Black, Brown, or Bold? Discover What’s Behind Choosing the Right Men’s Footwear Colour

By Ava Brown, June 26, 2025

Your choice of footwear says a lot about your style and personality. It can show whether you’re into classic designs, sporty vibes, or trend-forward pieces. However, the colour you wear can often say just as much. The men black footwear choices mean business, brown ones keep it grounded, while bold shades like burgundy or navy make a statement.

So, don’t just think about style when you’re after your next pair. Think about the message your colour choice is sending and how it pairs with what’s already in your closet.

Black

Jordon Dress Shoes Black Patent
source: wildrhinoshoes.com.au

Classic and timeless, yet never boring, black is the colour of effortless style. Every man needs a pair of black shoes in his lineup. From a classy suit to chinos or jeans, well-chosen and quality men black footwear can tie your entire outfit together, making it look refined without being over the top. 

The beauty of black male shoes lies in their versatile nature. It doesn’t matter if you’re dressing up or dressing down, black footwear adapts while being always appropriate and sharp. It’s safe to say that no colour handles formality with more grace than black. When it comes to dressy events, styles like Chelsea and Oxfords offer a classic, sophisticated look. 

Classic black Derby shoes offer a slightly more relaxed option, while men black footwear like Brogues, with the perforated detailing, brings personality to polished looks. Each of these styles has its place in a well-rounded wardrobe, allowing you to choose the perfect shoe for the occasion. 

However, black doesn’t stop at formal. The same confidence carries over to casual wear. Black loafers are the perfect combo of casual comfort and upscale appearance. Thanks to their slip-on design, they are practical for everyday wear, but black can make them feel more refined.

All-black sneakers are another example that casual doesn’t mean sloppy. Clean, simple, and always in style due to their colour, they’re the kind of shoes that work with almost anything, from jeans to tailored joggers. 

Brown

While black stays consistent and classic, brown shoes come in various hues to choose from, from cognac to tan. Different shades of brown can change the vibe of an outfit. For instance, dark brown shoes are more appropriate for dressy occasions. Medium brown strikes a versatile balance, effortlessly pairing with both formal and casual looks. Light brown or tan shoes, on the other hand, lean more toward relaxed settings.

Different shades of brown can drastically alter the overall feel of an outfit. Dark brown shoes offer a refined, formal touch and are ideal for business and formal occasions. Medium brown shoes strike a balance between formal and casual, pairing well with different outfits. Light brown or tan shoes are best suited for relaxed settings, complementing beige, khaki, and pastel hues. Next, the finish of brown men’s footwear can also contribute to its versatility and styling options.

Smooth and polished models offer a dressier appearance, while matte options have a more understated and versatile aesthetic. Style-wise, black male shoes often lean towards a more formal aesthetic, while brown options can transition between formal, business casual, and relaxed outfits. Darker shades of brown in classic styles like Oxfords or Derbies are more suitable for dressier occasions, while medium-brown Derbies and loafers can easily transition into business casual settings.

Bold Colours

Brad Casual Shoes Black
source: wildrhinoshoes.com.au

Black and brown will always be timeless staples, there’s no doubt about that. But sometimes it’s refreshing to step outside the classics and try other shades like burgundy, navy, or olive. These hues can make a statement without being overpowering. So, why not break away from the ordinary and try something with a bit more edge?

Take burgundy men’s footwear, for instance, in a rich, deep red tone that’s bold and sophisticated. Perfect for both formal and smart-casual settings, burgundy shoes can add depth and warmth to suits, chinos, and even denim. Thanks to its warm, rich tone, burgundy is popular in the fall and winter months, bringing cosy yet sophisticated vibes to colder-weather outfits. 

However, burgundy shoes for men can also add a surprising pop of colour in spring when paired with neutral colours. Next, navy shoes are a modern alternative to traditional black and brown footwear. They are especially popular in spring and summer, when their crisp, fresh vibe complements lighter and brighter outfits. 

But navy shoes can also work well in fall and winter. When paired with  darker, layered looks, they can add a subtle twist to the outfit. Be it Oxfords, loafers, sneakers or boots, navy footwear brings understated sophistication with a subtle splash of personality. 

Olive is another bold yet refined choice when you’re ready to go beyond the classics but still want something grounded and versatile. This muted green shade offers a fresh alternative to black and brown, yet it still feels appropriate for a wide range of settings and occasions, like weekend outings or smart-casual events where you want to stand out subtly.