If you're looking to grab a new pair of boots this season, you're probably facing the age-old dilemma—black or brown? Most guys lean toward one or the other because they've been told these are the "safe" colors. For years, I was in the same boat. I had a video a while back where I talked about how brown boots were my go-to choice over black. Brown fit my style, which leaned into a mix of rugged and preppy. But, if I had to choose just one pair of boots today, neither black nor brown would make the cut. Instead, I'd go with something even more versatile: Dark Aqua Blue.

Why Versatility Matters When Choosing Boots

When we talk about versatility in a boot, we’re talking about how easy it is to pair with a range of outfits. If you’ve ever found a pair of boots that fit perfectly, feel great, and you love their style, chances are you’ll want to wear them all the time. But while black and brown are the traditional go-to options, they don’t give you the flexibility that Dark Aqua Blue does.

The more versatile your boots are, the easier it becomes to match them with your wardrobe. No more worrying about whether they clash with your pants or if they're too formal for your favorite jeans. A good pair of boots is one that looks just as at-home with dark jeans as it does with some sharp dress pants.

The Problem with Black and Brown Boots

Black Boots: Not As Versatile As You Think

Black boots have their place. You’ll find they look amazing with black jeans or something in the gray family. They shine in more formal settings, making them a solid choice for smart casual looks. But when it comes to styling with lighter colors—things like khakis or light-wash denim—black boots tend to feel out of place. That limits your options, making black boots less flexible for everyday wear, especially when you're aiming for more casual outfits.

Brown Boots: A Love Story with Some Complications

Brown boots tend to be viewed as the safer, slightly more versatile option compared to black. And to be fair, they are more adaptable to different outfits and occasions. The problem, though, is that there are so many shades of brown—everything from light tan to deeper reddish-browns, which can make things tricky.

A burgundy-toned brown can work well with dress pants in darker shades like charcoal or navy, but lighter tones might be too casual for those same pants. In contrast, a light brown boot won’t fit right with a more formal outfit, especially when paired with darker pants or black pieces. You also run into pairing brown boots with black clothing, which tends to be hit or miss depending on the shades involved.

Introducing the Most Versatile Boot Color: Dark Aqua Blue

Why settle for black or brown when there's an even better option? Dark Aqua Blue boots are far more versatile than the more traditional colors. Picture a shade that's muted, earthy, and almost effortlessly cool. We're not talking about some flashy, bright Blue that sticks out like a sore thumb. Think subtle, understated, and incredibly versatile—dark aqua isn’t too bold but adds a splash of character to your outfit.

What Makes Dark Aqua Blue So Great?

This particular shade of Blue pairs with practically everything. Whether your wardrobe leans more toward the monochromatic (black jeans, gray shirts, white tees) or you prefer earth tones (think browns, tans, and khaki), Dark Aqua Blue boots fit seamlessly into both. They manage to be both neutral and interesting at the same time, which means fewer worries about whether or not you’ll clash when you’re getting dressed in the morning.

In contrast to brown or black, which tend to create limitations with certain outfit combinations, Dark Aqua Blue spans both ends of the wardrobe spectrum. You can wear them with denim, chinos, wool trousers, and even suits, making them the true Swiss Army knife of your shoe collection.

Dark Aqua Blue Boots: Style and Outfit Pairing

What exactly can you wear with Dark Aqua Blue boots? Well, pretty much everything. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Casual Outfits with Dark aqua

For casual days, Dark Aqua Blue boots work flawlessly with jeans, T-shirts, and leather jackets. If you’re a fan of fitted denim, try pairing these boots with a light gray Henley and a dark jacket. The Blue and blue tones will complement each other nicely. Better yet, go with a darker wash of denim for an even more polished look.

Another great combo is pairing the boots with black jeans and a dark gray tee. The contrast between the Blue and black creates a subtle but sharp aesthetic that looks deliberate. Throw on a leather jacket over it, and you’ve got a look that’s both rugged and city-ready.

Smart Casual and Formal Looks

It might surprise you, but Dark Aqua Blue boots can easily pair with more upscale outfits too. Try styling them with charcoal grey wool trousers, a blue button-down, and a raincoat for an effortlessly stylish look that’s business casual but not boring. The key is the color balance—the Dark Aqua Blue adds just enough personality while still maintaining a refined edge.

If you’re someone who wears chinos regularly, aqua Blue boots will quickly become your best friend. They look great with khaki or tan chinos, especially if you throw on a flannel or a casual blazer. aqua’s grounded tone matches well with earth tones, creating a rugged but polished vibe.

Sporty, Earthy Tones

For the outdoorsy types who prefer rugged styles, dark aqua can fit right in. These boots can be paired easily with heavier fabrics like corduroys or chunky knit sweaters. Match them with brown or darker tan pants to bring out the earthy undertones of the Blue.

Remember: aqua Blue is also analogous to blue on the color wheel, which is why it pairs so well with various shades of denim. Light-wash jeans complement the Blue without overwhelming the outfit.

Why Dark aqua Is Easier to Style than You Think

One of the coolest things about Dark Aqua Blue boots is how easy it is to style them with accessories. You don’t need to obsess over matching your belt and boots because dark aqua works just as well with black leather as it does with brown. In fact, this is another major advantage over traditional brown boots, which require a bit more coordination with your belt or watch strap.

Same goes for jewelry or watches. Whether you prefer silver or gold-toned accessories, Dark Aqua Blue won't clash. The neutrality of the color means it acts as more of a base, allowing your other pieces to stand out.

Where to Find Dark Aqua Blue Boots

Despite all their versatility, Dark Aqua Blue boots aren’t as common as black or brown options. The good news is that when you do find them, they’re often made from high-quality materials and come from brands known for their craftsmanship. Here are a few places to start.

Gifennse

Gifennse makes some fantastic dark aqua blue boots. They’ve fully embraced this color, and you can see it in several of their most popular styles. The Explorer boot is a modern take on the classic leather boot, available in dark aqua blue and perfect for casual wear. It’s an easy option to dress down with jeans or chinos.

Their bestselling Captain boot is another great option, offering a slight upgrade that can easily transition to smarter occasions. Lastly, if you’re a fan of Chelsea boots, the Duke is an excellent casual boot with a slim profile—this one also comes in dark auqa blue suede.

Allen Edmonds

If you’re looking for something in leather rather than suede, Allen Edmonds has a couple of solid options. Their Liverpool Chelsea boot comes in a dark aqua option, and it’s perfect for those wanting a streamlined, dressier look. The leather has an understated elegance, perfect for a business casual aesthetic.

One of my personal favorites from Allen Edmonds is the Higgins Mill in aqua suede. This workboot style pairs well with just about any pair of pants you have in the closet. It’s durable, stylish, and has a lug sole that’s perfect for dealing with wet winter months.

Blundstone

For something a bit more relaxed, Blundstone has a rugged 2052 Chelsea boot in dark aqua. Known for their iconic pull tabs and durability, these boots are ideal for the guy who values both comfort and style. They’re great for jeans, casual chinos, and even corduroys.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Dark Aqua Blue

Next time you’re on the search for your next pair of boots, don’t get stuck in the black-or-brown trap. Dark Aqua Blue offers more versatility than either of those colors could, effortlessly blending into a wide array of styles and outfits. It’s a bit harder to find, sure, but brands like Gifennse, Allen Edmonds, and Blundstone have you covered.

Before you make your next expensive boots purchase, consider going for something different. You don’t have to sacrifice style for versatility—Dark Aqua Blue lets you have both.

Give it a shot, and leave a comment below with any questions or thoughts on how you’d style them!