Kleman
Padror Leather Derby Shoes Men
The Kleman Padror is a men's leather derby shoe made in France with a genuine pebble-grain leather upper, apron/moc toe, padded footbed with a leather top cover, and a non-skid rubber lug sole. It suits casual and smart-casual wear, pairing with jeans, chinos, or a suit, though reviewers note a break-in period for the stiff leather and recommend sizing down for narrow feet. The two-eyelet lacing and thick rubber outsole provide a sturdy build, but the shoe is not recommended for all-day walking over 10,000 steps.
- Material
- Genuine leather upper, rubber sole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- classic, smart-casual
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Classic derby shoes made from genuine leather with a padded footbed and non-skid rubber sole, crafted in France.
Genuine leather upper; Apron/moc toe; Padded footbed with leather top cover; Non-skid rubber outer sole; Made in France.
- Material
- Genuine leather upper, rubber sole
- Secondary
- rubber
- Style
- classic, smart-casual
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Derby shoe style
- Genuine leather upper
- Apron/moc toe stitching
- Padded footbed with leather top cover
- Non-skid rubber outer sole
- Made in France
- French Kleman label
Product Insights
The Kleman Padror Derby Shoes bring utilitarian heritage from SNCF with SRA slip-resistant outsole and padded footbed, but buyers must accept a narrow, long fit without half sizes, a cemented sole that prevents resoling, and a heavy, stiff build that makes them unsuitable for daily walks exceeding 10,000 steps, yet they offer a chunkier workwear aesthetic at half the price of a Paraboot Michael.
- Heritage
Originally designed for SNCF in the 1990s, yielding a utilitarian clunky look.
Why this is supported
The Padror was originally sold to SNCF, as noted by a source:
Le PADRE a d’abord été vendu à la SNCF mais il n’est pas propre à un corps de métier particulier.
borasification.comThis utilitarian origin is reflected in its design; users describe the shoes as
still clunky
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFits, a direct result of its workwear heritage.
- Performance
SRA slip-resistant sole and padded footbed for standing, drawn from railway design.
Why this is supported
The proprietary Edito-Grip sole is SRA-certified for slip resistance, as stated:
Il est monté sur notre semelle Edito-Grip qui a des propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA) et résistance à l’abrasion.
borasification.comAdditionally, the padded footbed with leather top cover is designed for long stationary hours on hard surfaces, a comfort feature that traces to the shoe's intended use by railway workers on concrete platforms.
- Construction
Leather from certified tannery; cemented sole not resolable.
Why this is supported
The Padror's leather comes from a Leather Working Group-certified Spanish tannery, as stated:
Made from cowhide leather from a Leather Working Group-certified Spanish tannery, the PADROR was created in the 1990s for SNCF employees.
garmentory.comHowever, the shoe uses a cemented construction, as clarified:
No, these shoes are not easily resolable. They have a cemented construction, meaning the sole is glued on rather than stitched, so a traditional resole is impractical [Community Discussion].
Are these shoes resolable?, which limits resoling options.
- Sizing
Buyers report the Padror runs narrow and long; without half sizes, many use thick socks or order a different size.
Why this is supported
Reddit users and Q&A guides consistently describe the Padror as narrow and long, especially in the toe box. The absence of half sizes forces a sizing compromise.
I have a bit of heel slip currently but I had tried a 45 and it was too tight on the toes.
u/pleasesteponmesinb in r/ThrowingFitsOthers use thicker socks to fine-tune fit.
with thicker socks, though, they’re pretty spot on.
u/rcjennings in r/malefashionadviceBecause of this variability, ordering from a retailer with a good return policy is advised.
Those with narrow feet may size down, and it's recommended to order from a retailer with a good return policy.
How do Kleman Padrors fit?- Walking suitability
After break‑in, the shoe is comfortable for casual wear but buyers advise against 10,000+ steps a day.
Why this is supported
After the leather molds, the shoe is comfortable for everyday casual wear, but many owners caution against using it for long walks.
I can't speak to Paraboots, but I have something similar (Kleman Padrors) and I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day. They're comfortable enough but they're still clunky leather shoes.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsAnother source echoes the same limitation, stating the shoes are not designed for all-day walking.
No, they are clunky leather shoes not designed for all-day walking; many users advise against wearing them for 10k+ steps.
Are they comfortable for long walks?- Build quality
Cemented sole with SRA grip, LWG leather; community rates build quality below Paraboot.
Why this is supported
The Padror uses
Cemented construction means they are not easily resolable like welted shoes.
gotchaIts leather is
, and the sole features
propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA)
borasification.com. In comparison, the Paraboot Michael offers
superior leather quality, Norwegian welt construction
How do they compare to Paraboot Michaels?.
- Comfort and fit
Buyers report narrower fit and advise against for over 10,000 steps daily.
Why this is supported
Regarding sizing, a Q&A explains that
The Kleman Padror runs slightly long, particularly in the toe box, and is notably narrow — those with wider feet should size up
How does the sizing of the Kleman Padror compare to a standard Paraboot Michael or a common brand like Red Wing?. For comfort, a Reddit user reports
I have something similar (Kleman Padrors) and I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsAnother Q&A confirms they are not designed for all-day walking.
- Aesthetics
Chunkier, workwear-inspired look vs Paraboot's sleeker profile.
Why this is supported
The Padror's silhouette is described as
and a Q&A notes it has a
clunkier look
How do they compare to Paraboot Michaels?compared to the Paraboot Michael. Its design originates from a workwear heritage:
Le PADRE a d’abord été vendu à la SNCF
borasification.com.
- All-day walking
Buyers caution against 10k+ steps daily; shoe remains stiff and heavy even after break-in.
Why this is supported
Reddit owners caution against using the Padror for 10k+ daily steps, citing its weight and clunky construction:
I can't speak to Paraboots, but I have something similar (Kleman Padrors) and I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day. They're comfortable enough but they're still clunky leather shoes.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsThe stiff vegetable-tanned leather requires a 1–2 week break-in period, and the shoe remains stiffer than dedicated walking shoes even after break-in. Compared to the Paraboot Michael, the Padror has less cushioning and structural flex for long walks. The original railway-worker design prioritizes durability and slip resistance over walking comfort. Sizing issues like heel slip or toe tightness also worsen the walking experience.
- Footbed
Flat padded insole lacks structured arch support, requiring orthotics for all-day comfort.
Why this is supported
The padded footbed is described as flat with a leather top cover and offers no arch support.
The padded footbed is a flat cushioned insole with a leather top cover; it does not provide structured arch support.
Does the padded footbed provide any arch support, or is it flat?This means wearers need to add orthotics to avoid foot fatigue during long walks.
- Outsole traction
SRA-rated outsole provides excellent wet traction but adds weight, reducing walking comfort.
Why this is supported
The Edito-Grip sole is SRA-certified for slip resistance on wet surfaces.
Il est monté sur notre semelle Edito-Grip qui a des propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA) et résistance à l’abrasion.
borasification.comHowever, this sole adds considerable weight, with buyers characterizing the shoe as 'clunky' and noting that it reduces walking comfort on longer days.
- Sole durability
Cemented construction blocks easy resoling, shortening lifespan under heavy walking use.
Why this is supported
The Padror uses cemented construction, which prevents the sole from being easily replaced by a cobbler. For owners who walk extensively, this accelerates sole wear and shortens the shoe's usable life compared to welted alternatives like the Paraboot Michael. The trade-off allows a lower price point but sacrifices long-term repairability.
- Leather
LWG-certified vegetable-tanned leather; G VGT variant is chrome-free full-grain.
Why this is supported
The standard Padror upper uses cowhide leather from a Leather Working Group-certified Spanish tannery.
Made from cowhide leather from a Leather Working Group-certified Spanish tannery, the PADROR was created in the 1990s for SNCF employees.
garmentory.comThe G VGT variant, available in black, steps up with vegetable-tanned full-grain leather from an Italian LWG-certified tannery that is chrome-free and finished with a natural pebble grain.
The Padror G VGT Noir uses vegetable-tanned grained leather from an Italian LWG Certified tannery. It is chrome-free and has a 'pebble grain' texture — this is full-grain leather, not corrected-grain
What specific type of leather is used (e.g., full-grain, corrected-grain, or a specific tannage)?- Wet traction
SRA-certified sole ensures tested slip resistance on wet surfaces.
Why this is supported
The Edito-Grip rubber outsole is certified to SRA slip-resistance standards, tested on ceramic tile with a soapy solution.
Il est monté sur notre semelle Edito-Grip qui a des propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA) et résistance à l'abrasion.
borasification.comThis slip-resistance heritage comes from the shoe's original design for French railway workers:
Le PADRE a d'abord été vendu à la SNCF mais il n'est pas propre à un corps de métier particulier.
borasification.comThe abrasion resistance also suggests the lug pattern retains its grip over time.
- Traction vs comfort
Buyers report the SRA-rated sole feels clunky and is not ideal for long walks.
Why this is supported
A verified buyer on Reddit described a tradeoff:
I can't speak to Paraboots, but I have something similar (Kleman Padrors) and I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day. They're comfortable enough but they're still clunky leather shoes.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsThis indicates that the heavy rubber construction enabling SRA traction reduces comfort for extended walking.
- Versatility
Pairs with suits, jeans, and chinos across dress codes and handles wet weather.
Why this is supported
The Padror was originally designed for French railway workers, giving it a utilitarian heritage.
Le PADRE a d’abord été vendu à la SNCF
borasification.comThis workwear origin naturally complements casual and smart-casual outfits. One buyer confirms its modern versatility:
I did end up getting the Padrors and I’m into them. I’ve worn them with a suit and with everyday jeans. They go with everything.
u/rcjennings in r/malefashionadviceAdditionally, the Edito-Grip sole is certified for slip resistance:
propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA)
borasification.comextending its wearability to wet weather.
- Clunkiness
Buyers report the clunky profile pairs best with relaxed-fit trousers.
Why this is supported
Multiple buyers highlight the Padror's chunkiness. One owner says:
They're comfortable enough but they're still clunky leather shoes.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsAnother comment calls it a
clunkier look
How do they compare to Paraboot Michaels?, indicating the shoe's profile pairs best with relaxed-fit trousers.
- Budget alternative
At $295 CAD, it's about half the price of a Paraboot Michael.
Why this is supported
Several sources describe the Padror as a budget alternative to the Paraboot Michael. One buyer reports:
I'll chip in for the Kleman Padrors, been loving my black pair and they were affordable!
u/kanureeves in r/ThrowingFitsAnother Q&A explicitly calls them
a good budget alternative
How do they compare to Paraboot Michaels?, confirming the value at roughly half the Paraboot's price.
- Resoling
Buyers note the cemented sole prevents resoling, reducing longevity.
Why this is supported
According to Q&A feedback, the Padror uses cemented construction, which prevents resoling. Unlike welted shoes, the sole cannot be replaced when worn, limiting the shoe's potential lifespan as a long-term wardrobe staple.
- Resolability
Cemented sole cannot be resoled; Edito-Grip outsole resists abrasion.
Why this is supported
The Padror uses cemented construction, which means the sole is glued and cannot be traditionally resoled. However, the brand's own material specification states
Il est monté sur notre semelle Edito-Grip qui a des propriétés antiglisse (norme SRA) et résistance à l’abrasion.
borasification.com— the Edito-Grip sole is formulated for abrasion resistance, partially compensating for the cemented limitation. The design originates from the 1990s for SNCF railway workers:
Le PADRE a d’abord été vendu à la SNCF mais il n’est pas propre à un corps de métier particulier.
borasification.comreflecting an industrial durability context. Additionally, buyer reports note that incorrect sizing can accelerate wear because the shoe is not rebuildable, making proper fit critical.
- Value
Costs 40-50% less than the Paraboot Michael, but the cemented sole may make long-term cost similar.
Why this is supported
Comparison with the Paraboot Michael reveals a price difference: the Padror at $295 CAD is roughly 40–50% lower. A buyer comment notes:
Paraboots have superior leather quality, Norwegian welt construction, and better comfort, but cost significantly more. Klemans are a good budget alternative if you don't mind the clunkier look and cemented sole.
How do they compare to Paraboot Michaels?The cemented construction, which prevents resoling, means the Padror's usable life may be shorter, potentially making total cost of ownership comparable over multiple years.
- Walkability
Not recommended for daily walks over 10,000 steps due to heavy sole and stiff leather.
Why this is supported
The heavy rubber sole and stiff leather limit all-day comfort:
I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day.
u/jeroboam in r/ThrowingFitsThis is echoed by the brand's description:
not designed for all-day walking
Are they comfortable for long walks?
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Side profile of a single black leather derby-style shoe with pebble-grain texture, moc-toe stitching, low stacked lug sole, and two visible lace eyelets.
- View and orientationLateral side profile of a single right-facing shoe, whole shoe visible and centered horizontally near lower half of image.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.40 · w 0.94 · h 0.38 (high) - Upper material and texturePebble-grain leather upper with visible textured grain and subtle sheen across vamp and quarter.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.43 · w 0.72 · h 0.30 (high) - Toe and moc seamProminent raised moccasin-style seam running around the toe box, stitched visible along top edge of vamp.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.49 · w 0.34 · h 0.22 (high) - LacingTwo visible lace eyelets with narrow round laces tied in a simple knot sequence along the throat.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.39 · w 0.18 · h 0.16 (high) - Heel stitching detailVertical triple-stitch decorative lines on the rear quarter near the heel counter.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.51 · w 0.16 · h 0.18 (high) - Sole constructionThick black lug rubber sole with shallow rectangular cut lugs on the outsole and a low block heel.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.73 · w 0.92 · h 0.15 (high) - Welt and midsole edgeVisible welt or stitched edge between upper and sole, appearing as a slightly raised seam running along perimeter.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.66 · w 0.88 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a plain light gray background with soft shadow beneath the shoe and even frontal lighting.
- Background and stagingUniform light gray background filling the frame, no props or packaging present.
- Shadow and lightingSoft shadow directly beneath the sole indicating top-front studio lighting; minimal reflections on leather surface.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.78 · w 0.80 · h 0.08 (medium) - Image crop and compositionShoe is horizontally centered with ample margin above; top portion of image shows empty background space.
Colors
textured black· upper (leather)#0E0E0Cmatte black· sole#0E0E0E- View and orientationLateral side profile of a single right-facing shoe, whole shoe visible and centered horizontally near lower half of image.
- 02
Product
Rear three-quarter view of two black leather derby shoes showing the heel counters, textured upper leather, stitching and low rubber soles with shallow treads.
- View and compositionPair of shoes photographed from a low rear three-quarter angle showing the outer heels and rear quarters; right shoe is in the foreground and left shoe is slightly behind and to the left.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.35 · w 0.65 · h 0.55 (high) - Upper materialPebbled grain black leather upper with visible natural grain texture across the rear quarter and heel counter.
2 regions
x 0.36 · y 0.36 · w 0.45 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.05 · y 0.42 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (high) - Heel counter stitchingVertical double-row stitch lines running down the center of each heel counter and curved topstitching along the collar edge.
2 regions
x 0.47 · y 0.37 · w 0.20 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.10 · y 0.46 · w 0.18 · h 0.24 (high) - Sole constructionThick black rubber sole with a flat block heel and shallow horizontal cut treads at the fore part of the visible sole.
2 regions
x 0.35 · y 0.72 · w 0.50 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.68 · w 0.30 · h 0.18 (high) - Collar and eyelet areaLow collar line with visible lace eyelet section and a small rear pull loop or raised tab visible at the collar of each shoe.
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.20 (medium); x 0.18 · y 0.26 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium) - Welt/top edge detailVisible slim welt or stitch line where the upper meets the sole creating a subtle raised edge around the perimeter above the sole.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.63 · w 0.50 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Studio shot on a light neutral background with soft top-left lighting and subtle cast shadows; image crops both shoes at the lower edges.
- Background and lightingUniform light grey background with soft diffuse lighting from the top-left producing gentle highlights on the leather grain and soft shadows beneath the soles.
- Shadowing and reflectionsSoft shadow under each shoe and slight specular highlights on the leather grain, especially along the curved heel surfaces.
- CroppingBoth shoes are fully visible horizontally but are slightly cropped at the very bottom edge of the soles.
- Image qualitySharp focus on the shoes with clear texture detail; no visible text or labels in the scene.
Colors
textured black· upper leather#0E0E0Cmatte black sole· sole#262626- View and compositionPair of shoes photographed from a low rear three-quarter angle showing the outer heels and rear quarters; right shoe is in the foreground and left shoe is slightly behind and to the left.
- 03
Product
Pair of black leather derby shoes shown from an angled top-front view; visible features include pebbled leather uppers, moc-toe seam, two-eyelet lacing, stitched heel counter, and thick lug rubber soles with a low heel.
- Upper materialPebbled/grain black leather upper with a slight sheen visible across toe and vamp panels.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.40 · w 0.75 · h 0.45 (high) - Toe and vamp constructionRaised moc-style toe seam that runs around the front of the vamp and meets a central vertical stitch at the toe tip.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.56 · w 0.64 · h 0.30 (high) - LacingTwo-eyelet closed-lacing area with thin round black laces tied in a simple bow across the vamp.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.44 · w 0.32 · h 0.25 (high) - Sole profileThick matte black rubber lug sole with visible rectangular tread notches and a modest block heel.
1 region
x 0.02 · y 0.72 · w 0.96 · h 0.25 (high) - Heel and stitching detailRear quarter shows vertical triple-row decorative stitching on the heel counter and a clean top-line edge with folded trim.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.12 · w 0.46 · h 0.36 (medium) - Inner liningBlack interior lining visible at the shoe opening with a smooth finish contrasting the pebbled exterior.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.40 · w 0.32 · h 0.20 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot with two shoes arranged on a light gray seamless background, soft directional lighting from upper left producing soft shadows beneath the soles; image is cropped to show most of both shoes.
- Shot compositionTwo shoes arranged with one full shoe in the foreground at a three-quarter top-front angle and a second shoe in the background showing the outer side and heel.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Background and surfaceNeutral light gray seamless background and surface with no props or packaging visible.
- Lighting and shadowSoft studio lighting creating subtle highlights on leather grain and soft shadowing beneath and to the lower-right of the shoes.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.60 · w 1.00 · h 0.40 (medium) - Image qualityHigh-resolution product image with sharp detail on leather texture and stitching; no visible noise or blur.
Colors
black· upper#0E0E0Cmatte black· sole#11110E- Upper materialPebbled/grain black leather upper with a slight sheen visible across toe and vamp panels.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
2 total2 reviews · out of 5
Never received this
This package was delivered before the expected delivery date. When I came home the next day. Nothing there. IMPOSSIBLE to get a hold of customer service. Can’t compare sizes because I don’t have the shoes.
Classy et chic
Il semble bien aller sur tous les styles, que ce soit quelque de plus habillé ou de plus urbain
Reddit Insights
5 threads · r/ThrowingFits, r/malefashionadviceReddit users generally find the Kleman Padror to be a stylish and affordable alternative to the Paraboot Michael, but note it is clunky, requires break-in, and is less suitable for extensive walking.
Reviews are largely positive regarding style and value for money, but commonly criticize the shoe's clunkiness, stiff leather, and limited all-day comfort.
Themes
Use Cases
- Casual and smart-casual wear with chinos and jeans
- Wearing with a suit
- Everyday fashion shoe, but not for extensive city walking
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Paraboot Michael
The Paraboot Michael is frequently cited as the higher-quality, more comfortable inspiration for the Padror. While the Kleman is praised as a budget-friendly alternative, many recommend saving for the Paraboot for better leather and construction.
Source Threads
Not recommended for all-day walking
I can't speak to Paraboots, but I have something similar (Kleman Padrors) and I wouldn't recommend them for 10k+ steps a day. They're comfortable enough but they're still clunky leather shoes.
u/jeroboamr/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Affordable and stylish alternative
I'll chip in for the Kleman Padrors, been loving my black pair and they were affordable!
u/kanureevesr/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Sizing down and break-in experience
I have a pair and love them. I needed to size down as I have a narrow / low volume foot. Usually I'm a 45-46 - In the Padror in a 44. Any moc toe shoe I need to size down in as I swim in a TTS. Its a solid leather shoe so there's a break-in period. I found mine slightly tight when I first got them, they've broken in so it s a perfect fit.
u/thendsjustifythememer/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Sizing advice with heel slip vs tight toes
Hey I got a pair recently, I haven’t fully broken them in yet but might be some help. I wear a us12 in Sambas (a bit too snug on toes/narrow) Asics 1130 (perfect) and I bought a 46 which Kleman converts as us12. I have a bit of heel slip currently but I had tried a 45 and it was too tight on the toes. The fit around the ankle was better on the 45 but the toe space was too tight and would have damaged toes in the long run. Probably go tts but just order from somewhere with returns
u/pleasesteponmesinbr/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Versatile and highly recommended
I did end up getting the Padrors and I’m into them. I’ve worn them with a suit and with everyday jeans. They go with everything. A wee bit bigger than expected. I’m usually a 10.5 in US so I got the 44s, but they’re just a little bit big - with thicker socks, though, they’re pretty spot on. Overall, big recommend.
u/rcjenningsr/malefashionadviceView thread →