What's the difference: Oxford and Derby Shoes

Both black and brown Oxford shoes have been popular in the men’s leather shoe category since the starting of the 1800 century. Simply, Oxford shoes got popular when people started using them to come to Oxford University. However, the history of Oxford shoes is a bit older than that. Oxford shoes first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, and then eventually in the world when they got recognition and name at Oxford University.

An average person who has not been fond of wearing formal shoes, do not know the major difference between an Oxford and a Derby shoe. Though there are some people, who love to dress formally on special occasions, must know the key differences between these two. You can spot more than a couple of differences between Derby and Oxford shoes.

Open Lacing System and Closed Lacing System

The key difference between Oxford and Derby formal shoes is that Oxford comes with a closed lacing system, meaning that their lace vamps are closed at the end. On the other hand, Derby shoes are open at the bottom, which makes them different from the Oxford shoes.

Formal and Semi-formal

The Oxfords are the most of formal shoes, meaning they have made a special image of formal wear in the global dressing industry. Derby shoes are more inclined towards the semi-formal category, also fulfilling the dressing need for casual occasions. In India, Derby shoes are the fashion statement in family parties and office gatherings.

Eyelets

There are some more differences like the eyelets, where we put in the laces, are attached. The eyelets in Oxford shoes are attached under the vamp, not being visible. Whereas, in Derby shoes, the eyelets are attached on the upper side of the vamp and makes a different style statement with a Closed lacing system.

The vamp is the official or designated name of the upper part of the shoe where laces go through.

Derby offers designs and colours

Oxford men’s leather shoes are meant to satiate the need of formal gatherings and occasions, hence they have less margin of getting fancy designs. Whereas Derby Shoes has a vast scope of wearing fanciful designs from fashion artisans.

Material used

As they both fall under the category of formal shoes, they can be crafted with calf leather, genuine leather, faux, or any other patented form of leather.

Colours offered

Generally, both Oxford and Derby shoes are offered in two colours – black or brown. However, the shades and patterns may be different while using any of the colours.

Today, both Oxford men’s leather shoes and Derby serve the purpose of formal wear. However, Derby shoes have become more popular over the decades as people love to wear them on both casual and formal occasions. Still, some people have a special love for Oxford shoes as they offer the whole feeling of formal wear while joining meetings or office parties.