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10 Best Men’s Oxford Shoes We Absolutely Love

Oxfords, not brogues.

Oxford Shoes Featured Image

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