Mens Oxfords Buying Guide, Stores, and Prices
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Men's Oxfords

Oxfords  are known as the quintessential dress shoe.  Originally appearing in Scotland and Ireland, these classic shoes can be worn for evening formal events or during the day for work.  They typically have one piece of leather that wraps around the quarter (heel) to provide support; the leather is also pierced in the front for the laces.  The vamp, or toe area, is usually pretty plain or has a single line of stitching across the toe.  This line makes the shoe a capped oxford .

For formal affairs go with a highly polished, black leather oxford . For more casual times, go with earthy shades like cognac for a down to earth feel.  Oxfords can be worn with jeans, but you will want to probably stick with the earthy colors and dark denim jeans .

Oxford Styles

For men, there are five different styles of Oxford shoes: wingtips, kilties, open laced, closed laced, and saddle.

Kiltie Oxford 

These shoes feature a fringed leather tongue that covers the laces.  These look like loafers , but they are laced, thus making them oxfords.

Wingtip Oxford 

As you can see, the stitching in wingtips comes to a point at the toe cap and wraps around the side of the vamp for a more elaborate style.

Closed Laced Oxford 

These are the typical Oxford dress shoe, also known as Balmorals . They feature laces sewn under the front of the shoe with the laces over the tongue, resulting in footwear that appears to be constructed in one piece.

Saddle Oxford 

These Saddle Oxford Shoes  simply have a saddle-shaped piece of leather sewn onto them to contrast with the rest of the shoe.

Open Laced Oxford 

These shoes have a more visible tongue than closed laced oxfords and are typically made for more casual dress. The open laced shoes are made with the sides sewn on the top front and when laced appear as if they were in segments.

Popular Oxfords

Banana Republic Oxford Shoes 

Relatively cheap, quality Oxfords.  Perfect for the recent college grad who needs to impress interviewers.

Dockers Gordon Oxfords 

These have a flexible style that can be worn with a wide range of formal and casual outfits.  Dockers have always been known for their durability.

Thorogood Poromeric Oxfords 

Ultra slick, polished shoes that are great for formal events such as weddings and dinner parties.

Kenneth Cole 'Mister Man' Oxfords 

Made in Italy, these oxfords feature an elongated toe for a unique look.  

 

Related Guides

Men's Shoes

Career Clothing for Men

Men's Dress Shoes

Men's Sneakers

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