<p>The history of Oxfords is a long, prestigious, and slightly hazy one. The <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g40515808/best-dress-socks/” target=”_blank”>dress shoe</a> 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 <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/news/g2713/10-dress-shoes-need-to-know/” target=”_blank”>brogue</a>), 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, <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g34496573/best-loafers-men/” target=”_blank”>dressy shoe</a>.</p><p>Whether you’re going for a classic look, a wingtip or a cap-toe, the right pair of Oxfords should be something that <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g26414563/best-work-pants/” target=”_blank”>ties your look together</a>, brings you a step up from “put-together” to “absolutely, indisputably polished.” For your next <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g14759740/best-tuxedo-shoes/#” target=”_blank”>formal occasion</a>, shop the 10 best Oxfords below.</p>” data-next-head/>
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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 |
| Sizes | 7-14 |
| Materials | Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | 7-13 |
| Materials | Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | 5-15 |
| Materials | Calfskin Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | 6.5-16 |
| Materials | Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | UK 6-UK 12 |
| Materials | Suede |
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 |
| Sizes | UK 5-UK 13 |
| Materials | Calf Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | UK 7-UK 12 |
| Materials | Calf Leather |
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 |
| Sizes | 8-14 |
| Materials | Leather |
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