Black vs Brown Shoes: Which One to Wear For an Interview?

Appearing for a job interview? First impressions count! How you look and act equally matters like the ideas that you convey.

From the moment you show up for an interview, your interviewer will be assessing your appearance altogether and have an impression about you even before you make yourself known. Whether you’ve donned a brand-new pair of shoes or an outfit, looking great will make you feel great as well. And you feel more confident, which matters a lot for interviews.

Best Men’s Shoes to Wear For an Interview

Wearing the right outfit with matching shoes will give you added confidence, and with that, you can make the best first impression.

Lace ups

Black Men’s lace up shoes are going to be your best bet, since they’re the most dressiest choice that you’ll be having at your disposal.

Simple, yet classy, they’re made out of smooth leather and you can choose from a round toe or square toe lace up shoes.

Ensure that they’re polished and in great condition. The best way to spot out a person who shows attention to detail is by simply looking at their shoes. Often a lot of interviewers may do this deliberately to build an impression.

Brogues

Features decorative elements, such as perforations along the seams, and toe area, as well as wingtip detailing. In contrast to the closed lacing of lace-up shoes, brogues have open lacing.

Many men have doubt lingering in their mind, on whether they should slip on to brown shoes> for an interview. If the dress code is business casual, certainly Brown shoes can be worn to a job interview.

Loafers

If the dress code is either formal or semi-formal, then you can’t go wrong with a pair of loafers. Black or brown loafers can also be worn for job interviews, but the thing is, they should complement your outfit. Lastly, ensure that your shoes fit correctly and are comfortable. Steer clear of casual shoes, sports trainers, multi-colored shoes, and open dress shoes.

Factors to Bear in Mind While You Choose Brown or Black Shoes

There are numerous factors that you should consider before you pick a black or brown shoe, such as:

Outfit

Suppose if you’re putting on a suit, then consider its smart tailoring. The shoes that you choose to wear need to be the same. If you’re sporting a black or grey suit, then opt for black shoes. If it's a navy suit then brown shoes will be your best bet. In the case of a brown suit, then stick to brown shoes. Invariably, see to it that the color of your belt goes with that of your shoes as well.

Season

Without exception, take into account the weather as well while picking shoes right for the job interview. For snowy, wet or cold weather, just go for a pair with a full upper and small heel. To prevent getting your feet wet, better settle for a pair of smart boots. Steer clear of suede or patent leather shoes since they get easily stained or cause marks.

Condition

Pay attention to the details of your shoes as well. The condition of your shoe is no less important than color and style. See to it that if they are unblemished- no dirt, and no scuff. If the top, outsoles, heel, or toes of your shoes are well worn, then pick another pair. Even though new shoes will remove all the concerns that you have, you should be more careful. Put on your new shoes and check if it’s easy to walk on and be comfortable, even before the day of the interview.

Socks

If you’ve done picking the shoes right, but have gone wrong with the socks, like a dirty, damaged or mismatching pair then the whole effort of appearing great will be in vain. So the best advice is to go for plain, yet toned down socks that aren’t showy. Give socks with bright colors and patterns a miss, and before putting them on, see to it that if it's in great condition.

Make sure that if you’re wearing a black belt, then the shoe and socks should also be black, and likewise if you’re wearing a brown belt, then a brown shoe with brown socks.

Strap or Buckle

When you’re donning leather shoes, stick to one with laces and not a strap or buckle, since it adds a level of professionalism, unlike a strap or buckle.

What Not to Wear For an Interview?

Sandals and Flip-flops: It’s evident that sandals and flip-flops aren’t an appropriate option to wear for an interview. Even though they’re smart looking in a few shades and comfortable during the sunny season, flip-flops and sandals should be avoided since a job interview calls for a business attire. When it comes to sandals, even the heeled or the dressier ones need to be avoided.

Sneakers: With telecommuting gaining traction and the laid-back attitude of companies when it comes to the employee’s attire, it's easy to overlook the fact that job interviews are a formal affair. Even though wearing a pair of sneakers is comfortable and may show your artsy or casual side, to make a great impression, it's better to steer clear of sneakers. Sneakers are meant for casual occasions. But they aren’t appropriate even if it goes well with your outfit or if it's plain enough.

Patterns and bright colors: Decorative elements atop shoes like sequins, buckles can be distracting, and hence to make your best first impression, such shoes should be avoided. Also, stick to simple colors as possible. It’s more appropriate, yet professional to save bright colored shoes and patterned shoes for after-hours.

Best Shoes Based on the Type of Work Environment

Formal Business Environment: When you appear for a job interview in a company with business formal dress code, it’s essential that you get it right. Wear black polished shoes that are free of any stains and scratches and matching socks.

Casual Business Environment

Business Casual will be appropriate if you appear for an interview in a company with a more relaxed dress code. Wear black or brown polished leather shoes and matching shoes. Avoid open toe shoes.

Casual Environment

If you have an upcoming casual interview at a start-up, then you may have a tendency to wear too casual shoes. But be mindful that you need to make a great impression and yet show that you’ve put effort for your preparation. A casual brown loafer will be your best bet, and check if it is in great condition.

Black is one of the best shoe colors that you can wear for an interview, for high-powered interviews- perfect for managerial jobs and top positions, and not ideal if you’re appearing for jobs in retail, customer service or even entry-level. Whereas for many interviewers, brown conveys solidity and reliability. Even though light brown shoes are considered to be informal, it’s permissible if you’re wearing navy trousers with it.

Interviewers will expect interviewees to perform, look and act their best. This is true in the case of jobs pertaining to customer facing positions or corporate positions. So, it's essential that you make the right choice, in donning shoes that are ideal for the type of work environment yet comfortable.