Oxford Walking Shoes are the walking shoes that are synonymous to sophistication and versatility amongst men. Slick, tailored and crafted meticulously, Oxfords have been a mainstay in men’s closets upwards of a hundred years. Be it in a boardroom, wedding or a casual night out, they all exude the right proportions of formality and eternal elegance.
Modern day, stylish men are no longer abandoning traditional leather Oxford shoes but they are also opening up to some 21st century, or new style varieties, not to mention bespoke styles that can uniquely suit their personal taste.
This article shares insight into the reasons why Oxford shoes have stood the test of time, how they transformed over the years and why every man should consider owning classic and custom Oxford shoes.
History of Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes draw their beginning back in 19 th -century Europe, where they gained popularity among students in the Oxford University. Boots dominated the footwear of men at the time, but this slip on slip off brought something different to the guys; a lower cut, a sleeker design and something that was elegant on the feet.
Oxfords also became characteristic of the so-called closed lacing where the shoe lace eyes are sewn below the vamp. This structure made the shoe to have a clean silhouette, which means it can be worn to formal events as well as in the workplace. In some time, this design was adapted worldwide and became the highly demanded accessory to any wardrobe of men of dress shoes.
The Attraction of the Leather Oxford Shoes
Oxford shoes are still made of leather and with the reason that this material is perhaps the most suited to them. Leather that is of high quality does not only make the shoe more durable, but it makes the shoe more beautiful. A well-made pair of leather Oxford shoes mold to the feet of its wearer over time, becoming increasingly more comfortable over the years as the ageing process envelops them though never losing its sheen.
It is also possible to have different finishes and textures with leather. A fully polished black leather Oxford is very elegant and can be worn with the tuxedo, whereas a dark brown leather Oxford can be used with business suits or even to smart casual looks. The versatility of the material maintains that male consumers are no longer worried about making the transition between formal and semi-formal events because of the lack of style.
Further, leather Oxfords are greatly valued as an investment. Taken care of adequately via frequent polishing, shoe trees, and eventual resolving, a pair can last long enough to make them a more economical and more sustainable choice in a world where fast fashion is often the norm.
Oxford Shoes Styling
Versatility is one of the reasons why Oxfords continue to be a favourite. Here are a few methods of how men incorporate them in their everyday style
- Formal Footwear: Black leather Oxford can be relied upon as being the most stylish and, in some situations, obligatory pair of footwear at black-tie or white-tie events. They have a sophisticated finish and therefore they pair well with tuxedos and tailored suits.
- Business Wear: Brown or burgundy Oxfords can create an impact at offices. These look great in combination with navy, grey, or charcoal suits and help to create a combination of professionalism with a hint of personality.
- Smart Casual: In less formal places men have been using tan or suede variations. Putting these Oxfords with chinos, blazers or even dark denims will make them look fantastic and Oxfords are not just meant to be used to dress up.
The versatility of the Oxford is something that makes this shoe invaluable to people who like their style but at the same time require function.
Care of Your Oxford Shoes
Wonderful Oxfords are worthy of notice. Proper care does not only lengthen the life span of the shoe but it also tends to retain the polished look. To be of help here are some crucial tricks:
- Polishing: Polishing maintains the leathers moisturized and makes them not dry up. To best effect, select a polish of the same colour as the shoe.
- Shoe Trees: Purchase cedar shoe trees that will keep the shoe in its form and help it dry after use.
- Rotation: Use different shoes each day. To allow the leather to get air and rest, the lining should be changed between pairs.
- Resoling: Soles on high-quality Ox organisations can be reattached when they are worn leaving the rest of the shoe still in good condition.
These are some of the ways through which men can maintain their Oxfords in a presentable manner.
Final Words
Although ready made Oxfords are still a classy selection, personalization is on the rise. Men are demanding a shoe in which they feel reflective and their own individual style coupled with the ability that it fits them perfectly and is unlike mass produced shoe designs. This has brought about custom made Oxford shoes.
Customization enables the wearers to choose such factors as the kind of leather, color, as well as additional features such as stitching, the shape of the sole and even the monogram. The classic black oxford can never go wrong and some prefer adding personal detail to it, others find bold shades or a two-tone design.
Besides beauty, custom shoes will give optimal fitting. Men with broader feet, raised arches, or other particular requirements may feel more comfortable in bespoke Oxfords, which won&rsqured be dull-looking. In the modern-day world of fashion, where personalization is in the spotlight, made-to-order options provide men with the possibility to possess a pair of footwear as unique as they are.