If you’re like most men, you probably have a love-hate relationship with shopping. You love finding that perfect pair of jeans or shirt, but hate spending hours in the store.
And when it comes to shoes, well, let’s just say that most men would rather go to the dentist than shoe shopping. But we all know that a good pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. So what’s a guy to do?
Introducing the Men’s Oxford Shoe Buying Guide. In this guide, we’ll take the pain out of shopping for men’s dress shoes. We’ll help you find the perfect pair of Oxfords, no matter your budget or style.
So whether you’re looking for a classic black cap-toe Oxford or something a little more modern, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
The Different Types Of Men’s Oxford Shoes
From the classic look of men’s Oxford shoes to more modern interpretations, men’s oxford shoes have become a versatile style staple for men all over the world.
The original men’s Oxford style was created in the 19th century and featured closed lacing, meaning that the laces were stitched beneath the vamp (the front of shoe) and pulled through an ‘eyelet’ (small holes at top of the shoe) before being shoelaces.
This design gives men’s Oxford Shoes a polished appearance as well as added comfort and stability.
Whole Cut Oxford Shoes
As sleek as you can get – this shoe is cut from a single piece of leather, which makes it pricy. It’s suitable for the most formal occasions in black and sure to draw attention with more casual outfits in brown.
Most dress shoes are made from several pieces of leather stitched together. In a wholecut Oxford dress shoe, the upper (the part visible above the sole when the shoe is worn) is cut from one whole piece.
Apart from the seam at the edge of the shaft (where you put your foot in), they only have a single visible seam at the heel. There are no extra parts like separate vamps or quarters.
In short, men’s Oxfords are forever stylish and timeless. While they can appear a bit too formal for some occasions, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a suit and tie – you can’t go wrong with men’s Oxford dress shoes!
Balmoral (Cap-Toe) Oxford Shoes
Balmoral Oxford shoes are the most classic form of Oxford dress shoe you could wear. They’re more formal than semi-brogues, and they’ve been around since the late 1800s.
These shoes feature a sleek cap-toe construction with a sophisticated pattern – making them ideal for formal events such as weddings or black-tie occasions.
Plus, they’re typically made with fine leather materials that will ensure you look sharp and stylish wherever you go.
A good pair of Balmoral oxfords can set you back anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the brand and material used. You can of course pay less or more than this, but for a good quality-to-cost ratio, you should aim to spend within this pricepoint.
Brogue Oxford Shoes
Now we come to the infamous brogues. Believe it or not, Oxfords can be brogues and vice versa (despite what the Kingsmen might say!)
Allow me to explain.
Brogues are not an individual type of shoe. Rather, they are a type of decoration applied to any footwear, be they Oxfords, dress boots or even sneakers.
They consist of perforations that are cut or punched into the shoe at various points. They serve purely as a decorative addition, but it wasn’t always like that.
Brogues, like so many men’s style classics, originated from Britannia. In Scotland, it was actually a way for people in the lowlands and highlands to traverse marshes and bogs. The perforations served to let water out as soon as you stepped back out of the swamp.
The different types of brogue designs include:
- Quarter-brogues: Exactly midway between the classic Oxford and a casual shoe. This design features minimal broguing along the toe cap and seams. It’s only slightly less formal than a regular Oxford.
- Half-brogues: The perforations along the seams and the cap are more prominent. These are best used with informal wear, as well as tweed and flannel suits.
- Full-brogue: Also known as “wingtips,” these are as brogued as you can get – and very casual as a result. They traditionally use a more elongated toe box to accentuate the look. Another variation is known as the “longwing” in which the brogues make a complete circuit around the shoe.
How To Choose The Right Size And Fit
As with any garment/footwear in a man’s wardrobe, it’s essential to find the right size and fit before purchasing a pair of men’s Oxford shoes.
The goal is to make sure your feet are comfortable and well-supported, so don’t be afraid to size up or down if the fit isn’t quite right.
In brief, your shoe should neither pinch nor gap around the toes, heel, or sides and should allow room for movement and flexibility. Of course, you can always adjust with thicker socks or sole padding to get a personalized fit.
When choosing men’s Oxford shoes, also remember that working with a professional salesperson can be helpful since they can assess your foot shape as well as measure your foot correctly!
Just as you would get a tailor to measure you for a suit, it pays to get your feet measured professionally before committing to any shoe purchase!
Indeed, selecting the correct size and fit may take some trial and error—but once you find the perfect pair of men’s Oxfords for maximum comfort and style satisfaction, you’ll never want to go back.
So don’t be intimidated by small details: finding that just-right pair of men’s Oxfords is worth it in the end!
Pro Tip: Just because you think you know your shoe size, doesn’t mean you should skip the measuring stage of buying new men’s Oxford shoes! Every shoe is different and the generic shoe size measurements are exactly that… GENERIC! It’s best to always get your feet measured for the best fit.
The Best Materials For Men’s Oxford Shoes
If you’ve ever shopped for men’s oxford shoes, you know that not all materials are created equal.
There are some that look great but quickly fall apart, while others may last forever but never quite reach the level of sleek sophistication promised in the product description. But what is the secret to finding shoes that combine style and durability?
The answer probably won’t surprise you: it’s all about choosing the right materials for your own personal needs!
Best Upper Material For Men’s Oxford Shoes
Leather is often seen as the go-to for oxfords – it’s a classic, durable material that will last for years and never go out of style. Cordovan leather is especially prized—not only does it resist scuffs and aging, but its striking deep tones can quickly elevate any outfit.
For a more modern look, suede or nubuck are also great options. Both are softer and less formal than leather, making them great for casual days or after-work events.
Canvas is excellent for a more casual Oxford shoe worn in the summer, but be warned – it just won’t have the durability of other materials!
Best Sole Material For Men’s Oxford Shoes
The sole of a shoe can have just as much influence over its style and formality levels as the upper material!
Leather soles are generally considered the most formal option, and they tend to be more flexible as well. Leather-soled dress shoes can be worn with chinos and a blazer or a full tux – making them a great option for guys who attend a variety of different events.
Rubber soles are more informal as well as more durable, and they can also provide extra grip on slick surfaces. Typically, rubber soles are far thicker than their leather counterparts. The thicker tread of this style of sole heightens the grip capabilities and makes the overall shoe look far chunkier.
This is both a good and a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. On one hand, a thicker sole can add a modern, fashionable element to an otherwise classic look. On the other hand, they may not be the most suitable choice for formal events.
Finally, if you’re looking for something in between leather and rubber soles, you can opt for synthetic or composite materials. These options strike a great balance between grip and flexibility, making them a good option for guys who want to wear one pair of shoes for multiple different formality levels.
Best Lace Materials For Men’s Oxford Shoes
Not many guys think about their choice of lace material – but they should, because your choice of laces can have a huge impact on the way your shoes look!
Waxed-leather laces are the most common, and they usually come in dark colours like black or brown. This type of lace is often chosen for its durability as well as its classic style – it’s a timeless look that will never go out of fashion.
Cotton laces are another popular choice, especially when paired with canvas shoes. They’re softer and more flexible than waxed-leather laces, and they come in a wide range of fun colours and patterns that can really make your shoes stand out.
Finally, there are also synthetic laces, which are made from a variety of materials like nylon or polyester. These have the advantage of being extremely durable, but they may not look as stylish as other types of laces.
No matter what your style preferences are, DO NOT opt for flat laces when wearing Oxford shoes. Flat laces are the style you might find on your favorite pair of sneakers – which is fine for casual sportswear. However, when it comes to dress shoes of any formality, flat laces simply will not do.
The Top Brands That Make Men’s Oxford Shoes
When it comes to quality men’s oxford shoes, there are a multitude of brands out there.
From designer labels to classic staples, any man seeking stylish footwear can find something in his price range and aesthetic preferences.
However, some brands rise above the rest when it comes to craftsmanship and style.
Allen Edmonds Men’s Oxford Shoes
Allen Edmonds is one of the premier names in formal shoe-making, offering classic designs with top-notch construction. They’re a company that has been making shoes since 1922, when Elbert W. Allen started the business in Belgium, Wisconsin.
Since day one, their shoes have been made with quality and wearability in mind – appealing to the man who appreciates luxury but also desires a comfortable, all-day shoe. Allen Edmonds shoes are made in the USA with top-quality materials. The company is known for its attention to detail and construction techniques that result in long-lasting shoes.
In fact, their America-cased production process has 212 different manufacturing steps through 48 pairs of hands – so you know that what you’re buying has had time and effort invested into it.
A standard pair of Allen Edmonds cap-toe Oxfords will set you back around $400 when purchased directly at retail price.
Johnston & Murphy Oxford Shoes
Johnston and Murphy shoes have been around for over 170 years, and in that time, they’ve become one of the most well-known and respected American shoe companies.
Although Johnston and Murphy shoes are not exclusively made in the United States – their HQ is located in Tennessee and they still source their materials from high-quality vendors.
A standard set of Johnston and Murphy shoes will set you back around $150, which is pretty darn reasonable when you consider the brand’s quality heritage and proven reliability.
In fact, the Conard Cap Toe shoe is a classic oxford that features a traditional cap toe design. It’s a shoe that can be dressed up or down, and it would look great with a suit.
Personally, I’d opt for the brogued version of this Oxford. As you guys know by now, brogueing offers more versatility than classic plain oxfords, as you can also wear them with jeans and a jacket.
Oliver Sweeney Oxford Shoes
Oliver Sweeney is a UK-based company that specializes in handmade shoes. Their designs are classic yet stylish, and they use quality materials to create their footwear.
A pair of Oliver Sweeney oxfords will cost you around $400 – but keep in mind that this is for a handcrafted shoe that uses the finest leathers and has been worked on by experts. It’ll last for many years, so in the long run, it’s an investment.
Their shoes also come with a variety of laces and colors – from classic black to burgundy and navy. You can even find some fun patterns for those who want to add some more personality to their shoe game.
How To Care For Your Leather Oxford Shoes
What’s the use in buying a pair of up-market leather Oxfords if you don’t know how to care for them properly? The good news is that caring for your shoes is relatively easy, though it does require some effort on your part.
How To Polish Men’s Oxford Shoes
Polishing is one of the most important steps in caring for your shoes. It helps keep them looking like new, and it’s also an important form of protection from the elements.
To start, you need to make sure that your shoes are clean and free from any dirt or dust. Then, use a quality leather cream polish to cover the shoe in an even layer.
Once the polish is applied, let it sit for a few minutes and then use a horsehair brush to buff it up. Finally, you can add a wax coating if you want extra protection and shine.
Should You Condition Leather Oxford Shoes?
Conditioning is another important step in caring for your shoes. It helps to restore lost nutrients and moisture to the leather, keeping it soft and supple.
To condition your Oxfords, use a quality leather conditioner. Apply the product with a clean cloth, taking care to cover all of the surfaces evenly. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it off with a soft brush or cloth.
This should be done at least once or twice a year to make sure your leather stays in tip-top condition.
How To Waterproof Leather Oxford Shoes
Finally, waterproofing is essential for those who live in wet and rainy climates. Leather shoes can be damaged by water if not properly cared for, so applying a waterproof sealant will help to keep them looking good.
To waterproof your Oxfords, use either a wax or spray-on sealant. Make sure that the leather is clean and dry before you apply the product, and then cover the entire surface – including the seams.
Let it set for a few minutes and then buff it off with a soft brush or cloth. This should be done once a season to make sure your shoes are always properly protected from the elements.
How To Care For Your Suede Oxford Shoes
Suede is different to leather in many ways – especially when it comes to caring for and cleaning your shoes. After all, what works for leather definitely doesn’t work for suede (and vice versa), so it’s essential that you know the different ways to treat and care for each style of fabric.
Should You Polish Suede Oxford Shoes?
The short answer is no – you should never polish suede shoes. This is because the polish can actually clog up the pores of the leather, making it harder for them to breathe and potentially causing long-term damage.
So what can you do to renew the look of your suede Oxford shoes?
Simple. Instead of applying a polish to the surface of the shoe, you should use a suede brush or a dry sponge to brush off any dirt or dust. This will not only help you keep the shoes looking clean and presentable, but it will also help them maintain their natural texture.
Furthermore, if your suede shoes have become stained, you can use a specialized cleaning solution designed for suede fabric. You’ll want to test it on a small area of the shoe first, to ensure that it doesn’t damage the material. Once you’ve applied the cleaning solution, simply use a brush or sponge to gently scrub off any dirt or stains.
Finally, if your shoes are wet, allow them to dry naturally – never put them in direct sunlight or near any type of intense heat source.
Should You Condition Suede Oxford Shoes?
Yes! Conditioning your suede Oxford shoes is essential if you want to keep them looking their best.
The best way to condition your shoes is to use a specialized conditioning cream designed specifically for suede fabric. Apply the cream in an even layer and allow it to sink into the leather before buffing off any excess with a clean cloth.
The conditioning cream will help keep your shoes looking new and vibrant, and it will also protect the material from dirt or water damage.
How To Waterproof Suede Oxford Shoes
Waterproofing your suede oxfords is always a good idea, especially if you live in an area that sees lots of rain throughout the year. After all, it’s well known that suede and water don’t mix.
The best way to waterproof your shoes is to use a specialized spray designed for this purpose. Simply spray the shoe evenly and allow it to dry naturally – don’t put them in direct sunlight or near any type of intense heat source.
You can also use a specialized conditioning cream that contains a waterproofing agent – this will help protect the material from water damage without affecting its natural texture.