The Case For/Against: Oxford Shoes - Topic of the day 4/4/25
Once considered the only appropriate dress shoes other than tuxedo flats, formality has changed considerably in recent times. How do you feel about oxford shoes - are they still a necessity or are there other shoes that fill the same need? Does brouging make an oxford shoes better or worse?
15 Replies
Honestly just depends on how you like to dress. They're not as versatile as derbies for most
If you need oxfords, you probably already own some
99% of people can’t tell the difference and no one will call you out on it
And if you do get called out, those people are not worth your time; and if they are worth your time, you have to money to buy oxfords
I (somewhat jokingly) got called out for wearing dk brown plain toe derbys with a navy suit but tbf he knows I typically wear black oxfords
Anyway I have seen a lot of people complain about them being confortable but I find both my pairs very comfortable
Love seeing an Oxford in like a yohji/comme tailoring fit. N I’m such a low profile shoe enjoyer I maybe enjoy them more in a vacuum
But derbies just make so much more sense
Oxfords are not a shoe for me l, as pretty as they can be. They are in “gentleman” tier for me these days. A tassel loafer is always better for me if you need a suit shoe. No comment on super formal black tie etc stuff as it’s not something I participate in
Really the most boring and conservative option for the styles I frequent. It's hardly a "must have" shoe for anyone these days as plenty of loafers and other shoe styles are formal enough to wear with a suit.
Tuxedos I'd personally rather wear something more fun like opera pumps or break the rules and wear velvet slippers or something.
I have a pair of brown park aves collecting dust in the back of my closet from when I thought I needed them
Who needs Oxfords when cowboy boots exist?
With more traditional suits, or on formal occasions, I still think on Oxford has a place. A simple black captoe oxford is a very elegant look.
Though even I admittedly only rarely wear them these days.
Aside from the fact that I hate closed facings, oxfords are the most boring and swagless option at every level of formality
Wear an oxford if you want, but I know what kind of person you are if you do
The only good oxfords are the ones made by PNW workwear brands that are actually derbies
Oxfords are boring as hell - there’s zero need for them when black tassels exist.
I like an Oxford if I dont want the focus to be on my shoes
Well put.
Valid
In this case, I think the only time I want to wear an oxford is for a funeral
I have a pair. I never wear them. And I like getting dressed up in a coat and tie.