Want to know what the difference is between oxblood and burgundy? This guide will help!
A lot of footwear brands use oxblood and burgundy interchangeably. It’s understandable why. An oxblood shoe and a burgundy shoe can basically be styled in the same way.
Where their differences become more apparent and more consequential is when you get to variations of shade. A dark oxblood, for example, will look quite similar to an equally dark burgundy. However, comparing a lighter oxblood to a darker burgundy, you’ll start to see that the two can be quite different — as far as their contribution to an outfit goes, that is.
They have the same formula of colors, and where they differ is rooted in the volume of each ingredient. Let’s take a closer look!
The Difference Between Oxblood and Burgundy Shoes
Again, both oxblood and burgundy contain the same formula of colors: Dark red, brown, and purple. They may look quite similar (especially on leather), but oxblood has more brown in it, while burgundy has more purple.
The Nuances of Oxblood and Burgundy
If you think about the origins of each shade, their namesakes make perfect sense. Back in the day, craftsmen used actual oxblood to dye fabrics and vases. Meanwhile, the Burgundy region of France is known for its red wines. The former naturally has more brown tones, while the latter is more purple.
You can basically replace oxblood shoes with burgundy ones, and vice versa, in any outfit. However, each color can seem warmer or cooler depending on how light or dark the shoes are.
A lighter oxblood will look warmer and can even be styled in Americana or workwear fashion because the brown will be more obvious. Meanwhile, a lighter burgundy will have obvious purple or maroon undertones in the light, giving you more of a pop of color.
Let’s explore that a bit more.
Colors That Go Well With Burgundy and Oxblood
Here are some colors that partner well with either dark red shade, with tips on which would best maximize the combination.
Black
Either a dark burgundy or dark oxblood goes beautifully with black. However, the cool and chic purple tones of burgundy make it the slightly better choice, in my opinion, especially in professional and formal outfits.
A light oxblood that’s closer to a true brown would be the least effective shoe option to wear with black.
Gray
Both burgundy and oxblood are equally good options to wear with gray.
In formal situations, do your best to match the shade, meaning wear dark charcoal trousers with dark burgundy or oxblood shoes, for instance. Alternatively, you could wear light gray linen suit pants with light oxblood shoes that look almost brown, or light burgundy shoes that look almost maroon.
Green
Olive is the best green shade when it comes to menswear because it’s neutral yet interesting. It’s quite similar to burgundy and oxblood in that it’s a tempered version of a usually brighter color.
Burgundy will pop more with olive, while oxblood will be more understated since both oxblood and olive have dominant brown undertones. Still, neither combination will be too drab nor too loud.
With forest green, especially lighter versions, go for oxblood since they both have an earth-tone quality.
And if you ever find yourself wearing a bright Kelly green (holiday party, perhaps?), definitely stick to dark oxblood shoes.
Navy
Navy is another color that both oxblood and burgundy are equally suited to.
Maybe take a look at other components of your outfit to make the decision between the two. Are you wearing a brown watch strap? Go for oxblood. A primary red or purple tie? Burgundy.
Brown
I’ll give the same advice for brown that I did with navy. Either oxblood or burgundy works perfectly, but use other components of your outfit to make a choice if you must.
You can also pair warmer browns with oxblood and cooler browns with burgundy.
Reds and Other Primaries
For brighter primaries, your best option is a darker oxblood shoe to bring balance to the aesthetic.
Mustards and dark ochres can be worn similarly to olives for an earthy and autumnal palette. Like olive, burgundy will pop more, while oxblood will create a tempered overall look. Still, neither will be too much or too boring.
Since burgundy and oxblood are shades of red, the option you go for when wearing red in your outfit depends fully on the look you’re going for.
If you’re wearing a warmer red top and want to match it to your shoes, then go for a medium oxblood. If you’re wearing a burgundy tie with a formal suit, opt for burgundy shoes.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about burgundy and oxblood shoes? Here are a few at-a-glance answers to some common ones!
Are oxblood and burgundy the same?
Not exactly. While both are dark red, oxblood has more prominent brown undertones, while burgundy has more purple.
What is the difference between oxblood and burgundy dress shoes?
They can be styled very similarly, though oxblood dress shoes look similar to a reddish brown, while burgundy ones are like a dark maroon because of burgundy’s purple undertones.
Are oxblood shoes versatile?
Yes, oxblood shoes are highly versatile. They can be styled just like brown shoes, but unlike many true browns, they can even be worn with black.
Is cordovan the same as oxblood?
They’re very similar, but cordovan has more purple in it than oxblood and has a dark rose tint as well. That being the case, Cordovan is a lot like burgundy.
What color belt should I wear with oxblood (or burgundy) shoes?
As a general rule of thumb, you’d do well to match an oxblood pair of shoes with an oxblood belt and burgundy shoes with a burgundy belt. However, don’t be too worried about finding a perfect match.
In fact, unless you’re buying your belt from the same manufacturer as your shoes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a exact match. Here’s our complete guide for matching shoes and belts.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this sheds some light on the burgundy-oxblood confusion.
The most important thing to note is that burgundy shoes and oxblood shoes, as long as they’re at the same level of darkness, are often near-perfect replacements for each other.
Still, knowing the difference can definitely aid you in maximizing your color combos.
Which color do you prefer — burgundy or oxblood? Let me know in the comments!
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