For a long time, men and shoes were primarily a practical matter. But that's long gone. When it comes to shoes, modern men demonstrate just as sure a sense of style and quality as women and cultivate an at least as intimate relationship with their footwear. Men don't just want to look good in their shoes; they want them to be faithful companions for long stretches of their lives—in the truest sense of the word.

For fashion-conscious men, the Durawalk online shop offers a wide variety of Oxford men's shoes that guarantee the perfect look for every situation – whether in the office, during sports, on festive occasions, or outdoors in nature.

What is an Oxford shoe?

Oxfords are characterized by their closed lacing, meaning the two side parts, the quarters, of the shoe merge completely into one another towards the vamp, and the tongue is attached separately on the inside. This generally leads to Oxfords being perceived as more elegant and refined, but of course, much also depends on the shape of the shoe, the type and color of the leather, the model, and whether it has a brogue pattern, for example, etc. The closed lacing of Oxfords can be compared to the other most common type of lace-up shoe, the Derby, which has an open lacing, where the vamp of the shoe merges into the actual tongue, while the quarters, where the lacing is located, are on the outside.

Origin Oxford shoes for men

The success story of the Oxford shoe began in the early 19th century. Until then, it was taken for granted that men of the world wore mid-calf leather boots. It is said that it was the students of the renowned Oxford University who discovered the low-cut shoe and established it as the new standard for good English style among men. From then on, Oxford shoes became popular throughout England. Within just 30 years, all social classes were wearing these simple black leather shoes – replacing the ever-popular boots.

Initially, the Oxford shoe established itself as a popular leather shoe for summer. One reason was its very thin sole at the time. Technology wasn't yet advanced enough to insulate, line, or winterize a shoe. Therefore, boots remained the first choice when the weather was bad or temperatures were low.

Durawalk’s Oxford Shoes Collection

Patent Oxford Shoes

Just as every man needs a smart suit in his wardrobe, no one should be without a pair of dress shoes. Durawalk's range has something for every occasion, from classic Oxford shoes to patent Oxford shoes. Shoes with a sophisticated style, ideal under suits or separates for a true businessman look. These handmade shoes combine history, elegance, comfort, and robustness.

Product Description:

• Shoe type: Oxfords

• Closure: Closed lacing

• Pattern: Plain

• Surface: patent leather

• Sole: Leather sole with nailed heel and rubber strip

Details and Features:

• Narrow tapered shoe cap

• block heel

• Leather interior

• Soft footbed

• Stitched sole

Material:

• Upper material: patent leather

• Inner material: leather

• Sole material: leather, rubber

We are pleased to introduce our patent leather shoes. These shoes are to wear to formal occasions, such as New Year's Eve parties or proms, along with a tuxedo or tailcoat. Shown here in a clean version with a smooth toe, made on an elegant round last.

The shoes are sewn very carefully like all our shoes, they feature a thin, rubber gel sole, very practical even for a patent leather shoe, allowing you to go outside and watch the New Year's Eve fireworks without any problems, even in inclement weather. They feature a leather board heel stiffener that adapts to your feet and is fully lined with leather.

Classic Oxford Shoes

Our classic Oxford shoe line is to offer our customers the best possible value. Offering a very competitive price range, our brand is our interpretation of the high-level and quality shoe. This is the classic black cap-toe Oxford. Crafted on a classic round last, this staple shoe will never let you down and should always have a place in your closet. Conservative indeed, but these shoes remain the obvious choice when it comes to important occasions. Whether it's a wedding or a business meeting, the cap-toe classic Oxford can be your shoe of choice. 

• Construction: Goodyear-welted. Leather board heel stiffeners that conform to your feet. 

• Leather: Smooth, full-grain calf leather.

• Sole: Thin city rubber gel sole, developed by us, where we had a hand in selecting the rubber used, as well as the tread and pattern. The sole has a slim profile like a leather sole and very good durability due to the rubber material. 

Product details

Elegant shoes made of smooth leather

Product Description:

• Shoe type: Derby

• Closure: Open lacing

• Pattern: Plain

• Surface: smooth leather

• Sole: Leather hollow with nailed heel and rubber strip

Details and Features:

• Leather insole

• Low-top

• Soft footbed

Material:

• Upper material: leather

• Inner material: leather

• Sole material: leather

For today's stylish man, being able to distinguish a classic Oxford is barely enough basic knowledge. However, the subject is more extensive than many people realize. The selection of men's shoes is extremely diverse, and anyone who wants to contribute to the detailed discussion should at least be familiar with the most important shoe types.

How formal is an Oxford shoe?

The Oxford shoe is essentially relatively formal, but when it's made from suede on a rounder last, with a rubber sole and a brogue pattern, you have a more informal and casual shoe. So, it's all about the design. The most formal styles are the simple cap-toe Oxford and the full-cut Oxford in black calfskin; these are traditional dress shoes, best suited to a formal/dark suit dress code, for example. Brown Oxfords are becoming less formal, especially in lighter shades; suede or embossed grain leather are becoming less formal, and more patterns, such as brogueing, also reduce the level of formality.

Do I need to own a pair of black Oxfords?

It's often said that every man should own a pair of black plain cap-toe Oxfords. The reason for this is that this is the type of shoe considered most appropriate in certain contexts, such as formal/dark suit dress codes or funerals. These days, it's fine for most people to wear other shoes for these occasions, but if you're most eager to show that you're on the cutting edge and follow the "rules," a pair of black plain cap-toe Oxfords is something to own. Black whole cuts are also comparable in terms of formality, so if you prefer this style, you can certainly opt for them. 

Composition of men's shoes

The often simple yet elegant appearance of men's shoes is deceptive: Each shoe is a complex structure made up of various individual parts. The base is always the insole and not just an ordinary insole we are talking about a medicated insole. The upper is attached to it – either with glue or by sewing both parts together.

In addition, there is a rubber gel sole and heels, and in between there are up to 30 other individual parts, depending on the design and purpose of the shoe: toe and heel caps, balling, back and welt, joint pieces, and insole are just a few components of an oxford men's shoe, which together form a real work of art.

From natural to synthetic: The most popular materials for Oxford shoes

There are differences not only in the design but also in the materials used. Four different groups can be distinguished:

• Leather: Classic Oxford shoes are usually made of smooth leather. However, these models are also popular, especially for the colder months. Patent leather is specially treated for its shiny effect, which, however, makes the material somewhat more delicate. 

• Textiles: Fabrics such as inner lining a soft artificial leather that is primarily used for lightweight summer shoes, such as patent and classic Oxford shoes for men. They are lighter, stylish, and more flexible, yet still robust.

• Brand Prestige: Luxury brands often showcase their products at a premium level. This highlights their reputation and commitment to quality.

• Craftsmen build high-quality Oxfords to last, and shoemakers can resolve them. This lifespan can make them a worthwhile long-term investment.

• Design Details: Special stitching and unique patterns make the product stand out. Custom insoles also enhance its appeal.

Details decide

Ultimately, however, the upper material and model only guide the search for the right shoe. Details in the craftsmanship also play a crucial role: Should the sole be glued or sewn? How much ornamentation should the shoe have? Should it come with or without lacing, and what should the lacing look like?

Furthermore, shoes evolve with every new trend, with new designs appearing alongside old ones without necessarily going out of fashion. This is demonstrated by our classic Oxford shoes, which boast a long tradition and yet—or perhaps precisely because of it—remain trendy.

Shoe etiquette: Dressed properly from head to toe 

Having a sense of style when buying men's shoes doesn't just mean having an eye for current fashion trends. It also means knowing when and for what occasion which shoe is the best choice—and what to pair with it.

The right shoe for every occasion

Even if you want to wear your favorite shoes all the time, they aren't always the ideal choice. The good thing is that in many cases, you may choose from several solutions, each of which is acceptable and current.

• In the office: Everyday office wear is a case in point. These days, you can wear not only classic lace-ups or elegant boots – sneakers are also increasingly finding their way into offices. However, they must be as elegant and simple as other men's shoes.

• For Formal Occasion: A sleek black tuxedo or formal suit pairs well with black patent leather Oxford shoes. Lack patent leather whole-cut or classic oxford shoes for men to look sleek and stylish. Their modest appearance makes them perfect for tuxedo-required parties.

• In your free time: This is the opportunity to indulge in some freedom when choosing footwear. However, overly formal men's shoes can quickly make your outfit look overdressed and inconsistent. 

You can (not) wear it like this.

Brown shoes are prohibited after 6 p.m., tennis socks are much more so, and you cannot go without socks entirely. When putting up your wardrobe for work or a casual get-together with friends, you should adhere to a few fundamental fashion principles to retain your reputation as a stylishly smart, modern guy with an eye for detail.

Shoes and suit

In some industries, a suit is standard, so it is important to know which colors harmonize well with each other:

• Navy blue suit: Classic, elegant, and subtle. Your shoes should be the same color, so black, a little deeper shade of blue, or cognac are ideal since they give a fascinating contrast.

• Black Suit: The days when only black shoes were permitted are over. Dark brown or red tones are also suitable.

• Grey suit: For more informal business occasions, a grey suit is suitable, along with brown or – more classic – black shoes.

• Blue suit: If smart casual is the order of the day, a blue suit and navy blue shoes are the perfect match. Otherwise, feel free to wear white shoes.

• Light blue suit: Dressed this way, you'll appear casual, which is perfectly acceptable, especially in summer. With the right shoes, you can offset this effect while still presenting yourself appropriately smart. This works best when combined with black or dark blue shoes.

Does a men's Oxford shoe always have to be simple?

It doesn't have to be. Lace-up shoes can certainly be decorated with perforations and ornaments. These are known as broguings. However, a real Oxford naturally impresses with its understated, simple look. Completely without frills is called a  plain Oxford. However, if it is atypically decorated from front to back with a perforation pattern, then it is called a  full-brogue Oxford. A decorated Oxford lace-up shoe is often incorrectly referred to as a Budapester. What is the difference? A real Budapester has a much wider shaft. Oxfords, on the other hand, are very narrow. When choosing the right shoe, men should therefore know their foot shape exactly - then they are sure to get the perfect fit and look. 

Smart & Casual – Matching oxford shoes for men to a casual outfit 

Less is more? Far from it. While the classic dress code usually calls for restraint, less formal occasions can be a little more extravagant. But when it comes to casual wear, men leave nothing to chance, too. We show you which styles are perfect for informal occasions.

Loose, casual & informal: Casual Wear

Just a few years ago, the workplace had a strict dress code. Even today, a dark suit, a plain shirt with a tie, and black leather shoes form the basis of a classic business outfit. However, some industries are deliberately adopting a more casual approach. Smart and casual is now the magic formula in the modern business world – but even with this deliberately informal dress code, it's important to avoid faux pas.

Casual wear allows for more leeway for men, but this by no means means a comeback for tennis socks and high-water trousers. First and foremost, the dress code depends on the situation. In the office, men pair a jacket with a polo shirt, and the tie can also be left at home for a change. On Casual Friday, the jacket can be replaced entirely with a sweater. But be careful: While some companies tolerate the wearing of jeans, they should be dark colors and in immaculate condition. Suits with overly striking patterns still belong more in the casual sector.

The ideal shoe model for casual wear

A plain black Oxford is undoubtedly the perfect companion for a business meeting or a formal occasion. In less formal settings, this famous classic shoe can sometimes seem out of place. A stylish lyre perforation or a modern upper color pleasantly softens the elegant vamp of the Oxford, transforming this popular men's shoe into a fashionable yet elegant choice for casual wear. The Derby, on the other hand, exudes a subtle nonchalance.

Although this traditional British shoe has long since conquered the upper echelons of business and naturally looks fabulous with a suit, the open lacing of the Derby still appears a bit more casual than its closed counterpart. Nevertheless, the wearer's physiognomy in general and personal taste in particular should determine the choice between Oxford and Derby; in terms of casualness, however, the Derby prevails over its elegant counterpart.

Seasonally, men can also wear Goodyear-welted loafers on weekdays in the summer. Moccasins and boat shoes, on the other hand, are purely casual footwear and are a great choice, especially for a modern preppy look consisting of a polo shirt and chinos. In the cold, wet season, men's boots create a youthful appearance, as long as they're not hidden under the trouser leg.

Black is always the best choice.

Aside from the model, the color of the upper leather determines the character of the shoe. While black is reserved for formal wear, brown tones in all their various nuances emphasize the wearer's fashion sense.

A cognac-colored full-brogue Oxford or a dark brown half-brogue Derby looks particularly excellent with blue, gray, or brown fabrics. Black shoes, however, are completely out of the question with a blue suit. Those looking for something a bit more unconventional can make a fashion statement with blue, green, or even two-tone footwear.

With or without brogues?

Overly elaborate decorations like those found in half- or full-brogues are out of place in a traditional business setting. However, if you work in the creative industry or are attending a friend's party, the plain version can be left at home. For such occasions, leather shoes with broguing are a wonderful way to accentuate your look.

Smooth, rough & textured

What applies to the decoration of men's shoes also applies to the upper leather. Accordingly, for casual smart, it doesn't always have to be smooth, shiny calfskin. Alternatively, suede shoes are very popular and look particularly good with corduroy, tweed, and jeans. Even with leather shoes made of nubuck or suede, the shoe model, color, and perforation ultimately determine their sportiness.

The well-known Scotch grain, however, leaves no doubt as to its origin. The distinctive surface embossing of Scotch grain, traditionally obtained from cowhide, gives men's shoes an unconventional look that's best reserved for casual wear – in the black cap-toe Oxford version, the grained leather is also perfectly suited to casual business attire.

Exotic leathers such as crocodile, stingray, ostrich, python, and lizard are more than welcome in a casual wardrobe. Men's shoes made from these exotic leathers generally require no additional embellishment, as they are already a real eye-catcher in their own right.

Finding the right Oxford shoes: The six most common mistakes when buying shoes

Autumn temperatures are upon us. It's slowly getting too cold in sneakers and athletic shoes, and even work shoes are no longer the right choice. Want to find the right Oxford shoes—for work and outdoor leisure activities? But be careful: just being able to slip them on doesn't necessarily mean they'll "fit." Here are the 6 most common shoe-buying mistakes—and tips from the experts on how to do it right.

Mistake 1: The shoes are too small

We know from experience that many people always choose shoes one size too small. Shoes that are too small or too big, however, put your health under severe strain: blisters, corns, hallux valgus, heel spurs, circulatory problems, foot deformities, and other foot conditions are the consequences of ill-fitting footwear and the wrong shoe size.

Is one size larger for wider feet?

Don't do that. Shoes that are too small or too tight won't stretch enough to suddenly fit. Thick socks won't make shoes that are too big fit any better. Likewise, there's no point in buying shoes that are too big for wide feet or too small for narrow feet. That will put your feet in places where they don't belong. Do yourself and your health a favor and leave the shoes that are too small, too big, too tight, and too wide on the shelf.

Tip: Thumb width test

You'll find the Oxford right shoes if they pass our thumb-width test. To do this, remove both insoles from the shoes and place them side by side. Stand with both feet on the insoles. There should be exactly a thumb's width of space at the front of the shoe. If your feet are different sizes, test on the insole of your larger foot. If your big toe touches the edge of the sole or even protrudes slightly over the sole, the shoe is too small. If there's more than a thumb's width of space at the front of the shoe, the shoe is one size too big.

Finding the right shoes – this is how you can be sure

If the sole fits, try the shoes on. Do both shoes fit perfectly on the ball of the foot and the heel? Is there no pressure or wobble in these areas? If the shoes pass these tests, you've found the perfect size for you. Since shoe sizes vary, you shouldn't assume that you always need to wear the same size. Most manufacturers provide size charts with information on correct foot lengths.

Mistake 2: Inappropriate and unsuitable footwear

Of course, appearance plays a role and should match your outfit. But here, too, looks aren't everything. Shoes you wear for walking through wet leaves in the woods or even in the snow serve a completely different function than office shoes, which are meant to match your business attire. Therefore, the shoe material and sole must be completely different – that's obvious. But often it's the little things like insoles that we neglect when buying shoes, and which, in retrospect, play a much bigger role than we thought.

If this happens almost every day, you'll be frustrated every single day. You want to avoid that. Then make sure you wear shoes that are quick to put on. There are so many different types of shoes – there are now even some autumn and winter shoes with laces AND zips.

Mistake 3: Wrong time

There is such a thing as the wrong time to buy shoes. Many people don't realize that their feet swell throughout the day. Therefore, the morning is not the best time to shop for shoes. The shoes may not fit properly by the end of the day. Late afternoon and early evening are the ideal times if you want to find the right shoes.

Mistake 4: Style before comfort

Have you ever felt that way? Suddenly you see a pair of shoes in a display that almost knocks you off your feet. You go into the store and are desperate to buy them. And then – oh dear – they're only available one size bigger or smaller. We've all been there. The basic rule here is: If they don't fit comfortably now, they won't fit later. To put it bluntly: If they're "too high", "too tight", or "rub against your ankle", you're damaging your foot health – every day. You want to find shoes that fit well, not constantly suffer from foot pain, and regret that you ever bought them in the first place.

Mistake 5: Wearing shoes without socks

This summer, ankle-free was the order of the day. A chic pair of oxford shoes for men with skinny jeans was totally in this summer, a fashion statement par excellence. However, wearing your shoes without socks is practically a breeding ground for foot pain. A breeding ground for blisters, chafing, and sweaty feet.

Mistake 6: Wearing shoes with the wrong socks

Even if you find shoes that fit, cotton socks can quickly ruin your comfort. They slip easily inside your shoes, get damp more quickly, and wrinkle easily. Particularly soft, breathable, insulated, conforms to the shape of your foot, and won't crease in your shoes. Wool socks are also antibacterial and odorless. They're also the best socks for cold feet in autumn and winter temperatures. For the ultimate in comfort in matching shoes, wear wool socks with no elastic or seams.

Summary: With an eye for detail

Functional and comfortable – yes. But these are not the only criteria men use to choose their shoes today. Craftsmanship, materials, and design are crucial when it comes to finding the right shoe for every type and every occasion. After all, men's shoes aren't just meant to protect the feet. Above all, they're an important statement piece and demonstrate that the wearer knows exactly what they want.

First impressions count: the first glance at your shoes separates the wheat from the chaff. Alongside undeniable attributes such as politeness, respect, and good manners, well-groomed footwear is part of every gentleman's basic wardrobe. The brand you choose is less important than whether the shoe is suitable for the occasion. But what exactly makes a shoe a style? The question answers that only the Oxford is an ideal fit for more specific occasions and therefore has a somewhat narrower range of uses, the derby, and the Oxford stand out for their versatility. The biggest difference between the derby and Oxford lies in their construction.