Herring Shoes Journal

Poor old black, we always seem to be trying to find an alternative…when there is nothing really wrong with a great, black shoe. However, the rebels among us like to switch it up a bit and in this blog, we are going to consider tan. 

It’s not really that rebellious but tan does stand out a little more if you team it with dark clothing. See our lovely Look Who’s Wearing candidate Rebecca Hooker. You cannot tell me these tan Stephy boots do not look awesome with the black leather trousers! 

Same with a charcoal suit. Tan leather is a great accompaniment to dark grey. We like a brogue style with a chiselled toe, such as Barker’s Sullivan or Larry, Loake’s Burford or our Carnabys (see below). For a less unadorned look, check out our Sligo or the Knightsbridge Oxfords.

Tan shoes and boots also work with navy. It’s a classic mix; still smart but not in such an austere way as is the case with black shoe and dark suit combos.

However, many of us no longer have to wear full suits in the office anymore. The shift to smart jeans or chinos and crisp shirts is being seen in offices up and down the UK. Jeans though do not mean you can wear them with your scruffiest sneakers. We have standards, after all! Your footwear gives you a chance to stand out from the rest of the guys and gals in jeans and shirts…and tan shoes and boots look great with blue jeans.

We have tan leather trainers that are super smart for dress-down Fridays, such as the Fierce, Silverstone and the Goodwood. Chelsea boots are a good shout for the rest of the week, as well as laced styles, such as Tricker’s Stow. For women, we can offer our strappy Chelsea boot. 

But what about the weekend, when you may have laced up your chunky black boots to go out stomping in the countryside. Why not try a blend of tweed and tan calf leather? Our Exmoor fits the bill exactly.

So, with all these tan options, are we saying tan is the new black? We have to say ‘no’ because there are times when only black will do to complement a dark suit or to attend a formal wedding, for instance. Black cannot be beaten on these occasions. Tan though provides an opportunity to be more individual and a little more relaxed but no less stylish.