FAQs: What Color Dress Shoes to Wear with Khaki Pants

Khaki pants are a staple in men’s wardrobes — versatile, smart, and easy to dress up or down. But one question always comes up:
What color dress shoes should you wear with khakis?

Here’s a helpful FAQ-style guide to walk you through the best choices.

Q: What are the best color dress shoes to wear with khaki pants?

A: The most versatile and stylish dress shoe colors to pair with khaki pants are:

• Brown (light, medium, or dark)

• Burgundy / Oxblood

• Tan / Cognac

• Navy

• Olive (for a modern twist)

These colors complement the warm, earthy tone of khakis while keeping your outfit sharp and balanced.

Q: Can you wear black dress shoes with khakis?

A: Technically, yes — but it’s not ideal.
Black shoes can look too harsh and formal next to casual or business-casual khakis. If you must wear black (say, for a work uniform), pair them with a crisp white shirt and a black belt to pull the look together. Otherwise, opt for richer browns or burgundy for a more harmonious feel.

Q: What’s the best brown shoe tone for khaki pants?

That depends on the formality and the look you want:

• Light brown or tan: Great for casual daytime events and summer outfits.

• Medium brown: A safe, all-around option for most occasions.

• Dark brown: Perfect for dressier settings — offers more contrast but still complements khakis beautifully.

Q: Do burgundy or oxblood shoes work with khakis?

Yes — they look fantastic.
Burgundy or oxblood shoes add a sophisticated pop of color without clashing. They’re especially stylish when paired with a navy blazer or a white shirt with subtle red or blue patterns.

Q: Can you wear navy shoes with khaki pants?

Absolutely.
Navy dress shoes offer a modern, slightly unexpected look that works well in business casual settings. Add a navy tie, watch strap, or jacket to tie the outfit together.

Q: What color belt should you wear with your shoes?

Always match your belt to your shoes.

• Brown shoes → brown belt (same tone if possible)

• Burgundy shoes → burgundy or dark brown belt

• Navy shoes → navy or dark brown belt

• Avoid wearing a black belt with brown or tan shoes — it disrupts the flow.

Q: What shirt and jacket colors go well with khakis and dress shoes?

Khaki is neutral, so you have plenty of options. Here are classic combos:

Q: Are there dress codes to consider with khakis and dress shoes?

Yes. Here's a quick overview:

Casual:

• Tan or light brown loafers or derbies

• Chambray shirt or polo

Business Casual:

• Medium brown or burgundy oxfords or brogues

• Button-down shirt and blazer

Smart Casual / Dinner Date:

• Dark brown or oxblood dress shoes

• Crisp shirt, maybe add a sports coat

Semi-Formal:

• Dark brown oxfords

• Khakis should be tailored and paired with a blazer

Final Thoughts

When in doubt, brown shoes are your safest and most stylish choice with khaki pants. They offer the perfect balance of contrast and coordination.

Want to dress it up? Go darker.
Feeling relaxed? Try lighter tones or rich colors like burgundy.
Just skip the black unless you’ve got a strong reason — and a plan to make it work.