Share
Written By
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers.
More This site contains affiliate links from which we may earn a commission.A simple explanation of the difference between an oxford shoe and a derby shoe
An Oxford shoe and a Derby shoe are fairly similar, though there is one very important distinction between the two. Here’s a quick explanation of the difference.
What is an Oxford shoe?
An Oxford shoe is created with what’s called closed lacing. All that this means is that the flaps of leather that contain the lacing eyelets are sewn under the vamp rather than on top of it.
SAY WHAT? Read our guide to dress shoe construction terms.
What is a Derby shoe?
A Derby shoe is defined by open lacing. More explicitly, this means that the quarters, or the panels of leather containing the lacing eyelets, are sewn on top of the vamp, rather than under it.
What does this mean in terms of styling? To keep it simple, Oxford shoes are a more formal, dressier option, while Derbies are more casual.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo
Brian Sacawa
Brian Sacawa is the Founder of He Spoke Style and one of the original men’s style influencers. Since 2013, his goal has remained the same: to provide men the advice and inspiration they need to dress well, develop their personal style, and gain more confidence. Brian’s interest and passion for men’s style and luxury watches has led to his writing for The Robb Report, The Rake, and Sotheby’s and he has been quoted on menswear in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Today.com, Brides Magazine, and the Huffington Post. He lives in the woods north of Baltimore with his wife, Robin, kitties Nick and Nora, and German Shepherd/Collie mix Charlie.
