13 Best Shoes to Wear with Skinny Jeans Outfits in 2024 | ShoeTease

Many ladies have asked me over the years what shoes to wear with skinny jeans. Not at all surprising, since shrink-wrapped jeans have been a huge (or should I say “skinny”? bwahahahah!) fashion influence over the past decade. 

It appears that skinny jeans have become a classic to be reckoned with!

Are skinny jeans out of style? 

Yes and no. They have actually become a wardrobe jeans staple. That means, they will be a go-to style that will suit all ages, styles and body types for a long time coming!

However, styling skinny jeans with right outfits–and specifically, shoes–will dictate whether your skinny jeans will look dated or not.

RELATED: Sneakers to Wear with Skinny Jeans & the Best Boots to Wear with Skinny Jeans! 

What Shoes to Wear with Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans with heels make a lovely combo. Not to mention There are so many different types of heels that look incredible They not only make your legs look longer, but they will elevate most skinny jean outfits. 

Of course, the style of heels with skinny jeans you pick and the rest of the outfit will dictate which event you can wear them to. These are my favorite outfit with skinny jeans and heels:

1. Heeled Pumps

Love me some skinny jeans and pumps! Single-sole a.k.a. zero platform pumps with a pointed or slightly rounded toe are your best options. If you gotta have a platform, go for a minimal one.

Heeled pumps – especially pointed-toe versions – accentuate the curve of the ankle & look streamlined with the base of the jeans, whether you've cuffed them or not. This high heel pump looks slick, extremely on-trend & fabulously chic in my eyes in all colors, subtle or bright.

I mean, it's no coincidence that retailers are currently showing off their skinny pant styles with this type of footwear; now it is?!

Kitten heel pumps are also a more relaxed option if you want a more subtle heel. I mean, Prada's slingback pumps are all the rage!

If you want to keep your skinny jeans outfit more classic, look for Roger Vivier pumps (or similar) with a lower block heel and square toe.

Just as shoes with cropped dress pants, cropped skinny jeans, or Capri cuts can give off a fun 50s retro vibe with a high heeled pointed pump, a halter top and slicked back pony!

2. Strappy High Heel Sandals

Didn't think I'd write up a “what to wear with” shoe post without including minimal sandals & Stuart Weitzman's Nudist, did ya?

Always a pretty shoe with a simple ankle & front strap that beautifully enhances the foot & leg. So, perfect with skinny jeans, and anything else, really!

Any color works, although with such dainty shoes, I prefer solid colors & color blocking. If your sandals have chunky heels or stilettos, they will look fab.

Make sure to roll up those jeans to show off the ankle straps!! The A+ grade PERFECT sleek shoes to wear with skinny jeans!

Chunky heel shoes & sandals are another enormous shoe trend continuing in 2023. Whether strappy or otherwise, chunky heels are an excellent choice for your skinny jeans.

Single-soled shoes are again best, but if you really want a platform, make sure it is a fraction the height of the heel, as pictured above. Otherwise, your feet will look clunky & not in tune with the slim look of the pants.

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• Shoes to wear with Mom jeans

3. Clear Heels

If you want to dress up your skinny jeans with contemporary shoes, clear heels are it! They are fun, but subtle. They will style well with all kinds of skinny jeans, whether long, cropped, dark or light. Add a plain white tee, a sparkly bodysuit or anything in between.

From a night out at the club, or a summertime dinner with friends (or date!) clear heels will add height and interest to your outfit without adding any bulk.

Favorite Clear Heels:

Your best option for wearing flats with skinny jeans is, as with pumps, a thinner sole with a tapered toe shape.

Why? If you pair tight pants with a square or rounded toe shape, you’ll look like a flat-footed duck. Sorry for being blunt folks, but that's the hard truth!

It's also worth mentioning that if you’ve got a very long, lean foot, a pointed toe flat (especially in white or a bright color) is a huge (pun intended!) no-no.

4. Ballerina Flats

Your best option for wearing flats with skinny jeans is, as with pumps, a thinner sole with a tapered toe shape.

Why? If you pair tight pants with a large square or rounded toe shape, you'll look like a flat-footed duck. Especially if you have a large foot. Sorry for being blunt folks, but that's the hard truth! So any toe shape needs to be subtle and streamlined.

It's also worth mentioning that if you've got a very long, lean foot, a pointed-toe flat (especially in a white or bright color) is a huge (pun intended!) no-no.

These will make your feet look extra long & awkward. Below are 3 of my favorite flat shoes to wear with skinny jeans.

5. Lace-Up Flat Sandals

Looking for trendy sandals for skinny jeans that go with any casual outfit? Choose a pair of tan lace-up flats.

Unlike black or white versions, tan, beige, gold strappy flat sandals are more demure. Especially and ones that match your skin-tone.

Yes, the laces will add some texture and interest to your outfit, but the color will blend well to fit all kinds of laid-back to smart casual summer outfits with skinnies.

But if you want a more edgy look, choose a pair of contrasting black or white lace-up sandals with an all-black or black/white outfit.

6. Loafers

A trendy jean with a classic loafer gives a slight geek-chic to your ensemble. It's also a great casual pairing for any occasion. Not to mention how comfortable it is. Well, depending on how tight your jeans are, surely 😉

There are many types of loafers too, which lots of trendy takes on classic loafers which I'm loving right now. Pointed-toe loafers are still a big hit.

However, penny loafers, lug-sole and chunky styles like the Spazzolato Prada loafers are going strong. You can even add socks for some quirk (more about in my post all about the best socks for loafers!).

Also referred to as loafers & whatnot nowadays, I just love a slipper with my skinnies. They look laid-back, modern & chic, no matter what the material.

If you're opting for a pointed-toe slipper loafer flat, these shoes look best on small to medium-sized feet. Pointy toe flats on large feet look oddly disproportionate to ankle-hugging jeans.

Check out my style guide on what to wear with loafers for more loafers outfit inspo!

7. Minimal Slides

Minimal slides with skinny jeans are a great combo. Both heeled and flat slides are great and easy shoes to style with skinny jeans. And depending on the style, they can dress you up or down for the occasion.

A high or kitten-heeled black, metallic or white leather slide will take you from a chic lunch to an evening out. Pair these with a darker wash, high-waisted skinny jeans, a tucked-in tee or blouse and a blazer. 

A flat slide, whether a more sporty or simple leather slide is also versatile with skinnies. Keep things casual with a distressed pair of tight denim jeans, an oversized tee and a flat Adidas Adilette slide. 

For in-between looks that can also work for the office, choose medium wash skinny jeans, and a crisp white or printed flowy blouse and top it off with your jacket of choice.

There are a slew of great boots to wear with skinny jeans, as I've outlined in my dedicated post. These are my favorite boots with skinnies for pre-spring to winter wear:

8. Combat Boots

From classic-lace ups to lug-sole versions to Chelsea boot combats, these simply look great with skinnies. Black or white styles can give a rocker vibe.

Brown or burgundy ones look great with earthy-hued outfits. Lots of outfit tips in my post about how to wear combat boots. 

Combat Boots We Love:

9. Ankle Boots

You can't beat a sleek ankle boot with skinny jeans. I prefer sleek, pointed or almond-shaped toes with a heel that can be styled up or down.

Skin-tight stiletto sock booties make great evening shoes. A slim-fitting flat ankle boot will also look stylish and be more comfortable for everyday wear. 

Check out my in-depth guide on how to wear ankle boots with jeans of all kinds in my latest post!

Ankle Boots We Love:

10. Knee Boots

From straight leg knee boots to over-the knee styles, you have lots of choices! From metallic to leopard print boots, with stilettos or block heels, you can literally wear them as you wish.

11. Cowboy Boots 

These fit perfectly into skinny jeans and give a western vibe. Keep your outfit sleek and contemporary, like all black, or add a boho feel to your look with a billowy blouse and a fringe purse. More style tips in my post on how to wear cowboy boots!

I love to reach for sneakers with skinny jeans when I want to run errands or pick up my kids from school. Although a lot of styles look good with skinnies, these two are my go-tos:

12. Classic White Sneakers

You can't beat a classic white sneaker. Whether lace-ups, or with a velcro closing, a simple white, minimal sneaker will go with all kinds of skinny jeans outfits. 

Think luxe Golden Goose sneaker with medium wash skinnies, a minimal top and a classic beige trench for work. 

Or, add a Nike Air Force 1 with cropped or ankle-length skinny jeans in a light wash for a more casual look. Add a simple tee, and some striped sports socks if you feel it!

13. Retro Sneakers

Black and white, or color-blocked retro sneakers will add a fun twist to your skinny jeans outfit. You can add any color skinny jeans, or keep things subtle with black or white (my fave!) jeans.

Add a tee and if it's winter, add a puffer jacket, and you're good to go.

Shoes NOT to Wear with Skinny Jeans

Now since these jeans not only taper but, more often than not, tighten in & around the ankles, you want to choose a streamlined shoe type.

This is so as not to make the area around your feet/shoes too large/chunky & oddly proportioned vs. your lower legs & ankles.

So again, if you're personal style calls for it, and you can rock the look, go crazy. But generally speaking, the list of shoes not to wear with skinny jeans will appear too heavy for your tight jeans & do anything but flatter.

How so? They'll make your feet look blocky, unattractive & stumpy. But if that's your style, who am I to stop you?!

• Flip-Flops: these are great beach vacation shoes or ones to have at the gym. But styling a basic flop with skinnies may look sloppy and is a bit lazy. But maybe it's just me… 
• Flatforms: the higher & blockier, the uglier. They'll make your feet look really long, flat & not elegant.
• Creepers: tall & rounded. Like loaves of bread. See above, middle image.
• Platforms (see exceptions as listed in the above “Wedges” section)
• Birkenstocks & the “Ugly Sandals”: you'll appear to have duck feet in these if you have narrow feet & ankles. If you're keen on them, take a look at my post on how to style Birkenstocks for some outfit-balancing ideas!
• Rounded-toe platform pumps: Hey, if you want to look like Minnie Mouse or think Arianna Grande has excellent taste, then go nuts! But in terms of trend factor, this is a dated shoe that should probably be reserved under your VERY long flared jeans. But with skinny ones, they look too clunky & a little trashy in my style books. See Louboutins, above, with pale blue skinny pants.

Final Thoughts on What Shoes to Wear with Skinny Jeans

When figuring out what shoes to wear with skinny jeans, you want to choose shoes that won't make your feet look too large, long, or pointy.

The best heels to opt for are single-soled ones, or if necessary, with a minimal platform. 

When thinking about flats, again, foot size is significant & will ultimately figure into whether the shoes complement the jeans' silhouette.

I suggest investing in a good quality pair, like this pair of skinny jeans. These high quality jeans won't lose their shape or color easily, so they will stay with you for many seasons to come!

But what about BOOTS? And SNEAKERS??? Why didn't you have a section on those types of footwear to wear with skinny jeans, you ask?!

Well, folks, you're in luck: I've written an in-depth post about which sneakers with skinnies look best & the most stylish boots with skinny jeans to wear in the current & upcoming seasons. Just too many shoes to wear with skinnies to fit into one post!

Maybe you're ready to venture from your skinnies to some wider jeans? If so, I've got you covered! Learn about the best shoes to wear with flare jeans here and the 14 best shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans too:)

xo ShoeTease

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