BLACK CAP TOE OXFORD - THE SHOE THAT EVERY MAN NEEDS

If you were to own only one pair of shoes in perpetuity, it would have to be the black cap toe Oxford. As far as a one pair collection of shoes is concerned, the Oxford has it covered for almost any occasion that the stylish man may encounter - weddings to funerals, job interviews to black-tie dinners, your ever versatile Oxford shoe means you will never be found wanting in the footwear department.
In this video is discuss the virtues and history of the. Oxford shoe and offer some suggestions at differing price points for the stylish chap seeking to add a pair to his collection.
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[@stevenburton6785]

Bought my Joseph Cheaney oxfords 21 years ago still going strong highly recommended.

[@TheChapsGuide]

You have invested well sir - Cheaney is a magnificent shoe manufacturer - I visited their factory earlier in the year, what a great slice of British tradition and heritage.

[@Stevenmulraney]

My only cap toes are brown Bruno Maglis. My black shoes are wholecuts and penny loafers. I said I'd stop buying shoes a couple pairs ago, so I might give in to buying black cap toes... and green shoes. I need green shoes.

[@TheChapsGuide]

You sound like a chap after my own heart - the next pair will be my last - asI keep saying to myself!

[@robo2606]

Once again an informative video. This is indeed the most formal shoe one can buy. Confession: I only own 3 pairs of black shoes versus 10 pairs of brown shoes.

[@TheChapsGuide]

A sign of the times - I certainly own more shoes which are non-black, but most of mine are burgundy or oxblood, my go-to show colour!

[@lehlogonolomashego929]

Thank you Chap. I love black cap toe oxfords! Church’s and Loakes , my all time favorites

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you for the positive feedback

[@williamkazak469]

I have two pair of black Church's cap toe oxfords. When I was photographing weddings I would rotate them. I got married wearing one pair. That marriage lasted seven years but all of my Church's shoes keep on keeping on.

[@henrybenrycat1]

The cap toe oxford's key virtue is that you do not look like you're trying too hard and thus you know how to present yourself. That said, well polished tells those around you that you attend to the details in life. Leather soled oxfords make you feel more elegant and that in part explains why they are better for formal occasions. Rubber soles just don't feel right. And these days, there seem to be less formal occasions so you want shoes that will stay right style-wise for many years. So Ash, you're right to recommend the English made Loakes in my view: they just get more comfortable as time goes by, are always on point and are a joy to care for. And I've got a pair that I've been caring for for three decades.

[@TheChapsGuide]

They just get better with age (and are reasonably priced too).

[@guitarplayer5611]

I started my Black Cap Toe Oxford journey with the Cheaney Park Avenue Black Cap Toe Oxford. I currently wear the Carmina Forrest Black Cap Toe Oxford.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Carmina are a fantastic brand, one of the best non-British brands worth considering and superb for the price.

[@ivanchavez5907]

Great job mate! Excellent guide to the use of the black cap toe Oxford. Before watching this video I already had Loake and Cheaney in my sights, since I am going to buy my first pair of English shoes. Your recommendations confirm to me that I was not wrong to look at those brands. Thank you and congratulations for the channel! Greetings from Mexico!

[@jameswise8396]

Went to eBay per your advice. Got a pair of Allen Edmonds single monk for $35 and a pair of Church's black oxfords for $100. I followed your polishing guide and they look beautiful. I have since added a pair of Edward Green brogues for only $280. You give great advice. Thank you.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Well done sir - wear those beautiful shoes in the best of health.

[@albertomolina3868]

I own several captoe oxfords including 3 in black. They are an absolute must for professional and formal attire. I know several gentlemen that will only wear Brown?I respect their opinions but this is an absolute must a classic shoe for any gentleman.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I absolutely agree, the CTO is thr quinessential shoe for the modern chap

[@bigprettyman3795]

I like Acemarks, and with the black Oxford I like a whole cut over the cap toe. They just look so elegant when brought to a mirror shine. In brown I like a brogue cognac or a whole cut oxblood.

[@QV1010]

I currently have 2 brown Oxfords shoes, 1 quarter & 1 full. I use to have a black Oxford but I didn’t love the last & donate it. I have been thinking of getting another pair of cap toe oxfords in black just for the more serious occasions. Maybe get it Blake stitch since I don’t see myself wearing it much & perhaps get a black belt with it. Honestly a darker brown could get you any where given how relaxed dress codes nowadays.

[@clarencewilliams9432]

Very good video. At least you put some brands at certain price points in the video. I live in the Atlanta Georgia area and Cobbler Union is there. I'll be making an appointment for my pair of black cap toe oxfords.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The shoe for all occasions

[@cheeeeezewizzz]

Your story as to the origin isn't quite right. The oxford shoe developed out of the balmoral boot favored by the nobility and upper class. It was popular as day wear and originally made for Prince Robert. The black punch hole cap toe balmoral boot (broguing only along the edge of the cap) was considered the most formal of daytime footwear. The oxford shoe was developed because students at oxford decided to wear shorter boots, and then a shoe styled in the exact same fashion as the balmoral boot. Technically the balmoral boot with the brogued cap but no medallion is considered a more formal shoe than a stitched cap toe oxford.

[@jancedricmicheler6122]

Your Video is very informativ, i liket very much ,i have 5 blake Oxfords ,i love English welted shoes and i am a very Fan of Oxfords .Thank you fort the Video sir.

[@Mocha_122]

Recently I picked up a pair of vintage black cap toe oxfords made by Hartt out of curiosity. The shoe is made in Canada with goodyear welt. Something I noticed with the vintage pair I picked up is it has a round toe top. Which is a little different to the conventional toe style we see today. I suppose the round toe was more associated to the military as the cap toe oxford I bought was for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although my personal preference shoe brand is Regal since its a local brand where I live. Nice pair of good year welted oxfords and made in Japan.

[@gordon7005]

Another nice informative video Thanks for posting

[@TheChapsGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@williemurphy2421]

I have the Cheaney Alfred and it is wonderful. Nice round toe and still roomy in front of the toe. True to size.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Cheaney make an excellent shoe - one of the very best!

[@EnglishInterpreter]

Just wondering whether a salute can be performed without wearing a formal cap?

[@TheChapsGuide]

If I were in uniform, you would be correct. But as a civilian, I use the salute as a gesture of salutation. Great question though - thank you.

[@up3371]

Most helpful. Nice atmosphere you are creating!

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

My first pair of nice dress shoes were a pair of black Park Avenues from Allen Edmonds. Someone once said that good shoes aren't cheap and that cheap shoes aren't good.

[@TheChapsGuide]

What a great quote! How very true.

[@vim1471]

Do you find Sanders shoes to be abit roomier then other brands ? I got a pair of Sanders Stockholm oxfords in brown which feels like a country fit compared to my other oxfords.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have not found them particularly wide, although they do come in various width fittings. Perhaps the Stockholm Oxfords do indeed have a country last.

[@MrZahir.]

Oxford shoes don’t fit my shape of feet but the black Derby cap toe shoes do? Would this be considered informal?

[@TheChapsGuide]

It could work, with a nice shine

[@TomHodge3642]

Hey Ash, great video! Have you tried the brand Samuel Windsor? Price wise they are definitely budget friendly especially if just starting out but many of their shoes are good year welted leather soles and they offer a few different ranges. I don’t know if you have tried them or not, or even if you would want to but I personally think they are a good place to start for people who may not be able to afford loakes or sanders or Allen Edmonds etc

[@williemurphy2421]

The video has a Carmina oxford on the advertisement but you talking about Loake.

[@up3371]

Is the picture at 2:41 meant as British humor? However, I believe black cap toe oxfords can be part of a young and modern/contemporary wardrobe. Love this channel though

[@hemigod2]

If you are to ever pay top dollar for a pair of shoes meaning above a grand, make it the traditional black cap toe oxford . If there is a such thing as the most expensive shoe in your wardrobe , better be the traditional black cap toe oxford. People seem to know the quality ones from the cheap so don’t try and cut corners. The magic of them is that you will be treated like royalty in them and they are the equivalent to real diamonds you get the same kind of respect. Wrinkles make them look cheap, so keep a shoe tree in them. And A mirror shine on them will get you first class treatment all the time everywhere. You might not fully understand this shoe until you have owned a pair but they are the most powerful In every way. other shoes were only designed to give the black Oxford a break, but they will be your main piece.

[@navigatelegalservicesllc]

Great video. My first GYW shoe and black cap-toe oxford for that matter was Cheaney Lime I got last year. Great craftsmanship. Next I went with a C&J dark brown cap-toe. Both in dainite for my winter shoes. British shoes are made so well. I was wondering if you could make a video on different last types and who they would or wouldn’t be good for. For example, almond toe shapes vs soft square toe shapes. I’ve heard mixed opinions. As a shorter guy I want to make sure I am getting the toe shape that flatters my silhouette the best. Bests, from USA.

[@TheChapsGuide]

You have some great shoes and I will give some thought to the question of explaining the lasts used in shoe manufacturing and the resulting shoe shapes. Thanks for th suggestion.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Great video! What are your thoughts on with or without the cap toe? When does the cap toe version and non cap toe version fit in? Is there a reason one needs the cap toe oxford or can a non cap toe oxford work in the same fashion? When would you wear or recommend the cap toe vs the non cap toe black oxford style shoe? Thanks for making great videos! Very informative, practical, and interesting to watch.

[@TheChapsGuide]

The non-cap toe, either a whole cut or Gibson style shoe (essentially the cap toe with no cap) is considered to be at least the equal in formality terms of the cap-toe oxford and can easily be worn in any situation that you may have worn a CT oxford. I think I personally prefer the CT oxford on the basis that I rather like to shine my formal shoes to a mirror standard and the CT oxford offers a great delineated area as a platform for shining, as well as disguising the natural flex points in the shoe, which are more obvious when the shoe has no cap toe (i.e the creases across the front of the shoe where you foot bends inside the shoe when walking). Either way, both shoes make a great dress shoe and should serve you well.

[@guitarplayer5611]

@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for the detailed reply! Much appreciated!

[@joaqpani8719]

Wonderful video. All best from Mexico City.

[@TheChapsGuide]

All the best to you sir - glad you enjoyed the video.

[@joaqpani8719]

My friend; a question, what do you think about the J. Cheaney’s Black cap toe Oxfords in term of price vs quality? Is Cheaney a high quality brand of shoes that will last long time with proper care?

[@joaqpani8719]

Just heard your recommendation on the Alfred. Thank you.

[@styzoom]

Did you just recommend the black Oxford for your own funeral? 😆😆

[@TheChapsGuide]

I’ll definitely be wearing a pair that day.

[@MaxxSeemov]

Higher cost doesn't always equate to quality or value. Shoes like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louboutin, Dior, Ferragamo, etc are all super expensive rubbish. If you're spending money go for real proper shoes like Cheaney or C&J. If money is not a problem, a pair of John Lobb or G&G.