A Closer Look at the Ted Baker Oxfords
Often Known for the Brand’s Mens’ Apparel Lines, the English Brand is Making Inroads into Footwear
A new year calls for new footwear to add to the 2018 wardrobe. At the top of most people’s lists are new work shoes or that everyday go-to black shoe. It’s the easiest shoe to match with everything in peoples’ wardrobes. Always finding a reason to buy new shoes, I recently ordered a few different black leather shoes to test out. All three were from different brands, reflecting different styles. The first to arrive of course and to test out were the black Ted Baker Oxfords, more specifically the Ted Baker Haigh Plain Toe Oxford.
First glance I thought the shoes looked pretty stylish and catchy. From the online pictures, the Ted Baker Haigh Oxfords looked like a smooth, slightly finished pair of black dress shoes. Small cross-hatching details and leather cutout designs in the back heel were a few of the details that caught my eye initially. I am very particular about the toe box, as it has to have the right cut and angle to it. The Ted Baker Oxfords seemed to have all the essentials assembled together with a very Ted Baker-ish take on a typical mens’ dress shoe.
It is true when people say things sometimes look completely different on the internet than the picture. These Ted Baker Oxfords looked identical to the image, but honestly the first in-person impression of these black oxfords was a complete letdown. I already own some Ted Baker moccasins and they’re fine for the price. However, when talking about a dress shoe, a statement part of one’s outfit, I did have some higher expectations. Ted Baker makes some great apparel and maybe that’s why I had higher expectations for Ted Baker’s oxfords.
Initial Impressions of the Ted Baker Haigh Plain Toe Oxfords
What did I not like about the Ted Baker Oxfords? Well, they just feel dirt cheap.
Yes, the leather has a nice cross-hatch pattern overlay across the top of the leather, which is one of the details that caught my eye initially. Yet, when examining the shoes closer, I felt they could be placed in the same department with Calvin Klein footwear. Eye-catching initially, but looks and feels like the $15 it took to make. The leather edging of the ankle area feels super rough and uneven. Basically, it seems like Ted Baker forgot to finish the leather and decided to sell it 90% completed. Even worse, the leather does dig into one’s skin a bit if you try on the shoes sock-less.
How’s the Quality of the Ted Baker Oxfords?
A personal way I can sometimes gauge a shoe’s quality is by its shoelaces. These Ted Baker Oxford shoelaces felt like they would probably rip apart after a month of light use. Ted Baker was kind enough to include a second set of colored laces with the shoes. However, you will most likely just get two months of use out of these shoe laces max.
The bottom sole of the shoe wasn’t very impressive either. I thought the whole purple contrast idea was a nice flair and something that was reflective of the Ted Baker brand style. However, the oxford soles just felt and looked like a low-grade sole. You’d probably need to have them resoled in a matter of months.
Are the Ted Baker Oxfords Comfortable?
Now for the fit. Not uncomfortable, but didn’t feel like you were walking on clouds either. Overall, I would say the fit is passable. The Ted Baker Oxfords definitely feel like they are on the narrow side. If you have a slightly wider foot you wouldn’t want to go with any of the Ted Baker footwear lines.
The shoes had no cushion whatsoever and if you desire some arch support then I would definitely recommend trying on some other brands, like the Common Projects Derby or the Timberland Wodehouse Oxfords. The insoles of these oxfords were pretty flat, but I do admit the insole is just as catchy as the silhouette. If there’s one thing I liked about this shoe its the Ted Baker design-style elements that are definitely embedded within the oxford’s details. The intricate detailing and creative ideas are aesthetically pleasing. The fun color palettes embodied within the shoe will definitely entice shoppers to try them on. Another small detail worth mentioning is the small purple-burgundy X-stitching. which I thought was a nice touch on the back part of the heel.
Final Thoughts on the Ted Baker Oxford Review: Stick to Their Moccasins
Final words, Ted Baker oxfords and the brand’s dress shoes are not the first brand I would recommend if you’re looking for a decent black dress shoe to last through the year. However, if you’re a die-hard, loyal Ted Baker fan and in it for the brand, then I would recommend his moccasins.
