What Shoes Should I Wear with a Suit?

If you’re wondering what shoes I should wear with a suit, the answer depends on three things: the suit colour, the occasion, and the level of formality.

Leather Oxfords, Derbies, Brogues, and monk straps are considered the best shoes for most suits, with black, brown, and oxblood shoes being the safest shoe colours.

Oxfords are ideal for business and formal events, while loafers and Chelsea boots work well for modern or smart casual settings.

Black shoes pair best with black suits or charcoal suits, while brown shoes complement a navy suit, grey suit, or even a beige suit.

The right pair ultimately depends on formality, suit colour, and setting.

Quick Answer: The Best Shoes to Wear with a Suit

If you’re short on time and just want the essentials, here’s the breakdown of the best type of shoes and how to match your suit properly.

The right shoes to wear with your suit depend on the level of formality, but these options deliver both balance and classic style.

Most Formal Option

For highly formal occasions, black oxfords are the gold standard. Their closed lacing system and clean silhouette create a sharp finish that pairs seamlessly with a black suit, charcoal suits, or a deep navy suit.

For strict black tie events, patent leather is appropriate, but only under a true black tie dress code. Outside of black tie, high-shine leather can overpower your outfit, particularly at daytime or less formal events.

Business & Professional Settings

In corporate environments, interviews, or key meetings, stick with black or dark brown shoes. These offer a refined, authoritative look and suit the suit’s formality.

A classic derby shoe, with its open lacing, provides slightly more comfort and more versatility for daily wear.

This makes it an excellent choice if you’re buying a quality pair of suit shoes.

Modern & Contemporary Styling

For a more fashion-forward approach, monk straps offer a stylish alternative to lace-ups. Their buckle design delivers personality while remaining appropriate for weddings and polished office settings.

Sleek Chelsea boots work especially well for evening events, particularly in cooler months.

When tailored correctly with a slim two-piece suit, they create a streamlined silhouette.

Smart-Casual & Summer

For relaxed settings and less formal occasions, loafers are a strong choice. Their low heels and easy structure pair well with light coloured suits.

In warmer weather or at daytime events, suede options and light brown shoes soften the overall look while maintaining polish. This is particularly effective with a light grey suit, beige suit, or soft blue tailoring.

5 Common Mistakes When Matching Shoes with a Suit

Even the best suit can be undermined by the wrong footwear choice.

Getting the details right separates a polished look from one that feels careless. Here are five common mistakes to avoid.

1. Wearing Patent Leather Outside Black Tie

Patent leather shoes are designed specifically for black tie events. Their high-shine finish works perfectly with a tuxedo under a formal evening dress code.

Outside of that setting, they can look overly glossy and out of place. Wearing patent leather with a standard business suit or to a daytime event often feels mismatched and unnecessarily formal.

2. Mismatching Your Belt and Shoes

One of the oldest rules in menswear still applies: your belt should match your shoes in colour and finish.

Black leather shoes call for a black leather belt. Brown shoes should be paired with a brown belt in a similar shade. Even subtle differences in tone can disrupt the balance of your outfit and make the look feel unfinished.

3. Choosing the Wrong Shade of Brown

Not all brown shoes are created equal. A very light tan shoe paired with a dark navy or charcoal suit can create too much contrast, drawing attention away from your overall silhouette.

As a general rule, darker suits pair best with darker brown shoes, while lighter suits work well with mid-brown or tan tones. The goal is contrast, but controlled contrast.

4. Wearing Overly Casual Shoes with Formal Tailoring

Sneakers, overly chunky boots, or casual slip-ons can clash with structured tailoring unless styled intentionally.

If you’re wearing a sharp, formal suit to a wedding or business event, your shoes should match that level of refinement. Loafers and suede can work in relaxed settings, but they’re not ideal for highly formal occasions.

5. Ignoring Shoe Condition and Polish

Even the correct shoe style can fail if it’s poorly maintained. Scuffed leather, worn heels, or dull finishes immediately reduce the impact of an otherwise strong outfit.

Clean, polished shoes signal attention to detail and elevate your overall appearance. Regular care and maintenance are just as important as choosing the right style in the first place.

Can the Groom Wear Brown Shoes with a Suit?

Yes, a groom can absolutely wear brown shoes with a suit. In fact, when styled correctly, brown footwear can look more contemporary and refined than black. The key is coordination, formality, and intent.

Navy Wedding Suits

Brown shoes pair exceptionally well with navy wedding suits. The warmth of brown contrasts beautifully against the cool tone of navy, creating a balanced and elegant finish.

For daytime ceremonies, mid to dark brown leather works best. It feels polished without being overly severe. For more formal settings, opt for a darker chocolate brown rather than a lighter tan to maintain sophistication.

If the suit leans highly structured and traditional, a darker brown will feel more cohesive than a lighter shade.

Matching Groomsmen

Consistency across the wedding party is crucial. If the groom chooses brown shoes, the groomsmen should either match exactly or follow a clearly intentional variation.

For example:

• Groom in darker brown
• Groomsmen in slightly lighter brown
• Or the entire group in matching tones

Avoid mixing black and brown shoes across the wedding party unless the contrast is deliberate and stylistically justified. Cohesion photographs better and creates a more unified visual impact.

Coordinating Belts and Accessories

Belts should match the shoes in colour and finish. A dark brown shoe requires a dark brown leather belt. Mixing shades can disrupt the overall polish of the outfit.

Other accessories, such as watch straps, should complement the same tone. These small details elevate the look and prevent it from feeling pieced together.

Photography Impact

Wedding photography highlights footwear more than many realise, especially in:

• Walking shots
• Seated portraits
• Detailed shots of the suit

Brown shoes add warmth and dimension to photos, particularly against navy or blue tailoring. However, very light tan shoes can dominate the frame if the suit is dark. Choosing the right shade ensures balance in images that will last a lifetime.

Evening vs Daytime Ceremony

Time of day matters.

• Daytime weddings: Brown shoes feel natural and relaxed, especially outdoors.
• Evening weddings: Darker brown is more appropriate than lighter shades.
• Black tie or ultra-formal evening events: Brown is typically not suitable; black shoes are the safer and more traditional choice.

The later and more formal the ceremony, the darker and more understated the footwear should be.

Formal Venue Considerations

Venue plays a significant role. Vineyard, garden, and beach weddings naturally support brown shoes. Grand ballrooms, traditional churches, and luxury formal venues may lean more toward black footwear.

The goal is harmony. The groom’s shoes should complement the tone of the venue, the level of formality, and the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

When styled thoughtfully, with the right shade, coordinated accessories, and a well-tailored suit, brown shoes can elevate a groom’s look and create a confident, modern finish that feels intentional rather than experimental.

Need Shoes and a Suit? Contact Penguins Formal Wear Today!

Choosing the right shoes is only half the equation; the real impact comes when your footwear and suit work together seamlessly. Whether you’re dressing for business, a wedding, or a black tie event, the right pairing ensures you look polished, confident, and appropriately styled for the occasion.

At Penguins Formal Wear, we can help you select both the perfect suit and the ideal shoes to match, ensuring everything fits, coordinates, and feels right.

Get in touch with our team today and step into your next event with complete confidence.