Dress Shoes：Oxford, Derby and Monk

Welcome back! It's Dwarves shoe science time, and in this instalment we're talking about dress shoes.

The Oxford shoe, a quintessential piece of men's footwear, originating from Scotland and Ireland, the shoe's name is derived from Oxford University, where the style gained popularity among students in the 1800s. The Oxford shoe's defining feature is its closed lacing system, characterized by shoelace eyelets stitched underneath the vamp.

Initially, Oxford shoes were considered a sportier alternative to the traditional boots worn by men during that era. However, their refined aesthetic and versatility soon propelled them into the realm of formal attire, making them a staple in men's wardrobes worldwide. The timeless appeal of Oxford shoes lies in their ability to effortlessly transition from boardrooms to ballrooms, exuding an air of sophistication and elegance.

The Derby shoe, also known as the Blucher in some regions, has a fascinating origin and a rich history deeply rooted in European shoemaking traditions. Dating back to the 19th century, the Derby shoe takes its name from the 14th Earl of Derby, who allegedly popularized the style in the early 1800s. However, its origins can be traced even further back to Germany, where it was initially crafted as a robust and utilitarian footwear option for military officers.

Unlike the Oxford shoe, the defining feature of the Derby lies in its open lacing system, characterized by shoelace eyelets stitched on top of the vamp. This construction offers greater flexibility in adjusting the fit of the shoe, making it more comfortable and accommodating for a wider range of foot shapes and sizes. Originally designed for practicality and functionality, the Derby shoe's durability and versatility soon caught the attention of fashion-conscious individuals seeking a more casual yet refined alternative to traditional formal footwear.

Monk shoes, also known as monk shoes. They first originated in the 15th century and were invented by monks in the Alps in Italy. The monks, who wore straw sandals, designed a penny loafer with a strap across the top of the foot and a metal buckle in order to protect their feet. This unique buckle strap design was practical and aesthetically pleasing.

It was initially popular because of its amazing abrasion resistance, and compared to the popular sandals of the time, it protected the feet better during wear and was well suited to the monks' daily routine. Its most distinctive feature is a wide horizontal strap decoration and metal ring buckle on the upper, and pressed attached to the tongue, this horizontal strap decoration is called monk-strap, so that is where the name of monk-strap shoe monk shoes comes from. The buckle design is its symbol.

Each pair of handmade leather shoes, starting from measuring the feet, cutting the leather, to moulding the shoes after the most, every step is injected with the craftsmen's heart and soul. Each pair of handmade shoes is made with the heart and soul of the craftsmen, and the unique style is formed through the combination of different ways of leather materials, colours, soles and patterns.