10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (2024)

When it comes to formalwear, there are a few essentials that every man needs in his closet. Oxfords are definitively one of them. You could have the perfect suit, tailored to a tee, cufflinks glimmering and tie pin-straight, but with the wrong pair of shoes, the whole thing is for naught. Oxfords, however, are never the wrong pair of shoes.

The history of Oxfords is a long, prestigious, and slightly hazy one. The dress shoe style, recognizable by its closed lacing system with eyelets stitched directly to the vamp (thus making it look tighter and more formal than, say, a brogue), draws its roots from none other than Oxford University, where, in the 1800s, it was reportedly (aptly) named by students. Other histories cite that the style was created by Prince Albert, but no matter how you look at it, the story ends up the same: these are a damn elevated, dressy shoe.

Whether you're going for a classic look, a wingtip or a cap-toe, the right pair of Oxfords should be something that ties your look together, brings you a step up from "put-together" to "absolutely, indisputably polished." For your next formal occasion, shop the 10 best Oxfords below.

best polished oxfords

Dior Timeless Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (11)

best polished oxfords

Dior Timeless Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (12)Timelessly elegant look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (13)High-quality construction from a trusted brand
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (14)Blake stitching
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (15)Expensive
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (16)Polished leather scratches easily

Oxfords are inherently dressy, but Dior kicks it up another notch with a smooth, shiny style in polished black leather. These are sleek and elegant, with a subtle embossed logo, Blake stitching for longevity, and an appearance that makes any suit look that much more sophisticated.

ColorsBlack
Sizes5-15
MaterialsCalfskin Leather

best go-to oxfords

J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (17)

best go-to oxfords

J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (18)Zigzagged edge on cap toe
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (19)Timeless look
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (20)Limited color options

As with most categories of menswear, you can turn to J.Crew for a damn good pair of Oxfords, too. These are a timelessly elegant style, designed to look as good as they feel, down to the very last detail.

ColorsBlack
Sizes7-13
MaterialsLeather

best sleek oxfords

Anthony Veer Clinton Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (21)

best sleek oxfords

Anthony Veer Clinton Cap Toe Oxfords

Now 37% Off

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (22)Goodyear welt construction
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (23)Great price
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (24)Flexible outer
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (25)Runs small
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (26)Prone to squeaking during break-in period

Anthony Veer comes in with a slim, sleek, and affordable pair of Oxfords that you don't want to pass up. Aside from being classy and comfortable, these are effortlessly elegant, with a rubber outsole.

ColorsBlack, Chocolate Brown, Oxblood
Sizes7-14
MaterialsLeather

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best stylish oxfords

Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (27)

best stylish oxfords

Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (28)Elegant, unique look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (29)Great for when you don't feel like wearing classic black or brown options
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (30)Plenty of color options
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (31)Buyers report a long break-in period

If you don't want to play by the book in black or brown, go for a deep burgundy shoe. These Oxfords may be a little bit outside the box, but with a classic design and elegant, burnished finished, they're a chic pick that could never be called boring.

ColorsBlack, Bordeaux, Brown, Oak, Tan
Sizes7-14
MaterialsLeather

best elegant oxfords

Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (32)

best elegant oxfords

Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (33)Whole-cut to show patina over time
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (34)Iconic, burnished look
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (35)Pricey
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (36)Fits narrow at the toe

Most shoes don't get better with age, but these do. Berluti's staple, burnished leather look is just as good on an Oxford as it is on, say, a wallet. These smooth shoes are all about understated luxury, with a whole-cut design that oxidizes and shows the patina of the hide over time.

ColorsBrown
SizesUK 7-UK 12
MaterialsCalf Leather

best everyday oxfords

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (37)

best everyday oxfords

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (38)Expansive size and width range
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (39)Breathable lining
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (40)Made to support higher arches
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (41)Buyers report fit inconsistencies
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (42)Color isn't an exact match to photos

Elegant and classy, these are infallible Oxfords that you won't need to rotate out. You can wear them with pretty much any elevated look, and with a breathable lining and comfortable, flexible sole, you'll want to, too.

ColorsDark Chili Burnished, Navy, Walnut, Black
Sizes6.5-16
MaterialsLeather

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best timeless oxfords

Johnston & Murphy Danridge Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (43)

best timeless oxfords

Johnston & Murphy Danridge Cap Toe Oxfords

Now 41% Off

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (44)Cushiony insole with molded footbed
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (45)Vintage-inspired look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (46)Perforated toe detail
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (47)Runs small
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (48)Extra narrow in the toe

You can go for a shiny, sleek, and new Oxford, but if something vintage is your vibe, Johnston & Murphy has you covered. This style is aged like a fine wine, with a perforated toe, molded footbed, and cushioned insole.

ColorsTan, Black
Sizes8-14
MaterialsLeather

best understated oxfords

George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (49)

best understated oxfords

George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (50)Goodyear welted soles provide comfort and longevity
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (51)Made by experienced craftsmen
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (52)No options for width

Sleek and simple, George Cleverley has a pair of Oxfords for the modern man. These are indisputably cool, with a clean look, whole-cut, all-black design, and high-end craftsmanship that exudes luxury.

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 6-UK 12
MaterialsSuede

best designer oxfords

Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (53)

best designer oxfords

Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (54)Classic, timeless look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (55)Leather and rubber sole for longevity and comfort
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (56)$$$

My dad has been wearing Prada Oxfords for years, and let me assure you—from weddings to company parties, these shoes can do it all. With a chic, stylish brushed leather finish, these are classic Oxfords that certainly don't skimp on style.

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 5-UK 13
MaterialsCalf Leather

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best luxury oxfords

Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (57)

best luxury oxfords

Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (58)Classic cap-toe look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (59)High-quality construction
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (60)Pricey

Of course, few designers know their way around a suit like Tom Ford does. If he says a burnished leather Oxford with a classic cap-toe is the way to go, well, who are we to argue?

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 7-UK 12
MaterialsCalf Leather
10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (2024)

FAQs

Are Oxfords out of style? ›

Oxford shoes are a timeless classic.

What type of shoes for investment banking? ›

The appropriate footwear is the black loafer. Loafers in banking are also referred to as "deal sleds." "The Wall Street dress code has relaxed, but there's still an expectation of conformity," says Patrick Kenger, a personal stylist at Pivot Image Consulting, who works with clients in financial services.

What is the most comfortable brand of men's shoes? ›

The Most Comfortable Sneakers For Men, Based On A Podiatrist's...
  • Most Comfortable Sneakers For Men Overall: On Cloud 5.
  • Most Comfortable Running Sneakers For Men: Brooks Glycerin 21.
  • Most Comfortable Walking Sneakers For Men: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26.
  • Most Comfortable Cushioned Sneakers For Men: Hoka Bondi 8.
May 10, 2024

What makes a shoe an Oxford? ›

An Oxford shoe is characterized by shoelace eyelets tabs that are attached under the vamp, a feature termed "closed lacing". This contrasts with Derbys, or bluchers, which have shoelace eyelets attached to the top of the vamp.

Is it OK to wear Oxfords with jeans? ›

So, Can you wear Oxford shoes with jeans? Surprisingly, yes! While the smarter appearance of suit trousers seems like the obvious complement to a pair of formal footwear, jeans have the ability to paint a whole different impression altogether.

Should you wear socks with Oxfords? ›

Oxfords can be worn without socks and sometimes can be seen as 'trendy', but my advice would be to avoid doing so and if leather loafers are out of your price bracket invest in a pair of linen socks. They're durable, breathable, and comfortable and will look much more appropriate than without socks.

What shoes does Michael J Fox wear? ›

Self-Lacing

Tinker Hatfield was chosen by the makers of Back to the Future II to design a shoe for Michael J. Fox to wear in the film. Hatfield was a rising name at Nike, and today he is considered the greatest shoe designer of all time.

What is the difference between derby and oxford shoes? ›

The key difference between the two types is that oxford shoes feature a closed lace design while derby shoes have open lacing. In the case of Oxford shoes, the lacing piece is stitched frontally to the vamp piece. With Derby shoes, the lacing piece is not stitched frontally to the vamp piece.

What shoes do entrepreneurs wear? ›

Leather shoes are a must-have for any entrepreneur. They bring a classic and professional touch to any outfit. Loafers, oxford shoes, and boots are timeless styles that can be worn with jeans or dress pants.

What is the number 1 shoe brand in America? ›

Nike is the most popular sneaker brand among U.S. consumers, with 64 percent of respondents who know the brand actually liking it. Adidas also enjoys a significant preference but lags behind Nike. New Balance, Converse, and Skechers follow some way behind.

What shoes do guys find attractive? ›

High heels

Heels make your legs look longer, which can really make guys go crazy over you. Choose a pair of heels that complements the colors of the rest of your outfit.

What shoes do podiatrists recommend most? ›

Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said. “Typically, these brands are going to have different models for different foot types.”

Where should your toe be in an Oxford shoe? ›

When finding the correct fit; Your foot should be pushed hard against the heel, with half an inch of extra space at the front of the shoe, your toes should not touch the leather at the front.

Who wears Oxford shoes? ›

A staple in every gentleman's wardrobe, these shoes are synonymous with formality and sophistication. Perfect for the most formal occasions, they are an indispensable choice for black-tie events, business meetings, and elegant ceremonies.

What is classic Oxford shoes? ›

Oxford shoes have a distinctive design in which the eyelet area is concealed within the vamp. This model is a classic formal dress shoe which will never be out of style. These oxford shoes are a great example of the basic black cap toe oxfords.

Are Oxford shoes in style in 2024? ›

Key Takeaways. The messiah of men's dress shoes, the Oxford is an integral part of any well-rounded wardrobe. Your go-to for weddings, work events, and everything in between, it's a fail-safe footwear choice that has been at the forefront of formal wardrobes for centuries.

When should Oxfords be worn? ›

For those seeking a versatile shoe that transcends trends and seasons, the Plain toe Oxford is an impeccable choice. Best Occasions: Formal events, business meetings, weddings. Styling Tips: Pair with classic suits, tailored trousers, or formal attire.

What's in and out for 2024? ›

Common ins for 2024 include early bedtimes, staying hydrated and red-light therapy, while impulsive shopping, mindless phone scrolling and vaping are popular outs.

Should I wear oxfords or derbys? ›

Overall, oxfords are considered more formal than derbys. They are typically worn with formal attire, such as suits, tuxedos, and formal dresses. Above is an example of our Wholecut Oxford, a design that is one of our more formal of shoes with an elegantly elongated vamp and unique side lacing.

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