I’ve Been a Personal Stylist for 10 Years-Here’s What Shoes to Wear With Every Type of Jeans
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links- if you choose to shop through them, it helps support autumlove.com at no extra cost to you.
Photo Credit:@itslenitaaa
Jeans are the backbone of every wardrobe, but let’s be honest—styling them isn’t always as simple as “throw on sneakers and go.” The shoes you wear can make your denim look polished and intentional… or just plain awkward. Cropped jeans need a sleek finish, wide-leg jeans call for balance, and flares? They beg for height. And yes—even trending baggy and barrel jeans have their perfect shoe matches.
This guide breaks down the best shoes for every jean style, complete with outfit formulas and shoppable picks so you’ll never stand in front of the mirror wondering again.
PS: Want this in a quick reference format? Download the free Shoes to Wear With Jeans Guide and save it to your phone.
Read Our Entire What Shoe To Wear Series
What Shoes to Wear With Grey Pants: The Colors That Always Work
I Never Know What Shoes to Wear in the Winter—So Here Are My Top Picks
What Shoes To Wear With A Midi Skirt
What Shoes To Wear With Wide Leg Jeans
What Shoes to Wear With Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans may not be the star trend anymore, but they’re still a staple in closets everywhere. The trick is pairing them with shoes that feel current.
Pointed-Toe Ankle Boots
Tuck your skinnies into sleek boots for a polished, leg-lengthening look.
Amazon
Pointed Toe Chunky Block
$45.99
Amazon
Pointed Toe Chunky Block Stacked Heel Booties
$45.99
Ballet Flats
Back in style, flats add a chic Parisian vibe without trying too hard.
Amazon
Slingback Flats
$43.99
Amazon
Woven Dressy Ballet Flats – Faux Leather
$79.99
Classic Pumps
Ideal for the office or a night out—skinny jeans act like a neutral base here.
Amazon
Closed Toe Slingback Heels
$59.99
Amazon
Pointed Closed Toe Chunky Heel Slingback Heels
$45.99
Low Top Sneakers
Depending on the look you are going for, low top sneakers works best with skinny jeans. Unless you want that whole 2010-2014 High Top Nike Dunk with skinny jeans aesthetic then go for it.
Amazon
Keds Women's Center III Sneakers
$44.37
Amazon
Vionic Womens Winny 2
$140
Loafers
are also another great option to pear with skinny jeans. If you don’t like the super rounded or pointed affect of ballet flats. Loafers are perfect and also gives your outfit a more polished look.
Amazon
Comfortable Slip On Flat Shoes
$36.99
Amazon
Chain Decor Flat Mules
$34.79
Style Tip: To keep skinnies feeling fresh, pair with looser tops (think oversized button-downs or blazers) to balance proportions.
What Shoes to Wear With Straight-Leg Jeans
Straight jeans are the current MVP—easy, flattering, and versatile.
Polished Loafers
Great for workdays, especially with a cropped straight leg.
Vince Camuto
Sayer Loafer
$139.00
Gucci
Princetown Loafer Mule
$990.00
Sneakers
Keeps things casual but clean—opt for minimal white pairs.
adidas
Handball Spezial Sneaker
$110
rag & bone
Retro Runner Slim Ultra Sneaker
$328
Slingbacks
Adds just enough polish to make denim feel pulled together.
Marc Fisher LTD
Dorie Slingback Pointed Toe Pump
$169
Arezzo
Farrah Slingback Pointed Toe Flat
$89.00
Style Tip: Straight-leg jeans skim the ankle, so choose shoes that don’t overwhelm the hemline.
What Shoes to Wear With Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-legs are dramatic—so your shoes need to hold their own.
Platform Sandals
Keeps the hem off the floor and adds height.
Free People
Holt Ankle Strap Platform Sandal
$128.00
Chunky Sneakers
A street-style favorite that balances volume.
New Balance
Gender Inclusive 9060 Sneaker
$159.99
Block-Heel Boots
Adds structure while keeping proportions long and clean.
Amazon
Sock Booties
$64.98
Style Tip: Hem wide-leg jeans so they just graze the top of your shoe—it makes the whole look more intentional.
What Shoes to Wear With Bootcut Jeans
Bootcuts were made for—you guessed it—boots.
Pointed-Toe Boots
Sleek, elongating, and perfect for winter.
Tory Burch
T Lock Bootie
$500
Wedges
Casual but adds height, making them ideal for weekends.
Tony Bianco
Vogue Platform Wedge Sandal
$180
Heeled Sandals
Works beautifully in summer with lighter washes.
Sam Edelman
Presley Strappy Sandal
$140.00
Style Tip: Let the bootcut cover most of your shoe—just a peek of the toe looks the most polished.
What Shoes to Wear With Cropped Jeans
Since cropped hems cut your leg line, you’ll want shoes that keep the ankle sleek and visible.
Mules
Easy slip-on style that elongates your ankle.
Amazon
Mules Buckle Flats
$30.80
Strappy Sandals
Feminine and lengthening for warm weather.
Amazon
Square Toe Sandals
$27.99
Minimalist Sneakers
Clean lines keep cropped denim modern.
Amazon
adidas Women's Vl Court 3.0 Shoes
$75.00
Style Tip: Avoid ankle straps that cut your leg line even shorter.
What Shoes to Wear With Flared Jeans
Flares are having a full revival—and the right shoe makes them feel fresh, not costume-y.
Block Heels
Adds balance to the dramatic hem.
Amazon
Pumps Pointed Closed Toe Chunky
$45.99
Heeled Boots
Tucks neatly under the flare while adding height.
Amazon
Heel Square Toe Side Zipper Booties
$59.99
Pointed Flats
For days when comfort comes first.
Amazon
Pointed Toe Backless Loafers
$34.99
Style Tip: Always make sure the hem nearly skims the floor—too short, and flares lose their effect.
What Shoes to Wear With Baggy Jeans
Baggy jeans are here to stay, and while they’re comfy, they need structured shoes to look intentional.
Chunky Sneakers
Street-style energy that feels effortless.
New Balance
Gender Inclusive 9060 Sneaker
$159
Heeled Mules
Feminine contrast to the slouchy silhouette.
Jeffrey Campbell
Head West Mule
$159.95
Sleek Ankle Boots
Adds polish to an otherwise relaxed jean.
Jeffrey Campbell
Siren Bootie
$174.95
Style Tip: Keep the rest of your outfit tailored (blazer, structured bag) to balance the oversized denim.
What Shoes to Wear With Barrel Jeans
Barrel jeans are trending hard—they’re voluminous, curved, and tricky to style without the right shoe.
Minimalist Sneakers
Slim sneakers offset the rounded silhouette.
adidas
Gender Inclusive Samba OG Sneaker
$110
Slim Loafers
Sharp and grounded, perfect for work outfits.
Valentino Garavani
VLOGO Signature Genuine Shearling Lined Platform Loafer
$1,150.00
Pointed Flats
The angular shape balances the curve of the jean.
Linea Paolo
Nadeen Pointed Toe Flat
$129.95
Style Tip: Keep barrel jeans cropped or cuffed just above the ankle to show off the shoe.
Read These Post Next:
What Shoe To Wear With Every Type Of Jean
Creator Images used for editorial purposes only. All rights belong to their respective creators. We always link and give credit.