As most workplaces in the U.S. are moving towards a more casual dress code, jeans are becoming a necessity for every man's wardrobe. For all but the most formal of events, wearing denim is a no-brainer. They are surprisingly versatile and can easily transition from a day at the office to a night on the town.
To nail down your style, choosing the right pair of shoes to complement your jeans is essential. To ensure you steer yourself in the right direction, our team of custom clothing stylists has put together this guide to help you select the right pair of shoes to wear with your jeans.
BEFORE BUYING A NEW PAIR OF SHOES START WITH THE THREE BASICS
#1) OCCASION
Think about where you are going before you decide to purchase your new pair of shoes. If you are mainly going to be wearing your jeans to work, opt for a more formal shoe to give off a more professional vibe. If you work in a tech company, you may opt for more casual footwear, such as a pair of trainers.
#2) COLOR
With color, you need to not only keep in mind the color of your shoes but also the wash and color of your jeans. If you have a fun pair of salmon colored jeans, perhaps wearing a pair of bright neon trainers might not be the best bet. While your workplace may welcome the idea of business casual, you don't want to go too overboard either.
#3) SHOE MATERIAL
Shoes come in a wide variety of materials. From traditional leather, all the way to PVC, the material of your shoes can help you make a statement.
Leather and suede are two of the most common materials you are going to find in the market. Both leather and suede are good options to wear with jeans all year round. If you live in a colder climate, opt for those traditional materials. Steer clear of canvas and other thinner materials as those are better for warmer climates. On the flip side, if you live in a more tropical environment, shearling-lined shoes might not be a good option for your feet.
SHOES TO WEAR WITH JEANS
Finding the ideal footwear to pair with your favorite pair of denim can be a daunting task. From boots, boat shoes, to trainers, our stylists at Christian Boehm weigh in on these popular options:
TRAINERS
Thanks to the rise in the athleisure trend, trainers are becoming more popular than ever. If you are looking for that winning combination of casual and cool, trainers are a great bet.
When we mention trainers, we are not talking about the chunky "dad sneakers" that you see all over Instagram. We are referring to trainers that have a minimal and sleek appearance.
Sleek, low-profile trainers go great with pretty much all types of jeans (maybe except certain bootcut). A good pair of white trainers can give your jeans that level of sophistication while also keeping you looking relaxed and confident. This combination will work well with a smart casual dress code or a night out on the town with friends.
*Pro Tip: Don't be scared to pair your trainers with colored jeans. Sleek trainers can be a great base to give your denim a chance to shine.
MONK STRAPS
Monk straps are a solid footwear option, giving you that combination of professionalism but also keeping it casual at the same time. Monk straps are a great option to pair with your jeans in the workplace.
Color and silhouette are going to be the primary considerations you look for in these shoes. Look out for classic colors and materials, such as brown leather.
BOOTS
Boots are an excellent footwear option to rock with jeans. Boots help give you a modern urban look. If you want to opt to wear boots with jeans to the workplace, we recommend investing in a good pair of Chelsea or Chukka boots.
Remember, color and texture are key with boots. Brown leather and suede are going to be your best friend when buying boots, giving you that rugged yet sophisticated look.
Hiking and other chunky boots are also excellent options to pair with jeans. For the workplace, we suggest sticking to more classic boot styles unless you need that practical element.
Pro Tip: When wearing jeans with boots, we recommend rolling them just a tad and even showing some ankle if you can.
LOAFERS
Luxurious yet laid back. Loafers are an excellent option for numerous occasions. From brunch to a walk around town, a good pair of loafers are essential in any man's wardrobe. Loafers paired with denim work exceptionally well for those whose workplace has a smart casual dress code.
For that classic look, try looking for loafers in leather with earth tone colors (your browns, olive greens, and blacks). Suede, tassels, and patterns can help give your loafers that fashion-forward approach.
BOAT SHOES
Do you think boat shoes are reserved for a day on the yacht? Think again. Whether you are headed to a laid back day of walking around in the city or summer brunch, boat shoes and jeans are a winning combination.
In terms of denim, we recommend sticking to lighter washes and colors such as white and tan.
To enhance the summertime vibes, pair your jeans with a light short sleeve button up or a classic polo. This will give you a smart yet sophisticated look.
OXFORDS
Oxfords often mean formal. However, pairing your denim with a great pair of Oxfords can give you a smart yet sophisticated touch. Not only do Oxfords look great when paired with a suit, but they also transition from work to the weekend nicely with jeans. When selecting your Oxfords, stick to traditional materials, styles, and colors such as browns, blacks, and burgundy.
MATCHING SHOE COLORS WITH JEAN WASHES
Getting the color combination right between your shoes and jeans can elevate your entire outfit. Here are some tried and true pairings that work well:
Dark wash jeans pair well with almost any shoe color. Brown leather, black, burgundy, and even white trainers all look great with dark indigo or black denim. This is the most versatile wash and should be your foundation if you are building a denim wardrobe.
Light wash jeans work best with warmer-toned shoes. Brown leather boots, tan loafers, and suede chukkas complement the casual nature of light denim. Avoid black shoes with light wash jeans, as the contrast is too stark.
White or cream jeans are a Miami favorite and pair beautifully with navy suede loafers, brown leather monk straps, or olive canvas sneakers. The key is to let the shoes provide a pop of color against the neutral base.
Colored jeans require more thought. With bold colors like salmon or mint, keep your shoes neutral. Brown or tan leather is the safest bet. With colored denim, the jeans are the statement piece, so your shoes should support, not compete.
MIAMI-SPECIFIC SHOE AND JEAN PAIRING ADVICE
Miami's climate and culture influence footwear choices in several ways. The tropical environment means you will want materials that breathe and handle humidity well. Suede, while beautiful, can be risky during the rainy season. If you wear suede in Miami, treat it with a water-resistant spray and check the forecast.
For everyday Miami wear, loafers are king. A pair of brown leather or suede penny loafers with dark wash jeans and a linen shirt is the quintessential Brickell business casual look. The transition from office to dinner is seamless with this combination.
White leather trainers are another Miami staple. Paired with light wash or white jeans, a polo shirt, and sunglasses, this look is perfect for weekend brunches in Coconut Grove or casual Friday in Coral Gables.
For evening events in Miami, consider a dressier option. Dark wash jeans with black Chelsea boots and a blazer can take you from dinner in the Design District to a night out in South Beach without missing a beat.
Book Free Custom Clothing Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes With Jeans
Can I wear dress shoes with jeans?
Yes, dress shoes can look excellent with jeans when done right. Oxfords, monk straps, and loafers all pair well with dark wash denim. The key is to ensure the rest of your outfit bridges the gap between casual and formal. A blazer or sport coat with a crisp shirt ties the look together.
Are sneakers acceptable with jeans in a business casual office?
It depends on your workplace. In many business casual environments, clean white leather sneakers are now acceptable. However, athletic running shoes or worn-in canvas sneakers are still too casual. When in doubt, opt for a leather loafer or chukka boot instead.
What shoes should I avoid wearing with jeans?
Avoid formal patent leather shoes, heavy work boots with dressy jeans, and any shoe that is too casual like flip flops or slide sandals. The goal is to match the formality of your shoes to the rest of your outfit. When your shoes and jeans feel like they belong to the same world, the look works.
