In recent years, men’s footwear has broken free from many old-fashioned rules, allowing more freedom in pairing shoes with different outfits. You can now confidently wear Oxfords with jeans or even sneakers with suits. However, one golden rule remains unchanged: color matters. Choosing the wrong shoe color for your outfit can instantly undo all the effort you've put into your look.
Think of color coordination like navigating traffic: a small mistake can have big consequences. The simplest method? Match the tone of your pants with your shoes - black shoes with black pants, brown shoes with tan chinos. While this formula will ensure your outfit is cohesive, it can also feel a bit predictable. Here’s how to elevate your shoe game.
Black Shoes
A pair of black Oxfords is the ultimate symbol of elegance and formality. Traditionally, they’re perfect with a black suit for formal events, but let's be real: black suits are often too stiff unless you’re attending a wedding or funeral. Instead, black shoes pair beautifully with gray, navy, or charcoal suits for a polished look.
For chinos, opt for black Derby shoes instead of Oxfords, as they offer more comfort. When it comes to jeans, black Oxfords work best with slim, plain black denim. For dark blue jeans, try Chelsea boots or classic Dr. Martens for a bit of edge.
Lighter pants (like beige, light blue, or khaki) can create a sharp contrast with black shoes. But if you cuff your pants or go for loafers over lace-ups, you can tone down that contrast and achieve a more balanced look.
Brown Shoes
Brown is probably the easiest shoe color to work with. The lighter the brown, the more flexible it is for pairing with different outfits. However, avoid matching brown shoes with pants in a similar shade - think of it like wearing double denim: contrasting tones create harmony.
Dark brown shoes are an excellent match for dark blue jeans and also complement distressed denim well. I’m a big fan of wearing dark brown brogues or Chelsea boots with jeans. The darker the brown, the easier it is to pull off - even with black jeans.
Let’s not forget tan brown. These shoes are ideal for casual looks and pair especially well with indigo jeans and a blue striped shirt. Tan brown is also versatile enough to wear with most jeans and chinos, especially in summer when lighter colors dominate. Bonus: tan suede shoes can even work with shorts.
Oxblood Red Shoes
Believe it or not, oxblood red has become a neutral color in men’s fashion. This deep red hue functions much like brown, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique touch to their wardrobe.
Oxblood Derby shoes are sophisticated, but penny loafers in this shade really make a statement. Pair them with distressed jeans, navy pants, or colorful chinos, and you’ve got yourself a refined look.
White Sneakers
Thanks to brands like Common Projects, white sneakers have evolved far beyond their sportswear roots. Take the adidas Stan Smith, for instance - an iconic shoe in its own right - but the minimalist design of the Common Projects Achilles Low brings sneakers into a whole new realm of style. You can wear these with a suit during the day and switch to shorts and a tee by evening.
While white sneakers won’t fully replace dress shoes when it comes to formalwear, they offer a cool alternative.
However, keeping them pristine is the real challenge. If you’re pairing them with a suit, they need to be spotless. As they age and get scuffed, reserve them for your more casual looks.
General Shoe Color Tips
Dark colors are more versatile: Dark shoes generally work across more outfits and situations than lighter ones.
Color impacts formality: Oxfords are formal by design, but a pair of dark brown Oxfords feels different from black ones in terms of versatility.
White can be tricky: While white sneakers can match nearly anything, white dress shoes are a different story—tread carefully.
Polish wisely: Always use a shoe polish that matches your shoe color. If you're unsure, go with a neutral polish to stay on the safe side.
With these tips, you'll be walking confidently in the right direction—no matter the occasion or outfit.
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