Brown is certain to be one of the most popular shoe colors in men’s wardrobes around the world. When we narrow this generalization to dress shoes, then brown is undoubtedly the most common not only because it’s a shoe tone that matches most clothing colors, but also because dress shoes tend to be crafted from leather, and leather is most widely dyed in brown.
This being said, just because the best-looking dress shoes are brown definitely does not mean that all brown dress shoes are appealing. For this reason, we’ve picked out the best men’s brown dress shoes from Zappos’ broad inventory:
With a large selection of styles, intuitive search filters, and a friendly return policy, Zappos is an online shoe retailer we’re glad to recommend when shopping for shoes online.
Why Brown?
Contrarily to black dress shoes, brown leather is often a personal choice and is rarely specifically required when adhering to a dress code.
Whilst black dress shoes are very formal in both style and appearance, brown shoes tend to fluctuate in their formality according to both the style of your dress as well as their design.
Therefore, brown shoes are great to own as something that can be thrown on whenever you feel they’re appropriate. They’re also great as a casual alternative to traditional dress shoes.
After all, they can also be worn with a suit depending on their style. However, since they’re less formal than black shoes, it’s important to keep in mind the context of the occasion.
Finally, brown leather is something that can be found on a plethora of shoes, which can greatly vary in their own level of formality. For instance, they’re the most popular color for the various types of loafers as well as driving and boat shoes. However, these aren’t traditionally considered dress shoes.
On Formality…
Therefore, if you’re looking specifically for dress shoes that happen to be brown, it’s important to bear in mind their particular style. Both color and shoe design play an important role in deciding the shoe’s formality.
As such, shoes that just happen to be brown won’t necessarily be casual. Conversely, brown shoes that have a dressy style, won’t always be formal. Let’s take a look a typical dress shoe styles and their level of formality:
Casual Dress Shoe Styles
Of course, not all dress shoe styles are strictly casual or formal and there are a lot of factors that come into play. However, here’s a non-exhaustive scale from formal to casual to give you an idea:
Oxford Shoes: Although they’re traditionally black, brown Oxford shoes aren’t unheard of. However, some circles consider them to be a sartorial contradiction as they should traditionally be a black, formal shoe.- Brogue Shoes: Featuring a closed-throat lacing system like Oxfords, Brogue shoes are among the most formal brown dress shoes. This is largely thanks to their traditional ornamentation.
- Monkstrap Shoes: Although a very formal shoe style in black, monkstraps become remarkably casual when brown. However, they’re still versatile and suit both suits and casual attire.
- Wholecut Shoes: Like Monkstraps, wholecut shoes are formal when black but become much more casual when brown. Nevertheless, they’re still versatile and can be worn either casually or with a business casual suit.
- Derby Shoes: Also known as Bluchers, Derby Shoes are the most formal casual dress shoe style. Often confused with Oxfords, they feature an open rather than closed-throat lacing system.
Bear in mind that there isn’t one single type of brogue shoe style. In fact, there exist a number of variants such as Longwings and saddle shoes. As they’re less steeped in tradition, they’re often perceived as a more casual alternative, which find themselves between monkstraps and derby shoes.
Our Favorite Brown Dress Shoes Sold On Zappos
Keeping the above popular dress shoe styles, we scoured Zappos’ voluminous online inventory of men’s dress shoes and picked out the best brown example from each category. We present them to you below.
If you prefer to do your “own fishing”, you can use this link to lead you directly to a results page on Zappos that has been pre-filtered for Brown Men’s Dress Shoes.
- Style: Oxford
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $395 [Buy Now On Zappos]
These Carlyle Plain Toe oxfords from Allen Edmonds exude artful American craftsmanship and classic style and, quite truthfully, are one of our favorite options from the famed Made-In-USA shoe brand.
The premium calfskin upper has been beautifully tanned to a deep brown color and is accented with refined stitching details. The sole possesses a 360-degree Goodyear welt construction that ensures durability, resoleability, and most importantly, gives the shoe a sleek and elegant profile.
While considered a very formal style, the brown tone and overall design end up being quite versatile. As a result, the Carlyles can easily be sported with a traditional suit and with chinos, though the latter may not be every individual’s preferred look.
Available in black and walnut, this brown (“Chili Burnished Calf”) should definitely be your first pair perhaps to be augmented later on by one of the other color options.
- Style: Brogues
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $274.95 [Buy On Zappos]
The Johnston & Murphy brand is well-known for its high-quality footwear. They offer both mid-priced options as well premium options that are often Made in Italy. As you may have guessed by the price point, the Jameson Wing Tip featured belong to the latter category.
The Jameson is an ideal choice for anyone looking to add some casual style points into their wardrobe without compromising on professionalism or polished looks. The brown color cognac finish would likely appeal to most, though the contrasting soles may not. Nevertheless, they are a great way of adding a bit of personality to a business casual ensemble (outside of the office, that is.)
As of this writing, they’re only available in this burnished brown tone which we’re quite fond of. Nevertheless, there are other potential combinations, perhaps a tan upper with a brick sole, that could also work well in this design.
- Style: Wholecut
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $255 [Buy Now On Zappos]
For those who want a shoe that’s both stylish and practical, Marc Joseph has the perfect pair. Handmade in Brazil by skilled artisans, this wholecut style is touted for its lack of decorations or seams.
The quality of the leather is vital for such styles as only a single piece of leather is used to create the upper, and the luxurious nature of Marc Joseph’s soft calfskin leather is evident with these wholecut oxfords. There’s something unique and elegant about wholecut shoes and these are no different. Likewise, they’re perfectly at home in a business professional setting and at the chic bar you visit after a long day at the office.
The Bronw Toscana Nappa color featured here is outstanding, though Marc Joseph also offers many other leather uppers in this same style. Once more, each allows the premium leather to shine through.
- Style: Penny Loafers
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $850 [Buy On Zappos]
Every man should have a nice pair of brown penny loafers in their wardrobe. For those looking for the best of the best, the Church’s Pembrey is sure to fit the bill.
The Pembreys, aside from being made in the UK, are crafted with a beautiful Cognac Prestige Calf Leather Upper possessing the traditional Penny Keeper saddle, gimped vamp, and hand-stitched details. Additionally, the upper is unlined for maximum softness, the footbed is lightly cushioned, and the sole is of Goodyear welt construction.
If you’re looking for a more formal style of loafer, Church’s also makes the Tiverton tassel loafers, both in calfskin and suede styles.
- Style: Derby
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $350 [Buy Now On Zappos]
The timeless style of a well-made pair of Derby shoes can’t be beaten. These Italian-made derbies from To Boot New York are a great example of the style.
While this Derby or Blucher style is not as formal when compared to the other shoe options highlighted above, nevertheless they are a great option for more casual outfits. For instance, these are a great alternative for dressing down a business suit, particularly one in tan or other earthy colors.
To Boot NY also makes these Mick Derbies in black calfskin, though this Cuoio Antic (Antique Leather in Italian) does a great job of giving center stage to the premium leather used. With regards to comfort, these feature both a leather lining and insole and are polished off by a sleek, dark welt.
What Next?
Use the comment section below to share your thoughts with us! Do you agree that brown is the most versatile color for men’s dress shoes? If not, which tone do you prefer?
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