Orvis Ratings and Reviews

Top Rated Product

Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords

In the more-than-150-year-old Gokey® tradition, these comfortable classic oxfords with rolled ankle collar for everyday wear are handcrafted in the USA of the highest-quality leather. Leather shoes for men in brown. Made in USA.Whole and half sizes: 8-13½. In D, E, EE widths.
Average Customer Rating:
4.196 out of 5
4.2
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (51 reviews)
5 stars
30
4 stars
11
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
4
40 of 51(78%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Review 1 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Finally a traditional camp blucher,
August 26, 2012
By: Cubanchem73
from TX
"I've searched high and low for a traditional camp blucher made in the USA, and I finally found it. I'm somewhat obsessed with camp mocs and bluchers and probably own two dozen pair. One thing I've noticed over the last 10-15 years is that the design of these shoes increasingly developed a shorter and shorter vamp ( the top part of the shoe that the tongue extends out from). Wish I could explain why, but this phenomenon and the awful squared toe design has really ruined modern shoe designs. I have many USA made "classic" shoe company shoes and the Gokey model is one of the few, if not the only one that has maintained the traditional and better looking, in my opinion, long vamp that is so reminiscent of days gone bye. No one buys these shoes because they want to be trendy, they buy these shoes for classical, purposeful and practical reasons. This shoe fits all those bills. The shoe uses thick but supple bullhide that molds to the foot quickly. The sole is no longer the Grocord sole, but the Vibram (430 model, I think) is an excellent sole for traction, comfort and not too much bulk. The heavy waxed laces really allow you to cinch down and they don't loosen over time. The show fits true to size in length and marginally narrow. It's traditional moccasin design wraps the foot nicely and it will conform to your gait quickly. Some people have mentioned that the heel area is loose but in fact it has reinforced heel counters which I found to be quite snug, not loose at all. The top opening just below the ankle is probably what people are saying is too open, but that's inherent to a moccasin. This model has no lacing that wraps around the back of the foot, but I don't think it needs them. If you can't tell, I'm quite pleased with these and when the chukkas are available in my size, I'll be getting these too."
Review 2 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Good looking and well made,
January 24, 2013
By: Aileron
from MD Eastern Shore
"It took a couple tries to get the right size. I ended up ordering a width larger than I normally wear. Took a couple of days to break in and they are well on the way to a perfect fit. The soles are now Vibram with the familiar yellow symbol. The shoe is well made and should last for a long time. It's nice to be able to buy a made in USA product."
Review 3 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
The shoe that won't die,
October 25, 2012
By: CanoeJosh
from Virginia
"The leather is the thickest I've ever seen. The sole has barely any evidance of wear. I have worn these shoes for 4 years now and they will not die.
Best part: On the inside of the shoe, there is a finished piece of leather behind the heal (as opposed to rough suede. So wear them without socks and they are very comfortable. This bit of extra detail adds to the comfort factor, which shows they are really serious about making not just a really good shoe, but THE BEST shoe. And you are buying american!"
Review 4 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Big Disappointment,
October 22, 2012
By: HJohn
"I wanted to like these shoes. They are American made. They are beautiful and the materials and workmanship are excellent. However, I found two serous problems with them. First, they are hard to break in. The instructions that come with them say that you need to wear them three times to do the basic break in. Who are they kidding? Maybe they meant wear them on three expeditions climbing up Mt. Everest. Anyway, I finally did get them broken in before they hurt my feet too badly, so that problem at least was temporary. The second problem is that they have a very peculiar fit. They are very narrow in front and very loose in back--kind of the shoe equivalent of a mullet haircut. The heels are so loose that wearing these shoes is like wearing house slippers or flipflops. I just cannot get used to that feeling for walking shoes. I don't know why anyone would design a walking shoe to fit that way. When I tried to wear they for trail walking, the heels were so loose that dirt and rocks wre constantly being thrown up and falling into the shoes. I had to stop every 50 feet and empty pebbles out of them. I am very disappointed in these shoes, escpecially for the price."
Review 5 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Worth the cost,
August 13, 2012
By: SMSNY
from Upstate NY
"I have a very difficult time finding comfortable shoes to wear because of nerve damage to my feet that causes pain, tingling, numbness, and slight paralysis. (An autoimmune disease: CIDP.)
I knew beforehand that buying the Gokey Sauvage shoe was a risk, and that I would likely return them because they hurt my feet; nevertheless, I ordered a pair.
In this case, my fear was groundless. A card that came with the shoes says you need to wear them at least three times before they get comfortable. I actually needed to wear the shoes four or five times before they began to feel comfortable to my very sensitive feet.
After the fifth time, they became very comfortable, indeed. I have the feeling these shoes and I are going to be friends for a long time.
In addition, they are good-looking and extremely well made. The leather is first class, the workmanship ditto.
Be aware, though, that these shoes are heavier than sneakers, and the extra weight will take getting used to. But you do get used to it.
I know it sounds odd to fall in love with a pair of shoes, but I've fallen in love with these Gokey Sauvage shoes.
Icing on the cake: they were made in the USA"
Review 6 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Replacement AFter 15 Years,
August 1, 2012
By: jerryyyyy
from Stanford, CA
"I finally replaced the prior version of these shoes. They lasted 15 years and were resoled three times. The old version had eyelets that were like on hiking books and were easier to draw than the ones on this version, but looked crummy. Anyway, I hope I live another 15 years, but I think these shoes will outlast me."
Review 7 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
good, but could be better,
June 29, 2012
By: silvermike
"Found left and right shoes differed noticably in shape. I realize they're hand sewn, but still.
Comfortable, good materials, should last a long time."
Review 8 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Shoe, needs break-in,
March 8, 2012
By: mcflyfishing
from NE PA
"I bought these because I wanted a casual shoe with a vibram sole. I wore these around the house for two weeks before venturing out, but I found the more I wore them, the more comfortable they became. They don't have much arch support. I ripped out the leather innersole and modified another padded set with support to fit. This helped a lot."
Review 9 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great shoes,
January 19, 2012
By: Anonymous
"I have both the standard 9D and the custom sized one. I find the standard one fits better. After wearing for about half a dozen times they are fitting very well. These are great for both casual wear and for out door. I like to use these for travelling so I can use for walking and for a bit more dressier. I like to put a bit of neutral polish on them to darken the color a little bit. These are probably my favorite of all my shoes."
Review 10 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Long Term Performance,
January 17, 2012
By: BobKin
from Texas
Reviewer Images
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User submitted photo
User submitted photo
"This is the third pair of Gokey Sauvage Oxford shoes I have purchased. The first pair was purchased in 1965. The second pair in 1981 and was resoled by Gokey, twice. All were used heavily. For care, I routinely cleaned the shoes with saddle soap, followed by an application of Gokeys Old Indian boot dressing, which I have just run out of. I purchased four cans of it in 1962 when I purchased a pair of Gokey Sauvage boots. These boots, have been resoled three times. The leather uppers are as soft as new, and still look good. Both the Gokey oxfords and boots have been used extensively in all types of outdoor activities, and frequently been exposed to wet conditions even at times submerged. With proper care, and maintenance they will last a lifetime, continue to look good, and provide outstanding comfort, protection, and support . The two attached pictures show the three Gokey products I have been using for the last 50 years. The boots were purchased in 1962, the moccasins in 1965, and the oxfords in 1981."
Review 11 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Only getting better with age...,
December 21, 2011
By: TheFishingLibrarian
from Arlington, TX
"I've had these for a couple of years now, and they just keep getting better. I have two other pair of Gokey hunting books, so I had to add these to the rotation for the off season. Even sitting in my office, I can feel the same comfort on my feet that I do in the woods. Like all Gokeys, give them time. I'm looking forward to many years with these."
Review 12 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great shoe,
October 18, 2011
By: Sedgley
from England
"Just as described, great shoe.
Size US 10D perfect match to UK 9F.
As stated initial fit snug, not pinching or
too tight, slight movement on the heal to
start with, but this is to be expected with
a shoe of this construction and thickness
of leather. After break-in fit was perfect
and no movement on the heal.
A good every day shoe for long walks when
you don’t need an out and out walking shoe,
or want something a little smarter
"
Review 13 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Oddly sized; very casual,
September 14, 2011
By: Scoop4Al
"From the picture, I was expecting a smooth leather, almost dressy shoe. This shoe has a rough exterior and very chunky bottom that requires it be worn only in very casual occasions (not business casual). I have always been a very standard D width, and this shoe didn't fit. It was VERY tight across the front. If you like the shoe, order it wider than normal."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Web photo of this shoe is wrong,
September 13, 2011
By: Woodsman33
"I love both pair of my recently purchased Gokey Oxfords...however the picture on the website of these shoes is misleading. This picture shows the shoes with the "Gro-cord" heels and soles and in fact the Gro-cord is not available any longer. There is nothing really wrong with the current Vibram heels and soles currently being supplied, but.....your website should be updated to reflect the correct shoe. Keep making fine American shoes and boots but keep your customers informed with correct information."
Review 15 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Good value - and WIDTHS!,
August 8, 2011
By: peery3gg
from coastal North Carolina
"These are sturdy, well-made shoes. They are good-looking, and will work either at church or around a campfire. The outer sole is highly protective. The fit doesn't quite have that "made for me!" feel, but the same is true of all Gokey's I've tried.
And thank you Orvis for actually carrying a shoe that's available in sizes wider than "medium." It's quite frustrating to see the perfect shoe in the catalog, and then to find it only comes in "D" width. (It's like an outerwear inventory that stops at "42".) I suppose it's a business decision, but as a shoe-consumer I think it's a poor one."
Review 16 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Different Design,
June 30, 2011
By: shoehunter
"I tried 3 different sizes of this shoe. All slipped off my heel as I walked. I was at a loss to figure out why until I pulled out a tape measure and all my other shoes. The heel design is different and the depth from foot surface to heel is measurably less in this shoe.
I wish they would have fit better.
"
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Fair,
June 3, 2011
By: USMCRet
"The Gokey oxfords are well made, but lack the attention to fit detail they should. I ordered my standard size, and the body of the shoes fit fair, not exceptionally, but the collar of the shoe seemed to have been made for a larger size than the shoes I had ordered. Overall, the fit was only fair. I'm bothered by the fact that Orvis charged me $20 for shipping, promised a return label for $6.95 return shipping but failed to include that label in the box, making me pay full return shipping costs. No bargains here. Too bad."
Review 18 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Gokey Sauvage Oxfords,
May 26, 2011
By: SoManyRoads
"This is my second pair of Gokey oxfords; first pair was destroyed by my GSP pup. They are a substantial shoe that is built to last. Extremely comfortable with a short break in. Classic styling with the ability to dress up and wear at the office with khakis or relaxed with a pair of jeans. The thick leather molds to your feet; updated with a vibram sole. Without a doubt, my favorite shoes. Beautiful and made in America."
Review 19 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
3 / 5
3 / 5
poor design,
March 24, 2011
By: Anonymous
from South Carolina
Good Value: 
3 / 5
3 / 5
Meets Expectations: 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Features: 
2 / 5
2 / 5
Appearance: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
"Very comfortable shoe that looks great BUT the rear leather support above the heel is way too low and results in the shoe slipping upon every step. Its almost like wearing a flip flop. My shoe flits but doesn't support the back of the foot. I've read other reviews that say the same thing. Seems like this would be an easy problem to fix. Otherwise, well made and looks and feels good."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Response from Orvis:By Orvis Customer Service TeamApril 11, 2011
Orvis Customer Service immediately contacted this customer and apologized for the issue with the sizing of this shoe. Orvis greatly appreciates your feedback about our clothing as we are constantly trying to find ways to improve our fit.
Review 20 for Gokey® Sauvage Oxfords
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
10 years and going strong,
February 27, 2011
By: Andy1975
Good Value: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Features: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Appearance: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
"On my 25th birthday I treated myself to a pair of these shoes after reading a review where a person claimed they had their shoes for 18 or so years. I figured the price was well worth it compared to the longevity. I am happy to say that I have had these shoes for 10 years and just now thinking about sending them in for their second resoling and conditioning. They are very comfortable, and durable."