An Oxford shoe is a leather, lace-up shoe, traditionally made of untanned, heavy leather.

Despite their name, these shoes originally appeared in Ireland and Scotland.

The design is often plain, but may show some small ornamentation or perforation.

Contemporary Oxford shoes experiment with design, which means that nowadays, they sometimes only bear little resemblance to the historic style.

They are usually made of tanned or, suede leather, or even synthetic materials.

In most cases they have a piece of leather stitched over the toe section, which gave them the names Toe Cap Oxfords or Oxford Caps.

Brogues are made of heavy, untanned leather.

The word "Brogue" also refers to Oxford shoes that have a fringe or wing-tips.

Ghillie Brogues, or Ghillies, have laces along the instep and no tongue.

They are worn for Scottish country dancing.

Brogues were stout leather shoes from Ireland or Scotland often decorated with punched and serrated leather.


Originally fitted with hobnails, the brogue effect can be introduced into styles with less sections by punching and gimping e.g. London Brogue or a Brogued Oxford.

Bluchers are a type of shoe whose laces tie over the tongue on two flaps.

The two flaps of leather run parallel to each other, and are sewn to the outside of the shoe.

In England, the Blucher is known as the Derby shoe.

Bluchers look great with a suit or wool trousers, but can also be worn with more casual outfits.

This special type of Derby / Bluchers has a seam around the front of the shoe.

In America and Britain these shoes are welt-sewn.

In Italy shoemakers prefer the cheaper way, which is sewn through.


Norwegian front shoes look great as mens evening shoes.

They look best with dark suits, but also go well with cord trousers or jeans.

Loafers, also known as Penny Loafers, are low, step-in shoes, made of leather, usually with moccasin construction, and broad flat heels.

They first appeared in the mid 1930`s, and are now worn by men as well as women.

Penny loafers are made of leather and have neither shoelaces nor buckles.

Wearing socks with Loafers depends on the fashion trends of the time.

A particular type of loafer, referred to as a "tasseled loafer," is a shoe which has been associated stereotypically with the profession of an attorney at law.