What Is An Oxford Shoe And Are They Fashionable Today?
An oxford is a basic shoe constructed from heavy leather that laces up. The shoe originated in Ireland and Scotland. Historically they were made from untanned leather and were somewhat plain. Oxfords of today are created in a variety of styles and are made from many different kinds of leather such as suede or tanned leather and even synthetic material. Oxford shoes are usually considered a dress or business shoe for both men and sometimes even for women. Contemporary oxfords are shoes that don’t come above the ankle and most have a piece of leather carefully stitched over the upper. These are sometimes referred to as oxford caps or toe car oxfords. A dictionary definition of an oxford is, “an esthetically elegant style with closed lacing that typically comes in plain, full-brogue and semi-brogue versions.” 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 sew
