Shoe Styles for the Business Professional

Traditionally the Oxford shoe came with a plain toe cap, which can still be purchased today;
however, Oxfords may be decorated with brogue detailing (known as a semi-brogue) or even
come with a wingtip and more detailed punching (known as a full brogue).
Oxfords don't necessarily need laces - a casual, lace-less option is growing in popularity,
especially for summer.
Derby shoes originated in the 1850s as a hunting or sporting boot.
By the turn of the 20th century, Derby shoes moved from the pitch to the city, becoming the
preferred footwear for men about town.
The fundamental difference between Oxfords and Derbies is the closed foot style.
Derby shoes may be worn by those with a wider foot, as the lack of seams across the upper
allows the shoe to expand to fit.
Loafers are almost a play off a sloppy Oxford
style. Similar in overall appearance to brogues,
Oxfords, and derby shoes, Loafers have no
laces, allowing them to slip easily on and off
the foot.
You may see the uppers of a leather or suede
loafer embellished with a buckle, metal
studding, or braided leather.
Some shoemakers will add small elastic panels
under the tongue of the Loafer, allowing an
even wider foot to fit comfortably.
A Loafer looks similar to an Oxfords lacing,
features a more moccasin-like construction,
and is also widely referred to as a slip-on
shoe.
The difference between a Moccasin and a
Loafer is how the shoe is constructed.
While both are slip-on styles,
the Moccasin's sole and sides made of a single leather piece which is stitched together at the top.
On the other hand, loafers are flat shoes which have no laces. A Loafer is made from several
leather pieces. Moccasins are created from soft leather, and even the soles are softer than the
traditional hard leather of a loafer.
Now that you know which style of shoe is which, let's go shopping !