Kensington Toecap Oxford City Shoe - Chocolate Suede

SHOE KNOWLEDGE

Oxford Shoe

An Oxford shoe is defined by its “closed” lacing system, meaning that its eyelet tabs are stitched underneath the vamp (i.e., the top) of the shoe so that they aren’t visible. Oxfords are occasionally called Balmorals after Balmoral Castle. The shoes are named Oxfords after Oxford University. This shoe style did not appear in North America until the 1800s. In the United States, Oxfords are called "Bal-type" as opposed to "Blucher-type" (see Derby). In France, Oxfords are known as Richelieu.

Oxfords were derived from the Oxonian, a half-boot with side slits that gained popularity at Oxford University in 1800. Oxfords were cut smaller than the foot. The side slit evolved into a side lace that eventually moved to the instep, as students rebelled against knee-high and ankle-high boots. The toe cap can either be lined with two narrow rows of stitching, perforated holes along the end cap stitching (quarter-brogue), perforated holes along the end cap stitching and on the toe cap (semi-brogue), or a semi-brogue with the classical wingtip design (full-brogue).

The Balmoral is also known as an Oxford with no seams, apart from the toe cap seam, descending to the welt. Oxford shoes are also known by their variation, or style. The Cap-Toe Oxford is the most well-known, although 'Whole Cut', 'Plain Toe', and a variation of 'Brogue' Oxfords are common. Shoes with closed lacing (Oxfords/Balmorals) are considered more formal than Derby’s.

Last No: 4537

This last has been developed for our City collection and features are squarer toe shape with a slim profile. The size (length fitting) of Tricker’s footwear made on this last (11659) is true to size, we recommend sticking to your regular than a regular UK. If you are unsure of your UK size, use our size guide to convert your known size to a UK size.

The last is a hard, three-dimensional form on which the shoe is constructed. Depending on the style of shoe we use different lasts, this is what dictates the overall shape, proportion, fit and character of the shoe.

Repello Suede

Repello Suede, a fine nap suede made from calfskin. The hide is split and aniline-dyed to create a velvety effect on both sides of the leather. The repello suede used in Tricker’s footwear is high quality, tanned to give a full, generous handle and rich appearance.

Fully treated with ‘Scotch Guard’ in the tannage, to achieve a high degree of resistance to staining in general. The proofing remains effective throughout the life of the footwear.

We advise using a suede brush to help with the aftercare for these shoes.

Why Tricker's

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

8 weeks | 260 processes

10 min watch | The Construction Process

A True Investment

100% Repairable

It's inevitable that shoes will need a bit of TLC from time to time but look after them and they will last you a lifetime.

We offer a fully inclusive repair service from re-heeling to total makeovers.

Uncompromising Standards

Built To Last

Our uncompromising standards of craftsmanship, honest materials, environmentalism and sustainability are values that have been preserved and developed through five generations.

Every material used in our construction can be traced back to its source.