Forget ROY.G.BIV. Learn the Shoe Spectrum

That iconic name…ROY.G.BIV, the acronym for the light color spectrum, everyone knows it but how often do we really need it? Well I offer you a new spectrum to remember: black, brown, and white aka BBW (stop being a perv!). Like the seven colors of light, BBW makes up the basic colors of any man’s shoe collection. This is the break down using shoes that too should be in your closet because like ROY and BBW, they are classics…

Black: It’s the color that matches everything! More importantly, it should be the color of your lace ups for suits and casual nights out.

For my man getting it in, it should be the color of your Nike Boots (not blue or white!!). The latter comment is for the DMV, apologies if you feel excluded.

Brown: This is the secondary color noted by GQ to be the ‘new black’. Dark brown or mahogany shades go great with a dark blue or black suit paired with a complimenting tie. If Docker’s is the most prevalent name stitched on your ass, then a good pair of brown Rockports or Clark’s will do fine.

For my mans’ out there clockin’, you gotta have the OG tan nu-buck Timberland’s (we call them Buttas), rocked with the right cut jeans and proper shirt, these will carry any hoodstar’s outfit. *Note: Buttas should be left untied unless running or stomping*

White: The original white-on-white Nike Air Force 1…. Need I say more? *Note: you can throw in a pair of black/white Converse Chuck Taylors too.*

So there you have it, BBW, the primary colors of a man’s shoe collection and corresponding shoe types.