Jeans are a wardrobe staple for men everywhere because of how easily they can be styled with other items and how many different ways they can be worn. However, the secret to a flawless getup is in choosing the right shoes to go with your jeans of choice.
There is no shortage of chic footwear that is both practical and wearable with jeans, whether you're dressing for a night out or a casual workday. Men's fashion can range from casual to formal, with the former involving sneakers, dark skinny jeans, and a t-shirt, and the latter involving dress shoes, fitting jeans, and a button-down shirt.
Given the wide variety of possibilities, picking on the right pair of shoes to wear with jeans may be a real challenge. We've compiled a selection of stylish footwear that goes splendidly with denim to spark your imagination. Find the best shoe or boot to complement your jeans in our in-depth guide.
Shoes to Kick Back in with Jeans
Finding the right pair of casual shoes to wear with your jeans is essential for creating a versatile and attractive style that is both comfortable and put-together. Jeans are a classic and always in style bottom that can be dressed up or down with the right top. Men who are conscious of their appearance have many options for casual shoes to pair with their jeans, including trainers, sneakers, and a wide variety of boots.
Trainers or other casual shoes look great with blue jeans and a fitting crew neck t-shirt or henley with the sleeves rolled up. This laid-back getup is perfect for running errands throughout the day or hanging out at a local watering hole in the evening.
Replace your sports trainers with a pair of white or black low-top dress sneakers and a bomber jacket to instantly upgrade your street style. Wear your favorite lightweight coat, dress sneakers, and a button-down shirt for a night out on the town. A blazer may elevate an outfit to the next level of sophistication, while a denim jacket can make you look trendy and handsome.
Men can add a touch of manliness to these ensembles by wearing brown or black chukka boots.
Elegant Sneakers to Wear with Jeans
A well-balanced wardrobe, including business casual shoes and jeans, can convey an air of sophistication and polish. Stylish leather designer sneakers, black chukka or Chelsea boots, loafers, Oxfords, or Derby shoes are common choices for men's business casual and semi-formal footwear.
To make an impact in the boardroom, wear sleek leather shoes with black skinny jeans, a button-down shirt, a jacket, and a leather belt. Cap-toe Oxford shoes in black or dark brown are a stylish choice for a more professional office environment. Dress sneakers in a dark color are the most appropriate business casual footwear for a cocktail club.
Put up a stylish casual summer look by pairing white trousers with leather boat shoes, a light shirt (such a button-down or polo), and a gray linen jacket. In the spring and fall, a pair of dark wash jeans, a cashmere v-neck sweater, a button-down shirt, and a sport coat are appropriate attire. These adaptable garments may take you from day to night without sacrificing your sense of style.
Tweed provides a sophisticated country contrast to your urban-chic loafers this fall. A wool coat and a pair of Italian loafers are a classic wintertime combination.
Dressed-up Jeans and Oxfords
Dress shoes are a great way to give your denim ensemble a more polished look. While striking a balance between so many different looks might be challenging, there is a broad variety of shoes that can be worn with jeans to create a polished and contemporary ensemble. Leather moccasins, drivers, and horsebit loafers are staples that go with just about anything, and they pair especially well with jeans. Choose slip-on suede shoes in lighter tones for a more casually sophisticated summertime look.
Pointed Italian horsebit loafers are great for semi-formal occasions since their clean lines look great with straight-leg jeans that fit just right. Venetian loafers are a beautiful, high-end option for those who want a more understated design, and they look great with suits for business dinners or other semi-formal occasions.
Dress shoes and selvedge denim can make for a sophisticated and put-together look. While derby leather shoes add a sense of modest elegance, oxford shoes convey a dapper, intricate charm. Patinated leather dress shoes look great with well-tailored, high-quality denim. These dress shoes would look great with a pair of designer jeans and a button-down shirt made from a cashmere-cotton blend.
Wearing denim and a pair of brown boots
Wearing leather chukka boots with dark blue jeans is a classic look that exudes confidence and charisma. A pair of brown Chelsea boots and blue jeans can make you look like a modern, deconstructed woodsman, perfect for a stroll around the city or a night on the town.
For the warmer summer months, try pairing lighter denim colours with lighter suede boots, such as buff tan or sandy tints. Dress sneakers in luxurious brown leather are on-trend and can be worn with both skinny black jeans and looser blue denim. You may dress up your jeans and t-shirt with a blazer when you wear these trendy sneakers.
If you're looking to spruce up your wardrobe, luxury brands like Koio Capri, Oliver Cabell Low 1, and Beckett Simonon Morgen are a good bet.
Wearing Black Socks with Jeans
Black shoes and jeans are a classic combination, and they look great with any kind of casual, smart, or business casual attire. When paired with jeans, a pair of black boots exudes a ruggedly gorgeous air, while a pair of black dress sneakers is both modern and stylish. Most men use black trainers, sneakers, or suede boots as casual footwear to go with jeans.
Wearing black work boots with dark jeans and a slubbed cotton shirt is a great way to achieve a stylish urban image. For cooler weather, round off the look with a suede motorcycle jacket. Cuffed jeans and Chelsea boots with a canvas bomber jacket are a classic look that will never go out of style. Alternatively, chukka or lace-up boots are great options that go well with virtually any pair of jeans in any hue.
Men who value minimalism can't go wrong by pairing dark denim jeans with a pair of black leather sneakers. For a flawless off-the-runway look, go with either a white outsole or an all-black color scheme. Try on some different heel heights and toe widths from well-known shoemakers including Cole Haan GrandPro, Koio Capri, Greats by Common Projects, and more.
Black Italian loafers will give the impression that you've toured the world without even trying. Try wearing these this summer with a pair of no-show socks, some white denim, and a breezy linen shirt. Pair your shoes with cuffed blue jeans and a charcoal pea coat in fall and winter.
When paired with jeans and a t-shirt, a pair of black sneakers creates the ultimate in laid-back style. Although athleisure is back in vogue, trainers look best with a sleek street style outfit consisting of fitted jeans, a trendy cotton shirt, and a good jacket.
Pairing Blue Shoes with Denim
Blue shoes with a denim outfit are a daring and unique choice that can make you stand out. Navy Chelsea boots and dark blue jeans together produce a sophisticated look that is reminiscent of black leather boot designs while also making a bold colorblocking statement. The Sperry Top-Sider in pebbled leather is a summer staple that pairs well with denim and adds a touch of casual elegance.
Focus on deeper blues like indigo and cobalt if you want to pair shoes with darker denim pants. If you're looking to add a little flair to your ensemble, try a pair of sneakers, Baltic loafers, or even an Oxford dress shoe.
Options for Jeans-Friendly Shoes
Wearing Jeans and Athletic Shoes
Men can seem casual and hip by donning jeans and sneakers, in keeping with the athleisure trend. These shoes go nicely with high-end denim and offer greater flexibility and comfort than standard sneaker styles. Pairing a pair of minimalist, low-profile athletic shoes with your favorite pair of jeans is a surefire way to feel stylish and confident. Black and white athletic shoes are timeless, while brands like Nike and Adidas offer colorful, trendy options for younger runners.
Wear high-top sneakers with acid washed stretch jeans and a bomber jacket in the style of a letterman to achieve a laid-back, retro look. Wear dark designer jeans and a blazer with flat, low-profile shoes for a sophisticated look that's excellent for happy hour. Men can upgrade their smart casual attire with the help of dark colors and high-quality leather athletic shoes.
A casually chic appearance can be attained with the help of athletic sneakers. Wear a henley shirt tucked into slim-fitting trousers and top them off with clean sports shoes for a stylish look that's appropriate year-round in the city. Denim pants and sports sneakers are the perfect dynamic outfit: both are comfortable and made for motion.
Denim and athletic shoes
Men can always look cool and relaxed in a classic combination of sneakers and jeans. When compared to general-purpose athletic shoes, sneakers are distinguished by their greater height and plush padding. Modern styles like All Birds Merino Runners and vintage Nikes sit alongside designer sneakers from brands like Gucci, Koio, and Common Projects. When paired with jeans, whether dressed up or down, this sort of footwear can add a trendy athleisure flair.
Combining mesh shoes with drifter denim pants and a lightweight cotton short-sleeve crewneck shirt creates a masculine, laid-back weekend outfit. For a discreetly alluring look that will win over the ladies, focus on getting a good shirt fit, particularly in the arms, and topping off the ensemble with a striking resin field watch.
Tapered pull-on jeans are excellent for a modern look when paired with high-top sneakers. Sneakers like the Hoka One One Clifton come in a variety of colors and styles for men to choose from. Wear a designer graphic t-shirt under an open utility shirt jacket to finish the look.
You can never go wrong with a pair of crisp white sneakers and a pair of dark wash denim.
Denim and tough boots
Men may easily go from a casual to a more put-together look thanks to the versatility of jeans and boots. With so many options, finding the right combination of fabrics and hues has never been easier. Jeans can be dressed up or down depending on whether you pair them with chukkas, Chelsea boots, or work boots like Timberlands. In general, suede and brown boots convey a carefree, youthful vibe, while black and leather shoes complement sharp, modern ensembles.
Brown leather or suede chukkas look great with blue jeans in a medium or dark wash. If you want to look like a trendy woodsman, pair a white undershirt with a plaid flannel shirt; if you want to look like you belong in the English countryside, pair a henley with a puffer vest. Hiking boots and jeans are good choices for outdoor employment because of their functionality.
Some guys favor work boots like Timberlands because they are functional and fashionable, going well with a wide variety of jeans styles. Men who are like fashion and footwear should try out several types, such as the Ariat Groundbreaker modern cowboy boots or the LL Bean Stonington gentleman work boots.
Chelsea boots with slim-fit black jeans are a surefire way to look put-together and stylish. You can pair this outfit with whatever kind of shirt you like. Dress for the office in a button-down shirt and jacket, or go for a fitting cotton tee and jeans.
Wearing Derby Shoes with Blue Jeans
If you want to look professional and put together when wearing jeans to the office, Derby shoes are your best bet. Wearing derby shoes with blazers and button-down shirts creates smart casual and semi-formal looks. Men might opt for a more formal style by wearing a tie, or they can go tieless for a more casual vibe.
Black leather derby shoes, no-show socks, and cuffed denim jeans are a recipe for head-turning, stylish streetwear. Put together a stylish outfit by pairing a basic tee with an asymmetrical zip-up and a sports watch.
Raw selvedge denim pants and patina-covered leather derby shoes make for a sumptuous, elegant attire. You may dress it up with a shirt and tie or go for a more modern look with a scoop neck top. In the warmer months, wear cotton or linen button-downs tucked into your shoes and buff or tan suede derby shoes.
Denim with lace-up shoes
Slip-on shoes like loafers are great since they can be worn with a wide variety of outfits and accessories, and they look great with jeans. Black Italian loafers with straight-leg denim can give off an air of sophistication, while full-grain brown leather loafers can make you look like a globe traveler.
Wear pointed-toe Italian loafers with cut trousers and an untucked shawl-collar shirt to go from day to night. Tucking in the shirt, matching a leather belt to your loafers, and throwing on a jacket are all you need to take this outfit to the next level.
Leather bit loafers, frayed white trousers, and a loose-fitting, light cotton button-down shirt are a stylish holiday outfit. Wear your shirt untucked with your jeans, and accessorize with some shades and a watch. Loafers are a staple for any dapper man's closet; consider a pair from Rancourt & Co., Jay Butler, Allen Edmonds, or Gucci.
Dress Code: Jeans and Boat Shoes
Light blue or tan boat shoes look great with rolled-up light-wash trousers, a collared linen shirt, and bare feet on the beach in the warmer months.
Dressing Down Jeans with Oxfords
Oxford shoes, despite being fancy and elegant, are the perfect finishing touch when paired with jeans for a casual-yet-put-together look. Oxford shoes are a great option to dress up your jeans and will make you stand out from the crowd. This timeless shoe design is great for gents who want to take their denim wardrobe to the next level.
Layering and the option to integrate a refined pattern are two Oxford shoe details that can be replicated in a similar way. Dark denim pants, an open button-down shirt, a tailored jacket, and derby shoes without socks make for a dashing and sultry ensemble. Brown cap-toe Oxfords, classic fit jeans, a cashmere sweater, a gingham button-down shirt, and a blazer are a great choice for the cooler months. For a low-key look, men can pair a cable-knit sweater with a classic Oxford shirt.
Black leather shoes, cuffed and frayed black jeans, a v-neck shirt, and a fitted black jacket with a thin pinstripe are all part of a debonair getup. Choose classic tones like black, brown, and burgundy when shopping for a pair of Oxford shoes, and think outside the box with the help of brogue detailing.
Shoes that Men Can Wear with Jeans
- Finding the right footwear to match your jeans depends on matching your particular style, wardrobe, materials, and the occasion.
- Men may look adaptable and effortlessly stylish by pairing jeans with a variety of casual shoes, including sneakers, athletic shoes, and work boots.
- Combining low-top trainers or sneakers with jeans and a t-shirt is a certain way to look cool and feel comfortable.
- Boots like chukkas and Chelseas are great complements to tough yet stylish smart casual attire.
- Derby or Oxford shoes, jeans, a collared shirt, and a blazer are all a man needs to establish a smart casual to semi-formal look.
- Wear white or light-wash pants and a light blue shirt with boat shoes or loafers without socks for a trendy summer look.
- Choose a dark wash and well-tailored denim pants for a more put-together appearance when wearing jeans.
