10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (2024)

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.

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.

best polished oxfords

Dior Timeless Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (11)

best polished oxfords

Dior Timeless Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (12)Timelessly elegant look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (13)High-quality construction from a trusted brand
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (14)Blake stitching
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (15)Expensive
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (16)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.

ColorsBlack
Sizes5-15
MaterialsCalfskin Leather

best go-to oxfords

J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (17)

best go-to oxfords

J.Crew Ludlow Cap Toe Leather Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (18)Zigzagged edge on cap toe
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (19)Timeless look
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (20)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.

ColorsBlack
Sizes7-13
MaterialsLeather

best sleek oxfords

Anthony Veer Clinton Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (21)

best sleek oxfords

Anthony Veer Clinton Cap Toe Oxfords

Now 37% Off

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (22)Goodyear welt construction
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (23)Great price
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (24)Flexible outer
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (25)Runs small
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (26)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.

ColorsBlack, Chocolate Brown, Oxblood
Sizes7-14
MaterialsLeather

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best stylish oxfords

Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (27)

best stylish oxfords

Beckett Simonon Dean Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (28)Elegant, unique look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (29)Great for when you don't feel like wearing classic black or brown options
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (30)Plenty of color options
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (31)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.

ColorsBlack, Bordeaux, Brown, Oak, Tan
Sizes7-14
MaterialsLeather

best elegant oxfords

Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (32)

best elegant oxfords

Berluti Blake Whole-Cut Venezia Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (33)Whole-cut to show patina over time
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (34)Iconic, burnished look
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (35)Pricey
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (36)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.

ColorsBrown
SizesUK 7-UK 12
MaterialsCalf Leather

best everyday oxfords

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (37)

best everyday oxfords

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap Toe Oxfords

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (38)Expansive size and width range
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (39)Breathable lining
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (40)Made to support higher arches
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (41)Buyers report fit inconsistencies
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (42)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.

ColorsDark Chili Burnished, Navy, Walnut, Black
Sizes6.5-16
MaterialsLeather

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best timeless oxfords

Johnston & Murphy Danridge Cap Toe Oxfords

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (43)

best timeless oxfords

Johnston & Murphy Danridge Cap Toe Oxfords

Now 41% Off

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (44)Cushiony insole with molded footbed
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (45)Vintage-inspired look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (46)Perforated toe detail
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (47)Runs small
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (48)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.

ColorsTan, Black
Sizes8-14
MaterialsLeather

best understated oxfords

George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (49)

best understated oxfords

George Cleverley Merlin Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (50)Goodyear welted soles provide comfort and longevity
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (51)Made by experienced craftsmen
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (52)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.

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 6-UK 12
MaterialsSuede

best designer oxfords

Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (53)

best designer oxfords

Prada Brushed Leather Laced Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (54)Classic, timeless look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (55)Leather and rubber sole for longevity and comfort
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (56)$$$

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.

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 5-UK 13
MaterialsCalf Leather

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best luxury oxfords

Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes

10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (57)

best luxury oxfords

Tom Ford Caydon Burnished-Leather Oxford Shoes

Pros
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (58)Classic cap-toe look
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (59)High-quality construction
Cons
  • 10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (60)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?

ColorsBlack
SizesUK 7-UK 12
MaterialsCalf Leather
10 Oxford Shoes You Can't Go Wrong With (2024)
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