9 Best Men’s Oxford Shoes: Timeless Appeal, Utility in 2024

From sneakers to boots, there are some footwear styles that no guy should be without. Included in that list of essentials is the Oxford, and let me tell you why.

The ultimate dressy design, the best men’s Oxford shoes, deliver a dose of old-school charm to your chosen formalwear. Whether you’re wearing a tailored suit or a shirt and slacks, they perfectly tie everything together and never fail to impress.

Join me as I round up some of the most celebrated styles on the market. You’ll find a plethora of options that cater to every budget, as well as comfortable classics perfect for wide and flat feet.

Key Takeaways

The messiah of men’s dress shoes, the Oxford is an integral part of any well-rounded wardrobe. Your go-to for weddings, work events, and everything in between, it’s a fail-safe footwear choice that has been at the forefront of formal wardrobes for centuries.

To find the best men’s Oxford shoes, I analyzed more than 30 designs before narrowing them down to just nine, including my favorite pairs from Velasca and Cole Haan.

With the help of customer reviews, menswear forums, and online communities, here you’ll discover a list of essential styles that every guy should consider.

Why it’s great: Velasca’s Giacalustra Oxford shoes have been reviewed more than 2,000 times with an average rating of 4.6/5. Well worthy of the praise, they’ve been crafted using Blake-Rapid construction, a combination of Goodyear and Blake methods, that makes them waterproof and impressively tough.

These are simply some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. They’re versatile, timeless, and super sleek, and you can choose between a leather and Vibram rubber sole.

Who is this for? These will look just as good with a tailored suit as they will with a cardigan, dark jeans, and a button-down shirt. You’ll be wearing them everywhere—from business events and after-work drinks to weddings and weekend rendezvous.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The rubber soles are certainly more forgiving than the leather. Something to consider.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather or Rubber | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 2

Why it’s great: Presented in a dark mahogany that’s to die for, Myrqvist’s Oxford shoes really are a work of art. Featuring beautiful brogue punching on the toe, vamp, and rear, they’re Goodyear-welted for optimum durability and complete with a half-rubber sole that’ll keep you on your feet in bad weather.

Who is this for? The best men’s Oxford shoes don’t have to be black; these are an excellent alternative that’ll look particularly dashing with navy and gray tailoring. They’ll also work with slim-fitting jeans and smart casual shirts or knitwear, should you wish to dress down slightly.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The leather takes a few wears to properly soften, so you may find them a touch stiff at first.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 6.5–12 | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: I mean, just look at them. In a glorious tobacco brown color with perforated detailing, they’re the kind of Oxford shoes you see everywhere at Pitti Uomo.

Made from velvety-soft suede and set on leather soles, you’ll want to wear them whenever you can—from parties to weddings and work events.

Who is this for? Better suited to the warmer-weather months than winter, they’re real showstoppers that’ll earn you some serious style points.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. However, suede doesn’t get on very well with the rain, so you’ll need to invest in some shoe protector spray if you want to keep them safe.

Material: 100% Suede | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 7

Why it’s great: Cole Haan’s Lenox Hill Oxford shoes are smooth and sleek with a classic cap toe. They’re made from leather with a stacked heel and rubber sole, promising long-lasting style and great grip on slippery surfaces.

These are some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. Available in regular and wide fit, you can wear them with a suit, but they’ll work equally as well with dress pants and a knitted polo shirt.

Who is this for? Affordable, comfortable, and versatile, these are a risk-free design that’ll ensure that you always have a suitable pair of shoes for formal events.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: A few customers have said they can be a little noisy when walking—a nightmare if you’re planning on sneaking up on anyone.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–16 | Colors Available: 3

Why it’s great: Complete with a wing-tip toe and the classic Oxford lace-up system, these wallet-friendly shoes are seriously impressive for the price. Simple and smart, with more than 6,000 five-star Amazon reviews, they’ll pair perfectly with your choice of tailoring.

Who is this for? If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better pair of Oxfords. They’re ideal for those who don’t dress smartly often and need a pair of shoes they can turn to every now and again.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though the lining is leather, the rest of the shoe is synthetic. Generally speaking, this means that they won’t last as long as some of the other best men’s Oxford shoes.

Material: 100% Synthetic Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–15 | Colors Available: 6

Why it’s great: When it comes to essentials, J.Crew rarely misses. Case in point is this pair of Oxfords, made from supple leather and finished with a classic toe cap. They’ll be your shoe of choice for all kinds of formal occasions, from black-tie events to interviews.

Who is this for? You should never underestimate the importance of quality basics, which is exactly what these are. Versatile enough to style in different ways, they’re a great investment that’ll serve you well for many years to come.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. However, it’s a shame that they come in only black because I’d like to get them in brown, too.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: Much has changed since Grenson was founded more than 150 years ago, but its commitment to quality craftsmanship and proper shoes, like these Oxfords, has remained constant.

These are some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. I love the rounded shape of the last (that’s the mold of the shoe), which has been designed to keep your feet happy whether you’re walking around the city or standing for long periods.

Who is this for? If you’re serious about your shoes, then you’ll love Grenson. This particular pair strikes the perfect balance between dressy and casual, so they will work with the majority of your wardrobe, from suits and shirts to jeans and knitwear.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: If your foot is average width or a little wider, you may find these a little tight. They will stretch slightly over time but you might want to size up.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 6–12 | Colors Available: 2

Why it’s great: Loake was founded in 1880 by William Loake with his brothers Thomas and John and is now run by his great-great-grandson five generations later. Masters of their craft, the Loake family is to thank for some of the finest footwear in the business, including these Bale Oxford Brogues.

With a high-shine and traditional lacing system, the classic design features a rounder toe than many of its counterparts, making it more accommodating for wider feet. These are simply some of the best men’s Oxford shoes.

Who is this for? If you appreciate expert craftsmanship and brands with a history, then these are winners. The high shine makes them perfect for black-tie events, and the generous fit is roomy enough for all foot shapes.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: As you know, quality doesn’t come cheap.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Synthetic | Sizes Available: 6.5–12 | Colors Available: 1

Why it’s great: Barker is the master of making shoes, offering an array of options from work-ready Derbies to sneakers that are perfect for traveling. These Goodyear-welted Oxfords have been crafted by hand and finished on a three part insole for ultimate durability.

These are some of the best men’s Oxford shoes. They’ll get softer as you wear them and will bring a touch of class to your everyday formal fits.

Who is this for? Seriously smart, these are the ideal option for business meetings and more formal occasions, whether your feet are narrow or wide. They’re a proper investment piece that’ll last you years if you look after them properly.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Shoes that use a Goodyear-welt construction require additional materials and time to create, so they’re more expensive than some of the other options on this list.

Material: Leather | Sole Material: Leather with Rubber forepart | Sizes Available: 6–16 | Colors Available: 2

Buying Considerations for The Best Men’s Oxford Shoes

Construction

The better the construction, the longer your Oxford shoes will last. Look for leather designs that use construction methods such as Goodyear welt and Blake stitching. These help to offer durability and longevity, ensuring that they withstand daily wear and maintain their appearance over time.

Comfort

Comfort is key. The best men’s Oxford shoes will be comfortable to wear thanks to features such as cushioned insoles and supportive arches. You’ll also want to make sure that your chosen style offers ample room in the toe box without pinching or rubbing.

Color 

Oxford shoes come in a variety of colors. Consider the versatility of each and how well it complements your existing wardrobe. Classic hues like black, brown, and tan offer timeless appeal and can be easily paired with a range of outfits.

How We Chose

Oxford shoes aren’t exactly hard to come by—it turns out the internet is full of them. But although choice is aplenty, not all of them live up to the product description.

To determine which ones were worth their weight in gold, I spoke to shoe-making friends and industry experts and spent hours reading reviews to find the best men’s Oxford shoes on the web. I judged each one on construction and comfort, as well as the following:

Price: I evaluated the affordability of each pair relative to quality and craftsmanship. I chose only those that offered excellent value for money, regardless of budget.

Versatility: What can you wear them with? I focused on the styles that could be easily styled and worn for numerous occasions.

Durability: By assessing the durability of the materials and construction used, I was able to ensure that the shoes could withstand regular wear and prove a valuable addition to your wardrobe.

Brand Reputation: Only the best men’s Oxford shoes made the cut. I prioritized brands that have a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a proven track record for customer satisfaction and reliability.

Why Trust Us?

A self-confessed shopping addict, Billy Webb is an experienced journalist who’s covered hundreds of topics, including shoes for overweight men and slippers with support. When he’s not looking for footwear to improve his own collection, he’s helping others find some for theirs.

Having worked on London’s Savile Row for many years, he understands more than most what a good pair of shoes can do for a suit. This is why there’s no better writer to uncover the best men’s Oxford shoes around. Trust us to trust Billy.

Final Word

When it comes to formal footwear, securing some Oxfords is a must. My favorite pair is the Giacalustra by Velasca. One of the best men’s Oxford shoes on the market, they boast a super sleek design, high-quality construction, and the kind of versatility that’ll have you wearing them forever and a day.