Shoes come in many different styles, and it can be easy to get lost in the terminology. Two common types of shoes are oxfords and balmorals, as well as bluchers and derbies. Although these styles may seem similar, they actually have distinct differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key features of each shoe style and help you understand the differences between them.
Oxford Shoes
When it comes to men’s dress shoes, one term that often gets thrown around is “Oxford.” But what exactly does this term mean? In short, Oxford refers to a specific type of dress shoe that features closed lacing.
Closed lacing means that the eyelets for the laces are sewn under the vamp (the front part of the shoe that covers the toes) and the quarters (the back part of the shoe that wraps around the heel). This creates a sleek and streamlined look that is perfect for formal occasions.
Balmoral Shoes
Balmoral shoes are a type of Oxford shoe with a horizontal seam that runs the length of the quarter. This seam creates a more formal and streamlined look than other types of Oxfords.
Balmorals were originally based on the balmoral boot, which was a popular style of boot in Scotland in the mid-19th century. The boot featured a similar horizontal seam, and this design was later adapted for dress shoes.
Derby Shoes
While Oxfords and Balmorals are known for their closed lacing, Derby shoes are an example of open lacing. This means that the eyelets for the laces are sewn on top of the vamp and the quarters, creating a more casual and relaxed look.
Derby shoes are also sometimes referred to as “bluchers,” but there is a slight difference between the two styles. The main distinction comes in the vamp construction. A blucher shoe has a one-piece vamp, while a derby shoe has a two-piece vamp.
Blucher Shoes
Blucher shoes are characterized by a one-piece vamp construction, which means that the entire front part of the shoe, including the tongue and eyelets, is made from a single piece of leather. This design makes blucher shoes more flexible and easier to fit a wider range of foot shapes than their derby counterparts.
The history of the blucher shoe is said to date back to the Napoleonic Wars when Prussian General Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher allegedly ordered a version of the shoe for his troops. Designed with laces and a below-the-ankle construction, this type of shoe allowed the general to efficiently prepare his troops for battle as they could effortlessly slip them on and off.
Understanding the differences between oxfords and balmorals, as well as bluchers and derbies, can help you make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right footwear for various occasions. While oxfords and balmorals offer a sleek and formal option with closed lacing, derbies and bluchers provide a more relaxed look with open lacing. Each style has its own unique characteristics and history, catering to different tastes and preferences. By knowing the distinctions between these shoe styles, you can confidently select the perfect pair to suit your outfit and the occasion at hand.