BLACK OR BROWN BOOTS: The Final Fight

[@Sowned_]

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]

Burgundy for brown is such a shout omg

[@Stridewise]

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

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

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.

[@Zofer-1920]

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]

THIS

[@merP.-YT]

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

[@TK_100]

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

[@danielgalil5020]

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.

[@JakeSmith-jy1kx]

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.

[@jgb0017]

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.

[@Stridewise]

Burgundy SLAPS. Sadly no one is searching "brown vs burgundy boots" on KZbin, although maybe I should do a series presenting the arguments for the best boot colors. "why burgundy..." "why green..." "why orange..."

[@jgb0017]

@@Stridewise I see a miniseries in your future!

[@kingofthekludge]

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

[@lestersalvador2022]

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

[@ThatGuyUpThere]

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.

[@mikeb9041]

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.

[@darrenhall7454]

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]

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

[@darrenhall7454]

@@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.

[@reapedinhalf]

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.

[@gnomersy1087]

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.

[@alpratt3881]

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

[@Chris-p9n8l]

Mine, too!

[@CoffeeChessRepeat]

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.

[@anonsurf6640]

That grant stone black looks amazing.

[@Shane1944.]

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

[@bossman4799]

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.

[@jonasvaccaro7606]

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

[@tonydragon784]

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

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

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

[@billystpaul8907]

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...

[@1973HST]

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

[@aceymac]

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.

[@davidpalmer9014]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@davidpalmer9014]

@@Stridewise yup

[@Joelamode69]

Ox blood is a great in between for myself

[@walkermorales337]

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).

[@grouchypseudopod354]

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]

Black roughout is super underrated

[@mystergoode]

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!

[@vntgmike]

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.

[@cozmicblade4410]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@Watchesnwardrobe]

False dilemma! No need to choose, buy both😊

[@donguapisimo4222]

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]

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]

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

[@Watchesnwardrobe]

@@Stridewisejust playin! Fun Video, loved it 😊

[@StolenAlias]

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.

[@royogrady9179]

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.

[@sanguinemoon9201]

Black chelsea boots are the most versatile shoe I own.

[@mattmatthews5414]

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]

For my money they're the most underrated Red Wing

[@PhillTPT9]

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]

Waxed flesh is the way

[@Chris-p9n8l]

Hell no! Black leather for every men's type of clothing, not just shoes.

[@philschiavone101]

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

[@copeboi7714]

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

[@AriAhokas]

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]

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

[@craigtupper103]

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]

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

[@chrisp3330]

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.

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

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.

[@pattgsm]

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.

[@ash36230]

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]

We're of like minds then!

[@shearsparkle]

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.

[@philschiavone101]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@googeluser7098]

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.

[@DavidZeusChiang]

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

[@gthgth1769]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@mississippster-qq7wc]

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

[@jonesr1404]

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.

[@househubrealestatesolutions]

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

[@fitinho7335]

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

[@davidmun1601]

Good discussion!

[@Stridewise]

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

[@SurrealLucidity]

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 😆)

[@JavierGonzalez-in2eb]

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.

[@marcialsalaverry5675]

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.

[@85bigGMC]

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?

[@TCHC85]

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]

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).

[@jfruser]

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.

[@zemneo6485]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@JakeSmith-jy1kx]

@@Stridewisedefinitely not too niche.

[@lestersalvador2022]

Black leather boots are more inherently associated/connected with nocturnal outlaw/rock n' roll/dangerous/rebellious tribal subcultures than "nice guy" brown shoes and boots. Black boots are *supposed* to project a heavier gravitas, have a harder, sexier, more mysterious, more aggressive vibe. I have zero desire to look merely "approachable, fun, stylish or presentable"--so, my entire wardrobe for many years has been and is only in black and dark greys. When I wear boots--I only wear black leather boots, period.

[@exxie1]

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

[@YouCanChangeYourWorldToday]

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]

I love this, go for it

[@stuntmanjohnny]

I have a pair of black and brown Iron rangers. I wear the back ones more often, because they are not completely black. They have a line on brown in the sole that adds a nice contrast and can still match with jeans and other brown items. Is that cheating ?

[@Stridewise]

It is, yes! Are they teacore?

[@stuntmanjohnny]

Doesn't look to be. It's around the welt, but it really pops because the stitching is not as bold.@@Stridewise

[@markdunn1931]

Black and Blue looks like a bruise, my opinion.

[@spudzooka]

Brown for work, #8 for everything else

[@Stridewise]

Delighted to have a #8 fan in the house!

[@albertvalenzuela9700]

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

[@jsanc316]

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.

[@carloschavez7830]

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

[@Stridewise]

I'd get slapped for that one

[@Crackers2549]

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

[@atravelingboy7995]

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

[@ManateeOnRye]

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

[@AppleNerd11]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@ManateeOnRye]

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

[@sheepdog8092]

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

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

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....

[@johnversluis3084]

how about having both brown or black I love them all

[@LimitedWard]

No love for dark olive boots?

[@Stridewise]

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

[@HesitantAlien1994]

Why not both? Both are good.

[@Stridewise]

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

[@StealthFX9]

​@@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... 😆

[@milkbaby99]

Blue boots! 🔥😊

[@Stridewise]

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]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@ChrisotW]

⁠​⁠@@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!

[@rockygabriel7096]

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

[@ajdeets]

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

[@Stridewise]

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

[@djhungzilla]

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

[@sgtbeef]

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

[@myenemysenemy1043]

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.

[@XFS540]

Black is really too formal of a color for the realm of boots. Brown is much more versatile and isn’t too stark of a contrast with most outfits when compared to black. Tbh, I never found black to be as natural-looking as brown especially when it comes to leather goods.

[@mattmatthews5414]

I just watched this a second time because it made me second guess getting a second brown pair 3:47 cements it that black boots will trigger your Red/Trumpy co-workers and cousins into feeling that you think you’re superior to them. Brown boots are the polite boot. The “I don’t discuss politics because I don’t care about politics” boot.

[@Enrico-]

americans care about the weirdest thighs

[@TxmmyBeats]

Team brown

[@CorrosiveColin]

Brown boots are for patina; black boots are for utility. Black boots go with just about any outfit you can put on. A brown boot is going to give you a more "fun" boot experience.

[@terrymoser2028]

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

[@rogerr.8507]

black is the greatest

[@VaderVonRay]

I have both 😆😆

[@drzaius844]

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]

Crimson diesel is a great brown-red compromise!

[@BenaiahPS]

I have going my black Thursday boots to be more versatile than almost any other footwear I own.

[@Sepulphuric]

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

[@Stridewise]

I support you

[@ThatGuyUpThere]

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.

[@diytacoma5758]

The opening 😅 to this vid

[@Stridewise]

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

[@diytacoma5758]

😅 good videos

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

The correct answer is: both. I'd go with burgundy or grey if one needs a boot that can be worn with any outfit.

[@Stridewise]

grey can NOT be worn with earth tones Dennis I'll fight you I'll fight anyone put em up put em upppp

[@Dennis-vh8tz]

@@Stridewise So, brown boots can't be worn with grey pants? I guess that's a point for black in the black vs brown argument! :D But more seriously, a grey boot is a great match for any outfit built around the near omnipresent blue or black jeans. Green or brown trousers would be a bit more challenging, with some care required to match the right shade of grey - but I'd counter that brown can also require the right shade to match some outfits. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that burgundy, in particular Color #8 or something close to it, is the most versatile for a shoe or boot.

[@JorgeOrtizIII]

So, get both, got it.

[@steveb4012]

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

[@tjpld]

Why not own both?

[@Stridewise]

well boots are expensive and not everyone can afford two pairs

[@tjpld]

@@Stridewise Nature has given humans a spare kidney for this exact reason.