Classics Rediscovered: The 7 Best Oxford Shoes for Women! (2021)

The Best Oxford Shoes for Women (2021)

Given how common Oxford shoes are, very few people know the one, mundane distinguishing trait of an authentic “Oxford”.

Anyone?

Bueller? Bueller?

I’ll help you out.

An Oxford is an Oxford if….the shoelace eyelets are sewn under the vamp, forming a closed-lacing system. (Contrast that to derby shoes which have an open lacing system.)

Yup. That’s literally it.

Beyond that, Oxford shoes can take on any style, any construction, and any materials, although Oxfords have largely retained their legacy as mostly formal, mostly leather or suede, and mostly black or brown.

With that being said, it’s pretty incredible that something as simple as the shoelace eyelet placement can define an entire shoe style.

This broad definition benefits the fashion-forward, though, as so many shoes – no matter how colorful, innovative, or unique – can be considered Oxfords.

Keep reading for our 7 favorite women’s Oxford shoes this season!

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The Best Women’s Oxford Shoes (2021)

Oxford shoes are among the most popular, versatile, and – yes – misunderstood flat shoe styles. Read our breakdown as we pick the best looks this season!

Top Oxford Shoe Brands

Best Black Oxfords: Birkenstock
Best Brown Oxfords: Josef Seibel
Best White Oxfords: Easy Spirit
Best Casual Oxfords: Dr. Martens
Most Comfortable Oxfords: Naot
Best Platform Oxfords: Clarks
Best Leather Oxfords: Nisolo

Women’s Oxford Shoes

Best Black Oxfords: Birkenstock

That’s right. Birkenstock doesn’t just make sandals!

These lovely black oxford shoes feature a rich suede upper, traditional rounded toe, and a contoured footbed that molds to the shape of your foot, thereby offering maximum support and comfort!

Birkenstock Gary

Sold on Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Brown Oxfords: Josef Seibel

When it comes to style, look no further than these elegant brown oxford shoes from Josef Seibel.

Crafted with vegetable-tanned leather, these oxford shoes feature an attractive stitching pattern that is also double-lock stitched, meaning the stitches won’t fray – even if one becomes loose!

Josef Seibel Lindsay 2

Sold on Zappos, Nordstrom, Walmart, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best White Oxfords: Easy Spirit

Traditionally oxford shoes are black or brown, but who likes too much tradition, anyway?

Oxford shoes deserve some spring and summer love too, and this pair from Easy Spirit is the perfect elegant accent to any warm-weather casual outfit!

Easy Spirit Motion

Sold on Zappos, Easy Spirit, Nordstrom, Walmart, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Casual Oxfords: Dr. Martens

Call these shoes classic oxfords with a patented Dr. Martens twist.

Honoring tradition with the sturdy platform, midsole stitching, and classic triple eye lace-up, these oxfords are finished off with some unmistakably Dr. Martens features such as the yellow trim and glossy-coated leather!

Dr. Martens 1461 Patent

Sold on Zappos, Dr. Martens, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Most Comfortable Oxfords: Naot

Remember when I mentioned that any shoe with closed-lacing can be classified as an Oxford?

Well, these casual oxford shoes from Naot depict that perfectly!

Essentially sneakers, these yoga-inspired lace-ups offer a two-toned leather and suede upper to complement a perforated construction that allows for enhanced breathability and comfort!

Naot Kumara

Sold on Zappos, Nordstrom, Walmart, and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Platform Oxfords: Clarks

If you also find Clarks shoes to roam on the formal, stilted side of things, these platform oxford shoes are a much-needed breath of fresh air!

Highlighted by a cute pink design available in leather or suede, these oxfords also offer a memory foam footbed and rugged, traction-rich platform and outsole!

Clarks Sharon Noel

Sold on Zappos and Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Leather Oxfords: Nisolo

Peruvian footwear brand Nisolo kind of cheats by calling these shoes oxfords since the closed-lace vamp doesn’t actually contain, you know, laces.

With that being said, I had to include these cute slip-on d’Orsay “oxfords” for no other reason than I absolutely can’t wait to get my feet in a pair of these once summer finally rolls around!