black shoe

(US, naval) A naval aviator.

Brown shoe is US naval slang for a naval aviator — a member of the aviation community within the Navy. The term derives from the fact that naval aviators were historically permitted to wear brown shoes with their khaki uniforms, while surface warfare officers wore black shoes. The brown/black shoe distinction became a significant identity marker within the US Navy, symbolising the cultural divide between aviation and surface communities. The term is informal, in-group, and carries strong naval aviator pride.

A sailor who works on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, securing aircraft to the deck.

A sneaker or rubber overshoe.

Relating to coalminers and oil workers.