What is the difference between Derby shoes and Oxford shoes?
Timeless pieces in men's wardrobes, Oxford and Derby shoes are often confused because they are very similar. However, each of these shoes has specific characteristics. So, how do you tell the difference between Derby and Oxford shoes and which shoes should you choose for each occasion? Minelli explains everything.
Oxford shoes are classic and elegant
When you think of dress shoes, it is Oxford shoes that usually immediately spring to mind. This formal and elegant shoe has controversial origins. For some, it comes from the Duke of Richelieu and was first introduced in the court of Louis XIV. For others, this iconic shoe is the result of the evolution of the "Oxonian" half boot, which was very popular among Oxford University students in the 19th century.
In terms of appearance, Oxford shoes are characterised by closed lacing where the laces pass directly through the shoe's upper and bring the sides together. This results in a very elegant V-shaped opening. This shoe is refined and very dressy. This is why it is usually worn during formal occasions such as weddings or celebrations.
There are different types of Oxford shoe :
Oxford shoes with smooth uppers, the most classic style, such as our Trevis style;
The one-piece style such as our Minelli Santiago Oxford shoes;
Oxford shoes with a straight toe where the upper is separated into two pieces, such as our Geraldy or Raymond styles;
Trendy styles with decorative perforations such as our Salmiono shoe.
The Derby shoe is a more casual style
Although the Derby shoe is often confused with its cousin, the Oxford shoe, it has a slightly different appearance. It is characterised by open lacing instead of closed lacing, that is to say the lace eyelets are positioned on the sides which pass over the upper. These two pieces of leather can be raised thus better adapting to the shape of the foot. Derby shoes are particularly recommended for men with a high instep, unlike Oxford shoes which are perfect for flat insteps.
This shoe was invented by the Count of Derby in the 19th century; he found Oxford shoes to be too uncomfortable for his strong feet. So he asked his bootmaker to design a shoe that was more comfortable and easier to put on: the Derby shoe was born.
Less formal than Oxford shoes, Derby shoes come in various styles:
The leather Derby shoe;
The nubuck Derby shoe such as our Edric style;
The Derby shoe with a half-width toe with front stitching in the middle of the shoe such as our Tibor style.
Previously confined to the men's locker room, these days Derby shoes can be worn by women and can be worn with trousers, jeans and even a dress or skirt for a very trendy masculine-feminine look.
Minelli Derby shoes or Minelli Oxford shoes: which ones to choose?
The main difference between Derby and Oxford shoes lies in their formality: the Oxford shoe is generally worn with formal and very dressy outfits while the Derby shoe is more commonly worn with casual outfits. As an example, you can wear the latter with jeans or chinos or velour trousers while Oxford shoes can be readily worn with a suit.
In terms of colours, black, which is very elegant, can be paired with any outfit, as can cognac or chestnut. You can also go for khaki or navy blue to add a little spice to your outfit, or nubuck to break with the formality of leather. At Minelli, we also have sneaker-style Derby shoes such as our Nohame or Nolan Derby shoes, which are easy to pair with more casual outfits.
Oxford or Derby shoes: these two styles remain essential pieces in men's wardrobes and complement each other perfectly. So why not go for both? You will certainly find something you like in our wide range of men's dress shoes!
