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Oxford shoes (for mens, womens / ladies in black, white & brown colors), which were among the first men’s
laced shoes, were worn in the 17th century,
often by men attending a university. Unlike
their predecessors, early laced shoes were cut
smaller than the foot, which gave men a mincing
step. They were associated with foppery, fine
dressing and a particular social class. Oxford
shoes might also be called Balmorals, but
because they were most associated with college
men. An Oxford shoe is a style of leather shoe
with enclosed lacing. Oxford shoes are
traditionally constructed of leather and were
historically rather plain. The shoes originally
appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are
occasionally called Balmorals. The design of the
shoe is often plain, but may include some small
ornamentation or perforations.
Today the Oxford shoe is considered a men’s
dress shoe that laces. It is usually made of
leather or suede .Oxford shoes may be simple
affairs, and some feature patterns, like a line
across the toe, or cutouts in the leather or
man-made material. Soles can differ. The more
expensive shoes feature a leather sole, but most
Oxford shoes of mid-price have a rubber or
plastic sole with about a quarter to a half-inch
heel (.64-1.27 cm). A few have a slightly higher
heel, which can make you appear a little taller.
Oxford shoes are just one of many shoe choices
for businessmen or for men attending semi-dressy
or formal events. Tie shoes are an option, but
slip-ons like moccasins and loafers are also
popular. Oxford shoes may be the first choice
for extremely formal occasions, often worn with
tuxes or three-piece business suits. Common
colors include black, dark brown and burgundy.
Oxfords - F (Average) Fitting - An Oxford style
shoe has a closed front, the eyelet tabs being
stitched under the vamp; and will normally range
from a simple toe cap, to a semi-brogue or a
full brogue. Our range includes Average Fitting
Oxfords or Average Fitting Oxford shoes and
brogues.
There are five main categories of oxfords:
Bluchers, Balmorals, Saddle Shoes, Kilties and
Wingtips. Bluchers oxfords are open-laced
leather shoes which have the sides of the shoe
sewn onto the front. They appear to have four
distinct segments. Shoes in this style with
leather soles are often used for jazz dancing.
Balmorals are close-laced shoes meaning the
laces are not seen as they are under the smooth
tongue flap. They appear very streamlined and
almost seamless.
Saddle Shoes are oxfords with a piece of leather
sewed on them in the shape of a horse’s saddle,
the saddle being either a different type or
color of leather than the base of the shoe. The
most popular and well-known variety are black
and white. Another variety of men’s oxfords are
the Kilties. They are more detailed in their
design and have a fringed leather tongue that
covers both the laces and the eyelets. One of
the most popular types of oxford is the Wingtip.
This type of fashionable men’s oxford derives
its name from the toe brogueing (leather
embroidery) which resembles the spread wings of
a bird. The most formal of the oxford family are
the black leather close-laced oxford known as
Balmorals. They look smashing with a suit and
tie for any occasion. Black is more formal and
brown oxfords can be paired with a sportier
tweed jacket and slacks.
For women, oxfords have never been more fun or
fashionable than they are today. Women can
choose from a multitude of styles and colors,
from casual saddle shoes to comfort oxfords,
fashion oxfords, hiking oxfords and professional
types of oxfords. Casual saddle shoes for women
feature a traditional split-suede buck, a
cushion crepe sole and a comfortable heel. These
days they move beyond the traditional black and
white to pretty combinations of pastel and other
fashion forward colors. Comfort oxfords are
sporty shoes with a leather lining, a removable
cushion insole and a slip resistant sole.
Fashion oxfords come in are either platform
sneakers or athletic-inspired sports shoes and
have a cushioned insole, suede uppers and a
lightweight flexible rubber sole. Hiking oxfords
are rugged and versatile sometimes with
reinforced steel toes, water-resistant uppers
and slip-resistant soles. |
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