Vegan or genuine leather pants are a capsule staple for many women, especially for those who gravitate towards a more edgy look.
Because of the thicker, slick fabric, picking what shoes to wear with leather pants– black or otherwise–can be tricky.
There are countless ways to style leather pants for different occasions, so starting with the shoes is always a great idea!
11+ Shoes to Wear with Leather Pants
I'll be wearing simple outfits paired with leather trousers, below, to illustrate what I believe are the best shoes with leather pants-both styles and colors.
Keep in mind that I'm wearing ankle length straight leg leather pants to showcase the shoes (these ones from GAP).
If your pants are super tight like leather leggings or a different color, some shoe styles and colors may not apply.
1. Suede Heeled Pumps (Plain or Jewelled)
Starting with my favorite shoes to wear with leather pants: black suede heels. You can go for a high heeled pump like I did. But a mule or kitten heel slingback pump will look fabulous, and trendy.
I love how the smoothness of the pants contrasts the matte of the shoes, making this an easy go-to shoe when wearing an all black leather pant outfit.
If black pumps are too boring, you can always reach for a bejewelled pair with rhinestones or pearls. I just added some shoe clips to upgrade the heels! A satin shirt would look fab with this pairing for an evening out.
2. Black Strappy Sandals
I don't always love leather on leather, but when you pair a more minimal sandal, it can work! My sandal leather matches the pants and ties the two items together in a subtle way.
Of course, a suede pair will also work well, and you can swap out the black strappy sandal for a red, white or metallic shoe.
3. White Leather Shoes & Heels
You can't beat black and white! White heels, even ankle boots or sandals will really pop against the leather pants. More so with black leather pants, but these will go well with any leather-like trouser in all colors.
4. Velvet or Suede Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are still trending, so why not pair this dainty shoe with an edgy leather pant to add some contrast? I love the velvet touch for fall!
Flats are a great alternative to a heel shoe, and depending on the style, can just as easily elevate an outfit.
5. Leather Loafers
Leather pants with loafers are an easy combination if you're looking for a comfortable shoe that isn't a sneaker.
I like to wear mine with a platform sole to in a matching leather to give the outfit an edge, but there are many other loafer style options: patent loafers, white loafers, heeled loafers & even classic penny or horsebit loafers.
There are so many trending loafers this fall, so take your pick!
6. Black Suede (or Fabric) Ankle Boots
I'll preface this section by pointing out that a finer heel would have been the better option, but really any heel can work.
And yes, a matching leather ankle boot can also work, but I prefer the matte texture of a suede or matte fabric bootie here, as it adds a different texture.
I'm wearing a pair of sock booties, which are tight on the ankle and I can wear under my boots. However, with a tighter pant, you can reach for a looser boot to tuck in the pants.
7. Snake Print Ankle Boots or Pumps
A natural snake or reptile print can look great with leather pants in most colors, as it has so many shapes of black/grey/beige in it. I like how the black snake in the boots above catches the color of the pants.
And yes, other animal prints look great with leather items, but leopard or zebra prints might be too much for some!
If that's the case, try them in a pair of more tame shoe style like a pointed pump, leopard ballet flats and minimal sandals, or a kitten heel pointed slingback pump.
8. Low Profile Leather Sneakers
Leather pants with sneakers might not be your first choice when pairing the two, but they work. All kinds of sneakers can work, but the easiest to style are a pair of low profile sneakers with a slim profile.
If you're wearing black leather pants, pick any sneaker color that has some black in it (like a logo or outsole), to best compliment the trousers.
You can even go for a bit of a platform like I did above. You can try a pair of real or star sneaker dupes in a black leather with silver accents if you're looking for a more rock'n roll vibe.
9. Red Shoes or Heels
Red shoes look great with black leather pants, because they give a edgy pop of color to the already gritty pants. A suede shoe, like a pump gives a great matte to shine contrast. A great combo for a holiday party!
If bright red shoes are too much color for you, burgundy shoes are trending and they look fab with black leather!
Other red shoe options include: suede slides, kitten heel slides, slip on loafers and sneakers. Ankle boots can also work, but that's a lot of red, so maybe they would look best under a full length wider leg leather pant.
Check out my post all about red shoe styling if you need more styling insight.
Red not your color? No problem! You can add a punch of color to your black pants with any bright hue, like apple green shoes or hot pink shoes.
10. Silver Heels
Nothing says a party like a sparky silver shoe paired with leather pants! It's a festive combination that adds some colorless shine to the outfit.
I'm wearing silver sandals, but a silver pump or flat can also work.
Mirror metallic silver shoes are a big trend right in many shoe styles, so why not reach for a pair from the fall 2024 shoe lineup?
11. Dad Sneakers
If leather pants and sneakers is your thing and you want a comfy sneaker, you can always reach for a dad style or running shoe.
I love this unexpected pairing, making your leather pants easy to wear with everyday outfits.
I like my grey New Balance 990 V6s here, but the black version of this style, or more runner style sneakers like New Balance 530s or Asics Gel Kayanos also look great.
Complete the casual look this fall with a hoodie, or t-shirt and denim jacket.
12. Matching Leather Knee Boots
Last, but not least, you an go for a more over-the-top full leather leg by wearing your leather pants with knee high boots or calf height boots.
I find this looks best when the leathers match in color and softness, like the ones I paired above-even though the boots are genuine leather and the pants are not. That way, it's almost seamless between the two.
Although this look is a bit on the advanced side of the leather pants and shoe styling spectrum, if you're into an even edgier look with their leather pants, it makes for a fun, more over-the-top look.
I tamed the outfit down with a black tee and matte fabric blazer, but you could easily add a band tee, white button down shirt, or tighter top, if that's more your style.
Where to Buy Vegan + Leather Pants:
Now That You Can Pair Leather Pants with Shoes
You can create many looks for yourself, from elevated everyday casual outfits with sneakers, to party looks–even for the holidays!
I'm hoping to get some outfits with these black leather pants up on dressingyourstyle.com, my fashion styling site, so stay tuned.
If you need more help with styling your leather pants outfit? Feel free to ask in the comments below, or join my private free Facebook group, where we share our outfit and styling questions. Come by and say hi!
xo Cristina
Cristina is the chief editor, fashion & shoe expert here at ShoeTease. As a seasoned stylist and women's fashion & shoe designer, she boasts over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She loves crafting effortless outfits for ladies both online and off and believes that styling advice should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a styling pro or just starting out, Cristina's here to guide you on your fashion journey! Learn more.
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