Oxfords can often be confused with Derby shoes, representing very similar types of shoes, even if their history is different. Oxfords, also known as Oxfords, were born in the university of the same name, in the 19th century, in response to the discomfort of knee-high heeled boots, which until then had been imposed on students: here the silent rebellion favored new models of men's footwear that were lower and more comfortable, which over time also became very elegant.
The substantial difference between elegant men's Oxford shoes and Derby shoes can be seen on the sides of the upper, where the eyelets for the laces are located: if in Derby shoes they are on the outside, and allow the shoe to open more, in Oxford shoes they are sewn on the inside and form a single piece.
It is important to understand that our men's Oxford shoes are all 100% handmade, which means that the upper is sewn to the bottom and not glued, as is the case with industrial production, making the shoes much more solid and durable over time.
You should know that our men's Oxford shoes are made only of high quality leather, such as full grain calfskin. This means the most superficial layer of the material which, when properly worked, gives a smooth texture. So through tanning and the application of waxes, the leather is made resistant and durable over time.
While the vintage leather that some of the lace-up shoes you find on our online store are made of represents a particular type of aged leather, characterized by an antique-used look of the "old-style" type. Vintage leather evokes styles from the past and re-proposes them in a modern key.
If you like suede models - suede, or velours, which in French means velvet - know that the material becomes so soft to the touch when the leather is stripped of its most superficial and valuable layer (the "grain"), before processing and tanning.
Our vast collection of men's Oxfords includes many models, all very elegant, comfortable and in genuine Italian leather, for your casual chic outfit.
Today, Oxford shoes are available in a series of versions perfect for both young men and gentlemen.
For example, take a look at our men's Oxford in smooth full-grain calfskin tri-color siena, plus orange, plus yellow, with a full brogue swallowtail decoration on the upper. The leather sole, with rubber isolina as anti-slip, is sewn using BLAKE processing. The double insole in fussbett also provides extra comfort. Truly excellent footwear for an elegant but cutting-edge style.
In particular, you should know that the BLAKE process means a single stitching — with a single or double thread — that joins the sole, lining, upper and insole. These are not small details, but the details that make the difference between a handmade shoe made in Italy and one of little value.
On our Made in Italy footwear e-commerce site, you will find a complete line of handmade men's Oxfords, all models in real leather with an elegant design.
Observe the timeless classic look of the men's Oxfords in brandy-colored Montecarlo leather, rounded toe and leather and rubber sole; or the creativity of our lace-up shoes in Siena woven buffalo leather, rounded toe and leather sole.
And what about the two-tone men's model with a square toe in blue and brandy leather and a leather sole? Class, elegance and innovative energy combined in a single shoe.
Truly so many possibilities for your men's Oxfords on our online store of handmade footwear.
After choosing the best men's leather Oxfords for you on our Made in Italy shoe e-commerce site, you can match them in many different ways.
For example, you can wear your new lace-up shoes with a simple outfit, i.e. jacket, vest and trousers of the same fabric, suitable for the office and more formal occasions. The brogue model is a good second choice compared to traditional Oxfords.
Suede men's Oxfords, in particular, could instead represent the right choice for veering towards an informal look, since they can also be worn with jeans and a dark shirt for free time, or combined with an elegant suit for a ceremony, but also worn to the office with a shirt and trousers, in a solid color or patterned