One of the types of shoes we manufacture in new.josedemora.com They are the “Oxford” type, this type of shoe is characterized by the type of stitching, its tongue and a series of other characteristics that we will explain below.

Oxford shoes could be included in a first classification, within the low type shoes. Within the low shoes we can also distinguish them based on their stitching and the type of closure, whether with laces or buckle. Oxfords are lace-up shoes with a Prussian stitching type. In shoes with a Prussian stitching, the flaps where the laces are located are sewn underneath the front part of the shoe, ending in a sewn tab.

Prussian-stitched lace-up shoes are considered to be more formal than their English-stitched counterparts. A foot wearing an Oxford shoe is a “well-dressed” foot.

Oxford shoes are named after the English city where they became popular due to their use by students at Oxford University in the 18th century, and are known by this name throughout the old continent. Originally, they were first manufactured and used in Scotland and Ireland, where they were called Balmorals. In the USA, this type of footwear is still known today as the Balmoral shoe, Balmoral Oxford or simply “bal”.

Oxford shoes are usually made of sober colours, mostly black and brown and with various leathers, mainly dark leathers, but also suede. Dark colours are usually more elegant and are more recommended for formal occasions. They can be combined with garments such as morning coats, tuxedos and tailcoats. On rare occasions we can find oxford shoes in rare leathers such as crocodile skin and specific colours such as blue or purple.

There are various types of Oxford shoes. We have the following:

The classic plain Oxford shoes, without any kind of ornamentation.

Oxfords with stitching on the seams are known as “Legate”

Brogues are a subtype of Oxford shoe. These are further differentiated between Semi-brogue and Full-brogue, and feature dotted patterns on different parts of the shoe.

Brogue shoes became popular at the beginning of the 19th century. They were inspired by the typical Scottish footwear and were initially women's shoes. Later they were adapted to men's models. They were characterized by their perforated holes. Mixed shoes were made between the traditional Oxford shoe and the traditional Oxford shoe. The traditional Oxford is considered a more modern, more urban shoe than the Brogue type, which is considered more rustic although it is also an elegant shoe. The black Brogue is also widely used on formal occasions.