When it comes to formal wear, you could have the best suit in town but if you fail to pair it with the right pair of dress shoes… Well, you may as well consider it a fashion failure. Dress shoes are an incredibly important piece of formal outfits, so getting a stylish yet comfortable pair is paramount.
But while dress shoes encompass a range of styles – think Monk Strap, Derby, or Loafer – the best-known and most popular style is undoubtedly the Oxford shoe, which hails from all the way back in the 17th century, during the rule of King Louis XIV of France.
With it being such an important footwear style that every man should own, we thought it was about time to provide a complete guide, teaching you about how to spot a quality Oxford shoe as well as including a list of our favorite Oxford shoes that just happen to be some of the best pairs currently available.
What is an Oxford shoe?
So, what’s the difference between an Oxford shoe and any other typical leather lace-up? The answer lies in the lacing system.
Oxford shoes utilise a closed lace system compared to the open lace system of a traditional Derby shoe. Put the two styles side-by-side and you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Additionally, the uppers of an Oxford shoe consist of quarters (rear leather section) and the vamp (separate mid-leather section) stitched over one another. When the laces are tied, the two leather quarters should form a narrow ‘V’ shape. Finally, modern British Oxfords consist of 5 eyelet holes on each side whilst American Oxfords tend to have 6.
How to identify high quality Oxford shoes
These are the most important things to consider when shopping for a pair of Oxfords. The best Oxford shoes will have the following features:
- Leather and suede flexibility – the softer the leather, the more comfortable it is on the feet
- A neutral or leather smell inside of the shoe – if the inside of your Oxfords smells like glue, you know it’s been made on the cheap with glue bonding as opposed to stitching
- A strong leather smell – a good quality Oxford needs to smell like good quality leather (i.e. a non-synthetic smell)
- “Hidden channels” on the soles – meaning you can’t see the stitching on the bottom of the shoe. It’s a more elegant look that’s designed to last up to three times longer than average Oxford soles. Plus, when the soles do eventually wear down, you can easily get the soles repaired rather than buying a new pair of Oxfords
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If you’re ready to upgrade your shoe closet with a pair of comfortable yet stylish Oxford shoes that’ll elevate your formal looks, take a look at these brands that produce the best Oxfords available.
Amberjack
1/8Price: From $179
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Sheep skin
Customer Reviews: “Changing loyalties! Recently bought a second pair of these handsome, comfortable shoes, in a complimentary color. These shoes offer a perfect modern versatility. Cheers!”
American shoemaker Amberjack makes some of the most comfortable dress shoes on the planet. The key to their success (and comfort) is the use of genuine leather, sourced from a sustainable tannery. Amberjack’s Oxford shoes – such as The Original – are handmade in Portugal and use a proprietary TPU outsole that combines durability and flexibility, leaving you feeling like you’re walking on air.
Church's
2/8Price: From $1,200
Sizes: 5-13
Material: Calf leather
Customer Reviews: “Feels very plush, Extremely well-made. Held up super well.”
English footwear brand, Church’s was founded in 1873 in Northamptonshire, an area of England famous for its high number of luxury shoe makers. It wasn’t until the 1920s that Church’s became a heavily influential brand, opening stores in London and New York, and has remained at the top of the shoe game ever since.
Church’s Oxfords take on classic silhouettes in a range of colours and are made with only the finest qualities of leather. Church’s is also a champion of the Goodyear welt, giving you a durable and reliable Oxford.
Scarosso
3/8Price: From $345
Sizes: 6-15
Material: Calfskin
Customer Reviews: “Looks good and feels good. Shoes look quite nice on foot. this shoe offers a good value for its price.”
Italian footwear brand, Scarosso is all about marrying together the worlds of quality and sustainability. Not only are their Oxford shoes some of the most luxurious and well-made around, but the company is completely open about how each pair is made, taking the time to break down each sole style along with each last (the ‘mould’ used to create the various sizes – including width – of its shoes). Better yet, Scarosso’s premium Oxfords fall comfortably within affordable territory, offering genuine bang for your buck.
Ted Baker
4/8Price: From $170
Sizes: 8-12
Material: Bovine leather
Customer Reviews: “A great product, offering durability, style, and yes, comfort.”
British luxury goods company, Ted Baker is known worldwide for its premium yet fun approach to clothing, footwear, and accessories. Ted Baker’s Oxford shoes are made from high-quality leather and are available in a range of styles. Some pairs will even introduce pops of colour on areas such as the heel to offer a refreshing take on the classic footwear style.
Kenneth Cole
5/8Price: From $99
Sizes: 7-13
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Beautiful, stylish and extremely comfortable at affordable prices. I would recommend these shoes to everyone.”
American footwear brand Kenneth Cole started life in 1982 producing shoes for women. Two years later the first collection for men was launched and the rest, as they say, is history. Kenneth Cole proves to be a consistently popular choice for highly affordable Oxford shoes, which are available in a range of materials (leather and suede, for example), colours, and styles (with or without brogue cap). Select pairs are made with a triple cushioning system and include features such as arch support and textile sock linings; meaning you can wear them comfortably without socks.
Johnston & Murphy
6/8Price: From $199
Sizes: 8-14
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “This is a snazzy shoe! I found it comfortable and did not need to break in the shoe.”
Johnston & Murphy has been making high-quality, affordable dress shoes for men since 1850. The company now has a complete range of clothing to accompany its exhaustive selection of footwear, and caters to women and boys too. Johnston & Murphy has a great selection of stylish men’s Oxford shoes that combine a perfect fit with exceptional cushioning for incredibly comfortable strides.
Stacy Adams
7/8Price: From $120
Sizes: 7-15
Material: Leather
Customer Reviews: “Size is perfect and super comfortable. Bought for my son’s wedding next month and thought I’d have to break them in. Wore them for a few hours and felt like I’ve owned them for years.”
Stacy Adams was founded in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1875 and has since become a cult American brand. It’s a footwear brand first and foremost (although also has a range of lifestyle clothing) with an extensive selection of Oxford shoes, which benefit from memory foam insoles and genuine leather linings. Available in various colours and styles, Stacy Adams’ Oxfords are some of the best.
Ace Marks
8/8Price: From $259
Sizes: 5-15
Material: Calfskin leather
Customer Reviews: “I’ve found Ace Marks’ affordable luxury wingtips to be extremely comfortable, thanks to the flexible Blake stitching.”
Founded in 2012, Ace Marks believes that men shouldn’t have to spend obscene amounts for a handcrafted world-class shoe. Using modern technology, to cut out middlemen and their markups, Ace Marks can directly deliver cleverly contemporary, utterly luxurious, and comfortable shoes (which rival those of the top luxury brands) all at an attainable price.
With a huge range of Oxfords, available in multiple stylish colours, you’re sure to not only feel comfortable but also make a lavish powerful statement when rocking a pair of Ace Marks Oxford shoes.
