Fun fact: kudus (a type of large antelope) can jump over a five-foot fence from a standing start. We can’t make any promises that these derbies from Truman Boot Company will do the same for your jumping skillz – we’ll leave that claim to PF Flyers – but you’ll look pretty darn dapper while standing firmly on the ground.
Also, while we’re on the topic of fun facts, you may have heard the term “kudu” bounced around in a sort of vague way. To clarify, it’s the leather of the aforementioned high-jumping African antelope and is an exotic and rare leather often used for boots and even upholstery due to its sturdiness and savannah-scarred texture. In general parlance, it’s also a term for a type of tanning, originally developed for calfskin, that involves heavy oiling (Horween produces a kudu leather).
Where were we? Ah yes – Truman’s derbies. These, dear reader, are of antelopean origin, and the flesh-side roughout construction lends a deep black, almost velvety appearance. To make things even more exciting/complicated, each pair is made to order and pretty much totally customizable, from the sole type to the color of the metal hardware.
Perfect as a versatile work/weekend/wedding shoe, you can pick up a pair from Truman’s website, starting at $400.
