The Oxford Guide
In this guide we would like to explain to you the different variants of one of the most iconic classic mens shoe the „Oxford“.
In general Oxfords are shoes with a closed lacing. What that means is that the quarters, the parts of the shoe where the laces go through, sit below the vamp, the „forepart“ of the shoe that flexes when you walk.
There are exceptions but this is a good rule of thumb to distinguish an Oxford from a Derby where the quarters sit on top of the vamp creating an open lacing.
We will explain the characteristics and variants of the Derby in another guide but for now let us take a look at the Oxford.
In this guide we would like to explain to you the different variants of one of the most iconic classic mens shoe the „Oxford“.
In general Oxfords are shoes with a closed lacing. What that means is that the quarters, the parts of the shoe where the laces go through, sit below the vamp, the „forepart“ of the shoe that flexes when you walk.
There are exceptions but this is a good rule of thumb to distinguish an Oxford from a Derby where the quarters sit on top of the vamp creating an open lacing.
We will explain the characteristics and variants of the Derby in another guide but for now let us take a look at the Oxford.
1. The „classic“ Oxford
The most common style for Oxford shoes features a vamp which goes in a nicely curved line along the side of the shoe down to the heel. You will find this on most of Oxford designs and it allows for a very classic look.
2. The „Balmoral“
The Balmoral is as well a quite classic version of an Oxford shoe.
The difference to the classic Oxford is that the Vamp goes all around the shoe in a horizontal line.
This is also often used for Oxford boots.
3. The „Adelaide“
The Adelaide has become a quite popular interpretation of the Oxford in recent years.
Its vamp follows a line back up towards the topline of the shoe creating a harp-shaped silhouette around the lacing.
4. The „Wholecut“
Some people might not call the Wholecut an Oxford some people might.
For the sake of completeness we want to mention it in our Oxford guide even though the Wholecut might be a category of itsel
As you can see on this style there is no vamp and no quarters, the entire upper is made from one piece of leather, hence the name Wholecut. Still it has a closed lacing like an Oxford.
