasks. You will even be able to see some small irregularities on the shoe: it's more human, and it's better that way.
The leather is Italian, once again it is a guarantee of quality. The transalpines are those which offer the greatest variations of colors.
The blake sewn
Sew Blake at Bobbies.
You never know how to differentiate Blake welt from Goodyear. I will explain this to you using some diagrams from meselegances.com .
Here is the illustration of a Blake stitch (the one who "equips" the Bobbies). There is only one seam that connects the shoe upper, insole, and tread.
The advantages : This technique allows for finer seams and a finer shoe shape. The sole will be more flexible than Goodyear.
The disadvantage : It cannot be resoled. Either way, for the price of a pair of Bobbies, it's better to buy a pair again!
For Goodyear welts , it's a little more complex. The upper of the shoe is first linked to the sole and the welt. Then a second seam connects the welt to the sole.
Advantages : More robust and can be resoled.
Disadvantage : Less flexible than the Blake and with less finesse in the seams.
To resole, simply change the tread by connecting it to the welt.
In this photo, you can clearly see the welt
(first layer on which the seam appears).
Derby Carven .
Should we conclude that a Goodyear is more qualitative than a Blake? No way. It's better to have a good Blake stitch than a bad Goodyear. It would be a mistake to believe that the Goodyear name is a guarantee of quality (just like the Blake), they still need to be well made.
Taupe photographer derby test
I hesitated for a long time before choosing a model (no need to scoff, you will be faced with the same hesitation from the first visit on the Bobbies e-shop ). Indeed, many colors are available to you, from the softest to the strongest (chick yellow, orange, green, raspberry). There is something for every taste. I'm not particularly a fan of the white edging on some models, but again, that's just a matter of taste.
The colors that the brand offers encourage you to push your style, I find that very interesting. I never imagined I would hesitate on such strong colors.
The raspberry derby.
I still played it softer with a classic taupe color in order to focus on the shoe and not on the color.
As you can see in the previous photo, I took advantage of a weekend in the French Caribbean (or almost), in Penvins near the Golf du Morbihan, to test these shoes.
Between two slices of Gotchial de Saint Armel , I embarked on an ordinary summer day. Two skydives and a shark hunt later, I put on my derbies for the first time.
Uniqlo shirt, Asos chinos, Persol glasses.
I had a really easy time integrating these derbies into a summer look. The Blake stitching prevents the shoe shape from being too flared: your foot will remain thin without having a pointed toe.
The seams are fine and regular, which is a guarantee of quality. Nothing to say about that.
On this two-tone model, we can better see the fineness of the seams. Notice that the binding seam is very close to the edge. It is also a guarantee of quality manufacturing.
If we take a look at the sole, we can see the seams, with this nice little detail of the orange thread which recalls the color of the Jean Bobby pelican: the singing pelican . The point remains regular. The heel has a rubber insert that doesn't slip, even in the rain (I often wear derbies with a completely rubber sole, and underwater it's hell).
Note : Don't forget to take your pair to the shoemaker after a few days of wear (so that the sole fits your foot) in order to have a pad fitted (also called a protective insole). Please note, this must always be made of rubber (thinner, more resistant and more flexible than plastic). To avoid slipping, you can lightly slice the leather with a thin blade (don't be afraid, it won't hurt your shoe).
Are they comfortable?
Yes ! The leather is light and it holds up well (for its price): these are truly summer derbies. They are flexible (here the Blake stitching is really interesting).
The only downside is the leather finish which bumps against the edging. After a day of wear, the friction became a pain with every step, but rest assured, it only happened on one pair, and on only one foot. This can happen over an entire production (it's the fault of "bad luck"). Either way, it's not a big deal. If this happens to you, file the excess leather with your Tata Thérèse's nail file to give it a more rounded shape. Since this operation, I have no more problems, and of course, the leather has relaxed.
Paint no longer holds any secrets for me.
Derby shoes for a more elegant look
In my article on “ Italian style: how to wear white jeans? ”, I wear the same Bobbies. As you will have understood, they blend in just as well with a casual look as with a more elegant outfit.
De Fursac jacket, shirt and pants.
The shape of the shoe makes for a slim foot, which allows you to emphasize the summer side.
With shorts
It is possible to achieve an elegant look with shorts. I decided to contrast the colors and wear the two-tone Bobbies for the reminder of blue.
De Fursac shirt, Asos shorts.
In summer, shoes are worn barefoot?
This is a question that often comes up when the good weather arrives. Personally, even with summer derbies, I don't recommend it if you don't want to flood your shoe and go home to relieve your feet by soaking them in a bath of cold water. There are socks that stop below the ankle (they wrap the foot up to the heel without being visible). There are even Doré-Doré 's invisible socks which expose the front of the foot a little more.
“I can’t find any, especially in the provinces”
Effective !
A short sock isn't visible, so the color doesn't matter. You can even look at sports equipment manufacturers or at Asos. Choose a fine cotton. No more excuses now!
Verdict
For 140 euros , the Bobbies offer unbeatable value for money . After more than a month of wear, I didn't have any unpleasant surprises, and my ankle rubbing problem was resolved after a few days on the taupe pair.
I'm really happy with my Bobbies, I even regret not having dared to go for a more pronounced color, but it's only a discount given the low price.
Go for it! Especially if you like to have a shoe that gives you a slim foot .
Regarding sizing, if you have a wide foot, size up without hesitation.
You can find these derbies in all the brand's e-shops .
