Ever stood in front of your mirror, perfectly content with your denim choice, but feeling like something is just... off? The secret might just be in your shoe selection. Pairing the right shoes with the right denim can elevate your entire look from casual to chic, or from plain to polished. This guide breaks down the best shoe pairings for different denim styles, ensuring you step out in style every time.

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are versatile, hugging the leg and offering a sleek, flattering shape. This makes them perfect for showing off your footwear.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Combat boots

• Tall boots 

• Classic white sneakers

• Pointed-toe heels or ankle boots

• Strappy sandals in the warmer months

Avoid: Chunky loafers or mid-calf boots that can cut off your leg line.

Straight-Leg Jeans

Straight-leg jeans offer a balanced, structured yet relaxed look, making them a good choice for various shoe styles.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Block heels or mules

• Minimalist sneakers

• Ballet flats or pointed-toe flats

• Heeled booties (fit under the hem)

Avoid: Chunky soles or platform slides that may feel too heavy for a clean look.

Boyfriend or Relaxed Fit Jeans

These jeans are all about comfort and a casual vibe. Pairing them with equally relaxed footwear is key.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Low-profile sneakers

• Slides or flat sandals

• Loafers with a slim profile

• Ankle boots with a rolled cuff

Avoid: Very high or bulky heels that might disrupt the relaxed balance of the outfit.

Flare & Bootcut Jeans

With their volume at the bottom, flare, and bootcut jeans require shoes that can hold their own and provide some height.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Wedges

• Platform sandals

• Ankle boots with a block heel

• Cowboy or Western boots

Avoid: Flats with no structure, which might get lost under the hem and disrupt the flow of the outfit.

Cropped Denim

Cropped denim is designed to show off a bit of ankle, making it a great opportunity to highlight your shoes.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Mules or slides

• Statement sneakers

• Low boots

• Heeled sandals

Avoid: High-shaft boots that could awkwardly meet the crop point, disrupting the leg line.

Denim Shorts

Denim shorts offer a playful freedom in styling, allowing you to experiment with proportions and shoe styles.

Best Shoe Pairings:

• Slides and sandals

• White sneakers

• Low-top Converse or Vans

• Booties for a touch of edginess

Pro tip: Match the vibe of the shorts. Sporty shorts pair well with sporty shoes, while tailored shorts work with polished flats. Distressed shorts can be styled with edgier footwear.

Final Thoughts

The goal is to have your shoes complement your denim, not compete with it. When in doubt, opt for simple and clean styles. And remember, a quick mirror selfie can often be the best way to assess if your shoe and denim pairing works.

Need denim to go with your new shoe lineup? Shop All Denim Styles!