Suitable for both formal and casual wear, the Oxford is a staple of a man’s wardrobe. Originally these were formal yet plain shoes, however modern spins on this traditional shoe have changed the style significantly. Defined by its lacing system, the distinct look is unmistakable.
The term ‘Oxford’ refers to a particular style of shoe where the shoelace eyelets are attached under the vamp. Also referred to as closed lacing, these are differentiated from the open look of Derbys (or Blüchers).
It is unclear whether the style developed on the campus of Oxford, students looking for a more comfortable shoe style to break from the boots popular at the time, or from Scottish and Irish regions where Captoe Oxfords are often called Balmorals after Balmoral Castle. The low heel and exposed ankle along with the closed lacing system completed the transition.
Today you can find the Oxford adorned with patterning (Brogue), as a wingtip, a classic cap-toe, and everything in between to fit your personal style. Worn with a suit, jeans, or even shorts, the oxford style shoe can be worn in just about any situation to dress up your whole outfit.
The Oxford inherently has a more formal feel since it has a cleaner straight laced look. This can also limit the adjustments and overall fit, so a Derby may offer better fine tuning for those with an irregular shaped foot. If you need help breaking in your favorite pair, check out our leather shoe stretching guide.
There is a great deal of history surrounding these shoes, so if you are looking for a more comprehensive history and buying guide, I found this post in the Gentleman’s Gazette to be pretty thorough.
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