Kleman
Padror Vv Chocolate Suede Derby Shoes Men
The Kleman Padror is a men's derby shoe with a chocolate brown genuine suede upper, apron/moc toe, padded leather-lined footbed, and non-skid rubber lug sole. Made in France, it features a cemented (non-welted) construction and a chunky silhouette. It is suited for versatile wear from casual to dressier outfits; note that sizing can be inconsistent and some users recommend trying on before purchase.
- Color
- Chocolate
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, leather footbed
- Gender
- male
- Style
- smart-casual, classic, heritage
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Men's chocolate suede derby shoes with apron toe and padded footbed.
Genuine suede upper, apron/moc toe, non-skid rubber outer sole, made in France
- Color
- Chocolate · brown
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, leather footbed
- Style
- smart-casual, classic, heritage
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- genuine suede upper
- apron/moc toe
- padded footbed with leather top cover
- non-skid rubber outer sole
- made in France
- French Kleman label at Simons
- derby shoe style with open lacing
Product Insights
The Kleman Padror Vv Chocolate Suede Derby Shoes Men ($295 CAD) in stock. Grounded in century-old Tyrolean design adapted from SNCF railway worker specifications, these shoes are made by a family-run French manufacturer using Leather Working Group certified suede, with uppers stitched in Tunisia and final assembly in France. Their cemented construction keeps the price accessible—about $200 less than the Paraboot Michael—but prevents resoling and the suede is stiff, creases more, and takes longer to break in than premium leather. The padded footbed offers all-day comfort but less arch support than its competitor, and moderate arch support comes from a non-removable footbed. Buyers report the shoes run large and require sizing down, with returns costing about $100 in import fees. Despite these tradeoffs, the shoes have a cult following in Japan and the UK for bridging workwear and smart-casual style, pairing best with wide-leg denim, wool trousers, and corduroy. The chocolate suede complements fall/winter fabrics, though it appears darker indoors and after waterproofing. The design features a serrated vamp edge signaling workwear roots, and the shoes are assembled by a third-generation workshop with annual production of 130,000 pairs. They are a post-sneaker staple, works with suits and for sneakerheads, but the Leather Working Group certification does not guarantee texture or aging.
Verified claims
- Design origins
- Century-old Tyrolean design elements meet SNCF railway agent specifications.
- Construction
- Cemented construction, not resoleable, keeps price accessible.
- Craftsmanship and sourcing
- Family-run French manufacturer uses LWG-certified suede; cult following in Japan and UK.
- Value
- Padror at 295 CAD is ~$200 less than the Paraboot Michael and widely recommended as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Comfort
- Originally designed for SNCF workers in the 1990s, padded footbed ensures all-day comfort but less arch support than Paraboot Michael.
- Sizing
- Buyers report shoe runs large; size down if between sizes.
- Break-in
- Buyers report no break-in period; shoes comfortable immediately.
- Return cost
- Returning the wrong size may cost ~$100 in import fees.
- Fit pairing
- Pairs best with wide-leg denim, wool trousers, and corduroy; avoid slim fits.
- Versatility
- Bridges workwear and smart-casual; works with a suit and for sneakerheads.
- Color pairing
- Chocolate suede pairs best with fall/winter fabrics: velvet, dark denim, green chinos.
- Design identity
- Features century-old Tyrolean design, SNCF workwear origin, and serrated vamp edge.
- Suede quality
- Buyers report suede is stiff, creases more, and takes longer to break in than premium suede.
- Leather certification
- Suede is from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, but this certification does not guarantee texture or aging.
- Manufacturing origin
- The suede uppers are stitched in Tunisia; assembly and finishing are in France.
- Arch support
- Moderate arch support with non-removable footbed.
- Resoling
- Cemented construction; sole cannot be replaced.
- Manufacturing scale
- Annual production of 130,000 pairs with in-house finishing in La Romagne.
- Heritage
- SNCF-commissioned derby with serrated hem signaling workwear roots.
- Style positioning
- Post-sneaker staple bridging workwear and smart-casual.
- International following
- Has a cult following in Japan and the UK among workwear enthusiasts.
- Competitive position
- Affordable alternative to Paraboot Michael with a chunkier silhouette.
- Workshop
- Assembled in France by a third-generation family workshop.
- Materials
- LWG suede, normalized rubber; leather grade fits price point.
- Color appearance
- Color matches product photos in daylight but appears darker indoors and with waterproofing.
- Suede sourcing
- Suede is sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries.
Product record
- Title
- Padror Vv Chocolate Suede Derby Shoes Men
- Brand
- Kleman
- Price
- 295 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Right-facing single brown suede derby shoe shown in full side profile with visible moc-toe stitching, two-eyelet lacing, and a black chunky rubber sole with lug tread.
- Overall silhouetteFull side profile of a low-cut derby shoe facing right with a rounded moc-style toe and a defined heel section.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.48 · w 0.92 · h 0.39 (high) - Upper materialUniform soft suede texture covering the entire upper surface, visible nap and slight tonal variation from suede fibers.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.50 · w 0.60 · h 0.30 (high) - Moc-toe stitchingRaised moc-toe seam that follows the front perimeter of the toe box with visible decorative stitching along the seam.
1 region
x 0.58 · y 0.55 · w 0.32 · h 0.20 (high) - LacingTwo eyelets with thin round dark laces tied through, lacing start point visible near the vamp throat.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Heel stitching detailVertical double-row decorative stitching on the heel counter area.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.56 · w 0.16 · h 0.22 (high) - Collar and liningLow padded collar with a slightly darker interior lining visible along the opening.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.46 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Welt stitchVisible light-colored welt stitching running where upper meets the sole around the perimeter.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.70 · w 0.82 · h 0.08 (high) - Outsole and treadThick black rubber outsole with shallow rectangular lug tread and a defined heel block.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.74 · w 0.88 · h 0.18 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a uniform light gray background with soft even lighting and a faint shadow under the shoe.
- BackgroundEven light gray seamless studio background occupying the full frame behind the shoe.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath the shoe following its contour, indicating top-front studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.82 · w 0.88 · h 0.06 (medium) - Shot compositionCentered composition with the shoe placed horizontally across the lower half of the image and significant empty space above.
Colors
chocolate brown suede· upper#5A3D2Cmatte black· sole#131313dark brown near-black· laces- Overall silhouetteFull side profile of a low-cut derby shoe facing right with a rounded moc-style toe and a defined heel section.
- 02
Product
Rear-quarter view of a pair of chocolate brown suede derby shoes showing the heels, uppers, stitching and black lug soles.
- Overall viewTwo derby shoes shown from a rear-quarter angle with the right shoe foregrounded and the left shoe partially visible in the background.
1 region
x 0.35 · y 0.35 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (medium) - Upper materialChocolate brown suede upper with a soft, slightly napped texture visible across the heel counters and quarters.
2 regions
x 0.45 · y 0.32 · w 0.45 · h 0.50 (high); x 0.02 · y 0.48 · w 0.40 · h 0.35 (high) - Stitching detailDouble vertical decorative stitch lines on the heel counter of both shoes running from collar toward the sole.
2 regions
x 0.58 · y 0.36 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.08 · y 0.55 · w 0.18 · h 0.25 (high) - Collar and openingLow-cut collar with visible rolled suede edge around the shoe opening and a dark interior lining seen inside the openings.
2 regions
x 0.60 · y 0.22 · w 0.25 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.00 · y 0.40 · w 0.28 · h 0.22 (medium) - Lace area visibleTop of the facing and tied laces are slightly visible at the rear of the shoe openings above the collars.
2 regions
x 0.66 · y 0.20 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.11 · y 0.45 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Sole constructionThick black rubber lug sole with a low stacked heel and shallow notches in the outsole visible along the edge.
2 regions
x 0.55 · y 0.72 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.00 · y 0.75 · w 0.48 · h 0.14 (high) - Welt or top edge between upper and soleThin darker seam at the junction of the suede upper and the black sole forming a narrow welt line around the heel.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.68 · w 0.35 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio shot with a plain light gray background, soft shadow under shoes, and close-crop focusing on heels.
- BackgroundSmooth, even light gray seamless background occupying the full frame.
- Shadows and lightingSoft directional studio lighting from above-left producing subtle shadows under and to the lower-right of the shoes.
- Crop and compositionImage cropped to show rear halves of both shoes with front toe boxes out of frame; right shoe closest to camera.
Colors
chocolate brown suede· upper#694633matte black· sole#2D2C2B- Overall viewTwo derby shoes shown from a rear-quarter angle with the right shoe foregrounded and the left shoe partially visible in the background.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of brown suede derby shoes showing the full uppers, lacing, interior insoles with gold stamped text, and black sole edge.
- Shape and viewPair of shoes shown from a direct top-down view with toes at the top of the image and heels at the bottom; both whole uppers are visible.
- Upper materialSoft suede upper in a medium brown tone with visible nap texture across vamp, quarters, and around the collar.
2 regions
x 0.06 · y 0.04 · w 0.42 · h 0.92 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.04 · w 0.42 · h 0.92 (high) - LacingShort black round laces threaded through two eyelet tabs per shoe, tied with a simple partial knot and lay flat on the vamp.
2 regions
x 0.28 · y 0.34 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.34 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Stitching detailVisible contrast stitching along the apron seam around the toe area and along the eyelet tabs; stitching appears in a slightly lighter brown or off-white tone on the left shoe's apron.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.34 (medium); x 0.56 · y 0.12 · w 0.32 · h 0.34 (medium) - Sole edgeBlack textured sole edge visible around the perimeter of both shoes, forming a thin contrast rim between upper and background.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.02 · w 0.92 · h 0.96 (medium) - Insole color and finishDark insole visible inside each shoe providing a flat backdrop for gold stamped text.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.62 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.62 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high) - Interior stampingGold stamped brand text is printed on each insole near the heel area.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.68 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.68 · w 0.28 · h 0.14 (high) - Left insole text“KLEMAN”
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.70 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Right insole text“KLEMAN”
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.70 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Small curved text above brand“MADE IN FRANCE”Partial
2 regions
x 0.62 · y 0.66 · w 0.20 · h 0.06 (medium); x 0.14 · y 0.66 · w 0.20 · h 0.06 (medium)
Other
Studio-style top-down product photograph on a light gray background with even soft lighting and minimal shadows; image is centered and fully cropped to include both shoes.
- Shot compositionTop-down centered composition showing both shoes side by side with small gap between them and even margin to image edges.
- BackgroundUniform light gray background with a subtle soft shadow under the shoes.
- LightingSoft, diffused studio lighting producing even illumination and gentle shadows around the soles.
Colors
chocolate brown· suede upper#6A4633black· laces and sole edge#0E0D0Bmetallic gold· insole text
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/ThrowingFits, r/malefashionadviceReddit users find Kleman Padror shoes to be a comfortable, affordable alternative to Paraboots, though they note they can be clunky, have lower quality leather, and require careful sizing.
Users generally appreciate the comfort and value, but point out shortcomings in leather quality, chunkiness, and sizing inconsistencies.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday wear with jeans and suits
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Paraboot Michael
Kleman Padrors are a cheaper alternative but with noticeably inferior leather quality and cemented construction.
Source Threads
Kleman break-in and sizing advice
I don’t know about the first shoe but I have a pair of Klemens. They broke in really quickly and feel great. The sizing is a little weird though, I would check your local Nordstrom if they have any in stock and try them on before you buy.
u/Childishvictrinor/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Kleman vs Paraboot leather quality
I have Paraboot Michaels and Kleman Frodans (their version of Chambords) in black leather. Aside from construction, another big difference is the quality of the leather. The Paraboots are soft, oily, and have tight creases. The Klemans were stiff, get huge unsightly creases, and have been much slower to break in. It’s a really noticeable difference in quality.
u/socal_beanr/malefashionadviceView thread →
Kleman Padror sizing and initial quality
I bought a pair earlier this year. The shoes themselves are great, I got the black pebble grain. As some people have said, they do look chunkier in person but if you wear any clothing that’s remotely boxy it looks way better than slimmer alternatives. I have wide flat feet, and the one complaint I do have is the website told me to size up if I was in between sizes (normally a US 9.5), I had to return my first pair and size down to a 9 which meant I had to pay import fees twice, ended up being like $100 total for that. No break-in period, but yeah don’t expect them to be welted or anything.
u/astwr/ThrowingFitsView thread →
Kleman Padror versatility and sizing
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 →