Sorry to My Black Shoes, But This Expensive-Looking Colour Is My New Favourite Neutral

Now we're in spring, I've noticed a rich and earthy shade make its way into the shoe collections of those I look to for style inspiration. Pushing aside their simple black pairs, this season the fashion set is opting for sleek brown styles instead. In the form of elegant ballet flats, retro-inspired trainers and trending sandals, the brown shoe trend is sweeping new-in sections right now.

With a warm undertone, this elevated shade styles well with so many of the colours that dominate a spring wardrobe. Wearing well with blue denim for a lighter finish than black, the shade also styles impossibly well with cream, pink, red and blue. It's probably no surprise that last year's big shift towards brown tones is set to rise again—a classic shade that has long been overlooked but since being rediscovered by the fashion set it's been a mainstay throughout the seasons, even during summer.

Keen to give my shoe collection a new-season refresh, I've gone on the hunt for the brown shoe trends that are worth a space in my wardrobe. Read on to discover the brown shoe trends to know about this season.

1. BROWN BALLET FLATS

Influencer wears brown ballet flats.

(Image credit: @rochellehumes)

Style Notes: Brown ballet flats are the in-the-know shoe trend that fashion people have been quietly gravitating towards this season. Looking lighter and fresher than their jet black equivalents, the brown ballet flats trend is set to continue well into the warmer months.

SHOP BROWN BALLET FLATS:

2. BROWN BOOTS

Influencer wears brown sandals.

(Image credit: @chiarasatelier)

Style Notes: Not just for winter, a pair of brown boots will also work with so many spring looks. Not only is the trend set to dominate pavements from this year until next, this season's offerings are simply too good to miss.

SHOP BROWN BOOTS:

3. BROWN LOAFERS

Influencer wears brown loafers

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style Notes: The brown loafer trend is already starting to simmer this season and I'm inspired to join the trend. From dark mahoganies to light latte shades, brown shades offers more styling versatility than its black or navy equivalents. Styling well with a colour palette of cream, red and butter yellow with brown loafers is a natural addition to most spring looks.

SHOP BROWN LOAFERS:

4. BROWN BOAT SHOES

Influencer wears brown boat shoes.

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: The boat shoe trend has docked this season and fashion people are all aboard. Selecting their pairs in dark brown shades, the brown boat shoe trend is summer's breakthrough shoe that's set to dominate most of spring, too.

SHOP BROWN BOAT SHOES:

5. BROWN HEELS

Influencer wears brown heels.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: As we move away from winter styling, brown heels are an easy way to ensure that your outfit looks chic and inline with the new season. Opt for a sleek pointed toe pair for an evening occasion or wear a trending mule style with all your new season buys.

SHOP BROWN HEELS:

6. BROWN TRAINERS

Influencer wears brown trainers.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: From Adidas' SL72s to Nike's warm brown Cortez trainers, the brown trainer trend is flourishing and there are no shortage of styles to shop.

SHOP BROWN TRAINERS:

Natalie Munro
News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.