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… enter the Oxford. The favourite shoe of royalty and gentlemen.
But while dress shoes encompass a range of styles – think Monk Strap, Brogues, 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 favourite Oxford shoes that just happen to be some of the best pairs currently available.
What we’re looking for…
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
Allen Edmonds
1/9
Allen Edmonds is a renowned American shoe manufacturer that specialises in high-quality men’s footwear. The company was founded in 1922 and has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, handcrafted shoes using premium materials and traditional manufacturing techniques. Allen Edmonds have stores all around the US as well as online.
We’ve long been big fans of their loafers, having owned two pairs but their Oxford shoes are also top notch. Made from premium leather, they’re at the perfect price point to be one of the best value-for-money oxford shoes in market.
Price: From $300
Sizes: 5-16
Amberjack
2/9
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.
Price: From $179
Sizes: 7-13
Church's
3/9
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.
Price: From $1,200
Sizes: 5-13
Scarosso
4/9
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.
Price: From $345
Sizes: 6-15
Ted Baker
5/9
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.
Price: From $170
Sizes: 8-12
Kenneth Cole
6/9
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.
Price: From $99
Sizes: 7-13
Johnston & Murphy
7/9
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.
Price: From $199
Sizes: 8-14
Stacy Adams
8/9
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.
Price: From $120
Sizes: 7-15
Ace Marks
9/9
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.
Price: From $259
Sizes: 5-15