The best Oxford shoes for a suave and sophisticated season
Timeless and classic, every man should own at least one pair of Oxford shoes for wear in formal occasions. Herewith, GQ's pick of the best men's Oxford shoes of the season
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Oxford shoes are an institution of formalwear. For that reason, it should be a part of any man’s wardrobe. But, in all honesty, it should be the first smart shoe you purchase.
This style refers to a lacing system where either side of the eyelets touch in the middle. This attempts to form a smooth surface, often with horizontal laces for symmetry, and is therefore perfect for the chic aesthetic demanded of formalwear. The term’s peculiar specificity means it can create a lot of variation, such as brogue patterning, double-stitching, plus various panelling designs, sole designs and upper materials.
In whatever form an Oxford may take, its neat lacing style will always deliver a stamp of traditionalism. Here are some of the finest on the market at the moment.
1/14Church's
Named historically after the English ambassadors and politicians who wore it, Church's ‘Consul’ Oxford shoes allow you to, quite literally, follow in the footsteps of British legend. As the label's most popular style to date, you'd be hard-pressed to find a finer pair. £910. church-footwear.com
2/14John Lobb
Made by hand in an almost 200-step production process, the shoes of John Lobb are more than just the sum of their parts, and this pair in particular has us considering how we can move our money around in order to afford them. With a stark white vamp and a narrow toe, they’re distinctly mod in tone, and begging to be worn with a sharp black suit. £1,650. At matchesfashion.com
3/14Ben Sherman
Searching for a stylish pair of Oxford shoes on a budget? Ben Sherman has got you covered. Designed with a wide fit to accommodate the gents on the broader side of the foot scale, this simple black style is assembled from leather – detailed with an elegant almond-shaped toe, a low heel and discreet logo branding above the lace-up fastening.
£125£33. At asos.com
4/14J.M. Weston
Keeping things nice and simple, these J.M. Westons are made by hand in France with your capsule wardrobe in mind. Neat top-stitching defines the toe cap and vamp so as to highlight the precision of the craftsmanship here, though the overall look is one of pure timelessness. £795. At matchesfashion.com
5/14Dior
If you’re looking to serve the suavest statement via an Oxford shoe, Dior has got you covered. Beautifully embossed with the house’s iconic oblique motif in gradient form across the toe, this pair are crafted from a luxury patina calfskin and fitted with a ‘Blake’ construction leather sole to provide sturdiness and prevent slips upon wear. Finished with the French house's logo on the vamp and heel, they're timeless in every way. £830. dior.com
6/14Marks & Spencer
You can always rely on Marks & Spencer to offer quality menswear staples at a price which won’t break the bank. A current case in point? This staple pair of Oxford shoes, which fall under the brand’s acclaimed Autograph label, are designed to sit with a comfortable regular fit. They tick the boxes for all codes associated with the style: from the highly polished leather fabric and lace-up construction to the gleaming toe caps and intricate stitch detailing. For under £100, you can’t go wrong. £80. marksandspencer.com
7/14Christian Louboutin
The footwear equivalent of Bruno Tonioli, these Christian Louboutin shoes are not for the faint of heart or constitution. In sumptuous suede with a crystal-studded starry night finish and lacquered red soles, they’re a true eveningwear statement and a physical embodiment of the term “twinkle toes”. £975. At matchesfashion.com
8/14Crockett & Jones
This pair from Crockett & Jones is brimming and raring to get down to a formal function and strut its stuff. The lightweight welt construction with a high-gloss finish creates dazzle and mystique. The single leather sole provides a sturdy base with enough flex not to feel like a pair of clogs, which is always nice. £460. crockettandjones.com
9/14Lanvin
With an unusual quilted topstitch and an atonal green sole, Lanvin’s ‘Medley’ shoes are a fashion shoe for the man who doesn’t want to stray too far from the traditional. A slightly enlarged silhouette gives these treads a further dose of eclecticism, but the overall effect is still one of wearability. £950. At matchesfashion.com
10/14Church's
Handmade from polished binder leather at the brand’s Northampton-based atelier, these Oxfords from Church's are fitted with a leather lining and promise to last for the long run thanks to their Goodyear-welted sole. Finished with hand-written notes on the design inside, you're looking at the very definition of craftsmanship. £940. At matchesfashion.com
11/14Brioni
Famed experts of leather, Brioni, have given these Oxfords the most dapper look through an immaculately-shaped silhouette. Set on a well-stacked heel and constructed from panels of burnished, dark brown leather, they’re beautifully raised around the lace-up fastening and feature subtly exposed stitching around the centre of the body. Worn with a cashmere turtleneck and well-crafted twill suit, you’ll welcome in the autumn season with top sartorial points. £1,010. At matchesfashion.com
12/14Thom Browne
Only the heel tab in signature blue and red grosgrain would alert you to the fact that these shoes were made by Thom Browne. Otherwise, they’re a bonafide anonymous classic, built for lifetime wear with every conceivable kind of outfit. £1,035. At matchesfashion.com
13/14Christian Louboutin
Behold the faultless, pretty much perfect polished calfskin leather around the toe of these Christian Louboutin Oxfords. Crafted in Italy from a masterful fabric combination – polished leather, of course, as well as suede and jacquard around the body – they’re underscored with the brand’s signature red-lacquered soles to promise one of the most classic statements in your step. Combining timeless style with supreme quality, they’re truly a lifetime investment. £775. At matchesfashion.com
14/14Brunello Cucinelli
The delicate calfskin leather of these Brunello Cucinelli shoes ensures that they’ll be more comfortable than most from the beginning. Designed to mould to your foot and therefore become personalised as time goes by, the lightweight leather and rubber bottom ensures serious durability and ease of movement upon wear. Add these factors to their stunning glossy finish, and you have the perfect pair of Oxfords to dance in. £990. brunellocucinelli.com
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