New men’s black Oxford shoes on the block

The men’s black Oxford shoe is a classic, if not, THE classic. There are expected and exalted elements that go into producing this very fine shoe, but there is always room for a little bit of reinvention. This leads us to introduce you to our new shoe on the block, the Sutherland. But first, let’s find out what you should anticipate from a men’s black Oxford shoe.

The history of the men’s black Oxford shoes

Unsurprisingly, Oxfords are believed to originate from Oxford University where students cut down their boots to create a shoe. Laces replaced the buttons of the Victorian era for many shoe styles, but it is the placement of the eyelets for these laces that determines a true Oxford.

An Oxford’s eyelets go through the vamp, which is the part of the shoe that goes over the top of the foot. This creates an elegant look as there is minimal extra silhouette created from the side. If a shoe has a simple ‘v’ shaped slit in the top of the shoe, with holes for laces either side that pull together, then you can call it an Oxford, even if they have brogue detailing or no detail at all. An Oxford is NOT determined by the toecap, as is often mistakenly assumed.

When to wear men’s black Oxford shoes

The sleek silhouette, especially when made from black calf, lendsthe Oxford to formal occasions. A black Oxford is the perfect shoe for wearing with suits if you work in an office with a formal dress code or for weddings, funerals, race meets with morning suits, black-tie events, etc. They help graduates and candidates make the right impression at graduation ceremonies and job interviews too.

Introducing the Sutherland

Designed for the gentleman with a wider foot, we have created a new-look unadorned men’s black Oxford shoe with the addition of beautiful hand-folded seams. The expertise that went into this new style began with selecting the finest part of the hide leather to cut the patterns from and goes all the way through to thinning the leather with a skiving tool, so the folds are neat and elegant, not bulky. The sleek silhouette expected of an Oxford has been honoured by the Sutherland.

Other men’s black Oxford shoe styles

While the Sutherland is a classic toecap design, like the Knightsbridge (available in both standard and wide fittings) and our best-selling Newcastle, there are plenty of other styles of Oxford to consider.

If you like a brogue, then the Gosport or Munster II will appeal or even the semi-brogue style of the Belgravia or the Sloane.

A wholecut is the sleekest of the all the formal black shoes and the most revered due to the craftsmanship involved in creating such a flawless shoe. The Chaucer is one of our bestsellers while the delicately decorated Rodington is a new style of for this season.

In summary

It does not really matter which men’s black Oxford shoes you choose. If you purchase a pair from a reputable shoe retailer you benefit from a Goodyear-welted sole, so you will be able to repair your shoes time and time again, while the quality leather upper moulds to your foot shape, making them eminently comfortable to wear.

A men’s black Oxford shoe is a true investment as it will serve you well for so many occasions in your life and for your daily wear when formal footwear is required. If you need help choosing the right Oxford, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. They know their Oxfords!

Shop men’s black Oxford shoes

Related reading

• Top 10 men’s shoes of 2025
• Back to it with autumn formal shoes for men
• What’s the difference: Oxford and Derby shoes
• “Oxfords, not brogues”