Jeans genuinely are your best friend, aren’t they? We bet your denim collection is one of the most significant sections of your closet. They’re just so versatile – you can dress them up for work or play or keep them casual on weekends. Not to mention, jeans hug your curves in all the right places and make you feel confident no matter what top you pair them with.
But if you’re anything like many others, having tons of jeans also means you need clarification about what kinds of shoes to wear with them. Some days, you just throw on sneakers because they’re easy, but you want to mix up your footwear more. That’s where you’d get stuck – feeling uninspired with the same old shoes on repeat. If this sounds familiar at all, let me just say – you’re not alone! We’ll be sharing the top 10 favourite types of shoes to wear with jeans. We’ll cover casual to dressy styles, so you have inspiration all year round.
11 Best Shoes to Wear with Jeans
Low Top Sneakers
Low-top sneakers pair well with jeans because they don’t distract from the jeans with a busy design. Their casual style and comfort also complement jeans. Opt for basic colour options like white, black, or tones that match your jeans. You can dress up sneakers with a nice top or keep them casual with a T-shirt. Sneakers are perfect for errands or busy days when comfort is essential. Look for clean white sneakers, simple black sneakers, or colourful sneakers to vary your jeans outfits.
Slingback Heels
Low slingback heels give dressed-up jeans a chic lift. Look for pointy or almond toe styles in classic black, beige, blush or grey patent leather or suede. They work with skinny jeans, straight legs or slim-fitting trousers for the office. Keep the heel modest, around 2-3 inches, for all-day comfort. Cuff skinnies or let straights drape over the shoe to elongate legs. Slingbacks dress up jeans for date night while maintaining ease, making them versatile year-round. Mary jane shoes are comfortable low heel dress shoes that can be paired with jeans perfectly.
Mary Jane Shoes
Mary Jane shoes add retro flair to jeans, reminiscent of when people often wore the two together. Opt for rich colours like burgundy, navy, or jewel tones. Metallic accents add sparkle, too. Choose a lower heel when wearing Mary Janes with jeans to keep it casual. Roll or cuff your jeans to show the strappy shoe. Wear fitted sweaters or tucked-in blouses to emphasize the vintage feel. Mary Janes offers a unique change from sneakers or boots with a dose of charm.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats make jeans feel polished with minimal effort. Look for leather or suede in neutral shades like taupe, grey, or nude. Metallic flats add sparkle, too. Flats slip on easily and won’t weigh you down like heels. Wear them with jeans and a nice blouse or sweater for lunchtime errands or the office. Cuff jeans to expose a peek of flat and elongate the leg line. Their versatility works for everything from business casual to weekends. You can also consider a pair of wide fit flats to stay comfortable all day. The wide flats have wide toe box to make sure you can stay comfy for work or other occasions.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots, bridge sneakers, and dressier shoes. The ankle-high boot hits right at the jean’s ankle for a polished look. Choose leather Chelseas for a dressier vibe or suede ones for something more casual. Their side zip makes them easy to put on and take off, too. Try rich browns, blacks, or neutrals like beige that highlight your jeans’ colour. Pair them with dresses in fall/winter or cuffed jeans and a lovely top year-round. Chelseas nod to trends while keeping jeans sophisticated.
Chukka Boots
Chukka boots have a short ankle height that provides coverage like sneakers while keeping things breezy. They pair perfectly with skinny jeans, hitting the narrowest part of the leg. Pick suede or rugged leather in neutral shades like tan, grey, or olive that emulate the casual nature. Earth tones also bridge the smart/casual divide, working with everything from dresses to flannels. Their low profile won’t weigh things down, either—roll or stack jeans to show the chukka silhouette for a fresh take on jeans and boots.
Loafers
Loafers up the sophistication when wearing jeans by adding a dress shoe element. Opt for smooth black or brown leather loafers. Try penny loafers, tassel loafers, or loafers with subtle brogue detailing. Pair loafers with slim dark denim and an oxford shirt for a preppy weekend vibe. Cuffed joggers also work well. Their timeless quality means loafers will always look in the right place with jeans, suiting all occasions where smart/casual is vital.
Cowboy Boots
For western flair, cowboy boots instantly add character when paired with jeans. Opt for classic, rich leather designs with decorative stitching or embellishments. Wear them above the boot shaft with straight-leg or flared jeans in a dark wash to highlight the silhouette. Cuff jeans to hit at the right height. Cowboy boots evoke casual calm, whether in denim and button-downs or band tees. Their throwback style makes dark rinse or distressed jeans appear polished, too.
Mules
Mules come in many fun designs to complement jeans, from minimal leather slides to ornate embroidery. Try tan, grey or blush neutrals that pair with most denim washes. Metallic mules add glam, too. Opt for a low-stacked heel or zero heel for casualness. Roll or cuff jeans to expose ankles and show off pretty mules. Pair with cropped or skinny jeans and throw on tees, tanks or blouses for effortless day-to-night flair. Mules quickly turn relaxed jeans into an occasion-worthy style without laces or buckles. Their ease of wear keeps comfort a top priority.
Combat Boots
Edgy combat boots bring cool-girl swagger to jeans. Seek leather or suede boots in dark shades like black, brown or army green with buckles, straps and lug soles for a punk edge. Wear them with skinny, straight or destroyed/ripped jeans in a medium or dark wash. Tuck jeans in or let them stack over the boot for varying lengths. Roll cuffs one or two times for attitude. Pair combat boots with band tees, bomber jackets and chokers for rock vibes, or dress them up with blouses and blazers for smart/casual style. They toughen up jeans instantly for rain or shine.
Strappy Sandals
Lastly, strappy sandals offer a fun, warm-weather partner for jeans. Look for gladiator, crisscross or ankle tie designs in neutrals or bright pops of colour. Try thin or chunky heels, providing height variety. Strappy sandals highlight toned ankles and legs paired with rolled-up skinnies or cuffed straights. Pick lightweight woven leather or braided rope fabrics for breathability in heat. Strappy sandals give jeans a bohemian twist, perfect for the festival season.
Conclusion
The perfect shoes to wear with jeans should be versatile, comfortable all-day shoes. If you are looking for your dream pair of shoes that seamlessly pair with your favourite denim for every occasion, do not hesitate to browse through our collection.