Kleman

The Kleman Padror is the brand's signature men's leather derby shoe, instantly recognisable by its distinctive scalloped welt, platform sole, and apron-toe stitching. Originally designed as a professional work shoe in France in the 1980s — where it was known as the Padre — the design has remained unchanged ever since, earning it iconic status in workwear and streetwear culture. It is made entirely in France from full-grain calf leather and meets the ISO EN-20347 professional footwear standard.

The Kleman Major is a refined leather derby shoe from Kleman's core men's collection, offering a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette than the Padror. Available in full-grain smooth leather, nubuck, and grained leather variations, it sits at a slightly higher price point and is well-suited to both smart-casual and everyday wear. Like all Kleman shoes, it is manufactured in France at the brand's workshop in La Romagne, Anjou.

The key difference is in the sole construction and overall aesthetic. The Padror features the brand's signature scalloped welt and a chunky platform sole, giving it a more utilitarian, workwear character. The Major has a flatter, more conventional sole profile and a cleaner derby upper, making it a slightly dressier option. Both are made in France from quality leather, but the Major is generally priced a little higher and comes in premium material variants including nubuck.

All Kleman shoes are made in France, at the brand's workshop in La Romagne in the Maine-et-Loire department of Anjou. Kleman has manufactured shoes on the same site since founder René Cléon established the workshop in 1945 after the Second World War, and the brand remains committed to keeping its entire production in France.

Kleman is a French footwear brand founded in 1945 by René Cléon, a shoemaker who began designing shoes while a prisoner of war in Germany during World War Two. After his return to France he set up a workshop in the family home in La Romagne, Anjou, and the business grew steadily over the following decades. The KLEMAN brand name — a contraction of "Cléon Manufacture" — was officially launched in 1988. The brand became a supplier to major French institutions including SNCF, Air France, the customs service, and the French army before transitioning into its current identity as a workwear and urban style icon.

Kleman shoes are generally considered to run true to European size, though the fit can feel slightly narrow for those with wider feet. If you are between sizes or have a wider foot, sizing up by half a size is commonly recommended. Kleman uses standard European sizing throughout its range, so UK buyers should check the EU-to-UK conversion carefully before ordering.

The standard Kleman Padror is made from full-grain calf leather, which is durable, develops a patina with wear, and responds well to conditioning and polishing. The Padror EC variant uses a waxed leather (sometimes called "écurie" or stable leather) which has a more rustic, matte finish. The Padror VV and Padror V variants use suede, and the Padror M VGT is made from vegetable-tanned leather, which is produced using natural tannins and is favoured for its eco-friendlier process and natural ageing characteristics.

For smooth leather Kleman shoes such as the Padror and Major, clean off any dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth, then apply a matching leather cream or wax to nourish and protect the leather. Buff to a shine with a soft cloth. For suede variants such as the Padror VV, use a suede brush to restore the nap and a suede protector spray to guard against moisture. Avoid prolonged exposure to water and allow wet shoes to dry naturally away from direct heat.

Kleman shoes represent strong value for the quality on offer. They are entirely manufactured in France using quality full-grain leather, with construction standards originally developed for professional and institutional use. The iconic models like the Padror and Major have been in continuous production largely unchanged for decades, and the brand's repair service means a well-maintained pair can last many years. Compared to other French or European Made footwear at a similar price point, Kleman is widely regarded as punching above its weight.

Kleman occupies a distinct position from both brands. Compared to Dr Martens, Kleman shoes use higher-quality full-grain leather, are made entirely in France (rather than overseas), and have a more refined, understated aesthetic rooted in authentic French workwear heritage. Compared to Paraboot — another French benchmark — Kleman is generally more affordable while offering a similarly utilitarian silhouette. Kleman is often the preferred choice for those who want genuine Made-in-France quality at a more accessible price than luxury French shoemakers.