In the world of men’s fashion, Balmoral shoes hold a special place.
Known for their timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship, these shoes have become a staple in the wardrobes of the style-conscious.
Whether you’re a seasoned fashion enthusiast or a beginner exploring the realm of classic men’s footwear, understanding the allure of Balmoral shoes can elevate your style game.
So, buckle up as we embark on this sartorial journey to discover the charm of Balmoral shoes.
History of Balmoral Shoes
The Royal Origin
Have you ever wondered why Balmoral shoes are called Balmoral? Well, it turns out that they have a royal origin.
Balmoral shoes were designed by none other than Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, in the mid-19th century.
Prince Albert was looking for a pair of boots that he could wear for his walks on the grouse moors of his Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle. He also wanted them to look stylish and elegant indoors.
He commissioned a boot maker, possibly Joseph Sparkes Hall, who had invented the elastic-sided boots for Queen Victoria, to create a new type of boot for him.
The Design Evolution
The result was the Balmoral boot, a boot with a distinctive seam that runs parallel to the ground, dividing the boot into upper and lower portions.
The lower portion was usually made of leather, while the upper portion was made of cloth or suede in a different color.
The boot also had a closed lacing system, similar to an Oxford shoe, and a low heel.
The Balmoral boot soon became popular among the upper class men, who admired its versatility and sophistication. It was worn with formal and casual outfits alike, and could be paired with trousers or kilts.
Did you know? The boot was also adopted by the military as part of their uniform.
Over time, the Balmoral boot evolved into a shorter version that extended above the ankle, rather than the mid-calf. This version is what we know today as the Balmoral shoe or Oxford shoe.
The Balmoral shoe retains the distinctive seam and closed lacing system of the original boot, but is more suitable for warmer weather and modern fashion.
Modern Day Relevance
Balmoral shoes are still considered a classic and refined choice for men’s footwear. They are often worn with suits or formal attire, but can also be styled with casual outfits for a smart look.
They come in various colors and patterns, such as plain, cap toe, brogue, or wingtip.
Balmoral shoes are not only a symbol of elegance and quality, but also a tribute to Prince Albert’s legacy and influence on men’s fashion.
They are named after his beloved Scottish estate, where he spent many happy moments with his family and friends. Balmoral Castle is still owned by the British royal family today, and is one of their favorite residences.
Design and Craftsmanship of Balmoral Shoes
The Unique Design
Balmoral shoes, or Balmoral Oxfords as they are sometimes called, have a unique design that sets them apart from other types of dress shoes.
The defining characteristic of a Balmoral shoe is a distinctive seam that runs parallel to the ground, starting at the throat line near the vamp and meeting at the rear of the shoe¹.
This seam divides the shoe into upper and lower portions.
The lower portion of the shoe is usually made of leather, while the upper portion, referred to as the top, can be made of a different material or color.
This contrast in materials and colors adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the shoe.
The Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship involved in making a pair of Balmoral shoes is truly remarkable. Each shoe is patiently worked and reworked by hand to bring out the rich tones of the leather.
The fully-concealed side zip has been stitched on the inside of the boot for a sleeker profile. The zip pull also tucks inside for the ultimate clean finish.
Balmoral shoes typically have a closed lacing system, similar to an Oxford shoe. They also have a low heel and rounded toes.
The shoes extend above the ankle, originally mid-calf length but subsequently shortened. They usually have nine eyelets, though some have less – usually not less than six.
The design and craftsmanship of Balmoral shoes reflect a commitment to quality, style, and attention to detail.
The Materials
These shoes are typically made from high-quality materials such as leather or suede.
The choice of materials not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the shoes but also their durability and comfort.
Over time, these materials develop a beautiful patina that adds character to the shoes.
Whether you’re stepping out in a slick suit or hitting the road on an outback trek, Balmoral shoes are sure to make a statement.
The Difference Between Balmoral Oxfords and Other Dress Shoes
Balmoral Oxfords vs. Derbies
When it comes to dress shoes, Balmoral Oxfords and Derbies are often compared. The main difference between these two lies in their lacing system.
Balmoral Oxfords, also known as Balmorals, are formal shoes with a closed lacing system.
This means the shoe’s quarters (the part of the shoe that contains the eyelets for the laces) are sewn under the vamp (the part of the shoe that covers the toes and instep), giving it a sleek and streamlined look.
On the other hand, Derbies, also known as Bluchers, have an open lacing system.
This means the quarters are sewn on top of the vamp, making them slightly less formal but more versatile and comfortable for a wider range of foot shapes.
Balmoral Oxfords vs. Brogues
Brogues are another type of dress shoe that is often compared with Balmoral Oxfords.
The main difference between these two is that Brogues have decorative perforations (or broguing) along the seams of the shoe.
Balmoral Oxfords can also have broguing, but it’s more common to see them in a plain or cap-toe style.
Balmoral Oxfords vs. Other Dress Shoes
In comparison to other types of dress shoes, Balmoral Oxfords are considered to be one of the most formal options.
They’re perfect for business wear and can even double-duty as black tie formal shoes.
Balmoral Oxfords stand out for their elegance and formality
However, they’re not as versatile as some other types of dress shoes like loafers or monkstraps, which can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Top Shoemakers for Balmoral Shoes
When it comes to Balmoral shoes, there are a few shoemakers that stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality.
They have mastered the art of creating Balmoral shoes, combining traditional techniques with modern designs to produce footwear that is not only stylish but also comfortable and durable.
Here are some of the top shoemakers for Balmoral shoes:
Norman Vilalta Bespoke Shoemakers
Norman Vilalta Bespoke Shoemakers, based in Spain, is renowned for their Balmoral Simple Oxford Shoes.
These shoes are meticulously crafted and available in a variety of colors and finishes. The brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail make them a top choice for Balmoral shoes².
Carmina Shoemaker
Carmina Shoemaker offers a range of Balmoral boots, which they describe as the “Dress boots” – an ideal Oxford substitute during winter.
Their boots are essentially Oxford shoes transformed into boots, maintaining the elegance and formality of the original design³.
Alfred Sargent
Alfred Sargent is another notable shoemaker known for their Balmoral Boots.
Their boots feature a distinctive seam that divides the boot into upper and lower portions, a defining characteristic of the Balmoral boot.
So whether you’re looking to invest in your first pair of Balmoral shoes or add to your collection, these shoemakers are worth considering.
How to Style Balmoral Shoes
They can be worn with a variety of outfits, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. Here are some tips on how to style Balmoral shoes:
With a Suit
The balmoral is the quintessential suit shoe, for starters. If you own a pair of bals in black and medium brown, you will be able to wear them with nearly any suit you can imagine.
It’s a popular shoe amongst those who work in government, law, finance, and other sartorially conservative industries.
They aren’t just limited to suits, however. You can also wear them with a blazer and trousers, or a sport coat and chinos, for a smart casual look.
Just make sure the colors and patterns of your clothes complement your shoes.
With Jeans
If you want to dress down your Balmoral shoes, you can pair them with jeans for a casual yet refined look.
The key is to choose jeans that are well-fitted, dark-washed, and free of rips or distressing. You can also cuff your jeans slightly to show off your shoes.
For the top, you can opt for a button-down shirt, a sweater, or a polo shirt. You can also layer a jacket or coat over your outfit for some extra warmth and style.
With Different Colors and Patterns
Balmoral shoes come in various colors and patterns, such as plain, cap toe, brogue, or wingtip. You can use these features to add some interest and contrast to your outfit.
For example, you can wear a pair of black plain Balmoral shoes with a navy suit for a classic look, or a pair of brown brogue Balmoral shoes with a grey suit for a more casual look.
Balmoral shoes are not only elegant and formal, but also versatile and adaptable. You can wear them with suits, jeans, or anything in between.
You can also experiment with different colors and patterns for the upper portion of your Balmoral shoes.
For instance, you can wear a pair of Balmoral shoes with a leather lower portion and a suede upper portion in a different color for a unique and stylish look.
So don’t be afraid to try new combinations and have fun with your Balmoral shoes!
Bottom line
We’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on balmoral shoes. We hope you’ve learned a lot about these classic and elegant shoes, from their history and design to their craftsmanship and styling.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of shoes or want to appreciate the ones you already have, Balmoral shoes are sure to impress.
Balmoral shoes are a timeless choice for men’s footwear, and with proper care, they can last for a lifetime.
Have a great day and happy shoe shopping! 😊
