THE OXFORD SHOE, AKA BALMORAL

For the Adelaide Shoe see below


The Oxford is derived from a half boot popular in Oxford (Oxon.) around 1800.  In its simplicity it is one of the most stylish and elegant shoes one can find.  Originally this styles comes from Ireland and Scotland, where they were Balmorals after Balmoral Castle; this term is often heard in North America.  The Oxford is always closed laced and the classic Oxford is without any decorations or brogues.

A closed laced Oxford shoe is shown above.               An open laced Derby shoe is shown above

In a closed laced shoe the vamp is sewn on top of the quarters, or the vamp is the same piece of leather as the quarter; this is similar to a wholecut shoe. 

 

In an open laced shoe the quarters are sewn as separate pieces of leather on top of the vamp.

 

The Black Oxford

When to wear the Black Oxford

The black Oxford may be worn with anything in a suitable colour (black, dark blue, dark grey), especially suits, apart form White Tie.   When a Black Oxford is worn with Black Tie, the latter demands a Black Patent Oxford.


A typical Black Oxford shoe is shown above


VARIATIONS OF THE OXFORD:


THE ADELAIDE SHOE

The Adelaide is a closed-laced Oxford with w 'U'-shaped yoke around the lacing.   In this picture the 'U' is upside down and decorated with brogues.

This Adelaide is the Belgrave model made by Tricker's.