Summary
I had the opportunity to take advantage of the Rockport Ellingwood Oxford’s timeless profile not only at work but in other settings as well. I appreciated its versatile design that looked superb in suits and also with jeans and chinos when I wanted to go for a more casual style. The waterproof construction was a pleasant surprise because this type of enhancement isn’t common in dress shoes, making it even more functional in a variety of conditions.
This comfortable shoe had a nicely cushioned base along with a shock-absorbing sole, making it easier for me to walk without experiencing pain throughout the day. However, the fit may be too snug for some, so the comfortability should be thoroughly considered when choosing this shoe. Going forward, we’ll take a more intimate look at this Oxford’s details to check which components have the most beneficial impact on performance and aesthetics.
If you’re after office shoes that can also be used in other environments, the Rockport Ellingwood Oxford has the versatile design that you’re looking for.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
Just by looking at the Rockport Ellingwood Oxford, I didn’t expect it to be a comfortable shoe option at first. I was happy to be proven wrong, though, as it turned out to be quite comfy to use, especially for those with narrower feet.
The cushioned footbed is surrounded by enough padding to ward off the pain that can result from hours of standing and walking on unyielding floors. I liked that even though it didn’t have the foamy feel of memory foam materials, this shoe’s padding still felt comfortable enough to keep my foot supported with just the right level of softness and thickness. It doesn’t feel too flat, so I still felt the support that enabled my foot to maintain its proper alignment all day long.
The supportive base added to the stable feeling while I walked and prevented my foot from sliding around and feeling wobbly inside the shoe, even when I needed to navigate inclined or uneven floor conditions. The leather upper was a bit stiff at first and required a considerable breaking-in period before it became soft enough to accommodate my foot’s movements without causing pain. After that, the upper eventually had the flexibility to adapt to my steps and didn’t bite painfully into my foot from above.
I especially liked the sole’s shock-absorbing qualities that worked to soak up the shock that was produced by nonstop walking and long hours of standing on hard floors. I had an easier time avoiding foot fatigue as the sole spread out the impact across the shoe, preventing it from great pain. This shock absorption made it possible for me to continue walking for longer periods of time without suffering from intense discomfort.
I should mention that the shoe has a significantly snug fit, so going up half a size may be best to avoid pain, especially when you plan on staying on your feet for a long time or if you have wide feet.
Weight
This isn’t the most lightweight dress shoe that I’ve used, but it wasn’t too heavy, either. I expected it to have a lighter profile because the leather wasn’t that thick or bulky in the first place. It turned out to be a bit heftier than other leather dress/office shoes I’ve worn that had similar features. However, I’m still glad that it wasn’t heavy enough to cause pain when I used it for walking for longer periods.
Traction
The PU outsole didn’t have anti-slippery or oil resistance qualities that are expected from rubber soles that are fitted into other work shoes. This wasn’t really surprising since this Oxford is for city/indoor use and is intended for non-challenging office floors and similar surfaces that don’t usually present slipping hazards. Given the low-traction outsole, I won’t recommend this shoe for use in areas where the surfaces are slippery or unstable, as the shoe may not be able to maintain stable footing.
Fit and Sizing
This shoe is true to its size and comes with quite a snug fit. I recommend getting a pair that’s half a size larger than your usual choice to ensure a comfortable experience. The snug fit isn’t ideal for those who have wide feet. Without upsizing, the shoe can eventually deliver a great deal of discomfort, rubbing painfully against the foot and causing blisters to form. This is especially true if you stay on your feet or walk for long hours at a time while using a pair that sits quite tightly around your foot.
Waterproofing
I loved that this leather office shoe had waterproof features – something that isn’t often present in dress shoes with similar profiles. The waterproof leather blocks water, mud, and other liquids so they won’t penetrate the shoe, ensuring that your foot will maintain comfortable dryness for a longer period. I was impressed that the insole also had a waterproof seam-sealed design that guaranteed wet elements don’t stand a chance of seeping in even when I had to walk over small puddles or navigate extremely wet conditions. The gusseted tongue added another layer of liquid resistance as it eliminated the gaps that would’ve allowed wetness to sneak in, promoting long-lasting foot dryness and comfort that I was able to enjoy even when I was outdoors in inclement weather.
Breathability
I was surprised that the shoe remained breathable even when it didn’t have ventilation ports all around to allow the air to enter. This breathability was delivered by a special Kinetic Air Circulator that kept the air moving freely inside the shoe, maintaining a cool feeling for longer periods of time so I was able to avoid an overly warm and sweaty foot experience. The patented air circulating structure helped dissipate excess warmth and moisture, so they didn’t have a chance to build up to uncomfortable levels, especially with hours of wearing the shoe in humid or hot settings.
Quality and Durability
I was able to take advantage of the classic silhouette of the Rockport Ellingwood Oxford for work and for occasions that required stylish dress shoes to go with a classy suit.
I appreciated that it was versatile enough to pair remarkably well even with jeans and chinos, making it a handsome addition to an otherwise casual outfit and allowing it to stand out stylishly.
The cap toe added a welcome dimension to the leather upper, giving it a timeless appearance. I liked the squarish tip because it gave the Oxford a look that veered off from the usually pointed toe, which is commonly found in a lot of other leather office shoes. The low-key structure of the thin laces blended seamlessly with the sleek leather upper while providing a convenient way for me to adjust the shoe’s fit when needed.
The collar had light padding that hugged my ankle to protect it from rubbing painfully against the shoe’s interior, promoting comfortable walking while also helping to avoid accidental ankle twisting. The cushioned tongue added a comfy component to the top of my foot, so the leather didn’t dig in painfully when I walked. I needed to allot a breaking-in period to soften the leather upper because it wasn’t comfortable right out of the box, but it eventually became more pliable and a lot comfier after it was broken in. The footbed cushioned my foot and prevented pain while I walked for long periods of time on hard floors. I appreciated the sole’s strong shock absorption as it prevented foot fatigue from setting in by spreading the impact of walking, making it possible for me to walk comfortably for longer.
The interior maintained its cool feeling even after extended periods of shoe-wearing, thanks to the patented air circulation system that worked to promote good ventilation even when there were no perforations on the leather upper. This enhancement prevented the interior from overheating even when I used the shoe for prolonged periods in warm environments.
I was impressed that this Oxford had a waterproof design, which isn’t normally used in office shoes.
The exclusive Hydro-Shield construction features waterproof leather along with a seam-sealed profile to stop water and other liquids from penetrating. This ensured that I enjoyed comfortable foot dryness even when walking on exceptionally wet surfaces. The gusseted tongue further enhanced the liquid resistance as it blocked the spaces where wetness would’ve seeped in from the top of the shoe.
The sole didn’t look as durable as the soles that were fitted into more premium shoe options, so I have my doubts about its strength and durability.
It doesn’t have strong traction, which isn’t a big problem when the shoe is used in the manner it was designed for – office and/or city use. It’s also worth noting that this shoe has quite a snug fit, and it may be a good idea to go for a pair that’s half a size larger to be able to enjoy enough room so that painful chafing can be prevented.
Other Versions
The Rockport Ellingwood Oxford is available in black and oxblood colors. It doesn’t come in other versions.
The Challengers
Clarks Tilden Walk Oxford
The Clarks Tilden Walk Oxford has a classic lace-up design that’s ideal for office settings and other formal environments that require dress shoes. Its squared toe adds a touch of ruggedness, making it suitable for pairing with jeans and chinos for a more laidback outfit aesthetic. The leather upper’s streamlined profile is accented with tonal stitching, giving it a premium look that’s versatile at the same time. The thin laces match the low-key appearance of the leather upper while providing a way for you to adjust the shoe’s fit in a convenient way. The OrthoLite footbed delivers superb cushioning to ward off the discomfort when you spend hours on your feet. It has a low-profile structure that doesn’t take up a lot of space, leaving enough room inside the shoe to allow the foot to shift from time to time. The proprietary Cushion Soft technology provides enough padding to surround the foot, delivering exceptional comfort that you can enjoy for hours. The opening features elasticized panels that stretch to accommodate the foot for hassle-free shoe-wearing. It’s worth noting that as this Oxford is designed for indoor or office use, its low-traction sole isn’t recommended for use on unstable or slippery surfaces.
Florsheim Forecast Waterproof Cap Toe Oxford
The Florsheim Forecast Waterproof Cap Toe Oxford is built with smooth leather, showcasing a classy look that pairs handsomely with suits that are worn in the office or for formal occasions. The cap toe accent adds an interesting touch and prevents the shoe from being too plain, making this Oxford a great partner to chinos and jeans when you want to boost the stylishness of a casual outfit. The leather-covered footbed ensures that your foot has a soothing texture underneath to prevent painful chafing, especially with continuous walking for extended periods. The leather lining also works to keep the air moving continuously, helping maintain a cool feeling inside the shoe to protect your foot from feeling overheated. The OrthoLite footbed cradles the foot with superb cushioning to soften the blow of walking on unyielding surfaces for long hours but has a thin profile that doesn’t make the interior feel too tight. This low-key cushioning leaves enough space for the foot to move naturally without the discomfort of being forced into an overly tight shoe. The waterproof construction seals out water and other wet elements, while the slip-resistant rubber outsole maintains your stable footing in slick or uneven ground conditions. However, this shoe is a bit pricey, so it’s not the best option for those who want the lowest-priced work shoes.
Dunham Jake Waterproof Oxford
The Dunham Jake Waterproof Oxford is constructed with burnished leather, delivering an almost rugged aesthetic that’s a refreshing change from the shiny look that’s commonly associated with leather Oxfords. The matte finish gives the shoe a discreet styling that’s appropriate for office use and formal occasions. At the same time, the shoe’s silhouette has a versatile look that goes well with chinos and jeans, enabling you to maximize the aesthetic in and out of the office. The stitching between the sole and upper enhances the shoe’s rugged appeal while ensuring increased durability for long-term benefits. The memory foam footbed delivers customized cushioning as it follows the foot’s shape, providing superb comfort while also working to ease pressure zones to stop blister development. The fabric lining keeps the air moving freely throughout the shoe to sustain good ventilation, preventing overheating even with extended shoe-wearing in warm environments. Unfortunately, the tongue sticks too far out, so it can rub painfully on the top of the foot.
Dr Martens 1461 Shoe
The Dr Martens 1461 Shoe has a timeless silhouette that pairs well with office attire as well as with more formal ensembles. It’s also versatile enough to be worn with jeans and chinos if you want to add a touch of rugged sophistication to a plain or casual outfit. The signature yellow stitching with Goodyear welt construction enhances the strength of the bond between the sole and upper for increased durability that you can rely on for long-term benefits. It also gives the shoe a distinctive look that boldly announces the brand’s signature aesthetic. The air-cushioned sole gives a bouncy feel, bringing energy back to your steps to keep you walking comfortably for longer. The leather is built to last through tough activities and environments without easily succumbing to premature damage. It will need a lengthy break-in period, though, before it becomes soft enough to accommodate your steps without discomfort.
Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford
The Irish Setter Soft Paw Waterproof Oxford has a robust structure that’s designed to keep up with the challenges of different work settings. It’s surprisingly lightweight considering the sturdy construction, making it ideal for all-day walking since it doesn’t weigh the foot down with extra weight. A special high-rebound material cradles the foot and recharges it with an energy burst with every step, making it easier for you to walk comfortably for longer. The signature ScentBan enhancement inhibits bacterial growth to prevent bad odors from developing even with long hours of continuous shoe-wearing. The exclusive UltraDry waterproof construction stops water and other liquid elements from entering to guarantee lasting foot dryness when you’re in wet conditions. However, the shoe has a snug fit that may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Rockport Ellingwood Oxford showcases a classic design that can be used in the office and formal settings but also works nicely with chinos and jeans. I was impressed with the waterproof construction as this isn’t common in leather dress shoes, giving the Oxford the ability to ward off wetness when needed. This shoe had good cushioning and breathability that promoted a comfortable walking experience. However, it can be uncomfortably snug, so it may be best to go up half a size to achieve a comfortable fit.
