What is the difference?
Oxford, Derbies, Monk... But what is the difference?
Very close to each other, we often tended to confuse the Richelieu and the Derby. However, an essential characteristic distinguishes these two models: their lacing system. To never go wrong again, here is a small lexicon of low shoes. The Richelieu, otherwise known as Oxford in England, or even Balmoral in Scotland, is characterized by a closed lacing, which gives a V-shaped opening to the shoe. The Derby, on the other hand, has an open lacing, which makes it easier to put on and will be better suited to strong kicks. Finally, the Doubles-Boucles, also nicknamed Monk, is a form of Derby without laces.
The origins
Today great classics, the Richelieux and Oxford were first considered as truly revolutionary models for the time and were shaped against a current flagship model: the boot. In opposition to these dress codes, students at the University of Oxford began to wear in the 19th century a half-boot with laces, considered less restrictive, and above all more comfortable, which quickly became fashionable. The Oxford was born! More flexible than the Richelieu, the Derby would then have derived from this model by widening, to allow the Earl of Derby (hence its name!), Endowed with atypical feet, to be able to wear shoes.
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