Oxfords

An Oxford shoe is essentially a men's dress shoe with laces, although there are a few designers that have modified the style for women, as well. Usually made of leather or suede, they're designed for comfort as well as for show, perfect for business men or those attending formal events. Although certain shoe designers have blurred the line between dressy and casual styles, the lacing is absolutely required, and we'll show you a few of our favorites with this guide.

Kenneth Cole Reaction makes casual Oxfords for men and boys, and while styles across the upper --the top of the shoe -- range from squared to rounded as well as simple straight stitching, every one of these styles features a cushioned, supportive ankle and a fairly flexible sole. If you're looking for a nice, sturdy and comfortable pair for your boys, either Kenneth Cole Reaction or Jumping Jacks will suit them very well. Jumping Jacks' shoes are available in varying colors or suede and matte leather, also have fully padded ankle collars, and the non-marking rubber soles offer additional durability and excellent traction.

One designer that settles equally comfortably between casual and dressy is Allen-Edmonds with a large selection of styles. Their Van Ness, for example, is very traditional, a cap-toed dress shoe accented by subtle wingtip perforations. The Copley design adds patent leather to their portfolio, perfect for weddings and very special occasions. Stacy Adams is another designer worth note, offering squared or rounded toes in many different leather finishes including crocodile-embossed buffalo, ostrich embossing against patent leather, and even a lizard-skin texture in colors ranging from basic black to olive or blue.

Florsheim understands the traditional dress Oxford very well. They add the illusion of a longer foot with subtle stitching and give your shoes a longer lifespan with calfskin leather uppers plus Goodyear welted leather sole construction. Florsheim is an excellent place to start shopping for Oxfords; while their shoes come across as simply designed, both the quality and the finer details mean they'll be a part of your wardrobe for a long time. Cole Haan is an equally good choice for the same reasons -- these shoes show great attention to detail, fine workmanship, and a wide selection of professional yet comfortable styles.

If you're ready for a pair of dress shoes that exhibit your personal style, we suggest Giorgio Brutini. While they do have traditional Oxford designs, it is their more unusual styles that offer the most appeal. Consider natural snakeskin or unusual (for an Oxford) tassel-tipped laces, as well as contrasting red-and-back across a classic square-toed style. Giorgio Brutini is not afraid of creativity, so you're sure to find a style you love.