Over the past few years, wide-legged jeans have surged in popularity among women of all age groups. These jeans are flattering on all body types. For curvier folks, wide-legged jeans can accommodate a larger figure and look full without looking frumpy. For skinnier wearers, wide-legged jeans can give the illusion of having a fuller figure while staying airy and comfortable for all-day wear.
I like pairing wide-legged jeans with a variety of different looks–they are my go-to jeans for an easy, comfortable look that lets me move freely throughout the day. Unlike more restrictive skinny jeans, wide-legged jeans are ideal for moving around comfortably while still looking cute.
Here are some of my favorite types of shoes to pair what wide-legged jeans–the possibilities are almost endless, but some shoes look better with others under a pair of flared-leg jeans.
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
Combat Boots
Source: Zappos.com
To maximize the punk rock look of wide-legged jeans and make a bold statement, we cannot go wrong with combat boots. A pair of classic laced-up combat boots such as the original Dr. Martens 1460 Bex in Black or White, as sold on Zappos, will add a rockstar element to wide-legged jeans. Since wide-legged jeans are so comfortable, it only makes sense to up the comfort level by adding a pair of comfortable, reliable boots to the outfit.
Cowboy (Or Cowgirl) Boots
For a country flair that will fit right in at the county fair or a trip to the smalltown corner store, western boots are the best shoes to pair with wide-legged jeans. You do not need to be a ranch hand or live in the wild west to appreciate the aesthetic of wide-legged jeans with cowboy or cowgirl boots.
Check out Amazon’s SODA Women’s Western Cowboy Pointed Toe Knee High Pull-on Tabs Boots for a pair of cowgirl boots that will match any pair of wide-legged pants. These boots are wide enough to tuck wide-legged jeans into for a practical look that stays clean through mud or puddles but skinny enough for a super wide-legged jean to slide right over for more casual wear.
High Heels
Source: Zappos.com
Wide-legged jeans can be a little longer and get caught on the soles of shoes that are closer to the ground. An easy fix for petite wide-legged jeans wearers is pairing wide-legged jeans with a heel high enough to elevate the hem above ground level.
A pair of platform heels such as Vicenza Braided Platform Heels, which are sold by Anthropologie, will lift your feet and wide-legged jeans’ hem up high while giving off bohemian 70’s vibes to match a bell-bottom jean. Channel your inner disco queen with platform heels or opt for a daintier pump such as the Steve Madden Vala Pump to raise the roof–or at least raise the hems so they do not get soaked, trampled, or tripped over on a wide-legged jean pant.
Chunky Sneaker
A wide-legged jean is bulky enough to handle heftier shoes such as a chunky sneaker. A popular pairing with wide-legged jeans is currently chunky athletic sneakers such as LINEA Paolo Kenzi sneakers on Zappos. When these chunky shoes are peaking out from underneath the hem of a wide-legged jean, they are sure to add a sporty flair to a casual look.
Slides
For casual comfort and an easy on-the-go slip-on style, slide sandals are thick enough to complement a wide-legged jean and comfortable enough to match a wide-legged jean’s cozy vibes. Birkenstock-style slides such as the Eva Arizona Birkenstock Sandal on Free People are chunky enough to stand up to a pair of wide-legged jeans but stylish enough to look cute with them. These slides especially are a great way to add a pop of color to plain jeans.
Flat Sandals
For a casual day of grocery shopping or hanging out at the beach, flat sandals are a great way to keep the feet breezy and comfy. Wide-legged jeans work well with flat sandals because they are very casual and comfortable, just like flat sandals. For a floral, girly look with chunky flat sandals, try Free People’s Wildflowers Crossband Sandals.
Mules
Mule shoes are similar to ballet flats with one small difference–the back is usually cut out. They are like a classier version of the clog. Mules are great for slipping on and going, so if you are wearing wide-legged jeans for comfort and ease, these shoes will complete the look perfectly. Go for Guilhermina Ballet Mules, which are sold on Anthropologie, if you cannot bear to part with the classic ballet flat style but still want to shake it up with your wide-legged jeans.
High-Top Sneakers
High-top sneakers like Converse Unisex-Adult Chuck Taylor All-Star Vintage Washed Twill Double Zip Ox, sold on Amazon, are a classic combination with wide-legged jeans. Go all out with a 90s baby vibe by pairing converse high tops with high-waisted mom jeans and your favorite 90s style shirt or keep it simple with a pair of wide-legged jeans, high-top sneakers, and a hoodie.