• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents

Timeless Fashion and Lifestyle Advice

  • Style
  • Accessories
  • Grooming
  • Fitness
  • Success
  • About
  • Show Search
Hide Search
You are here: Home / Style / Oxford Shoes: Everything You Need to Know

Oxford Shoes: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: May 4, 2024 by David Em
Next Level Gents may earn a commission on purchases made from affiliate links on this page.

Oxford shoes are considered more formal than the derby, which is a similar shoe. What makes the Oxford stand out is the closed lacing.

Two dark brown Oxford shoes.
Photo courtesy of Santoni.

What makes an Oxford shoe an Oxford shoe?

Oxford shoes are characterized by their closed lacing system. Originally, they were plain and formal shoes that were made of leather. Now, many styles fit formal or business-casual occasions.

Related: Best dress shoes for men

When you’re shopping for dress shoes, Oxford and Derby are two common styles that you’ve seen. Most people think they’re the same thing. However, there’s are several differences, and one of the main ones is the lacing system.

The following is a comparison of the lacing systems in the Oxford and Derby shoe:

Comparison between the Oxford and the Derby shoe.
How the Oxford differs from the Derby. Photo by David Em/Next Level Gents.

With the Oxford shoe, the lacing system is sewn under the vamp. This makes it a closed lacing system.

The Derby shoe has an open lacing system because it isn’t sewn closed. You can see the tongue and the vamp meet under the laces.

This subtle difference is what makes the Oxford shoe more formal than the Derby.

The closed laces make it look more streamlined and refined. It looks like to shoe flows well as one piece, whereas the Derby doesn’t.

Another difference between the two shoes is the heel. A characteristic of the Oxford is that it has a low heel, while the Derby has a slightly extended or raised heel.

If you’re looking for a dress shoe that looks clean, classy, and simple, the classic Oxford shoe is an excellent choice.

Types of Oxfords

Since its debut during the 17th century, Oxford shoes now have many styles. The following are the different types, what they look like, and how formal they are:

1. Wholecut Oxford

Cognac leather wholecut Oxford shoe.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

The wholecut Oxford is a rare shoe because it’s made out of one whole piece of leather. It’s difficult to find because there aren’t many brands that make them, and they’re expensive.

While most shoes are made from multiple pieces of leather, the wholecut Oxford is seamless and luxurious.

Since it’s seamless, it’s also one of the most formal shoes, and it looks the best when you wear well-fitted and tailored clothes.

Although the traditional black calfskin leather is formal, there are many variations of the wholecut shoe that affect its formality.

You can find them in suede, calfskin leather, or black patent leather. Suede is the most casual, while black patent leather is the most formal, which is great for a tuxedo.

Buy the Magnanni Crucero Wholecut Oxford from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).

2. Plain-Toe Oxford

Brown plain toe Oxford shoe.
Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

A plain toe Oxford has minimal detailing or broguing near the throat of the shoe, while the toe remains plain.

Since this style has very little detailing, it’s still great for formal attire. However, it’s less formal than the wholecut Oxford.

Buy the Allen Edmonds Carlyle Plain Toe Oxford from Nordstrom (opens in a new tab).

3. Cap-Toe Oxford

Black leather cap-toe Oxford shoe.
Photo courtesy of Johnston & Murphy.

Cap-toe Oxfords are the most common type of dress shoes. If you’re looking to buy your first pair, the cap-toe is an excellent choice because it’s versatile.

Similar to the plain-toe, the cap-toe is still minimal. At the toe of the shoe, there’s a piece of leather that’s stitched, which creates a straight line across the toe.

Some cap-toe shoes have broguing on the cap, while others don’t. Shoes with fewer details and broguing are considered more formal, so keep that in mind as you choose between different styles.

Buy the Daley Cap Toe from Johnston & Murphy (opens in a new tab).

4. Wingtip Oxford

Cognac wingtip Oxford shoe.
Photo courtesy of To Boot New York.

The wingtip Oxford is considered less formal than the other styles because of the design and broguing. Depending on how you look at it, the design will look like an “M” or “W”.

Since it’s less formal, you can wear wingtip Oxfords with a business suit, chinos, and even jeans. It’s a style that looks also looks great for casual outfits.

With wingtip shoes, keep in mind that the amount of broguing affects the formality.

Some shoes have more broguing than others, and the ones that are more streamlined, sleek, and minimal are more formal.

Buy the Avellino Wingtip Oxford from To Boot New York (opens in a new tab).

5. Saddle Oxford

Black leather saddle Oxford shoe.
Photo courtesy of G.H. Bass & Co.

Saddle Oxfords are the most casual style, however, it’s not for everyone. Due to its unique look, it’s a good option for you if you already have classic styles.

Often, saddle Oxfords have a cream saddle. However, there are many different combinations, such as suede, different colors, and patterns.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Oxfords and Brogues?

Any shoe with broguing, which are small holes created as a design in the shoe, can be called brogues. Therefore, an Oxford dress shoe with broguing is a brogue.

Can they be worn as casual shoes?

Generally, an Oxford shoe is considered formal. However, if you get one that has broguing and a wingtip, it’s possible to wear it casually.

How do you wear oxford shoes?

Oxfords look the best when you wear them with a suit or chinos.

Conclusion

Oxfords are the go-to shoes when it comes to dressing up. They’re a classic, and make you look put together.

Since there are many styles, the one you choose will depend on how you plan to wear them.

Featured image courtesy of Santoni.

Primary Sidebar

About Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents (NLG) is a media company that publishes the latest expert-backed style, accessories, grooming, success, and fitness tips and advice. You’ll find in-depth and helpful resources to dress well, take care of your skin, learn effective workouts, and become more successful. Read about Next Level Gents.

Newsletter

Lifestyle tips straight to your inbox

From improving your style to achieving a higher level of success, get exclusive tips to elevate your lifestyle.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

.

Trending Articles

Person exercising outdoors with high-rise buildings in the background.

The 18 Best Men’s Workout Clothes in 2024

Neck-down of a person in green pants leaning against a railing.

Best Men’s Green Pants Outfit Ideas

Person wearing Chelsea boots with their foot on a ledge.

How to Wear Chelsea Boots in 2024

Man in grey jeans and rain coat walking.

How to Style Grey Jeans for Men

Close-up of a person's tie.

How to Tie a Tie: A Step-By-Step Guide

Want to get in touch?
Email Next Level Gents

Next Level Gents

© 2024 Next Level Gents. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Affiliate Disclosure | Accessibility