Testing Maratown's Claim for 'Most Comfortable Dress Shoes in the World' AGAIN - The Maratown Derby

My journey in finding the best dress shoes for travel continues with the latest Maratown creation - the Derby. My first encounter with the Maratown brand was through their Men's Brogues, which was not only one of the cushiest dress shoes that I've tried, but cushiest shoes period. With the newest and latest Derby, I am looking for improvements on what is already a great pair of travel shoes.

The testing criteria is the same, I'm actually going against the manufacturer's advice to break into the shoes before using them extensively, because we busy businessmen won't always have the time to break into every pair of new shoes before needing to look presentable travelling to that important meeting. I'm writing this review wearing the Derby on my latest long haul to New York, and I can safely say even without breaking in, the comfort with these shoes is on another level.

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Versatile style

Personally I am deeply into the classic look of the wingtip, which is what made me an instant fan to the Men's Brogues. It is also why I was a little concerned with the Derby, because my first impression was that it looked like my high school uniform shoes. The Derby has a one-piece leather construction on top, with a curious looking back part that rises up to cover the back of the heel. After putting the new shoes on, my worries about the style proved to be unfounded. Let me explain.

There are shoes that look great on the shelf, but do not look so great once you put them on. On the other hand there are shoes that may not look so grand on the shelf, but looks great when they're on your feet. The Derby proved to be the latter for me. With its slim profile and elevated heel, it actually looks dressy enough with a suit, and casual enough with slacks. The interesting looking back that rises at the heel adds a modern look to the overall aesthetics, but does no harm to the overall tasteful look of the shoes.

New level of ergonomics

The Derby comes together with two pairs of extra sole inserts that can tighten up the space inside of the shoes. I initially thought that like the Men's Brogues, I would need to use them to tighten the fit. But after trying them on direct, I found that the Derby hugged my feet nicely without any extra padding - though both pairs that I have are size 44 (EU).

Upon walking extensively through the airport terminals with these shoes, I realized that other than the signature Maratown midsole that is extremely bouncy and shock absorbing, the support the Derby offered on the arch and heel is on another level. The ball of my heel feels cupped by the back of the shoes, and at the same time the arch is firmly held up as well. The level of support actually feels similar to that of wearing basketball shoes or running sneakers. Then there is also the collar, which is made of a softer leather and is also padded with a soft and cushy material.

So there I was walking through the concourse, feeling like my feet are sandwiched between soft cushions, and no one looking at me in my semi-formal attire would have guessed it.

The Nike Shox of dress shoes

One of the feature on the Derby is also its unusually long counter (The back of the shoe is called a counter...I had to look it up), which holds the ball of the heel in the shoes nicely, as well as guides the feet in when slipping the shoes on.

Though unusual, I can't help but feel I've been being in these shoes before, literally. The aggressive feet support especially in the arch, the long counter, the bouncy soles...I racked my brains to try to remember the last time I felt this sensation, and then finally it came to me: My first pair of Nike Shox R4 felt exactly like this.

Shox R4 with its groundbreaking but effective heel spring system, arch support AND long counter is a totally unexpected doppelganger of the Derby, or to be chronologically correct, I should say it is the other way around.

Either way, a pair of Nike Shox running shoes is probably the last thing you'd think of when trying on dress shoes, but it's what you get with the latest creation from Maratown. Surprise!

Who is the Maratown Derby for?

Hypothetically, if I were to gather all dress shoe makers in the world in one room, and invite all who had confidence that the comfort level of their shoes can rival a pair of Nike Shox running shoes to step forward, I wonder how many would confidently step up? After wearing these Derby's for a good 2 weeks that started with that first flight, I believe if the Maratown team was in that imaginary room, they would step forward.

They are going for broke in terms of dress shoes comfort, going well beyond what is considered as norm and straight for the level of running shoes, while still looking like a regular pair of dress shoes that would look fine in a business meeting.

The Maratown Derby has my vote as the most comfortable dress shoes that I have ever worn so far.

David is a tech enthusiast/writer who is often on the move and is on a mission to explore ways to make his overhaul flights more enjoyable. This is a contribution to an ongoing IBTimes review series on gadgets for Business Travellers.