The Best Oxford Shoes for Women!

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The Best Women’s Oxford Shoes

Oxford shoes are among the most popular, versatile, and – yes – misunderstood flat shoe styles. Read our breakdown as we pick the best looks this season!

Top Oxford Shoe Brands

The Best Oxford Shoes for Women

Given how common Oxford shoes are, very few people know the one, mundane distinguishing trait of an authentic “Oxford”.

Anyone?

Bueller? Bueller?

I’ll help you out.

An Oxford is an Oxford if….the shoelace eyelets are sewn under the vamp, forming a closed-lacing system. (Contrast that to derby shoes which have an open lacing system.)

Yup. That’s literally it.

oxford-shoes

Beyond that, Oxford shoes can take on any style, any construction, and any materials.

Although Oxfords have largely retained their legacy as mostly formal shoes made from leather or suede, and typically black or brown.

With that being said, it’s pretty incredible that something as simple as the shoelace eyelet placement can define an entire shoe style.

This broad definition benefits the fashion-forward, though, as so many shoes – no matter how colorful, innovative, or unique – can be considered Oxfords.

Keep reading for our 7 favorite women’s Oxford shoes this season!

Women’s Oxford Shoes

Best Glossy Oxfords: Church’s

British footmaker Church’s makes by far the most beautiful oxfords.

They’re glossy, made from the most beautiful leather and accentuated with precise stitching and all the finer details.

Best Leather Oxfords: Nisolo

Peruvian footwear brand Nisolo kind of cheats by calling these shoes oxfords since the closed-lace vamp doesn’t actually contain, you know, laces.

With that being said, I had to include these cute slip-on d’Orsay “oxfords” for no other reason than I absolutely can’t wait to get my feet in a pair of these once summer finally rolls around!

Best Chunky Oxfords: Dr. Martens

Call these shoes classic oxfords with a patented Dr. Martens twist.

Honoring tradition with the sturdy platform, midsole stitching, and classic triple eye lace-up, these oxfords are finished off with some unmistakably Dr. Martens features such as the yellow trim and glossy-coated leather!

Most Comfortable Oxfords: Easy Spirit

Traditionally oxford shoes are black or brown, but who likes too much tradition, anyway?

Oxford shoes deserve some spring and summer love too, and this pair from Easy Spirit is the perfect elegant accent to any warm-weather casual outfit!

Best Vintage Oxfords: Josef Seibel

When it comes to retro style, look no further than these elegant brown oxford shoes from Josef Seibel.

Crafted with vegetable-tanned leather, these oxford shoes feature an attractive stitching pattern that is also double-lock stitched, meaning the stitches won’t fray – even if one becomes loose!

Best Cushioned Oxfords: Clarks

If you also find Clarks shoes to roam on the formal, stilted side of things, these platform oxford shoes are a much-needed breath of fresh air!

Highlighted by a cute pink design available in leather or suede, these oxfords also offer a memory foam footbed and rugged, traction-rich platform and outsole!

Best Simple Oxfords: Birkenstock

That’s right. Birkenstock doesn’t just make sandals!

These lovely black oxford shoes feature a rich suede upper, traditional rounded toe, and a contoured footbed that molds to the shape of your foot, thereby offering maximum support and comfort!

Best Athletic Oxfords: Naot

Remember when I mentioned that any shoe with closed-lacing can be classified as an Oxford?

Well, these casual oxford shoes from Naot depict that perfectly!

Essentially sneakers, these yoga-inspired lace-ups offer a two-toned leather and suede upper to complement a perforated construction that allows for enhanced breathability and comfort!