Wide leg jeans are having a major moment, and for good reason! They’re chic, elongating, and surprisingly versatile. But if you’ve ever stood in front of your closet with your new wide leg jeans on, wondering, what shoes do I wear with these?… you’re not alone! This is one of the most common style dilemmas. The wrong shoe can make wide leg jeans look sloppy, while the right shoe instantly elevates your outfit.
The good news? Styling wide leg jeans doesn’t have to be complicated. Below, I’m breaking down four go-to shoe options that pair perfectly with this denim silhouette. These are timeless, wearable choices that will keep you looking polished and modern without any of the stress. Bonus – you probably already have most of these shoes in your closet!
Huge thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for even more denim styling tips, check out my full guide on what shoes to wear with various types of jeans.
what shoes go with wide leg jeans?
Wide leg jeans can feel tricky to style at first because the extra volume around the leg may make it harder to know what shoes will keep the outfit looking sleek. But the truth is, it’s actually super simple! The key is choosing shoes that elongate your frame and create a clean, streamlined silhouette.
Shoes with a little bit of height—like a low block heel, slingback, pump, or heeled bootie—make a big difference in how polished wide leg jeans look. They often look even better with a bit of lift because it elongates the legs—especially flattering if you’re petite! That doesn’t mean you need to wear tall heels, though. Even a subtle kitten heel or platform sneaker can give you the right amount of extra height while keeping the look comfortable and effortless.
Slingbacks + Pumps
If you want to add instant sophistication to your wide leg jeans, reach for slingbacks or classic pumps. The slight heel helps elongate your legs, and the pointed or almond toe peeking out from under the hemline creates the longest, sleekest leg line possible. This simple detail is especially flattering if you’re petite. These shoes are perfect for dressier occasions, dinners out, or even the office if you want to keep your outfit professional but still modern.
✨ Style Note: It’s hard to tell in the photos, but the slingbacks above have a gorgeous ruched accent that makes them feel extra special — a subtle detail that elevates the whole look.
Loafers + Mules
For a polished yet comfortable option, loafers and mules are ideal. Both styles channel that effortless French-girl chic vibe (one of my favorites!) while still elongating your frame and creating a longer leg line. For extra height, opt for a modern, feminine block-heel loafer, or keep it sleek and easy with a refined mule.
✨ Style Note: This black-and-white pair by L’Agence is ridiculously chic—and surprisingly comfortable (for heels). They transition beautifully from the office to dinner, and I’ll likely style them with patterned socks in the fall for warmth, comfort, and an extra dash of cool.
Sneakers
Yes—you can absolutely wear sneakers with wide leg jeans! I get this question all the time, and the answer is always a confident yes. The key is choosing a streamlined pair with a little bit of lift, and opting for something modern—like leather or suede retro-inspired sneakers—rather than basic running shoes. Sneakers keep your outfit casual and cool while still looking chic. This combo is perfect for travel, weekend errands, or anytime comfort is a priority but you don’t want to sacrifice style.
For the most elongating effect, choose a shade close to the color of your jeans. With the charcoal pair above, I went with my favorite black sneakers. These platform sneakers have “done-for-you” laces, so they’re super easy to slip on and off—and they’ve become a Busbee Style best-seller for a reason!
✨ Style Note: If I were wearing white or light-wash denim, I’d switch to a lighter pair of sneakers instead for a more seamless, leg-lengthening look.
Narrow Shaft Booties
When cooler weather rolls in, a narrow shaft bootie can easily be your go-to with wide leg jeans. The slim silhouette of the boot helps avoid any extra bulk under your jeans and creates a clean, elongated leg line. Look for pointed or almond shaped toes with a slim heel for the most flattering look. These are versatile enough for both day and night. You can wear them to the office with a blazer or for date night with a chic blouse! I also love that you can wear socks to keep your feet nice and toasty.
✨ Style Note: These black booties are one of my absolute favorites. They’re surprisingly comfortable (for heels!) and come in a variety of heel heights, so you can find the perfect pair for your lifestyle. I recommend skipping knee-high or over-the-knee boots under wide leg jeans since they can add extra, unwanted bulk.
How to Choose the Right Wide-Leg Jeans
Before we wrap things up, let’s talk about the jeans themselves. After all, finding the right pair of wide-leg jeans for your body shape and height is just as important as picking the perfect shoes. The truth is, not all wide-leg jeans are created equal, and choosing the right pair can make all the difference in how flattering they look.
Here are a few key things to look for:
Fabric Weight → This matters more than you might think. Lightweight denim (like the Rag & Bone Featherweight Logan jeans I’m wearing above) drapes beautifully and feels fluid, not bulky. Heavier denim can also work, but it’s definitely trickier to style and can feel stiff.
Fit at the Waist & Hips → A high rise offers maximum leg-lengthening impact. If you carry weight in your lower tummy, though, you may find a mid- or low-rise more comfortable and flattering.
Length → Wide-leg jeans look best when they almost graze the floor with shoes that add a little lift. This creates that long, lean, polished line.
Wash → Darker washes are the most slimming and elongating. That doesn’t mean you have to skip lighter washes altogether—just know that when you want to look your longest and leanest, darker denim is your best friend.
✨ Style Note: The Rag & Bone Featherweight Logan jeans are one of my current favorites because they’re loose all the way through the leg. The drape feels modern and looks effortless. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable. It’ll be real hard to go back to skinnies after wearing something these.
style made simple
When it comes to wide leg jeans, the goal is to choose shoes that elongate your frame. That’s the real beauty of this silhouette: unlike skinnies, wide leg jeans can actually make your legs look a mile long. And just a little extra height goes a long way in keeping the look polished rather than frumpy.
Whether you love the sophistication of slingbacks, the ease of loafers, the casual vibe of sneakers, or the chic polish of booties, the right shoes will help you feel confident and stylish every time you wear wide leg denim. The key is finding a pair that offers at least a subtle lift, so the jeans work with your frame and highlight that leg-lengthening effect.
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