Fishing Oxford

The Fishing Oxford features Russell's proprietary handsewn Overlap Seam construction, which provides both structure and water resistance. This patented technique, developed in 1941, creates what Russell describes as essentially a lockstitch that ensures durability even if individual stitches become frayed. The overlap stitch remains a centerpiece of Russell's aesthetic and functional approach to footwear construction.

The shoe utilizes Russell's Multi-Layer Moccasin Construction, which takes three to four times longer to produce than conventional Stitchdown, Welted, or Maine Moccasin constructions. This method involves single vamp construction combined with molded sole techniques that wrap two layers of leather completely under and around the wearer's foot.

All Russell footwear, including the Fishing Oxford, is hand-lasted and features a hand-sewn plug using the company's patented overlap stitch. The construction creates a fully functional shoe even when the outer sole components are removed, demonstrating the integrity of the underlying moccasin structure.

The standard Fishing Oxford construction uses water-resistant, full-grain Walnut Timberjack leather, providing durability suitable for outdoor activities while maintaining the aesthetic quality expected from Russell Moccasin footwear. The boot-thickness leather construction ensures longevity under regular use conditions.

Alternative leather options include Seidel Pebble Ski bullhide, which is the same leather used for Russell's snake-proof boots, offering enhanced protection and durability. For users preferring softer materials, the shoe is available in Laramie Suede paired with a Lactae Hevea Rallye natural rubber wedge outsole.

Custom leather selections include Brown Ebbtide leather as an alternative to the standard red/brown oil tan finish, allowing buyers to personalize their footwear according to specific aesthetic preferences.

The Fishing Oxford features an oak leather Double Stack midsole designed specifically for easy resoling. This construction includes a layer of vegetable-tanned leather combined with a thin rubber layer, to which the outsole is cemented. The double stack midsole provides added structural stability while enabling non-destructive resoling, extending the functional life of the shoe.

Outsole options include Vibram's Aspen Gumlite compound, which provides a soft and light feel with traction patterns designed to minimize dirt tracking while maintaining grip on various surfaces. This sole choice reflects the shoe's intended use for outdoor activities where both performance and cleanliness matter.

Alternative sole options include 100 percent natural crepe rubber outsoles manufactured from latex tapped from Asian Hevea trees. The crepe rubber is refined into an outsole filled with thousands of tiny air bubbles, creating a lightweight, cushioned platform suitable for extended wear during outdoor activities.

The Fishing Oxford is constructed on Russell's 77 Last, which features a more tapered toe box compared to the company's 40 Boot Last used for taller footwear. The 77 Last's tapered design prevents the shoe from becoming excessively wide as the leather naturally molds to the wearer's foot shape over time.

Some versions of the Fishing Oxford utilize the 30 last, also known as the Munson Army last, which draws inspiration from the US military Munson last but has been adapted specifically for moccasin construction requirements. This last option provides an alternative fit profile for customers with different foot shapes or sizing preferences.

Russell Moccasin sizing typically runs large compared to modern footwear companies' vanity sizing practices. The company recommends customers size down 0.5 sizes from their Brannock device measurement and increase width by one designation when possible. This sizing approach accounts for the natural stretching and conforming characteristics of the moccasin construction and full-grain leather materials.

The Fishing Oxford incorporates four brass eyelets that enable quick and secure lacing while maintaining the aesthetic integrity expected from heritage footwear. The hardware selection balances functionality required for outdoor activities with the traditional appearance characteristic of Russell Moccasin products.

The design emphasizes functionality for outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, and general walking while preserving the classic aesthetic that distinguishes Russell Moccasin footwear from contemporary outdoor shoe designs.

Premier and Classic Build versions require two to three months for completion of Single Vamp models like the Fishing Oxford. The extended production timeline reflects the handcrafted nature of Russell's construction methods and the company's commitment to individual attention for each pair.

Lead time for the Premier Build Program averages eight to 16 weeks, with orders entering production immediately upon receipt. Custom options for leather selection and sole configuration are available through the Premier Build process.

The company's ability to maintain relatively short lead times while preserving handcrafted quality standards reflects Russell Moccasin's operational efficiency and workforce expertise developed over more than 120 years of continuous operation.