Cap-Toe shoe Style Guide | Barker

by Mike Tyler Fashion Enthusiast

The decisive guide to Barker Oxford shoes sees the current collection explored for one of the most popular Goodyear welted shoe styles, the timeless Oxford. A shoe rack staple, the Oxford shoe is a formal shoe style dating back to the 1800’s and has origins associated to students of a famous English institution, Oxford University. Originating from a half boot called the ‘Oxonian’ in 1825 which featured narrow slits on the sides making it more comfortable to wear around campus than the fashionable high boots of the time.

Oxford shoes are characterised by a closed lacing system where the shoelace eyelets tabs are attached under the vamp as well as featuring a low heel and exposed ankle. Since its introduction the men’s Oxford shoe has developed over the years to offer an extensive range of different Oxford styles with the most notable being the plain, toe cap and the brogue.

The Oxford Toe Cap is regarded as the ideal professional style, depending on the material and colour the Oxford Toe Cap can be dressed up or down and will compliment all suiting and workwear. Defined by the distinctive horizontal stitching on the toe box that runs from one side of the welt to the other to form what appears to be a cap on top of the shoe. The toe cap seam can hold an extra piece of leather on the of the toe box or simply be decorative.

Exploring the current Barker range of Goodyear welted shoes you’ll find Oxford Toe Caps in the BarkerTech, Handcrafted and Professional collections. Popular Barker leather Oxford Toe Cap shoes include the Arnold, Burford and Winsford which are all timeless shoe designs made on the 69 and 469 last shapes from calf, hi-shine and suede leathers on either a leather or Dainite rubber sole.

For additional comfort the Wright Oxford Toe Cap is a BarkerTech collection style that features an integrated three part flexible insole and a removable insock providing arch support, shock absorption and antibacterial properties. If the Oxford Toe Cap is too understated add some brogue detailing to this professional classic with the Alfred, Haig, Lerwick and Mirfield Goodyear welted styles.

Choosing a versatile Oxford Toe Cap goes beyond the shoe design but deciding a leather (calf, hi-shine or suede) best suited your style but also the colour. While the black Oxford Toe Cap is a wardrobe staple the choice of tan and brown Oxford Toe Cap shoes are more suited to dressing down with denim jeans or chinos.

Explore all the Barker Oxford Toe Caps online and in-store at the Barker London flagship stores or selected stockists.