The Ultimate Spring/Summer Shoe Pairing Guide for Kick Flares

Kick flares are one type of jeans I actually like wearing during the summer. These cropped flare jeans end well above the ankle and are a great way to show off both trendy and classic shoes.

Because your footwear will be 100% visible, choosing what shoes to wear with kick flares is key. It'll affect your overall look and could make or break your outfit!

But don't worry, my 20 years of experience in the fashion/styling industry and my love of flares will help! These 7 shoes, sandals, and sneakers will look great with your shorter jeans this season.

7 Chic Spring Shoes for Kick Flare Jeans

In this post I'm wearing high-rise kick flare jeans with a raw hem from from GAP. They have a 17″ leg opening with a regular 26.25″ inseam. I'm wearing a size 27 and they're a perfect fit!

[Related Post: Best Spring Shoes for Full Length Flares]

1. Sleek Sneakers

Kick flares with a slimmer sneaker make for a daintier pairing, especially in a mesh or lighter color.

These accentuate the ankle and are easily dressed down with a simple tee or hoodie and easy to dress up with a tank and linen blazer.

If color is your thing, ditch the neutrals and go for a bright red, green or even pink slimline sneaker like the Adidas Samba or Puma Palermo. Or pick a pair with a pop of color at the side.

2. Slingback Pumps

I rarely recommend slingbacks with longer jeans or pants because they have the tendency to catch the hem under the foot.

But that's not a problem your shoes will face with cropped flares! This is the perfect jeans style to show off a dainty ankle strap. I love these classic Chanel-inpired slingbacks for more classic, neutral looks.

These are particularly good for women with larger feet, as a cap-toe will make them appear smaller.

For more casual work days, you can finish off the look with a classic white tee and black blazer. Or, dress it up with a tweed cropped jacket with fun pearl buttons for a preppy spin.

All-black slingbacks will look just as chic, too and this Dream Pairs Style I'm wearing comes in 3 other colors and even in a flats version.

3. Ballerina Flats

Don't want to wear heels this spring, but want to look put-together and trendy? Ballet flats will be your kick flare's best friends!

You can show off a ballet flat with a Mary Jane strap (or two!) with the shorter jean hem. Ballet flats come in all materials, plain or with jewels. Even a low block-heeled version will be cute.

Leather ballet flats are the most versatile, but they can also head up your feat (especially faux leather!). You can have fun with woven or mesh flats, which are all the rage for spring/summer this year!

4. Kitten Heel Sandals

Dainty and delicate, a minimal low heeled sandal with small straps will take you from a casual lunch to a fancy dinner in no time.

The kick flares really showcase the straps and add a touch of sophistication to even the most banal of outfits! For petite ladies or those with shorter legs, an ankle strap does add a visual cut-off and may make your legs look shorter.

You can make your look more rock' n roll with a band tee and a black leather purse. For a more feminine look, add a white or patterned flowy blouse and a small structured handbag.

5. Strappy Flat Sandals

Why cover your strappy sandals with long jeans, when you can show off each strap with kick flares?

Although I do feel strappy flats and Greek-inspired sandals go with most clothing, they look fab with a cropped jean like kick flares.

Strappy sandals in neutrals like black, brown or beige make for great casual outfits, but you can also dress up your flares with a metallic gold or silver pair!

5. Low-Heeled Slides

If you want to show off your ankles in their full glory, a heeled slide sandal with kick flares will do the trick.

I prefer lower heeled slides with cropped flares, given the proportions. I went for a fun squared-toe slide in my pairing, but the possibilities are endless!

Unlike a more simple flat leather slide, one with a heel will elongate the legs (if that's something you're wanting) and dress up your jeans.

I'll be wearing my heeled slides and kick flares this summer with a peplum blouse or cropped linen tank and a small woven handbag.

5. Sleek Flat Slides

Flat comfy slides make it easy to get out and go, when wearing your short flares. I love a sleek leather style, or one that adds a little interest like the raffia embroidered ones I'm wearing above!

A simple black slide can be dressed up or down, but a metallic pair will up the style ante.

If you need more comfort, there's nothing wrong with reaching for a more earthy/sporty slide like Birkenstock sandals or classic clogs. If you have bigger feet, they may make your look even bigger, so keep that in mind!

✖️ Shoes to Avoid with Cropped Flare Jeans ✖️

Now that you know what shoes to wear with kick flares, let's chat about the shoe styles I'd avoid and why:

• Chunky Sneakers/Sandals: these can make feet look bigger and unless your flares are wider like bell bottoms, they may not balance out.
• Lower leather Ankle Boots: these will look awkward and the gap between the top of the boot and jean hem may look awkward. Tall shaft ankle boots are much more stylish, however, why would anyone want to suffer in boots during summer?
• Uggs: Please just don't do it. Same reasoning as to why the 2 styles above aren't great.
• Flip Flops: ok, these aren't bad bad, but they aren't a top choice for looking put together–especially run-down plastic pairs. Sleeker leather versions can work.

Now that you've picked your shoes:

It's time to complete your outfit! Thankfully when it comes to kick flares and shoes, once your footwear is selected, the rest of the look will come easily.

Just think what type of venue you're off to, your style and what feels best on you. I'm styling my outfits over at dressingyourstyle.com if you want to get some inspiration.

Have questions? I'm happy to answer them in the comments below or in my private FB group!

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