Men's Wedding Shoes Guide: Black or Brown, Groom, Guests and Black Tie

By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 13 October 2026

The short answer: for most weddings, wear leather Oxfords: black for a morning suit, a charcoal or black suit, or an evening wedding; brown or tan for a daytime, country or summer wedding, especially with navy, blue or light grey. For black tie, wear black patent shoes or velvet loafers. Derbies, brogues and monk straps suit relaxed and daytime weddings, and loafers or suede work for summer and destination weddings. Only wear trainers if the couple says so. Shop our men's wedding shoes.

Wedding shoes by dress code

Black or brown wedding shoes?

Let the suit and the time of day decide. Black is the most formal colour and is always correct for black tie, morning dress and evening weddings. Brown and tan are warmer and more relaxed, and look best at daytime, summer and country weddings. Most wedding suits work with one or both:

Within brown, the shade matters too: dark brown is the most formal and suits navy and grey; tan and cognac are lighter and suit summer suits and daytime weddings. More detail in our black, brown or tan guide.

Which wedding shoe style?

Why Oxfords are the classic wedding shoe

Oxfords have closed lacing: the eyelet panels are stitched under the front of the shoe, which gives the sleekest line under suit trousers. A plain-toe or toe-cap Oxford is formal enough for any daytime wedding, and a brogue Oxford is a little more relaxed for summer and country weddings. More in our Oxford shoes guide.

Can you wear Derby shoes to a wedding?

Yes, for most lounge suit and daytime weddings. A Derby has open lacing, so it looks a touch less formal than an Oxford, but a sleek leather Derby in black, brown or tan is smart enough for a wedding and easier to fit if you have a high instep. For black tie, choose a patent Oxford, a patent Derby such as the Edison Black Patent, or velvet loafers. See our brogues and Derby shoes guide.

Black tie shoes: patent, velvet or polished leather?

Black patent leather is the traditional choice, with a mirror shine that suits a dinner suit: try the Duke Black or Bow Black Patent. Velvet loafers such as the Fraser Black are a stylish alternative for evening; see our velvet loafers guide. Well-polished plain black Oxfords are acceptable if you do not own patent. Full detail in our black tie guide.

What shoes should the groom wear?

• Match the suit: use the table above. Black for black, charcoal and morning dress; brown or tan for navy, blue and light grey.
• Match the belt: same colour family and finish as the shoes. See how to match your belt and shoes.
• Choose comfort: you will stand for photos and dance for hours. A leather lining and padded insole make a real difference.
• Buy early: get your shoes at least a month before the day and wear them around the house so the leather softens. See how to break in leather shoes.
• Think about grip: lightly scuff new soles so they are not slippery on a polished dance floor.

Groomsmen: do the shoes have to match?

Not exactly, but they should look like a set. Agree on one colour family (all black, or all brown) and one level of formality, so nobody is in trainers while everyone else is in Oxfords. The groom can stand out with a different shade or style, such as tan brogues while the groomsmen wear dark brown Oxfords, or patent shoes at an evening wedding. Each man should match his belt to his own shoes. For thank-you gifts, see our groomsmen and best man gifts.

What should wedding guests wear?

Follow the invitation, and avoid upstaging the groom: skip loud colours at formal weddings and keep shoes polished. Guests have more freedom than the wedding party. Brogues, Derbies and monk straps all work with a lounge suit, and suede shoes and loafers suit summer and garden weddings, such as the Morgan Sand or Reginald Sand.

Summer, winter and destination weddings

• Summer: tan or brown leather, suede Oxfords and loafers with lighter suits in linen or cotton.
• Winter: black or dark brown Oxfords for formal weddings; sleek Chelsea boots or brogue boots for relaxed country weddings with tweed or flannel. Protect suede and leather before wet weather; see our suede in winter and rain guide.
• Beach and destination: leather or suede loafers, or smart leather sandals only if the couple has said so.

Can you wear trainers to a wedding?

Only if the couple has asked for a casual dress code or said trainers are welcome. If so, choose clean, minimal leather trainers in white or tan, and keep them spotless. For any wedding described as formal, black tie or morning dress, wear leather shoes.

Getting the fit and timing right

Oswin Hyde shoes come in whole UK sizes: most styles in UK 7–12, with selected styles in UK 13 and 14. Some styles also come in a wide fit. Check our size guide before ordering. Orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday, are dispatched the same day, and if the size is wrong you can request a return label within 14 days of delivery. Order early enough to try them on at home before the day.

Finishing touches

Shoes are only part of the look. Match your socks to your trousers, choose cufflinks in the same metal as your watch and buckle, and add a silk pocket square. For black tie, see our bow ties.

Frequently asked questions

What shoes should a groom wear?

Leather Oxfords that match the suit: black with grey, charcoal and black; brown or tan with navy, blue and light grey. Patent Oxfords or velvet loafers for black tie.

Should wedding shoes be black or brown?

Black for black tie, morning dress, evening weddings and black or charcoal suits. Brown or tan for daytime, summer and country weddings, especially with navy, blue or light grey suits.

Can you wear brown shoes to a wedding?

Yes, for daytime, summer and country weddings, especially with navy, blue or light grey suits. Choose black for black tie and morning dress.

Can you wear Derby shoes to a wedding?

Yes, for most lounge suit and daytime weddings. Sleek leather Derbies are smart enough; for black tie choose patent shoes or velvet loafers.

Do groomsmen shoes need to match?

They should share a colour family and level of formality, but they do not need to be identical. The groom can wear a different shade or style.

What shoes go with a black tie dress code?

Black patent Oxfords, velvet loafers or very highly polished plain black Oxfords.

Can you wear trainers to a wedding?

Only if the couple says so or the dress code is casual. Otherwise wear leather shoes.

Are loafers acceptable at a wedding?

Yes, for summer, cocktail and destination weddings. Black patent or velvet loafers also work for black tie evenings.

How do you stop new wedding shoes from hurting?

Buy them at least a month before the day, wear them at home so the leather softens, and lightly scuff the soles for grip.

Shop the pieces in this guide: wedding shoes · Oxford shoes · black shoes · brown shoes · velvet loafers · bow ties · cufflinks