Oxford shoes were first worn in the 17th century and associated with foppery and a particular social class. Today, they are considered men’s dress shoes and come in leather or vegan varieties. They are often worn for formal occasions and come in various colors and patterns. Saddle shoes are a variation of Oxford shoes and are popular for children. Less formal oxfords with rubber soles are becoming increasingly popular, and women’s styles are available in flats or with heels.
Oxford shoes, which were among the first lace-up shoes for men, were worn in the 17th century, often by men attending a university. Unlike their predecessors, early lace-up shoes were cut smaller than the foot, giving men a choppy gait. They were associated with foppery, dressing, and a particular social class. These shoes are sometimes also called Balmorals, but because they were more associated with college men, they took on the name of Oxford University. Americans wouldn’t see many of these shoes until the early 1800s, and by then, many modifications had been made.
Today, oxfords are considered to be men’s dress shoes with laces. They are typically made of leather or suede, but some less expensive or vegan varieties feature non-animal leather shoes. These shoes are worn more by businessmen and less by the college set, where they would generally be considered too formal. They also fit better than the early varieties, so men, and sometimes women, don’t have the problems associated with comfort and gait.
Oxford shoes can be quite simple and some characteristic patterns, such as a line on the toe or cutouts in the leather or man-made material. The most expensive shoes have a leather sole, but most mid-priced shoes have a rubber or plastic sole with a 0.25 to 0.5 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) heel. Some have a slightly higher heel, which can make the wearer appear a bit taller.
These are just one of many shoe options for businessmen or men attending semi-dressy or formal events. Tie shoes are another option, but slip-ons like loafers and moccasins are also popular. Oxford shoes can be the first choice for extremely formal occasions, and are often worn with tuxedos or three-piece business suits. Common colors include black, dark brown, and burgundy.
Some variations of Oxford shoes have been seen over the years. The saddle shoe is quite similar, but instead of being all one color, as is the case with fancier Oxfords, they have a strip of leather in a different color across the top of the shoes. This style was very popular in the 1950s for women and children, and is still a popular children’s shoe today.
Although most saddle shoes are primarily white with a black stripe, some versions are tan with dark brown “saddles”, light blue with dark blue saddles, or a variety of other color combinations. Darker colors may be appropriate in business casual settings, but other combinations can be fun for non-traditional “50s” attire at dance clubs and similar events.
Less formal oxfords with sturdy rubber bottoms are becoming increasingly popular, and some styles are available in interesting colors like lime green. They can be popular with college kids for semi-dressy events as they add a bit of flair. Shoppers can also find a variety of shoes in this style for women, which can be available in comfortable flats or updated with heels for a more feminine look.
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