Black Shoes, Watch Out—This Alternative Color Is Chicer, More Elegant, and Just as Classic

Sofia Coelho in a brown jacket, neck tie, and brown loafers.

(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

Black is fashion's unofficial favorite color for a reason. Picking it is rarely the wrong answer, especially when it comes to shoes, whether you're investing in them or styling them. But hear me out—another color on the market for fall is making a strong case for the season's top shade. As it's sophisticated and seasonally appropriate, we're placing our bets on brown in all of its luxurious shades for the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

From luxe camel to saturated chocolate, heeled boots to chunky loafers, your quintessential fall shoes await you in the curated mix of rich brown footwear ahead. Lean into the earthiness of the season while still maintaining the versatility of easy, matches-everything black shoes. Below, I've broken down the best brown shoes for autumn by style for your shopping indulgence. Enjoy.

Heeled Boots

Anouk Yve in a brown jacket, black jeans, and brown boots.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Brown boots are synonymous with transitional weather. This elegant substitute for your everyday black boots will immediately elevate and autumnize any look. Some personal favorites include a Western silhouette, a patent croc exterior, and lush suede.

Ballet Flats

Nnenna in a brown sweater and brown flats.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Yes, ballet flats are still very in, and for chillier climates, the flats are best worn in an opulent brown. Not only do these shoes go with most looks, but they also span so many occasions. They're a very solid investment IMO.

Sneakers

Erika Boldrin in a brown striped T-shirt and brown Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers.

(Image credit: @erika_boldrin)

As someone whose choice footwear is sneakers, the brown options are tugging at my wallet. Classic Adidas Sambas in brown? Yes, please. Go for tonal or contrasting details to make your brown sneakers more minimal or peak maximal.

Slingbacks

Jeannine Roxas in brown heeled slingbacks.

(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)

Brown slingbacks are a fall fashion favorite. Whether they include buckles or a T-strap, the chicness awaits. Expect to see these on all of your choice fashion follows this fall.

Loafers

Sofia Coelho in a brown leather jacket, neck tie, and brown loafers.

(Image credit: @sofiamcoelho)

You will never regret investing in a good pair of loafers. Personally, I think brown loafers are one of the best investments. With comfort and longevity, these shoes will be a go-to for as long as you want them to be.

Mules

Sylvie Mus wearing a tan suede coat and brown suede Manolo Blahnik mules.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Mules make for the perfect hybrid heels. While bridging the casual and formal gap, these shoes will take you from happy hours to weddings to nights out.

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Freelance Fashion and Accessories Editor

Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor. She formerly worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing as an associate shopping editor and is based in New York City. She writes about fashion and accessory trends in addition to creating original content. Before her time atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion and accessory departments on shopping and fashion market. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, Copelyn freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion-and-lifestyle space. She also loves to upcycle clothing and home décor as well as collect an embarrassing number of colorful sneakers and experiment with her hair color.