Gray Loafers

Gray is black without the severity, and this rack is mostly suede, which is where it looks best. For women, men and kids, with faux leather and synthetic suede behind the suede.

See also: Black Loafers, Suede Loafers, Beige Loafers, Navy Blue Loafers, Women's Suede Loafers, Men's Loafers

Where gray beats black

Three situations, and they come up more often than you would expect.

1. With gray or faded black pants
   A sharp black shoe shows up a faded black pant. Gray never does, which is the practical reason to own a pair.
   See also: Black Loafers

2. In an office that is not formal
   Gray suede reads professional without reading like a dress code. It is the calmest shoe you can put under a chino.
   See also: Men's Suede Loafers

3. With color
   Gray takes a bright top or a colored coat better than black, which tends to weigh the whole outfit down.

One thing to watch

Light gray suede is the most marked-prone thing in the shop. It is also the prettiest. If this is a daily pair, take a mid or charcoal gray, and keep the pale one for dry days.

Brush it in one direction after each wear. Gray shows a flattened nap faster than a dark color, so the thirty seconds matter more here than anywhere else.