Black shoes are traditionally worn in the office, while brown shoes are reserved for leisure activities. Naturally, however, there are exceptions to this rule, and there are other shoe colours beyond just these two.
Traditionally, men’s shoes only came in brown and black. This hearkens back to the early days of shoe production, when plant-based tanning methods were limited to producing these two colours. Through the tanning process leather naturally took on a brown tone. Producing black leather was also simple; all it took was tossing iron fillings into the tanning fluid.
Brown was reserved for leisure activities in the countryside, while black became the colour of choice for men’s shoes in the urban work environment. However, brown shoes can now be worn in less-conservative workplaces, as well as to occasions that aren’t particularly formal.
Nowadays, shoes even come in bordeaux
Other shoe colours are now accepted in offices around the world— for example, bordeaux men’s shoes are perfectly fine for the American workplace. However, grey and blue have yet to catch on.
In order to remain on the safe side, though, those employed in very conservative sectors should opt for black shoes. If the dress code is relatively relaxed, the range of colour options can also include bordeaux, blue, or grey.
For further consideration…
- Broguing
- Sole and Upper
- Body Type & Shoe Selection
- Special Occasions
- Smart Casual
- Casual & Leisure Wear
- Accessorize
- Loafer & Monk Strap
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