Perfect idea, black or brown shoes do not need a new belt with this little idea. It is really a nice solid belt. It is a lot more durable than other belts I saw at other department stores. Also, it is dickies but it doesn't look like a "strictly for work belt" it looks sleek and perfectly suited for a pair of nice dress paints. Glad to have saved my boyfriend the agony of trying to find a belt in the morning haha.