The Oxford shoe, a cornerstone of classic menswear, truly shines when crafted in suede. This luxurious material offers a sophisticated break from traditional polished leather, making it a must-have in any discerning gentleman’s closet.
The following guide will delve into suede oxfords’ nuanced appeal and why they are a significant addition to a modern wardrobe. We’ll also walk you through Zappos’ comprehensive selection of suede oxfords, highlighting our top picks based on quality, style, and value.
Zappos is known for its extensive range, competitive pricing, and customer-centric policies like free shipping and hassle-free returns, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Join us as we explore the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary style in suede Oxford shoes.
- Style: Brogues
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $425 [Buy On Zappos]
If you’ve come across any of our other shoe guides here on Bespoke Unit, you may have noticed that we consistently feature the Allen Edmonds Strandmok. That is because we think they are a fantastic pair of shoes!
In the case of this style, a beautiful blacky Italian suede has been paired with fabric accents that, just like the suede elements, possess decorations throughout.
Crafted with a Goodyear welt, stacked heel, and a rubber sole, they are both formal in their construction as well as modern in their execution. Pair these with some dark grey trousers or your favorite denim and these will add substantial elegance without being too formal.
Moreover, if you’re feeling a bit more daring, these suede Strandmoks are also available in an all-white-suede variety that may scratch a particular itch.
- Style: Brogues Sneaker
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $300 [Buy Now On Zappos]
If the traditional Strandmok is a bit too stuffy for your purposes, Allen Edmonds has an answer for that. Enter, the Strand Sneaks. These innovative oxfords blend the refined style of Allen Edmonds’ classic Strand design with the laid-back comfort of sneakers.
Featuring a denim suede upper that offers durability and a stylish, relaxed look, these shoes are perfect for those who value both elegance and comfort. The rubber sole ensures practical wearability in diverse settings, making the Strand Sneakers a versatile choice for modern professionals.
- Style: Oxford Shoe
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $399 [Buy On Zappos]
- Currently On Sale: $357
As opposed to the other suede oxfords highlighted on this page, with the Crucero shoe, Magnanni opted for a wholecut leather upper and “almond toe” that take these to another level of elegance. These design elements produce a very sleek silhouette that just exudes elegance.
The suede upper itself is an alluring cognac navy color with a very fine nap that glistens with the light. Internally, the shoe is lined with leather and possesses a leather-covered footbed that will mold to your foot over time to produce a customized fit just for your foot.
- Style: Oxford Shoe
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $210 [Buy Now On Zappos]
- Currently on Sale for $169.95
For a modern twist on classic aesthetics, the Cole Haan ZERØGRAND Remastered Wingtip Oxford is an excellent choice.
It features an unlined, natural truffle and cloud blue leather construction, offering both lightweight comfort and stylish versatility. The innovative design combines traditional brogue detailing with advanced comfort technology, making it ideal for the fashion-forward professional.
Additionally, these ZERØGRANDs are available in a variety of color combinations, including this Truffle as well as Dove, Sesame, and Gray suede uppers.
- Style: Oxford Dress Sneakers
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $275 [Buy Now On Zappos]
While they look quite similar, these Johnston & Murphy Bolivar Cap Toes offer a distinct style compared to the Allen Edmonds Strand Sneaks featured above.
While both feature suede uppers, the Bolivar Cap Toe emphasizes a more traditional, polished cap-toe design in vibrant navy, suited for both business and smart-casual settings. In contrast, the Strand Sneaks incorporate a more laid-back, sneaker-like comfort with versatile denim suede.
Aside from budget, choosing between them depends on your style needs: opt for the Bolivar for classic elegance or the Strand Sneaks for casual versatility.
Why Suede Oxfords?
As alluded to in the introduction above, the oxford style is one of men’s footwear’s most popular shoe designs. This classic design has been around for centuries, and while many trends and fads have come and gone in the meantime, the oxford remains a staple of formal menswear.
The oxford shoe can be recognized by its “closed throat.” The closed throat contrasts with the open throat, which is found on Derby shoes. Generally, a closed throat is considered more formal than an open throat, though both are considered refined enough style to be worn in business formal and business casual settings.
Closed Laces vs. Open Laces
With a simple understanding of why oxfords shoes are so important, what difference does having a suede upper make in this shoe style?
Suede Leather Adds A Touch Of Luxury
Even before handling a pair of suede shoes, one can see the luxurious essence that this type of leather gives to any type of shoe. Suede is the flesh side of the hide, which has been buffed to create a napped finish. The result is a velvety smooth surface with a matte look.
This unique leather is going to add an air of sophistication to any outfit. It’s the perfect way to elevate your style without having to spend a lot of money on new clothes. Simply put, suede oxfords are the best way to take your style up a notch without breaking the bank.
Suede Is More Casual Than Other Shoe Leathers
In addition to looking luxurious, suede also has a more casual appearance than other shoe leathers such as calfskin or patent leather. This makes them ideal for pairings with jeans or chinos in a more casual setting. Of course, they can also be dressed up with slacks or a suit for a more formal occasion.
This may sound like a contradiction, that suede appears luxurious but less formal, but it is true. Indeed, smooth leathers without much decoration are about as formal as it gets. With suede, you introduce a bit of flash that is not traditionally appropriate for the dressiest occasions.
Fortunately, trends are changing and shoes that were only slightly formal, such as a pair of suede oxfords, are now accepted into dressier outings. Yet, keep in mind that when it comes to black-tie events or the most business formal offices, suede is not recommended.
Comfortable and Durable
Despite its reputation as a luxury leather, suede is actually quite tough and durable. It is resistant to scuffs and scratches, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear. Suede is also a breathable leather, so your feet will stay cool and comfortable even in warm weather.
Comfort is key when it comes to choosing the right shoes, and suede oxfords definitely deliver in that department as long as you buy the right size & fit.
Suede Is Available In A Variety Of Colors
Perhaps the most significant advantage of suede is that its luxurious texture will remain regardless of the color of the leather. This means that you can find suede shoes in any color imaginable.
Whether you want a classic brown or black pair of oxfords or something more unique like blue or red, there’s definitely a suede color that will fit your style.
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