BLACK OR BROWN BOOTS: The Final Fight

Рет қаралды 18,203

Күн бұрын

* Full article: stridewise.com/brown-or-black...
★ Some ideas we touched on if you want to go deeper (these have videos):
* Picking a dress boot: stridewise.com/best-dress-boots/
* Picking a Chelsea: stridewise.com/best-chelsea-b...
* Picking the best boot: stridewise.com/best-boots
If you're getting one pair of boots, should be black or brown? This eternal question begets even more questions: which is more versatile? Which ages better? Which is ideal for YOUR wardrobe? The debate has raged for millennia and Troy and I sat down to hash out all the common arguments so you have all the info you need to pick the best boot for you.
00:00 Why brown boots are better than black
01:00 Why black boots are better than brown
01:50 How brown boots age
02:19 How black boots age
03:15 Does black or brown match more colors?
04:19 Black or brown, which matches your style?
06:30 Does black match green?
06:39 Black or brown boots with jeans?
07:25 Black vs brown boots: The Takeaway
08:43 Orange boots
09:11 Color 8 boots
09:47 Natural leather boots
10:45 Wrapping up

Пікірлер: 267

@Sowned_ 7 ай бұрын

Substitute black for olive green, and burgundy for brown and you'd be surprised how versatile it is. Black is much too formal for most wardrobes, but if you insist on wearing casually, go with a flat waxy or roughout look over the shiny chromexel.

@merP.-YT 7 ай бұрын

Burgundy for brown is such a shout omg

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

big fan of waxy/roughout black over smooth and shiny, but of course everyone has different style

@Zofer-1920 7 ай бұрын

Brown all the way. More daily versatile. If I need black, I’m ditching boots altogether and going with oxfords. The Goodyear welt color contrast on a black boot looks less appealing. And as said, if you need only ONE boot, I’d go brown all the way. Fun video guys!

@gnarl12 7 ай бұрын

THIS

@merP.-YT 7 ай бұрын

On a level I kinda like the welt constrast. Tho when I want black or grey boots i kinda prefer them roughout

@TK_100 3 ай бұрын

I like the contrasting brown welt on a black boot. It adds some detail and breaks up the upper from the sole visually.

@JakeSmith-jy1kx 7 ай бұрын

I love the black rocker look the dude was rocking in the video, as a fan of brown boots. Almost punk without being “liberty spikes” glaring. So, I’d argue black can be more than formal. I would also argue that the comment about hoodies was off. I wear boots with hoodies all the time. Even, and this will throw you for a loop, a black hoodie with blue jeans on top of my decade old black nubuck Danner Vertigo Crosby boots with the red laces. Absolutely not heritage, which is maybe beyond this channel, but it’s straight casual fire. In any case, if we want the real answer, I think it starts and ends with the outermost upper layer (jacket or otherwise). If that is earth tone, brown boots is the answer. If that is grayscale or even color that isn’t earth tone, the answer is black.

@alpratt3881 7 ай бұрын

Get both. But black is my choice over both colors.

@kingofthekludge 7 ай бұрын

that pair of black grant stone brass boots looks like the winning ticket for me!

@lestersalvador2022 7 ай бұрын

Black chromexcel GS Brass Boots are awesome. I love mine.

@ThatGuyUpThere 5 ай бұрын

I am trying to not deceive my self to think I need them, specially when I have a pair of black moc toe boots already, it seems I am a master of deception.

@danielgalil5020 7 ай бұрын

As a comedic writer I can say that the back and forth was great. For me, my black thursday cavaliers go with my suits and blue jeans while my hoffman 16 inch all leather powerlines and my thorogoods 8 inch mocks go with almost all of my casual outfits including blue jeans. I think that wearing my red buffalo plaid flannel and black jeans with black boots just doesn't work well.

@Watchesnwardrobe 7 ай бұрын

False dilemma! No need to choose, buy both😊

@donguapisimo4222 7 ай бұрын

I’ve been doing that for decades. If I like a style of shoe or boot, I buy it in black and brown. Problem solved. 💥

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

haha like I said (too late in the video) the idea is if you can only get/afford one, which is the case for most guys!

@drzaius844 7 ай бұрын

It’s a fun thought experiment / argument over beers.

@Watchesnwardrobe 7 ай бұрын

@@Stridewisejust playin! Fun Video, loved it 😊

@jgb0017 7 ай бұрын

Fun video-enjoyed it. Personally, I think burgundy is the most versatile color followed by dark brown. I do wear black, though, I tend to confine it to grays, navies, and black.

@tonydragon784 5 ай бұрын

This video makes me want the billy boot back so bad, that klondike they used was such a good leather

@MichaelE.Douroux 4 ай бұрын

I just recently bought my first pair of heritage boots, Viberg's Service Boots in their 2030 last. I was torturing between black and brown and went with what turned out for me the perfect compromise, which was C.F. Stead's fully anilined Regency Calf in their Winter Smoke color. Beautiful! It's the color of motor oil. Saphir's cream polish in Dark Brown is a perfect color match.

@mikeb9041 7 ай бұрын

My first pair of boots were black Iron Rangers. Haven't worn them in years because I think they only match with black tops and I felt like a wannabe biker anytime I'd wear them. If I could only keep one pair of my boots I'd keep either the Thursday natural Captains or GS Diesel in storm suede. Both super versatile.

@jean-sebastienturgeon5861 7 ай бұрын

I have two pairs of black and one pair of browns. I rarely wear the brown ones.

@mystergoode 5 ай бұрын

This video literally forced me to buy the black Grant Stone brass with the half lug sole. Now I have to suck it up and sell my black Whites MPs that never fit me right. Thank you guys!

@sanguinemoon9201 7 ай бұрын

Black chelsea boots are the most versatile shoe I own.

@phillt436 7 ай бұрын

Brown for boots, black for shoes. If you want the best of both worlds try Waxed Flash or CF Stead's Waxy Commander and just re-wax when you want to have a darker and more formal look again. The thing is though I feel you only really need one pair of black boots and/or shoes and you're sorted, but brown is so versatile and varied you can more easily justify a copious amount of spending on your boot obsessions! Maybe it's because I'm from the UK, but I'd also add in favour of black that it's also the go-to choice in the punk, goth, and mod scenes. It's not only for formal wear.

@ManateeOnRye 7 ай бұрын

Waxed flesh is the way

@Shane1944. 7 ай бұрын

Black boots are my preference and I have four pairs. I especially enjoy my black double shot C355 Loggers from White’s!

@jonasvaccaro7606 7 ай бұрын

If you are already watching these videos you are probably above average interested in boots and can get both. I do agree however that Burgundy or actually olive would be a good compromise, that goes with almost everything

@reapedinhalf 7 ай бұрын

My style leans way more black/monochrome, but black boots often make me feel like I'm trying too hard especially when paired with my black Perfecto jacket. Color #8 GS diesel is my daily driver. I wear them hard but brush them daily to keep a shine. I surprisingly find the color to be the most versatile and I own boots in almost every color including oddballs green and gray/purp.

@fitinho7335 7 ай бұрын

Love the video fellas. Nick, what’s the name of the model of the jacket that you are wearing?

@CoffeeChessRepeat 7 ай бұрын

if you are just starting to get into to boots/fashion black, for me, is where to start. As you delve deeper and you develop an understanding of what goes well, how to care for your boots and gain an interest into the patina boots develop you go to the options brown offers. Honestly, the true answer is to have options of both.

@bossman4799 7 ай бұрын

I’ll die on the team brown hill. Much more variance with shades of brown making it more versatile. The only boots I’d want to use in black are a chelsea to dress up with a suit or maybe a balmoral style boot if I want to get extra fancy.

@gnomersy1087 7 ай бұрын

I think generally the darker your wardrobe the more I favor black and the lighter your wardrobe the more I'd favor brown. Black and dark reds, dark greens, dark blues, and even dark browns all work imo but when you start throwing in lighter tones the contrast means that color becomes a statement so black pants with a light green, light brown, or orange shirt and it punches you in the face whereas a dark or light brown closes the gap. A dark brown boot with high polish is probably more versatile in that you can toss it together with whatever you wear but I think a black boot probably could fit just fine in most modern wardrobes.

@1973HST 7 ай бұрын

Good arguments. I’d go with brown, myself. Having said that, I actually preferred the black boots (both pairs) on display.

@royogrady9179 7 ай бұрын

I have more brown boots than black, and they generally go well with pretty much everything I wear. Last time I did anything dressy, I wore CXL#8 (burgandy?) and got it to come together by wearing a red necktie. I'm sure it would have been even better with Shell Cordavan.

@billystpaul8907 7 ай бұрын

I own 2 pairs of black boots. Most of my boots are brown. But, I get the most compliments on my Whites Perry Select's in Burgandy Double Shot leather. They seem to go with most of my things I wear. Enjoy the banter as always...

@vntgmike 6 ай бұрын

That brass boot is sharp. I’ve been wanting the red wing huntsman but they’re impossible to find. The brass boot looks like a good alternative.

@darrenhall7454 7 ай бұрын

You’re both right. I do love black with natural welt, that works for me. I own Storm Grey kudu and Sweet Potato suede boots and they both work well with jeans black or blue.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I wear grey boots WAY more than black (usually your boots, Grant Stone's storm kudu diesel)

@darrenhall7454 7 ай бұрын

@@Stridewise you certainly know your boots. My storm kudus are indeed GS Diesels. Sooo comfortable. My sweet potato suede boots are Viberg. Also very comfortable. They’re actually more of a dusty pink… and yes, I laughed at your pink Red Wings. Eating my words now.

@grouchypseudopod354 7 ай бұрын

Black suede or rough out is a good center point, cleaned up they're plenty dressy for most jobs, that being said i have three pairs of each color so who cares at the end of the day just wear what makea you happy

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Black roughout is super underrated

@mattmatthews5414 7 ай бұрын

Highly recommend Red Wing Weekenders. My local RW shop says they have a load of 10d-12d 2448’s in brown. I’m gonna shower, suit up, and go try them on in hopes of a set fitting and looking at least 3/4 as good as my 2yo Weekender Chelseas.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

For my money they're the most underrated Red Wing

@walkermorales337 7 ай бұрын

Dark brown boots can be dresses up more than you would expect. A freshly oiled pair of supersole 2.0s work on the job site and be taken to a more casual night out (post conditioning/cleaning).

@cozmicblade4410 7 ай бұрын

Black is not only versatile it's also a required color for some jobs which gives it more points.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Ya it's a no brainer if there's a color required for your job (like we said)

@SurrealLucidity 7 ай бұрын

First off, Nick, I see you in that sweet Tanuki jacket. My first raw jacket with the Tanuki Red Cast 16.5 oz and it's got a beautiful slow-burn fade, so enjoy your journey! But more importantly, how could you leave out waxed flesh, roughout, waxy commander, and tea core when you're talking about how black doesn't patina? I don't know, I'm wondering if you both were secretly against black boots... 🤔 (but yeah, in the end, brown boots def go with more 😆)

@ash36230 7 ай бұрын

Brown are most common, but footwear colour should match the outfit first and foremost. Black for black, grey (can work with dark blue jeans too), brown for almost everything else imo

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

We're of like minds then!

@DavidZeusChiang 7 ай бұрын

What an interesting conversation! How about the Red Wing 9875 / 9874? Which colour would you go for? Or how would you dress accordingly?

@aceymac 7 ай бұрын

Black tea-core is the best of both worlds and ages beautifully, particularly in horsehide. also, black, as a pigment, is not lack of color, it's all the colors.

@philschiavone101 7 ай бұрын

I have just about every shade of boot except black. I have more greens than anything else.

@davidpalmer9014 7 ай бұрын

My Parkhurst Allen boots in Dublin leather are a wonderful reddish brown and I wear them with everything.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Yeah reddish is underrated for versatility. The color is 'russet' right?

@davidpalmer9014 7 ай бұрын

@@Stridewise yup

@davidmun1601 7 ай бұрын

Good discussion!

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Yeah I really liked the idea of framing it as a debate

@marcialsalaverry5675 7 ай бұрын

Hey Nick.. great video. Quick question for you... I have a pair of black-ish boots (diesels in earth tone) and want to go for my brown ones now... do you think the coach rambler (truman) is it too difficult to combine? Is too less versatile than straight brown? Many thanks and congratulations.

@househubrealestatesolutions 7 ай бұрын

I have so many colored boots but always wear the black ones.

@chrisp3330 7 ай бұрын

My ‘daily driver’ are burgundy - Loakes Dingley in Rosewood Grain, fancy name for burgundy - I just like the colour. Saying that, I’m fortunate to be able to afford several pairs so have polished black, nubuck black/grey, brown suede, dark brown brogue etc… - all Chelsea boots as I can’t be arsed with laces. But, if I could only have one pair I’d stick with the burgundy/rosewood grain. Having said that, I lived in Black DM 1460’s when I was younger but DM’s were a very different boot back in the 80’s - todays DM’s are shocking boots in my opinion.

@copeboi7714 7 ай бұрын

I’ve got four shades of brown boots but I could see myself getting a black pair in the future

@mississippster-qq7wc 7 ай бұрын

Brown is for complementary colors, black is for contrasting colors.

@Joelamode69 7 ай бұрын

Ox blood is a great in between for myself

@StolenAlias 7 ай бұрын

I don’t mix black and brown, so I have 2 outfit schemes. This has shown me that sneakers tend to go better with black or monochromatic schemes, while brown is obviously better for earth tones.

@shearsparkle 7 ай бұрын

I personally will pick black every time. For me I need to get the most out of my shoes& brown is more limiting to my current style& color palette.

@YouCanChangeYourWorldToday 7 ай бұрын

Black looks more badass, but brown is more Versatile. All black for me. I’ll wear Brown in my 50’s & 60’s. Lol I still want to hold onto my youth

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I love this, go for it

@spudzooka 7 ай бұрын

Brown for work, #8 for everything else

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Delighted to have a #8 fan in the house!

@ballsthatclank 7 ай бұрын

I enjoy the brown boot black jean look

@ForTheLoveOfSuits 7 ай бұрын

I have to agree with Nick... because of course he's right. If you are only going to buy one pair of boots a dark brown pair is far more flexible than black. And I wear suits all the time. Black goes best with black.

@AriAhokas 7 ай бұрын

Black with brown welt works almost as good as brown. You only need burgundy boots. But having black with brown accents is great too.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I'll die on my no-mixing-brown-with-black hill, though Troy disagrees and will be the one to kill me there

@craigtupper103 7 ай бұрын

Agreed, I like my black boots with natural heelstack paired with dark jeans and dark brown leather jacket for casual wear.... but I could be wrong. 😂

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

@@craigtupper103 i have black boots with natural midsole/welt and much prefer the look personally, but no hate to all black lovers

@diytacoma5758 7 ай бұрын

The opening 😅 to this vid

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

It took like two months to find someone who would add the very unsophisticated special effects

@diytacoma5758 7 ай бұрын

😅 good videos

@VaderVonRay 7 ай бұрын

I have both 😆😆

@googeluser7098 7 ай бұрын

Team Black I often have to stop myself from buying yet another black cxl boot and i have my eye on a shell black cordovan Alden plain toe. But i own a lot of brown, some burgandy, a few blue boots and a green jungle kangaroo so whatevs.

@zemneo6485 7 ай бұрын

Black, all the way. If you truly are looking for a casual look, go with a matted black.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

matte black vs shiny black is a good discussion, probably too niche for a video hehe

@JakeSmith-jy1kx 7 ай бұрын

@@Stridewisedefinitely not too niche.

@albertvalenzuela9700 7 ай бұрын

I'm on the brown boots side They can go with a lot of things and you thought not not naturally brown natural shell cordovan turns into a beautiful brown patina

@johnversluis3084 7 ай бұрын

how about having both brown or black I love them all

@ajdeets 7 ай бұрын

Just get those Truman’s in Java Waxed Flesh. Then you got both…at least for the first year.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

This is very funny and true, a great great point!

@gthgth1769 7 ай бұрын

Very entertaining gentlemen as always and Troy never fails to keep things moving forward and should be seen more often I believe.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Troy just got a full time job so I'm afraid you'll see less of him :(

@TCHC85 7 ай бұрын

I bought my first pair of Iron Rangers in Black Harness and I really regret it to be honest. They always look too formal and I should've gotten Amber Harness or Copper Rough & Tough.

@mattmatthews5414 7 ай бұрын

I got RW Weekender Chelseas in copper. They look great when it’s dry & sunny. On cloudy wet days they kinda look… well I wish I had some amber harness boots or black boots with bright natural welts. They just look dark. FWIW, the Weekender outsole is super comfy (to me).

@pattgsm 7 ай бұрын

If you have no fashion sense or just starting your style journey 89% of your urban style is going to be greyscale and black will be the way to go. If you live in a rural area 95% of your style is going to earth tones and brown shades are going to be your go to. One thing for sure is you definitely need and appreciate what the other brings to the table as your style morphs into the best ways you like to express yourself through your wardrobe.

@markdunn1931 7 ай бұрын

Black and Blue looks like a bruise, my opinion.

@Sepulphuric 7 ай бұрын

All I wear is black, so I am team black all the way

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I support you

@ManateeOnRye 7 ай бұрын

Oh and my hazelnut vegtan with black quarter panels shoellie from jim green says why not both

@85bigGMC 7 ай бұрын

I have a pair of Red Wing 1907s that are to large. I’ve tried selling them but haven’t had much interest so now I’m wondering if it’s possible to have them resized? If that’s possible, what would it typically cost?

@philschiavone101 7 ай бұрын

I have olive, teak, dark brown, natural, chili, shaved chili, shaved mahogany, blue but no black.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

hahah I'm like you, I'd wear all those before resorting to black. Every now and then, if i'm doing like black/grey pants and a non grayscale top, I'll go for black boots though

@jsanc316 7 ай бұрын

Team Brown but really, Burgundy is the best answer. I have a pair of color 8 brass boots from Grant Stone that I wear more than any other pair.

@thesophisticatedgent4379 7 ай бұрын

i mix the leather colors

@atravelingboy7995 7 ай бұрын

Black boot, sneakers in multiple colors can fill the other holes in wardrobe if necessary.

@JavierGonzalez-in2eb 7 ай бұрын

One thing I've botice between my black and brown boots is wehn I want a subtle look, I go black boot but if I want my boots to pop and stand out, brown is the way to go.

@exxie1 7 ай бұрын

As a rock 'n' roll guy, black boots is the go to. Though I wear my brown boots when I wear something "softer" or more normal lol

@rogerr.8507 7 ай бұрын

black is the greatest

@rockygabriel7096 7 ай бұрын

I like black boots but all the security wear black boots so i don't have black boots... Only brown, oxblood, gray, green and tan

@Crackers2549 7 ай бұрын

Brown always….! Many variants of either light brown, dark brown, tan, mid tan and on and on….. Brown Nick… You got it!

@carloschavez7830 7 ай бұрын

Saying black won’t age as much I was waiting for him to say black don’t crack.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I'd get slapped for that one

@milkbaby99 7 ай бұрын

Blue boots! 🔥😊

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

I thought I'd wear my blue boots so much more, but I don't like blue with black (jeans) and blue with blue jeans seems too much! Good for khakis though ;)

@ChrisotW 7 ай бұрын

Depending on the shade of each I like blue boots with olive and grey pants as well.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

@@ChrisotW yeah definitely, I keep forgetting to wear them with my grey pants because grey looks SO good with color 8

@ChrisotW 7 ай бұрын

⁠⁠@@StridewiseI really need to get a pair of Color #8 boots! My only burgundy boots are in Dark Burgundy Horween Pioneer Reindeer for BLKBRD which I wore yesterday with a pair of grey wool pants. That is a hard combo to beat!

@drzaius844 7 ай бұрын

If you can only afford one pair of boots - work harder. But… Crimson Diesel is the answer. Than add that black Brass boot. Hilarious video, thanks guys.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Crimson diesel is a great brown-red compromise!

@jfruser 7 ай бұрын

I am a guy who wants ONE color for accoutrements. I don't want to worry about matching this or that. So, up until very recently, ALL my leather boots were black and ALL my leather belts are still black. Most of my hats are black, none are brown, and a couple olive. Black boots match all pants, even brown pants.

@JorgeOrtizIII 7 ай бұрын

So, get both, got it.

@MJM0000 7 ай бұрын

Black

@sgtbeef 7 ай бұрын

Men need a pair of each. Brown & Black to enhance your appearance for a variety of occasions.

@user-xy8dd4ok4z 7 ай бұрын

Black rough out suede

@terrymoser2028 7 ай бұрын

Yes, Yes, and Yes! Be sensible! ❤❤❤ How about both?

@jonesr1404 7 ай бұрын

A word on color: Black is ALL the colors combined, when referring to paints, stains or dyes. It is the absence of color when referring to the light spectrum where white light is all wavelengths of color are combined. Sartorially speaking, brown is always considered a casual color choice. Black can go casual or formal. If you have only one choice, go black.

@hailchristandmary 7 ай бұрын

I want all of them

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

A pang I know too well

@myenemysenemy1043 5 ай бұрын

Pairing black boots with black jeans is infinitely cooler than anything you could pull off with brown boots... but sometimes you want some colour. Get both.

@camelothis 6 ай бұрын

A good argument for having at least one of each...

@ThatGuyUpThere 5 ай бұрын

Coment in favor black, any added color to the boot I.E. the black brass boots with the mid sole in brown, brass eyelids and clear stiching on the video, makes them a lot more interesting to wear than brown colored boots.

@sheepdog8092 7 ай бұрын

You are both wrong, the best boot color is obviously Horween's Color #8.

@djhungzilla 7 ай бұрын

I'm definitely a brown boot kind of guy but there are 2 styles where black is superior - engineers and jodhpurs

@d.x.1152 7 ай бұрын

DARK OLIVE GREEN IS THE BEST COLOR.

@UnknownUser-rb9pd 7 ай бұрын

When I think of a pair of boots, the first thing I think of is Charlie Chaplin. And I believe his boots were black (at least before he tried to cook them). PS, most of my collection are dark brown or burgundy or cognac or tan....

@LimitedWard 7 ай бұрын

No love for dark olive boots?

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

Not in the beginner's conversation for most versatile, greenish is too weird for the average guy although.... dark olive......... pret-ty good

@stefanmentor8450 7 ай бұрын

I like brown more, but Troy won the argument

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

He is simply more articulate than me, it's true He's also a voice actor so he just sounds more persuasive

@troybarmore5832 7 ай бұрын

😊

@steveb4012 6 ай бұрын

I have 14 pairs of boots, I'd say two thirds of them are varying shades of brown.

@illcodino 7 ай бұрын

Black formal Brown day to day

@jdkimple 7 ай бұрын

One pair of each. Black boots are the OG. Brown boots are versatile, but are the younger brother.

@AppleNerd11 3 ай бұрын

Out of curiosity, what’s the denim jacket that Nick is wearing?

@Stridewise 3 ай бұрын

that's Tanuki's Amagumo! I'm selling it if you're a size large and want it, DM me on IG :)

@HesitantAlien1994 7 ай бұрын

Why not both? Both are good.

@Stridewise 7 ай бұрын

well most guys can probably afford just one, at least at a time!

@StealthFX9 7 ай бұрын

@@StridewiseNah, c'mon... I'm not particularly wealthy and despite this I own multiple pairs of GYW boots! Always in the market for a new pair... 😆

@ManateeOnRye 7 ай бұрын

Wait. Hear me out- WAXED FLESH. You get near black that wears into a nice brown.