The Best Shoes To Wear With Every Denim Style

paris, france october 01 caroline daur wears a bright orange miu miu leather bag, black pointed toe strappy slingback leather miu miu heels, outside miu miu, during the paris fashion week springsummer 2025 on october 1, 2024 in paris, france photo by edward berthelotgetty images
The Best Shoes To Wear With Every Denim StyleEdward Berthelot

Owning a great pair of jeans is practically a style rite of passage – we all have that favourite pair that’s perfectly broken in and works for almost any occasion, whether dressed up or down. But while nailing the outfit is crucial, the right shoes can take your look to the next level (or completely derail it). Here’s ELLE UK’s guide to the best shoes for every denim style, so your outfit is always on point.

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Barrel Leg Jeans

To balance out the voluminous, balloon shape of barrel-leg jeans, opt for more dainty footwear. Think kitten heels, ballet flats, or strappy sandals. The key is to contrast the loose silhouette of the jeans with something streamlined, keeping the overall look balanced and polished.

Skinny Jeans

The divisive skinny jean requires careful consideration when it comes to footwear. The wrong choice could lead you down a path of indie sleaze reminiscent of the forgotten Tumblr years. For a modern take, you can go one of two ways: either sleek with ballet flats and pointed slingbacks, or edgy with chunky biker boots and platform loafers. Both options add interest without feeling like a thing of the past.

Wide-Leg Jeans

Wide-leg jeans can be tricky to style due to their floor-grazing length and larger-than-life silhouette. However, with the right shoes, they become effortlessly cool. A pair of sleek loafers, cult-favourite sneakers, or platform boots will give you height and balance, ensuring you stride confidently while keeping your hems off the ground.

Slim-Cut Jeans

The tapered shape and leg-hugging fit of a slim-fit jean means they sit neatly atop boots for a classic look. Alternatively, tuck them into knee-high boots for the illusion of skinnies without the squeeze. Slim-cut jeans are the most versatile when it comes to shoe pairings, as long as the leg length is right, pretty much any shoe will work.

Boot-Cut Jeans

As the name suggests, boot-cut jeans are made for pairing with (you guessed it) boots. Whether it's a retro cowboy style or a sleek heeled option, they complement the flared hem perfectly. Just steer clear of anything too bulky, as it can throw off the clean lines of the jeans silhouette. For a foolproof finish, opt for boots with a slightly pointed toe to elongate the leg and keep the look balanced.


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