IN ORDER TO NOT MAKE ANY MORE WRONG NAMES FOR YOUR SHOES, HERE ARE THE MOST WIDESPREAD SHAPES YOU SHOULD KNOW
1 - THE "DERBY"
2 - THE "RICHELIEU" ("OXFORD" IN ENGLISH)
To recognize a Oxford at first glance, just look at its lacing.
On this shoe, the guarantors are not free and are sewn under the vamp.
The lacing is said to be closed giving a V-shaped opening which sometimes poses a problem for putting on this shoe in the event of a too strong instep.
The Richelieu is undoubtedly one of the most elegant shoe models because it has few visible seams.
> MODELS AROUND THE RICHELIEU
- The Oxford One-Cut (or whole cut)
This Richelieu variant has no visible seams.
This shoe of rare elegance also allows the most free patinas because the work of the artist is not hampered by any demarcation.
A One-Cut Oxford is made with a single piece of leather and therefore requires a skill that is very difficult for a Bootmaker to acquire.
- Bib Oxford
This Richelieu model is without guarantors: the eyelets are arranged on a separate piece of leather called the breastplate.
This breastplate is then sewn onto the upper.
In this particular case, the upper (the front of the shoe) and the quarters (rear side part of the shoe) are present on a single and unique piece.
3 - MODELS WITH BUCKLES (MONK SHOES IN ENGLISH)
These shoes do not have a lacing system.
In their construction, models with buckles (single, double or even triple) are identical to a derby except that the laces have been replaced by straps which close with buckles.
Considered less elegant than a Oxford – because of the metal buckles – they are currently making a big comeback with shoe lovers because they offer a happy medium between formal and relaxed.
4 - THE MOCASSIN (LOAFER IN ENGLISH
Everyone agrees that moccasins are probably the oldest shoes in the world, most often associated with American Indians.
We often associate moccasins with relaxation and this is quite normal since originally it was this idea that guided the way it was designed:
As a general rule, moccasins do not have laces which makes it easier to put on.
Moccasins can have their own decorations that are not seen on other models:
- an often pierced leather bar called "Penny Loafer"
- decorative tassels
> MODELS AROUND THE "MOCCASIN"
MODEL FR07 IS AN EXAMPLE OF A MOCCASIN WITH POMPONS
- the Moccasin with Pompoms
Example of Moccasin "with pompoms"
The pompoms can be given a different color patina and reflect your personality.
These days, moccasins are no longer exclusively casual shoes and can be made with stronger construction and quality leathers in order to have a much longer lifespan.