What Shoes to Wear Based on Your Jeans Style

Wondering what shoes to wear with jeans? The answer depends on the denim cut. Skinny jeans pair best with ballerinas or kitten heels, while bootcut jeans look great with ankle boots or western styles. Straight jeans work with loafers or sandals, and wide-leg jeans call for pointed-toe shoes like pumps or stilettos. This guide breaks down exactly what shoes to wear with each jeans style.
What Shoes to Wear with Skinny Jeans

Let’s kick things off with the skinny jeans, a cut that’s back on the radar and splitting opinions. Love it or hate it, skinnies are best worn cropped at the ankle, making them ideal for petite women. The indie sleaze aesthetic is behind the return of ballerinas and Mary Jane flats, while for a night out, channel Kate Moss and pair them with slingback kitten heels.
What Shoes to Wear with Bootcut Jeans

- Western leather boots – Zadig & Voltaire
- Black leather ankle boots – Elleme
- Western ankle boots – The Kooples
- Two-tone leather cowboy boots – Mango
It’s in the name, bootcut jeans were made to show off your favourite boots. This style looks great with pointed-toe ankle boots or cowboy boots, especially in transitional seasons like spring. They elongate the legs and add a sharp finish to the relaxed flare.
What Shoes to Wear with Straight-Leg Jeans

- Beige leather loafers – Jonak
- Brown suede loafers – Jonak
- Patent loafers with strap – Jonak
- Red heeled sandals – Aeyde
Straight-leg jeans are timeless and incredibly versatile. For a polished preppy look, opt for classic masculine shoes. Think loafers, Oxfords, or Derbys. Prefer something more feminine? Go for slingback flats, kitten heels or strappy thong sandals.
What Shoes to Wear with Wide-Leg Jeans

- Patent leather stilettos – By Far
- Brown slingbacks – Saison 1865
- Silver pumps – Michael Kors
- Wedge heels – Jonak
Wide-leg jeans are having a moment, and rightly so. This relaxed fit is especially flattering on taller frames, but anyone can pull them off with the right shoes. The secret? Pointed toes. Pumps, stilettos, or pointy-toe flats will all help balance the generous silhouette and peek just the right amount from under the hem.
What Shoes to Wear with Cropped Jeans

- Miu Miu Open Toe Ankle Boots
- Brown leather ankle boots – Souliers Martinez
- Bi-material ankle boots – Prada
- Brown ankle boots – Vanessa Bruno
Whether cropped straight or flared, this cut was practically made for boots. Ankle boots, sock boots, cowboy boots or even hiker-biker styles work perfectl. Just make sure the jeans hit at the top of the boot for that leg-lengthening effect.
Can You Wear Trainers with Jeans?
Absolutely. If you’re still wondering what shoes to wear with your jeans on a day-to-day basis, trainers are always a solid choice. Style them with wide-leg jeans if you’re tall, or pair them with straight jeans for an effortlessly cool look.
Final Thoughts on What Shoes to Wear with Jeans
No matter your go-to jeans style, the secret to nailing the look is in the footwear. So next time you’re staring at your wardrobe thinking what shoes to wear, let your jeans do the talking and pick the perfect pair to match.
Feature Image @shutterstock
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