A good pair of shoes is synonymous with a brilliant statement. Nothing speaks volumes more than neat dress shoes, and brown ones, to be precise. You know you are on to greatness if you have brown dress shoes.
While brown dress shoes get the job done, picking any pair of dress shoes might not be the best approach to brown dress shoes. Thus, I will share my top five brown dress shoes and give you tips on how to style them.
My first pick is the moisture-wicking Clarks Tilden cap oxfords, allowing me to use them all day. My second pick is Bruno Marc suede shoes, which are great for a casual look. The Bruno Moda shoes are my third pick, made of vegan leather, making it possible for most people to enjoy the shoes without the issue of cruelty.
Before I go into detail about the best shoes, why are they called dress shoes?
What is a Dress Shoe?
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Dress shoes are mostly associated with oxfords. However, a dress shoe is any more formal shoe leaning further from athletic shoes. Even loafers pass for dress shoes. I rarely go for the loafers when buying dress shoes, but they do a great job for my weekend casual-formal outfits. Here are my best picks that will make your outfit look dapper.
Best Men's Brown Dress Shoes
1) Clarks Men's Tilden Cap Oxfords- Best Oxfords
- Comfort Features: Ortholite Footbed, Smooth Fabric and PU Linings, Durable TPR Outsole
- Stretch Gore Panels for a Flexible Fit
- Premium Full Grain Leather
- Heel Height 1 inch
- Ultra-Lightweight
Clarks are synonymous with greatness; having a pair on your feet gives you a great look. These Tilden Cap Clarks oxfords have been a game changer for me because they are 100% authentic leather with a comfort-driven design. The shoes have thermoplastic elastomers sole, which can withstand the toughest journeys.
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The Clarks Tilden Cap oxfords have a square-cap toe for maximum comfort. The shoes further have stretch gore panels for a comfortable fit. These Clarks do not pinch.
2) Bruno Marc Urban Suede Leather- Best Brown Suede
- The moisture absorbent leather lining and soft padded leather insole keep your foot dry and clean
- TPR outsoles are resistant to wear and can be used for a long time
- Each pair of shoes is hand-made processing cutting, splicing, waxing and so on in order to better quality
- These wingtip dress shoes is suitable not only for work,but also for any occasion, such as business meetings, parties or just a night out
- FITTING TIPS: Run big, please order half a size smaller
Whenever I pull off a pair of jeans, a coat, and a sling briefcase, I must match the look with brown suede shoes. Bruno Marc is not only my top pick for this category but also my go-to for most of my casual evenings.
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Bruno Marc suede is a pair of classic Oxford shoes comparable to no other shoes. The shoes are handmade through processes like splicing, cutting, and waxing. The shoes have a padded leather insole to keep the feet dry. Bruno Marc's outsole is resistant to wear, lasting a lifetime after you buy the shoes.
3) Bruno Moda Brown Shoes- Best Brogues
- Exquisite new vegan leather with plain toe design delivers a classic style
- Featuring a classic brogue and wingtip design, the smooth PU upper makes these lace-ups easy to wipe down and care for
- The cushioned latex insole and sweat-absorbing, breathable leather lining provide you with a comfortable walking experience
- The unique carved design on the sole is fashionable and avant-garde; the shoe box packaging is classic and elegant, making it a perfect gift for a...
- Suitable for various occasions, such as business wear, daily commuting, parties or banquets
Brogues are a must-have for anyone who loves good-looking shoes. My brogues not only look good but also add character to my outfit. Brogues work better for me with a mixed suit than a plain one. The shoes have vegan leather, which widens the bracket of people who can enjoy using the shoes.
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The perforations on the shoes make them breathable and perfect for busy days and bashes. The shoes make a good gift idea because they just look good.
4) Bruno Marc Ankle Boots- Best Brown Boots
- Dress boot features a wingtip toe and brogue details with a lace-up and side zipper closure
- Full-leather lining and leather-covered insole offers a set of dry feet and comfortable
- Lightly padded latex insoles designed to conform to the shape of the foot for a custom fit
- Flexible rubber outsole minimizes shock and vibration while maximizing support and traction
- Stylish dress boot goes perfect for wearing with business casual and classy attire in any environment
Bruno Marc boots are a great choice for my field days or when I have to take the motorcycle. The boots not only look great but also work great without wearing out. I have owned the shoes for a long time, and they are as good as new.
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Bruno Marc Boos have a rubber sole with a full-leather lining and a leather-covered insole for a comfortable fit. The shoes have a padded latex insole that conforms to the foot, making them comfortable during long days.
5) Dockers Men's Colleague Dress Penny Loafer Shoe- Best Brown Loafers
- Polished man-made uppers
- Easy slip on and off the foot loafer construction
- Signature penny strap
- Cushioned latex footbed for exceptional comfort
- Durable rubber outsole
Dockers have the best penny loafers in an irresistible style. These shoes bring out a confident outfit and are appropriate for casual and formal occasions. The shoes have a durable outsole, making them a lifetime choice. Whenever I wear brown dress shoes, I am not worried about developing any discomfort.
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Dockers' penny loafers are stylish and have a classic strap going over them, giving them an authentic penny loafer look.
6) Bruno Marc- Best Monk-Strap
- Premium synthetic leather uppers prevent cracks and wrinkles
- Unique and mordern double monk strap design feature a classic and timeless silhouette
- Soft latex cushioned footbed keep your feet fresh and comfortable all day
- Durable rubber outsole and wooden stacked heel provide traction and grip
- Styling that is perfect for formal events, church, work, and even casual after-work gatherings
Bruno Marc is here again with the double-monk strap brown dress shoes. The shoes are so stylish that I wear them to occasions like coronations. The monk-strap shoes have a rubber sole to make each step a sure one without the chance of slipping.
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Bruno Marc is made of premium leather with a soft latex-cushioned footbed to cushion the feet all day. The shoes do not wrinkle at the front, setting them apart from many other shoes that can hardly withstand slight pressure.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Brown Dress Shoes
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a) Shade
The shade is one of the first things I consider when buying brown dress shoes. For instance, I prefer a dark tan on brown oxford shoes and a lighter shade on brown loafers. Furthermore, I find it easier to match dark brown dress shoes with most of my suits and jeans than lighter brown shoes.
b) Material
The material you have on your shoes will affect how often you wear the shoes, maintenance, cost, durability, and look. Some people keep off leather because they do not consider them cruelty-free. Here are some material options you can find when buying brown dress shoes;
- Leather
- Suede
- Faux leather
- Exotic leather/skin shoes (alligator, ostrich, crocodile, etc.)
c) Occasion
My loafers are reserved for the less serious weekend meetups and casual office days. For serious occasions, I will stick to the oxfords. Oxfords are versatile because I can still match them with jeans and look great. I need something else to work for me before I show up for a job interview with a pair of loafers.
d) Size
Regardless of how good a shoe looks, it is useless if it does not fit. Remember, there is a difference between American and European shoe sizes. Therefore, you should know where the store you are getting the shoe from is.
e) Price
Good shoes are quite expensive. However, the ones I have listed above are durable and affordable.
f) Style
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While looking at dress shoes, it is vital to note that dress shoes consist of various shoe styles, including oxfords and loafers. Here are more styles you are likely to find in the dress shoes category;
- Boots
- Monk-strap
- Derbies
- Brogues etc.
g) Durability
A good pair of shoes will last you a lifetime. You can tell how long a shoe will last through reviews and by checking the shoe-build quality. Good shoes should have proper stitching, enough toe room, good rubber soles, real or faux leather, and more.
h) Brand
Just like any other product, shoes have brands that stand out from the rest. For instance, Bruno Marc is a brand that has been around for a while because of how good their shoes are.
Other than brands, some people have custom-made shoes and work with individuals. These shoes tend to be more expensive as they are handmade from scratch.
i) Maintenance
How you maintain a suede material is different from leather. Different materials require different cleaning products to keep the shoes in good condition and to maintain a neat look.
j) Sole Material
Before I shop for shoes, I have to check what material makes up the sole. I prefer rubber soles because they have a good grip on them. A crepe or leather sole still works for people who do not walk too much.
k) Return Policy
If a shoe does not fit, I can return it for a refund or an exchange. A brand that does not let you change a pair of shoes when it does not fit is one from which you should not get your shoes.
Tips when Wearing Brown Dress Shoes
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i) Shade of Brown
The first thing I look at when styling my brown dress shoes is what shade of brown they are before getting into my wardrobe. I choose my attire from the shoe most of the time because the shoes are the first thing people focus on.
I like pairing my darker browns with grey or deep-blue pants for a sophisticated look. Cream pants can get the fashion on as well. Lighter shades of brown work great with pants with brighter colours. For instance, light brown loafer shoes are great with white pants.
ii) Belt-Matching
Matching my belt with my shoes makes removing my coat easier and still looks stylish. The watchstrap should get the job done if the belt feels too much.
iii) Socks
Once you get top-of-the-range brown dress shoes, you can barely afford to go wrong on the socks. Happy socks will not let you down. Socks with darker shades are some of the best socks to match with dress shoes. Choose your socks wisely, as they can make or break your look.
If you want a classic look, go for socks that match the colour of your pants.
iv) Black Suit with Dark Brown Derby Shoes
Dark brown derby shoes have a strong character that only a black suit can tame. The combination will not go wrong even without visible socks on.
v) Brown Penny Loafers with Jeans
You expect to see Penny loafers on someone stepping off a 1955 Maserati A6. The shoes have that classy look that no other shoe can replace. The loafers work well with jeans to give a casual but formal look. Penny loafers have strong edges to them, bringing out the masculine vibe.
vi) Brown Oxford Sneakers with Black Pants, Grey Shirt
Nothing shouts reliability than this combination. Rarely will you find people who rock a grey shirt; when you do, look at the shoes. They get it right most of the time. Black is a great pick among the pants that go with brown shoes.
vii) Brown Dress Shoes With Grey Pants, Blue Shirt
If you know about the 75 ways to wear five suits, then you know this combination has to be one of the most fashionable. If you are dressed in this combination, you are ready to attend any casual or formal occasion. There are other shirt colours to match with brown shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dress Shoes for Men
a) What are the most versatile brown shoes for men?
Most dress shoes are wearable across occasions. However, I find the monk-strap shoes versatile because they can work as casual and official shoes. The shoes are as easy to wear as loafers, and they have straps for fastening as laced shoes. This, to me, is versatility.
b) What do brown dress shoes go well with?
Brown dress shoes go well with jeans, suits, chinos, and other casual or official outfits. When wearing dress shoes, you can match them with colours like blue or grey, which are widely used with brown shoes.
Final Thoughts
Brown shoes are a fashion statement and one that I love making. When choosing brown dress shoes, options include loafers, oxfords, boots, monk-strap shoes, and more. You can never go wrong with brown dress shoes because they double up as casual or official shoes.
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