Both black boots and brown boots are both solid, versatile choices. But which color is best for you? Read on to find out…
So you’ve decided to buy a new pair of boots. Maybe you’re expanding your shoe collection, or maybe this will be your first pair of boots.
First of all, congratulations! I think you’re making a very smart decision, and I want to help you make the right purchase.
Of course, you’ll need to pick the right type of boot. If you’re not sure about white type of boot is the best choice for you, check out my post about the three best types of boots for men.
No matter which type of boot you settle on, you’ll also need to choose a color. While there are many different colors of boots, the two most common are black and brown.
Both are excellent choices for almost anyone, including guys who are buying their first pair of boots. In fact, many men have both colors in their collection.
But if you could only chose one, which is the best color for you?
In my opinion, there is no universal “best” choice. It all comes down to your personal preferences and situation.
Think about your current wardrobe. Is it complete? Are you pretty happy with it? Or are you still working on it? Or maybe you’re a total beginner!
If you already have a solid wardrobe, look at the overall color palette. Is it full of blues, greens and earth tones like brown, cream and tan?
If so, brown boots are going to be your best choice because they’ll work with most of your existing outfits.
On the other hand, if your wardrobe is full of black, white, navy and grey, you should go with black boots. They’ll work better with your somewhat monochromatic aesthetic.
If you’re more of a beginner who feels that your wardrobe doesn’t yet represent your personal style, try to identify your eventual style aesthetic.
Do you identify with the rugged, Americana, workwear look? I’m talking about blue selvedge denim, brown chinos, plaid flannel shirts, chunky earth tone sweaters, brown leather accessories…you get the point.
If so, go with brown boots.
Also, if you identify with the preppy look: Oxford button downs, chino shorts, boat shoes, knit belts, all over prints, washed out pastel tones and colorful NATO straps – brown boots are a great choice for you.
On the other hand, if you think you’re more of a rakish, minimal or streetwear kind of guy, you may want to consider black boots.
For example, if you love the modern look of slim black jeans, black leather jackets, solid grey or white t-shirts, plain white
It’s not that you can’t wear brown boots with black jeans, but you’ll probably get more wear out of black boots if you have a wardrobe full of black, white and greyscale.
Personally, I’ve always preferred brown boots because my wardrobe has mostly been a mix of rugged and preppy.
But lately, I find myself thinking more about minimal, monochromatic and even streetwear aesthetics, so I’m excited to have added a pair of black leather Chelsea boots from Thursday Boot Co. to my collection.
At the end of the day, it’s just clothes, so go with your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try out both colors to see which one suits your style.
And remember, your preferences will likely change over time, and that’s definitely not a bad thing!
As you get older, switch jobs, start a family, move to a new city, etc., your style can (and should) evolve to represent and serve your current situation and personality.
Do you prefer black boots or brown boots? Leave a comment below!
Unless I am wearing a suit or am going to a formal occasion it’s always brown for me, and never shiny. My only pair of black shiny footwear are my black oxford dress shoes, which I rarely wear nowadays. My go to footwear are either my brown oiled leather derby boots, dark tan oiled leather derby shoes and brown suede derby shoes.
For me, it depends on what in wearing
Navy blue + brown
Red + black
I have black hair so I mainly wear black.
Like to switch it up in the summer and wear white
Opposed to brown or black .
Some times just to be differnt I wear navy blue
Boots ( Lugz ) in the fall .
Light brown semi distressed
I want to like black, but always end up buying and wearing brown. Maybe I’ll have to get both and name myself try to wear the black ones.
Hi! I have used cowboy boots for years and never thought about colour. But now (older) I want to purchase my first Chelsea boots and I have many doubts. I ussually wear jeans (dark or light blue and grey) with t-shirts (many colours) and sometimes shirts (white, blue, grey, maybe the same). Better black or brown boots? Thanks and regards from Spain!
Black chelsea boots are perfect to bad boy look. Including black or dark blue denim white or gray t-shirt and black leather jacket.
I own brown, black 8″ tie-ups , Chelsea black and brown and tan leather chukka. Typically I wear black with dressier looks. But sometimes brown with a dressy look if any part of the outfit is brown. The Chelsea tan and grey almost always are casual or semi -casual.
As you say, it all come down to personal preference. But I consider black boots with blue denim a classic combo and this has essentially been my uniform for many years. Also I find black boots easier to maintain – especially if you like to keep them sharp. There are no issues with colour matching polish.