Men’s footwear: Derby or Oxford? Here is the main difference between the two types of shoes, the choice of which is simply a question of style.
Footwear is a fundamental accessory, with the power to set the tone for an entire look. Choosing between a derby-style show or the more classic Oxford can make the difference and ensure an outfit is suited to the occasion.
The Oxford model, considered the most elegant men’s shoe of all, is characterised by eyelet tabs stitched underneath the vamp. Oxfords may be plain or decorated with bands of perforated holes on the tip. The name “Oxford” derives from the fact that the shoe was first worn by students at Oxford University, the scions of England’s foremost families.
The other model of elegant, lace-up men’s shoe is the derby, which is more informal and casual in nature. The difference compared to the Oxford lies in the eyelet tabs stitched on top of the vamp, as well as in the origin of the name: the model was launched by Earl of Derby, who wore it in the late 18th century.
The Oxford provides a more classic, formal style, perfect with pinstriped, tailored and tight suits; the derby sets a more casual yet nonetheless impeccable tone and may also be worn with jeans.
The difference between the Oxford and derby is thus a matter of detail. Yet style is made of details.
It is the attention to such details that inspires the collection of handcrafted men’s footwear by Fabi Shoes. Come discover it!
