What Are Wingtip Shoes?

The brogue is a style of low-heeled shoe or boot traditionally characterised by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations and serration along the pieces' visible edges.

Why are they called wingtip shoes?

Brogues were shoes originally worn in the Scottish Highlands which had holes or perforations punched into the leather in order to allow water to pass through the shoe without soaking into it. It is this brouging from which wingtips are formed. The wingtip is named this way for its resemblance to the wings of a bird.

What is the difference between Oxford and wingtip shoes?

The Wingtip Oxford has a pointed toe cap with extensions called wingtips which extend along both sides of the shoe. Although technically an Oxford, it is generally referred to as a Brogue. When seen from above the cap is shaped like a 'W' or a 'M' depending on the viewpoint.