When dressing for work, formal occasions, or to look good, you might want to have to decide whether your next pair of shoes will be Oxfords or Derbys. That’s a good problem to have because they each have their benefits and can go well with various types of outfits.
Oxfords are usually better for a more stylish, refined look, and Derbys are better for a good fit and a more casual look. For example, those with wider or narrower feet would likely want a Derby, while those who need a formal look would likely choose an Oxford.
While Oxfords and Derbys are almost the same in how they are made, their lacing and style make them different enough to make some people buy a pair of both types of shoes for different occasions. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each shoe and which is better for you.
Oxfords vs Derbys
If you are a business professional, you’ll likely want to wear Oxfords because that’s what most other men are wearing as their business attire. While every business culture is different, Oxfords have that more elegant look that brings a more formal look that many businessmen are looking for.
Most businessmen want to put on their best-looking suit and tie when making contact with clients or associates, and Oxfords have become one of the shoes commonly chosen that stand out for their distinguished look.
If you look and sound sharp, those you work with will likely see you as a well-put-together person who knows what they are doing and what they are talking about.
So, Oxfords are a clear choice for many businessmen who want that professional look that imbues some amount of respect when worn correctly.
Derbys are also great-looking shoes but don’t come across as overly fancy. Yet, they can look just like Oxford, depending on the outfit you are wearing.
They make an excellent presentation when accompanied by the correct attire. Businessmen who want to look good but may not need to give an impressive first impression each day can wear these for comfort and style.
So Derbys are a clear choice for those who need a bit more comfort over style. However, they still come across as professional and can be a part of an impressive-looking outfit.
Main Attributes:
- Open Lacing
- Most Have Stiched Leather Sole
- Eyelet Flap Sewn onto Upper/Vamp
- Quarter Is Stiched Over Upper/Vamp
- Tongue Is A Part Of The Upper/Vamp
Main Attributes:
- Closed Lacing
- Most Have Stiched Leather Sole
- Eyelet Flap Sewn Closed At Bottom
- Quarter Is Stiched Under Upper/Vamp
- Tongue Stiched Under Upper/Vamp
Pros / Cons of Oxfords and Derbys
The similarities of both shoes far outweigh their differences. So when people are deciding which shoe is best for them, they will likely find that style is a key determining factor for which shoe to buy.
If you look long enough, you can find that each shoe comes in similar styles, whether that’s the toe cover, the perforated hole patterns, or an entirely smooth shoe. Since you can find similar styles, are there any pros or cons of each type of shoe?
Most of the difference is in the laces. Let’s see which shoe you think is best for you.
Oxford Shoes Pros and Cons
When you have a special occasion that requires a suit or tuxedo, you might want to wear Oxford shoes to match the clothing that you are wearing. They are normally great with formal wear and give a classic look depending on the style of Oxford you choose.
If you are going to a wedding or need to look your best when meeting a new client, these shoes might give you that extra refined look you need to provide a great first impression.
While you might not want to walk in these for a long time, each shoe and each person will have a different experience depending on how well your foot and shoe work together.
Most of the difference is in the laces. Let’s see which shoe you think is best for you.
Derby Shoes Pros and Cons
These shoes are great for many occasions and can be used with a suit or casual wear. Like Oxfords, there are many varieties of styles available, so you should be able to find the right shoe to match the clothing you have.
The main reason that many people choose these shoes is that they are more practical from a comfort point of view. You can generally walk easier and feel comfortable wearing these shoes during the day.
If you look closely, you’ll notice they don’t look as sleek with the quarter sewn on top of the upper, but most people won’t notice, and they can look just as nice as Oxfords.
Which Styles Of Oxford Is Best For You?
There are many styles of Oxford shoes. Which is best depends on the clothing that you want to wear with your Oxfords. While some shoes can go well with almost any type of formal or dress-up, others may look off when worn together.
Here are some examples of the types of Oxfords you can wear and what they might go well with.
1. Wholecut Oxfords
The entire upper of the shoe is made out of one piece of leather, except the tongue that is sewn on the inside. This gives the shoe a smooth, sleek look.
As seen in the video below, this type of shoe gives you some great advantages. It has a simple, clean look that many people like and are drawn to look at, and it goes with almost anything formal.
This style is usually made with good quality leather (if you buy leather ones) and is easier to clean than other styles.
2. Brogue Oxfords
This type of shoe was initially used for outside use. It had holes in the shoe to let the water out during wet weather. Today the holes in the shoe are just for looks and not breathability.
Depending on the style of the shoe, such as the wingtip style above, you can find several variations on how the top cap is styled and the pattern of holes.
In this video, you can see how you might use this style with more informal types of clothing, but it can still go well with formal clothing too.
3. Cap-Toe Oxfords
This style of Oxford has a layer of leather sewn over the toe cap. They come in a plane or are styled with brogue holes.
These are good for business and less formal activities. However, some people might not wear these to special events because the toe cap may distract from a more distinguished look, although it depends on the overall look of the shoes and their color.
In the video below, you will see how you might use this style with a suit, but it may also go well with less formal clothing.
Other styles of Oxfords that are slightly different from the ones above are also available. They can all help you find that formal-styled shoe that you are looking for. You can check out the shoes above by visiting these links.
Which Styles Of Derby Is Best For You?
There are many styles of Derby shoes. Just like Oxfords, you can find various styles that can range from a more formal to a more casual look.
This shoe is a good investment for those who want something that may feel and fit feet better when walking and when your feet need extra room.
Here are some examples of the types of Derbys you can wear and what they might go well with.
1. Plain Toe Derby
The entire front of the shoe is made out of one piece of leather, and the sides (quarters) and the back of the shoe are sewn on top. This gives the shoe a relatively smooth, sleek look.
Just like the Wholecut Oxford, these shoes can be great for formal occasions and when you are wearing a suit.
This style often comes with rubber foam soles for a more comfortable feel, but this can also detract from their look if you want something a little more formal.
2. Wing Tip Derby
These shoes look very similar to the Oxford Wing Tip shoes at first glance. However, most people may not even notice that they are different, especially if your pants cover the laces.
This shoe is sewn in layers that help create a unique pattern all over the shoe, giving it a unique look. These hole patterns can be simple or fancy.
Sometimes, they are also called Oxford shoes, yet you can tell they are Derby by looking at the open lacing. You can wear a suit or casual wear with these shoes, depending on how formal they look.
3. Cap-Toe Derby
A Derby with a top cap is usually considered more informal, yet you might use it with formal clothing depending on the shoe. Some people will mirror shine their shoes, and this helps to add a sleek look to any shoe.
These are good for business attire around the office and for going out with friends and family for dress-up occasions.
In the video below, you can see how shoe quality differs greatly depending on the shoes you choose. Unfortunately, if you want the best quality, you will need to make an investment, but it should pay off if you plan on wearing the shoes enough.
You’ll find various styles of Derby shoes when you are shopping. Look for high-quality stitching, leather stitched soles if possible, and something that can work for
Which Is Better, The Oxford Or The Derby?
I think a lot can be said about how similar both of these shoes are and which can go well with formal wear versus a more casual look.
Yet, most people agree that Oxfords can work better for more formal occasions, and while Derbys can also be used for formal occasions, people tend to think of them as a more casual, less sleek shoe.
So, the best shoe is likely the one you can find that fits you well and fits the occasions you will be using it for the most.
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References
Title picture – Robert Sheie, CC BY 2.0 httpscreativecommons.orglicensesby2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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