They say black goes with everything, but that isn’t actually true.
Many argue that you shouldn’t wear stark black with a true brown. I tend to agree with this school of thought.
In fact, I’ve always thought that tan is a far more adaptable color, especially for shoes. However, it isn’t as popular of a shade when it comes to sneakers—and I wish it were.
Tan sneakers add a unique character to your outfit that doesn’t beg for attention. That’s a tough balance to strike. Moreover, you can wear them all year long!
If you don’t have tan sneakers in your rotation, allow me to help you change that.
Table of Contents
How Did I Come Up With My List?
I spent far too much time running around in fifty-plus pairs of tan sneakers for the past few weeks. I researched them, combed through reviews, and consulted colleagues and shoe experts. I wanted to ensure I got a range of in-person feedback since no two pairs of feet are made alike.
In addition to the weeks of immediate research, I also channeled my years in the footwear review space. I’ve had long-term experiences with most of these models.
To help you narrow down which sneaker might be best for you, I’ve categorized every model based on its distinct, stand-out characteristics.
Upgrade Your Look with the Best Tan Sneakers for Men
Best Overall: Beckett Simonon Prieto Suede Sneaker
I’ve loved a classic brown suede Puma for as long as I can remember. The Prieto Suede Sneaker from Beckett Simonon has a lot of the same design DNA but has been reformatted into a sleek, almost dress sneaker-esque composition.
The slim leather-accented collar is reminiscent of a canvas plimsoll (a la Keds), connecting it to a more athletic style. Meanwhile, the low-profile and straight silhouette anchor the entire design in a more elegant everyday sneaker look.
Of course, that beautifully-napped suede body and lush leather accents cinch this elegance. Suede just looks so natural and sophisticated in tan shades. You can wear the Prieto with jeans since it’s a sneaker, but you can also go smart casual in a suit because of its graceful shape and material.
And since this is Beckett Simonon, who we love for their middle-man-cutting made-to-order model, this shoe boasts quality and substance. It’s handmade using full-grain leather that’ll patinate handsomely as it ages.
Meanwhile, the outsole is made out of natural rubber and recycled rubber. It’s vulcanized, improving its durability and flexibility.
What I Like
- Its mix of classy characteristics and more athletic ones makes this sneaker highly adaptable and undeniably sophisticated.
- Beckett Simonon uses full-grain leather and sources true shoe artisans, resulting in a high level of hand craftsmanship.
- While the low profile and refined toe box provide a sleek look, the tall instep, subtly wider midsection, and foot-accommodating leather-lined insoles provide long-lasting, custom comfort.
What I Don’t Like
- Since the toe box is so low, it fits tightly before you’ve broken it in. In my experience, it only takes a few days of walking around to relax the leather.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers are extremely happy with the quality for price of this shoe.
A few are disappointed at how long it takes to get a Beckett Simonon shoe delivered, one reviewer mentioning he “barely received them.” However, no one is disappointed with the shoe itself.
Beckett Simonon’s made-to-order model is what allows them to serve up such premium shoes at below-market prices, but it’s also why the time from order to arrival is so long.
Another quality reviewers love is how well this shoe manages temperature. You can thank the Vachetta lining for that since it naturally absorbs sweat and tempers odors.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a high-quality tan sneaker that you can wear in a wide range of dress codes, the Beckett Simonon Prieto gets high marks in every category.
Its low-profile build, lush suede construction, and full-grain leather accents create a classy yet casual look. It would look stylish and appropriate with jeans, trousers, and even shorts.
You may have to wait a month or two for the shoe to arrive, but upon ordering, it offers a truly compelling value proposition.
With its refined silhouette and lush suede construction, you can wear the Beckett Simonon Prieto Sneaker in the most casual situations and certain smart casual ones. It’s handmade and features a Vachetta lining that manages temperature and odor.
Best For Comfort: Thursday Boots Premier Low Top Tan Leather Sneaker
Taking their signature boot-making approach (in which function meets style) into the sneaker realm, Thursday Boots serves up an attractive and practical piece of footwear with the Premier Low Top Tan Leather Sneaker.
The wide separation between the eyelet stays, the solidly finished eyelets themselves, and the boot-like patination of the toe add touches of workwear charm without taking away from the overall polished look.
My favorite part about this shoe is how comfortable and performance-forward it is after you’ve broken it in. And this stems from more than just a good footbed and an athletic outsole.
The footbed is fully shock-absorbing, allowing you to stand and walk for long periods of time. It’s teamed up with a Vachetta leather insole, which, again, handles the temperature and odor situation.
Then, beneath that, you’ve got a dual-density outsole that’s lithe and durable, not to mention super grippy. Top that all up with a sheepskin lining, which is known for being light, strong, and mercifully soft, and a padded tongue.
It’s a system of individual contributing features that augment each other’s features to bring you comfort from every angle and against every hindrance.
What I Like
- A whole array of features work together to create an effective and sophisticated comfort system. Some of these include the shock-absorbent footbed, the dual-density rubber outsole, and the soft sheepskin interior lining.
- Details like the solidly finished eyelets and the patinated toe give this shoe a polished yet casual aesthetic.
- This shoe comes in a wide dress-shoe-like range of sizes, from as small as a men’s 6 all the way up to a 16, with both standard and wide options available..
What I Don’t Like
- Before you’ve broken the shoe in, the long tongue digs into your front ankle a bit. This will eventually stop, and I recommend wearing slightly thick socks until then.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Just as how reviewers enjoy the combination of athletic and dressy features with the Beckett Simonon Pietro, reviewers of the Thursday Premier praise how it looks dressed-up yet workwear-inspired.
Some mention that they think that the polyester ribbon laces are a low-quality option. I don’t mind them because they’re pretty strong, and I love the flat look. However, you can always replace them with waxed laces or something more boot-like or dress-shoe-like.
The Verdict
A shoe for boot and sneaker lovers, the Thursday Boot Premier Low Top is as clean-looking as it’s tough-looking.
And it is tough.
The sophisticated combination of impact resistance, support, and smart cushioning make this sneaker a practical and comfortable choice.
A shoe for boot and sneaker lovers, the Thursday Boot Premier Low Top is as clean-looking as it’s tough-looking. And it is tough. The sophisticated combination of impact resistance, support, and smart cushioning make this sneaker a practical and comfortable choice.
Best Suede: RM Williams Surry Sneaker
There’s just something about tan suede shoes that give you that gentleman adventurer vibe. They make you look like you just got back from safari and are heading to some desert to dig up some cool artifacts.
This includes leather sneakers, and with the RM Williams Surry, you’re literally taking on this adventurer heritage. Australia’s go-to for handcrafted leather shoes, RM Williams dug into their archives, invoking their classic Sand Shoe as inspiration for this beautiful sneaker.
It’s mostly tonal. Even the rubber outsole with a front and back grill for a topographical aesthetic is completely tan-colored.
The suede is truly exceptional. It’s sourced from Spain, flaunting a finely napped composition that allows darker portions to be equally as vivid as the cloud of lighter portions that provide a golden honey hue that matches the outsole.
What I Like
- Cut from fine Spanish suede, the upper is buttery, well-napped, and vivid in color and tone.
- The waxed laces are strong and water-resistant, while also contributing to the versatile, tonal look of the shoe.
- Its adventurous design is based on a vintage RM Williams shoe, giving it a sense of heritage, like an iconic watch or genuine military jacket.
What I Don’t Like
- To keep your suede looking good, it requires some maintenance. RM Williams helps you with that as their website gives clear, detailed instructions on how to do this, but despite being a sneaker, it might require the attention a good boot does.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers love not only the look of this stylish sneaker but its practicality. Many report how the rubber cup sole and leather innersole balance comfort with support.
There are some grievances over the limited sizing and lack of wide options.
The Verdict
The RM Williams Surry boasts a fine suede upper that gives lucid color and impeccable texturing throughout. Its tonal design is based on an archive piece from 1940, rooting the shoe in heritage while still looking completely modern and relevant.
The RM Williams Surry is made out of remarkably good Spanish suede. It's buttery and vivid, infusing this sneaker with the gentleman-adventurer look of a desert boot.
Best Dress Sneaker: Allen Edmonds Strand Oxford Dress Sneaker
Allen Edmonds made some bold decisions when designing the Strand Oxford Dress Sneaker.
When it comes to dress-sneaker hybrids, you’ll often see a lot of shoemakers attaching a more understated balmoral style upper to a dark rubber outsole. The Strand, conversely, is a dandified, completely brogued shoe with a high-contrast rubber outsole.
In fact, you can even customize that outsole with red or blue versions. There’s even a black option, for those of you who want to minimize that contrast.
Since this is Allen Edmonds, this shoe is, of course, made of premium full-grain leather. It’s well-built and hand-burnished, resulting in an impeccably-polished upper.
What I Like
- The highly-brogued oxford upper combined with the athletic rubber outsole makes for an interesting and unique contrast.
- Allen Edmonds’ classic 65 last is especially long and sleek, giving this sneaker a classy look.
- In addition to the standard white outsole, you can choose a red, black, or blue rubber, allowing for a level of customization.
What I Don’t Like
The full-grain leather and 360 construction require a significant break-in time more akin to dress shoes rather than sneakers.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
I’ll address the elephant in the room here, and that’s the fact that Allen Edmonds has a usually classic-leaning audience. That being the case, the Strand is understandably polarizing.
Some reviewers love the design deeply, and some think they look ridiculous.
There are a few complaints about the shoe being uncomfortable on the function front. My advice to them is to wear the shoe a few more times. They’re likely not broken in. As with all AE shoes, they come with a foot-accommodating cork insole, so they’ll eventually feel great.
Moreover, the 65 last gets a lot of love from reviewers with high arches. It’s higher in the back and provides more support and comfort for them, which is rare in a heelless shoe.
The Verdict
If you want an eye-catching tan sneaker, go for the Allen Edmonds Strand Oxford. Combining the practical-looking rubber outsole with a brogued oxford upper makes for a distinct and unique shoe. Plus, this Strand is made out of supple full-grain calfskin and is handcrafted.
The Allen Edmonds Strand Dress Sneaker is a striking option that combines a highly adorned brogued upper with an athletic sole. Expectedly, it’s built to high standards, including a full-grain calfskin leather upper and a shape-accommodating cork insole.
Best High Top: Beckett Simonon Garcia High Top
The Beckett Simonon Garcia High Top is classic yet distinct. It looks as if they combined visual best practices from other classic templates.
It features perforations on the front vamp, which are reminiscent of court shoes, while the multi-sectioning throughout the upper gives it a GAT-like dynamism. Like their more low-profile counterparts, the silhouette is simple and clean. The collar itself is more of a midrise.
As Beckett Simonon does, the Gracia is made out of full-grain calfskin. The grain is exceptionally fine, making for a soft and tough upper that looks as supple as it feels.
You can wear this shoe with sweatpants and even a casual Friday suit. I think that a high-top collar peeking out from beneath your dress pants has more of a cool factor than dress socks doing the same thing with low-top sneakers.
What I Like
- With a moderate collar and a dynamic combination of tried-and-true sneaker styles, this shoe is classic, distinct, and versatile.
- Thanks to Beckett Simonon’s small-batch business model, they serve up premium materials and hand-cut construction at below-market price points.
- Beckett Simonon sources itstheir materials from Italian tanneries that are gold-rated by the Leather Working Group, meaning they have a strong focus on eco-conscious practices and sustainability.
What I Don’t Like
- Made-to-order sneakers can have unpredictable wait times and can take over a month to arrive.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
Reviewers appreciate the Garcia High-Top’s adaptability to different style scenarios. They also mention how grippy the rubber outsole is, making them great to walk in.
Some wide-footed reviewers point out that there aren’t any half-sizes past a men’s size 12. Since they also don’t offer wides, you’ll usually size up just a half if you require something beyond a regular width. However, if you’re both bigger than a 12 and a wide, you’ll have a pretty uncomfortable break-in period.
The Verdict
Well-built and exceptionally priced, the Beckett Simonon Garcia High-Top is classic-looking yet distinguished. That means this beautiful sneaker is adaptable and an effective choice for an everyday casual shoe.
As always, Beckett Simonon uses supple calfskin leather, a Vachetta lining, and a high level of hand craftsmanship.
The hand-cut, hand-finished Garcia High-Tops from Beckett Simonon combine street style, athletic aesthetics, and even a touch of military style to create a unique sneaker that’s still standard enough for any closet. Its eco-conscious, full-grain calfskin leather build is well-worth the price.
How to Style an Outfit with Tan Sneakers
Since they aren’t as ubiquitous as white or black sneakers, I understand that trying to style tan sneakers can be intimidating. Some of the following questions might arise: I can’t wear black with brown, but can I wear black clothes with tan sneakers? Can I wear tan sneakers with a suit? What season are tan shoes best worn in?
It seems that tan sneakers would bring about more nuance. However, they actually make styling a lot easier.
To find out why, I’m going to answer these common styling questions.
What Color Clothing Goes With Tan Sneakers?
Literally anything. Tan sneakers go well with other neutrals for an understatedly confident look. Think of a white fitted polo or T-shirt and khakis. Meanwhile, they can temper brighter colors and primaries in a way that white sneakers would just add to the contrast and loudness.
You can wear lighter, cooler shades of tan shoes with black clothes, but try not to let them touch. So, a white t-shirt, chinos, and a black bomber jacket or open utility shacket? Yes. Black socks, black jeans, or black suit trousers? Not ideal.
Are Tan Sneakers More Casual or Formal?
It depends more on the style of the shoe than its actual color. A tan canvas high-top is more casual than a leather low-profile dress sneaker.
In general, tan has an elegant ruggedness to it. So, tan leather sneakers add a touch of formalness to casual outfits (compared to white athletic sneakers), while the same sneakers make a suit combination less stuffy (compared to traditional dress shoes).
When Shouldn’t I Wear Tan Sneakers?
Don’t wear tan sneakers on any truly formal occasion. They’re a fun choice to pair with a suit in an after-work networking event or to wear with a blazer and jeans in a smart casual situation.
But, absolutely avoid them during traditionally formal business meetings and weddings that have a semi-formal dress code and beyond.
A Year-Round Tan
Unlike white shoes, which you can’t wear after Labor Day, and black shoes, which you can’t wear with outfits that have a lot of stark autumn browns on them, you can wear tan shoes with almost anything.
Thanks to its combination of dressy and athletic elements and its top-notch construction, the Beckett Simonon Prieto is our best overall.
With its refined silhouette and lush suede construction, you can wear the Beckett Simonon Prieto Sneaker in the most casual situations and certain smart casual ones. It’s handmade and features a Vachetta lining that manages temperature and odor.
If you’re looking for a shoe you can stand or walk around in for long periods of time though, the Thursday Boots Premiere has a system of comfort and impact-resistant features.
The RM Williams Surry Sneaker’s most distinct quality is its fine, suede construction, while the Allen Edmonds Strand has a strikingly brogued balmoral upper.
The Allen Edmonds Strand Dress Sneaker is a striking option that combines a highly adorned brogued upper with an athletic sole. Expectedly, it’s built to high standards, including a full-grain calfskin leather upper and a shape-accommodating cork insole.
And if you want a nice tan high-top, Beckett Simonon’s Garcia oozes with the cool factor.
By adding tan sneakers into your rotation, you’ll bring a new life to even your most common outfit combinations—all from just switching up your footwear.
FAQs
Do tan sneakers go with everything?
Color-wise, tan sneakers go with most shades, though stick to lighter tan sneakers when pairing with black clothes. Dress-code-wise, you can wear tan sneakers in any casual context, but stick to low-profile leathers in smart casual situations.
What socks to wear with tan sneakers?
You can either coordinate your socks with your outfit or go tonal with your sneakers while wearing them with trousers. Of course, you can also wear no-shows for a bare-ankle look.
What do you wear with tan sneakers?
Tan sneakers are highly versatile and can be worn with casual outfits that are athletic-inspired, workwear-inspired, and neutral combinations like a t-shirt and jeans. You can even wear tan sneakers with a suit, and they wouldn’t stick out as much as white sneakers.
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