Oxford shoes are a type of lace-up shoe that originated from the University of Oxford in England in the 19th century. They are characterized by their closed lacing system, which means the shoelace eyelets are stitched under the vamp (the front part of the shoe). This construction gives them a sleek and formal appearance.
Oxford shoes typically have a low heel, a non-rubber sole, and are made from high-quality leather. They are designed to be versatile and can be worn with both formal and semi-formal attire. The classic style features a closed throat, where the shoe's quarters (side sections) are sewn under the vamp in a V-shape.
There are different variations of oxford shoes available, including plain-toe oxfords (with no additional decorative elements), wingtip oxfords (featuring a pointed toe cap with decorative wing-like extensions), and cap-toe oxfords (with a horizontal stitching across the toe box).
Oxford shoes are considered timeless and remain popular for their elegant and sophisticated look, making them suitable for various occasions ranging from business meetings to formal events.