Brown acts as a bridge in men's footwear

NEW YORK (AP) - Look down, see brown. A trendier, more casual brown shoe might be becoming the standard in men's footwear, as men - even those wearing suits - look to replace their black wingtips.

The shift is being fueled by changes in fashion, the economy and lifestyle, says Paul Grangaard, CEO of Allen Edmonds. Men, most of whom are not serial shoppers, put a high priority on function, he says, so if a shoe can be worn with both gray flannel trousers and jeans, that's the one they want. (And, yes, it is OK to wear brown with gray and even with black, say the experts.)