Formal Shoes

A good pair of dress shoes is not only a worthwhile investment, but also a requirement (Yes, even right now). Sure, sneakers have their uses, but there are instances when even the best of them won't serve. Whether it's a wedding or a job interview or a meeting with business executives, some occasions necessitate footwear that is both sophisticated and timeless. Although it's been a while, the day will come when you'll want to pull out your favorite pair of dress shoes again, and you'll want to be ready.

There are 5 main styles of men’s formal shoes. They are:

• Oxford,
• Derby,
• Blucher,
• Loafer, and
• Monk.

We break them down further below. Express Hub is one of the largest online platform where you can find you’re all kind of formal shoes.                  

Oxford Shoes:

An Oxford shoe is characterized by shoelace eyelets tabs that are attached under the vamp, a feature termed "closed lacing”. This contrasts with Derby’s, or bluchers, which have shoelace eyelets attached to the top of the vamp. Originally, Oxfords were plain, formal shoes, made of leather, but they evolved into a range of styles suitable for formal, uniform, or casual wear. On the basis of function and the dictates of fashion, Oxfords are now made from a variety of materials, including calf leather, faux and genuine patent leather, suede, and canvas. They are normally black or brown, and may be plain or patterned (brogue).

Derby Shoes:

A Derby is a style of boot or shoe characterized by quarters, with shoelace eyelets that are sewn on top of the vamp. This construction method, also known as "open lacing", contrasts with that of the Oxford shoe.

In American English the derby shoe may be referred to as a 'blucher', although technically the blucher is a different design of shoe where only eyelet tabs (not larger quarters) are sewn onto a single-piece vamp.

In modern colloquial English the derby shoe may be referred to as 'bucks' when the upper is made of buckskin.

The derby became a popular sporting and hunting boot in the 1850s. By the turn of the 20th century the derby had become appropriate for wear in town.

Oxford vs. Derby Shoes: What’s the difference between Oxford and Derby Shoes?

While oxfords and derby shoes may look similar, there are subtle differences. They are:

• Lacing: The Oxford has closed lacing loops while the derby remains open when laced. You can see the difference in the illustration below.
• Structure: With Oxfords, the vamp is sewn onto the quarters. With Derby shoes, the quarters are sewn onto the vamp.
• Heel: Oxfords have a closed heel while Derby shoes have an extended heel.
• Casual vs. Formal: The Oxford’s closed lacing is considered more formal than the more casual open-lacing of the derby shoe (and blucher shoe for that matter).

Blucher Shoes

Blucher shoes are low heeled, leather, open laced dress shoes much like the derby shoes.

Loafers

Loafers are low-heeled leather laceless dress shoes for men. The come in three main styles which are as follows:

• Penny Loafer
• Tassel Loafer
• BIT Loafer

Monk Style Shoes

The monk style shoe, also a low-heeled, leather shoe, use a buckle or buckles to secure them. There are single and double buckle varieties.