Gentleman’s Guide To Buying An Oxford Shoes

We’ve already written about classic shoes, but men’s Oxford shoes (also known as Oxford shoes or Oxford shoes) deserve special attention. Named after a shoe that became popular at the University of Oxford in the 1800s, the style was originally a more comfortable alternative to the heeled shoe, which was a standard issue for men of the time. Most of us wear oxford shoes casually and many consider this style to be just an essential attribute of formal images. But it is not like that at all.

There are many varieties of Oxford shoes, as well as many colors. They can be appropriate not only in black tie or white tie events but also in business, everyday, street, and even sports kits. don’t you believe it? The main thing is to clearly understand what kind of event is relevant for a particular time and place. All the necessary information has already been collected in this article. You only need to open it and run a quick glance. It won’t take much time.

All About Men’s Oxford Shoes

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A Misty Story Or How Did The Men’s Oxfords Appear?

A little history. Around the XVII century, men had tight-fitting boots with buttons in fashion. This style had a heel and resembled Irish Balmoral. It was actively used both on the street and indoors. But such shoes were not very comfortable, so eventually, the shin was shortened to the height of more comfortable shoes.

The appearance of balmoral shoes already resembles the familiar Oxford shoes.

It was the students of Oxford University who put their.No, not their hands, but their feet to the popularization of such shoes. And it was at the beginning of the XIX century, although in terms of dates historians for some reason disagree. But let’s return to our shoes. This style, although it became a prototype of modern Oxfords, however, had a number of striking differences. Among them cut on the sides. Later they were equipped with practical laces, which later moved to the front of the shoes. The heel was also touched by the evolution of the style. It became much lower. However, the height of the tibia also decreased, until these two components did not become familiar to us. The main advantage of such shoes was the greater comfort in the sock compared to the boots.

In 1846, the inventor of the legendary Chelsea shoes by the name of Joseph Sparks Hall wrote in “The New Monthly Magazine”: “Oxonian shoes are the best for walks. In front, it has three or four pairs of holes for laces. According to some sources, it was then that the modern name of “Oxford”, which we still use today, was established.

The name is clear. Is it only foggy where the shoes and boots have evolved from shoes to shoes, either on or off-campus? Discussions on this topic continue today. But I think that the result will have little impact on men’s choices for wearing modern Oxfords. Isn’t that right?

What makes Oxfords different from other Men’s Shoes?

The question made you think about it? Classic Oxfords have it closed, unlike the same derby. Although the latter is nothing but a variety of Oxford Shoes, their details are sewn differently. For the sake of clarity, I’ll give you the following photos: on the left – classic Oxford, on the right

The photos show that the classics have both sides of the lacing system (the so-called tibiae) sewn under the alliance (the front of the shoes). And at the derby – on top of it.

Do not forget about the brooches. After all, their appearance is also similar to that of oxfords or derbies. Only one detail that distinguishes brooches from similar styles of men’s shoes is the presence of a perforation.

Brogues differ in the presence of perforated elements, although their cut may be identical to the Oxfords or derbies.

That’s the difference! Though features of a cut and presence or absence of a decor divide oxford into the models pertinent to formal, semi-official, business, daily, and sports actions.

Men’s Oxfords and their Varieties

In the West, Oxford Shoes is commonly divided into the following species:

Seamless

These are the same seamless Oxfords, soft and comfortable, the dream of any man! They are sewn from a single piece of leather. And about any seam on the back or any other place here can not be discussed. However, this fact significantly complicates the process of production of this type of shoes, and, accordingly, its cost. But the price does not scare away the most loyal fans of stylish and quality shoes. Seamless Oxfords are appropriate in a formal setting.

Wholecut

These oxfords are sewn from a single piece of leather but have a seam on the back. Combined with a closed lacing system, this gives wholecut shoes a smooth, neat look. Today, this type of shoe is very popular with men. Its price is usually higher than that of Plain Oxford or Cap Toe Oxford. The reason is the complexity of the work and the considerable cost of using high-quality leather of sufficient size for sewing.

There are models with perforation and various colors, but the greatest success is still enjoyed by black, especially lacquered variations. They are a modern alternative to evening tuxedo kits. The brown models, on the other hand, blend in seamlessly with casual outfits and all kinds of suits.

Plain Oxford

These are shoes with a rounded toe. They have no perforation or decoration and are distinguished by their concomitant brevity and elegance.

Cap Toe Oxford

It is the most common type of male Oxford with a cut-off toe. Most often, it is inherent in the classic black color, which is found in most shoe manufacturers. But also available models of brown, red, and wine colors. They are not as successful as black oxfords but still have their ardent fans. Cap Toe Oxford is actual in a complete set with a classical business suit, and also black tie dresses.

Wingtip Oxford

Technically, these are the most common brooches. A distinctive feature of Wingtip Oxford is the patterned shape of the toe. This type of shoe is actively used in casual images. The black models are organic in loose office suits, but the brown ones are perfectly combined with tweed suits and jeans.

Saddle Oxford

If we translate the name literally, we’ll get “Saddle Oxford”. The fact is that this type of shoe is characterized by a cut detail, which is sewn from the sole on one side of the shoes, passes through the lacing, and ends at the sole on the other side. Visually, this contrasting leather insert resembles a saddle on a horse’s back. Hence the name. But it all falls into place when you learn that Saddle Oxford has historically had American roots. Therefore, their name is quite in the spirit of the Wild West.

These shoes are suitable for outdoor sports events and street sets. It fits perfectly with jeans, colored chinos, or velvet free-cut trousers.

Kiltie Oxford

A distinctive feature of this type of oxfords – is fringe on the tongue. This shoe is extremely rare and relevant only in an informal setting or on vacation.

Where appropriate, Men’s Oxfords

Oxford Shoes are considered to be the most conservative and strict of footwear styles. This is why they are the “kings” of the formal setting. Black and brown have become traditional for such shoes.

The presence of the first one is obligatory at official events and in the business wardrobe. Strict models are organic with tuxedos or tuxedos, as well as a classic costume. But there is one condition that must be met in this case: men’s Oxfords should not have perforations and any decor.

The brown color of the shoes is more appropriate in Business casual, everyday bows. They can be worn in combination with a classic suit of colors different from black, as well as various casual things. Priority is given to gray or blue, as well as bright colors of clothes, including solutions with prints.

Two-color Spectator shoes can be a catchy accent on the street network.

There are also two-color models. They are especially relevant in opera and theater (white and black solutions), as well as street sets (other combinations of colors). What to prefer and with what to combine is a matter of taste of the concrete man. It is possible to use not only the models combining white with black or brown colors but also more catchy, shocking combinations. For example, red and blue. Some designers do not deny themselves the pleasure of complementing such shoes with a catchy decor in the form of rhinestones, spikes, and other details.

Colorful Oxford shoes are more often chosen for their outfits creative persons or men with a subtle sense of style. Since such shoes are not appropriate everywhere and require certain skills to create a truly harmonious image. Most often such shoes are found at creative, fashion or creative parties, friendly and other informal parties, in the street images of famous bloggers.

Today, men’s Oxfords aren’t just made of smooth leather as before. Also lacquered models, suede, or various combinations of materials, including textiles, are in use. Buying Oxford shoes is easy, they are produced by many brands. Here are just a few of them: Stefano Bemer, Aubercy, Maftei, Gaziano&Girling. Manufacturers have a great number of manufacturers, which allows you to try different options and choose the one that is ideal for the character, preferences, and individual style in the clothes of a particular man. Do you already have Oxfords or are you just thinking about buying them? What kind of Oxford Shoes do you like personally and why? Write in the comments and good luck.

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