When it comes to formalwear, there are a few essentials that every man needs in his closet. Oxfords are definitively one of them. You could have the perfect suit, tailored to a tee, cufflinks glimmering and tie pin-straight, but with the wrong pair of shoes, the whole thing is for naught. Oxfords, however, are never the wrong pair of shoes.
best stylish oxfords
Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords
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best elegant oxfords
Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes
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best everyday oxfords
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords
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best timeless oxfords
Johnston & Murphy Danridge Cap Toe Oxfords
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best understated oxfords
George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes
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best designer oxfords
Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes
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best luxury oxfords
Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes
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The history of Oxfords is a long, prestigious, and slightly hazy one. The dress shoe style, recognizable by its closed lacing system with eyelets stitched directly to the vamp (thus making it look tighter and more formal than, say, a brogue), draws its roots from none other than Oxford University, where, in the 1800s, it was reportedly (aptly) named by students. Other histories cite that the style was created by Prince Albert, but no matter how you look at it, the story ends up the same: these are a damn elevated, dressy shoe.
Whether you're going for a classic look, a wingtip or a cap-toe, the right pair of Oxfords should be something that ties your look together, brings you a step up from "put-together" to "absolutely, indisputably polished." For your next formal occasion, shop the 10 best Oxfords below.
Pros
- Timelessly elegant look
- High-quality construction from a trusted brand
- Blake stitching
Cons
- Expensive
- Polished leather scratches easily
Oxfords are inherently dressy, but Dior kicks it up another notch with a smooth, shiny style in polished black leather. These are sleek and elegant, with a subtle embossed logo, Blake stitching for longevity, and an appearance that makes any suit look that much more sophisticated.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | 5-15 |
Materials | Calfskin Leather |
best go-to oxfords
J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords
best go-to oxfords
J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords
Pros
- Zigzagged edge on cap toe
- Timeless look
Cons
- Limited color options
As with most categories of menswear, you can turn to J.Crew for a damn good pair of Oxfords, too. These are a timelessly elegant style, designed to look as good as they feel, down to the very last detail.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | 7-13 |
Materials | Leather |
Pros
- Goodyear welt construction
- Great price
- Flexible outer
Cons
- Runs small
- Prone to squeaking during break-in period
Anthony Veer comes in with a slim, sleek, and affordable pair of Oxfords that you don't want to pass up. Aside from being classy and comfortable, these are effortlessly elegant, with a rubber outsole.
Colors | Black, Chocolate Brown, Oxblood |
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Sizes | 7-14 |
Materials | Leather |
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Pros
- Elegant, unique look
- Great for when you don't feel like wearing classic black or brown options
- Plenty of color options
Cons
- Buyers report a long break-in period
If you don't want to play by the book in black or brown, go for a deep burgundy shoe. These Oxfords may be a little bit outside the box, but with a classic design and elegant, burnished finished, they're a chic pick that could never be called boring.
Colors | Black, Bordeaux, Brown, Oak, Tan |
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Sizes | 7-14 |
Materials | Leather |
best elegant oxfords
Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes
best elegant oxfords
Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes
Pros
- Whole-cut to show patina over time
- Iconic, burnished look
Cons
- Pricey
- Fits narrow at the toe
Most shoes don't get better with age, but these do. Berluti's staple, burnished leather look is just as good on an Oxford as it is on, say, a wallet. These smooth shoes are all about understated luxury, with a whole-cut design that oxidizes and shows the patina of the hide over time.
Colors | Brown |
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Sizes | UK 7-UK 12 |
Materials | Calf Leather |
best everyday oxfords
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords
best everyday oxfords
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords
Pros
- Expansive size and width range
- Breathable lining
- Made to support higher arches
Cons
- Buyers report fit inconsistencies
- Color isn't an exact match to photos
Elegant and classy, these are infallible Oxfords that you won't need to rotate out. You can wear them with pretty much any elevated look, and with a breathable lining and comfortable, flexible sole, you'll want to, too.
Colors | Dark Chili Burnished, Navy, Walnut, Black |
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Sizes | 6.5-16 |
Materials | Leather |
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Pros
- Cushiony insole with molded footbed
- Vintage-inspired look
- Perforated toe detail
Cons
- Runs small
- Extra narrow in the toe
You can go for a shiny, sleek, and new Oxford, but if something vintage is your vibe, Johnston & Murphy has you covered. This style is aged like a fine wine, with a perforated toe, molded footbed, and cushioned insole.
Colors | Tan, Black |
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Sizes | 8-14 |
Materials | Leather |
best understated oxfords
George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes
best understated oxfords
George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes
Pros
- Goodyear welted soles provide comfort and longevity
- Made by experienced craftsmen
Cons
- No options for width
Sleek and simple, George Cleverley has a pair of Oxfords for the modern man. These are indisputably cool, with a clean look, whole-cut, all-black design, and high-end craftsmanship that exudes luxury.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | UK 6-UK 12 |
Materials | Suede |
best designer oxfords
Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes
best designer oxfords
Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes
Pros
- Classic, timeless look
- Leather and rubber sole for longevity and comfort
Cons
- $$$
My dad has been wearing Prada Oxfords for years, and let me assure you—from weddings to company parties, these shoes can do it all. With a chic, stylish brushed leather finish, these are classic Oxfords that certainly don't skimp on style.
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | UK 5-UK 13 |
Materials | Calf Leather |
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best luxury oxfords
Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes
best luxury oxfords
Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes
Pros
- Classic cap-toe look
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Pricey
Of course, few designers know their way around a suit like Tom Ford does. If he says a burnished leather Oxford with a classic cap-toe is the way to go, well, who are we to argue?
Colors | Black |
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Sizes | UK 7-UK 12 |
Materials | Calf Leather |