In daily life, we will come into contact with a variety of leather shoes, on the way to work, at friends' parties, and even in the handsome outfits of the protagonists in the movie. So do you know these different types of leather shoes? Blucher, Derby, Monks, Oxfords, Loafer, Chelsea and many more. In this article, we focus on the oxfords story.

what is an oxford shoe?

Oxford shoes have 4 characteristics

• Ankle exposed
• low heel
• With straps (shoelaces)
• Enclosed Lacing

The first three points are easy to understand. Compared with the Monk Strap, Loafer, or Chelsea Boots, which are also the four major shoe types for gentlemen, Oxford leather shoes , in terms of function and structural design, it is a relatively formal style, but it is just as easy to wear and walk.
However, these characteristics alone are not enough to distinguish the most confusing: Oxford shoes and Derby shoes.
To answer this question, we must understand the next feature: what is a lacing?

Open flap refers to the general term for laces in which the laces float above the instep. For example, in Derby shoes, you can see that the laces are above the Vamp.
In contrast, closed lapel shoes such as Oxford shoes will allow the shoelace to sneak under the front upper piece, which looks more formal and tasteful. Because of the neat and elegant appearance of Oxford shoes, it is very suitable for formal occasions such as banquets, weddings, work and business.
In different modern regions, the styles and specifications of oxford shoes will also be different. For example, in the United States, most oxford shoes will have about 6 eyelets on one side (Eyelet), while British oxford shoes have about 5 Left and right eyelets. The 3 or 4 slanted eyes on one side are less common, but this is not one of the accepted standards of Oxford shoes, it is a characteristic detail that shows personal taste.
 

History of oxford shoes

Oxford shoes originated from a rebellion about masculine style. In the 16th century, the French monarch Louis XIV fell in love with the high heels used for anti-skid riding, which almost perfectly solved his short and extravagant needs. France, the center of European culture at that time, quickly spread this fashion to all parts of Europe. After that, as a large number of European shoemakers settled in the United States, this kind of shoes began to be popular all over the world. There was a record that men in the 17th century wore tight, high shoes, both indoors and out. By the mid-17th century, a black boot called the "Jackboot" gradually took over the mainstream. However, the maverick Oxford students do not like the kind of shoes that are a little "tight", they hope that the "restraint" under their feet can be easily taken off at any time.
Another more controversial story is that they appeared a little later at Balmoral Castle. The inventor was Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, who hunted in lace-up boots. Also suitable for other quieter tasks like walking around the palace. It should be noted that "Balmoral" is another name for Oxford University, which is very common in the United States.

Types of Oxford Shoes

I believe that most of you have seen the Kingsman, and remember the classic line: oxfords, not brogues.
In fact, according to the classification standards we introduced earlier, Brogues (or Brogues) are actually a type of Oxford shoes.
According to different decorations, carvings, stitching and other style changes, Oxford shoes can be divided into many types, such as:

• Full Brogues, Quarter Brogues, Semi Brogues
• Long WingTip and Blind Full Brogues with special engraving
• Straight-Tip with S-Tip and S-Punched Cap toes
• Basic Plain Oxford and Wholecut Oxford

The world of oxford shoes is richer and more diverse than we can imagine, where each place looks little different, but for a gentleman it is a major difference in taste.