Gone are the days when black was the main colour for men’s footwear. Nowadays, fashion designers aren’t afraid to experiment, and neither are men, which is why seeing men’s shoes in different colours is common. But out of all colours, it seems that brown is at the top. Beyond its wide range of shades, this colour is remarkably versatile and pairs easily with everything from formal suits to casual everyday outfits. Unlike black, which is considered a bit cold and stiff, brown can bring warmth to any look, making it feel more natural. For this reason, brown is the ultimate choice for both formal and informal footwear. And since it’s so easy to style, it’s worth taking a closer look at the most popular men’s brown footwear styles.
Essential Brown Footwear Styles for Men
From classic men’s brown leather shoes to suede loafers and casual sneakers, brown footwear comes in a huge variety of styles, materials, and shades. While your pick depends on the dress code, a select few timeless styles are true wardrobe staples.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are certainly a men’s wardrobe staple. They’re simple, sleek, comfortable and versatile, perfect for being matched with almost any casual and smart-casual attire.
Unlike stark black, brown offers a softer touch, making these boots easy to pair with everything from chinos and dark denim to navy and grey tailored suits. The side elastic panels also make them exceptionally easy to slip on and off. First popularised in the 1950s, the Chelsea boot remains a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Lace-Up Boots
Brown lace-up boots are a versatile piece of footwear that can be worn with casual and rugged wardrobes. They’re a timeless choice that can only get better with time. As they age, these brown leather boots will develop a rich patina that further elevates their refined aesthetic.
Just like the Chelsea models, these boots pair well with jeans and semi-casual trousers. Regarding the colours, they can be matched with everything from blue and navy to olive and earthier tones. Whether you opt for a single solid shade or a multi-tonal leather, the colour variation only adds to their visual appeal.
Oxfords
What sets Oxford shoes apart is their closed lacing system, where the eyelet tabs are stitched underneath the front section for a clean, streamlined look. All of these details make them the benchmark for formal men’s brown leather shoes, perfect for being paired with suits and tailored pants. For a highly polished appearance at formal settings, pair them with a navy or grey suit.
Derbies
Unlike Oxfords, which have a closed lacing system, Derbies can take pride in their open lacing system and the quarters that are stitched on top of the vamp instead of underneath. These features make them appear less sleek and elegant than Oxfords, which makes them a better choice for semi-formal and more casual outfits in general. According to designers, they are perfect for business and smart-casual settings, allowing you to pair them with navy and grey suits, chinos and even wool trousers.
Penny Loafers
Penny loafers in brown represent the perfect middle ground between comfort, elegance and style. Their slip-on design offers effortless sophistication, proving that a shoe doesn’t need laces to look sharp.
While polished leather, suede, and nubuck are all popular choices, brown suede penny loafers are a particular crowd favourite. When it comes to pairing them, they go perfectly with cropped trousers, chinos, jeans and linen suits, making them ideal for smart-casual settings, dinners and more relaxed office looks.
Casual Sneakers
Who says sneakers in brown hues aren’t stylish?! These comfortable pieces of footwear are a must-have for everyday wear, not only for their comfort, but also for their appearance. Coming in brown, usually with a white sole, makes them perfect to pair with semi-casual outfits for work or when going out for lunch or dinner. Thanks to their clean aesthetic and warm brown colour, they can easily be paired with neutral designs.
Monk Strap Shoes
Last but not least, monk strap shoes are another favoured option for men. They are a refined alternative to the standard lace-up shoes and are perfect for formal and semi-formal occasions. Known for their two buckles instead of laces, these men’s brown shoes are perfect for weddings, work, and other stylish formal events. Being authentic and easily recognisable makes them perfect to pair with statement dressing, allowing you to add a personal touch to your outfit. You can easily pair brown monk straps with business casual wear, tailored suits, and slim-fit trousers.
