Record details
| Shoe style | Oxford |
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| Style description |
An Oxford is a laced shoe with a closed front. The area around the eyelets is stitched under the front part of the shoe – known as the vamp. |
| Shoe description | This pair of men's brogue Oxford shoes were manufactured by George York and Son, Long Buckby, Northamptonshire. 1930-45. |
| Style example 1 | Men's leather Oxford shoes. Manufactured by Pollard and Sons, Northampton. c.1910. |
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It is thought the name derives from the style of shoe worn by students at Oxford University in the early 19th century. There certainly was a style called the Oxonian from the 1840s. |
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| Style example 2 | Men's Oxford brogue shoes. Manufactured by Pollard and Sons, Northampton. 1910-20. |
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The Oxford can be coupled with a brogue and this classic style emerged in the 1890s and had become very fashionable by 1905. Amazingly, the style can be traced back to the simple prehistoric footwear made in parts of Ireland and on the Scottish Isle of Arran in particular. The punched decoration would originally have helped to let water out. |
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| Style example 3 | Men's patent leather Oxford shoes. Manufactured by Crockett and Jones, Northampton. 1920s. |
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| A pair of black Oxfords coupled with a traditional suit have long been associated with London City workers. They have also been viewed as being the appropriate shoes to wear at weddings, funerals and for job interviews. |