Shoes rank as one of the most important pieces in a look. They have the power to transform any ensemble in an instant, so it's essential to pick the right footwear (because, yes, certain shoes simply look better with certain pieces). Since skinny jeans are on the downfall (Sorry, Millenials), many are opting for more relaxed denim. There are countless other pieces to hone in on, but today, we've decided to highlight the best shoes to wear with bootcut jeans because we know that can be, well, a tad tricky.
Bootcut jeans have a slight flare—they don't have a super-wide cut, but they're certainly not straight-leg either. In order to ensure the billowy bottoms look streamlined, it's best to pair them with shoes that add some height. Simple-heeled booties are a great comfortable pick, and pointy-toe styles that ever so slightly peeking out from the pants are a fun (but safe) choice, too.
Next time you're unsure about which shoes to pair with your bootcut jeans, turn to our easy-to-follow guide. Below are our favorite boots, heels, and sandals to wear with the jeans.
You can't go wrong with styling bootcut jeans with a classic pair of Chelsea boots. The ankle-length height of the shoe lies perfectly underneath the flared edge of the jeans, ensuring they don't create that unappealing scrunched-up look.
Madewell's denim is a must-shop.
Season after season, these boots continue to be best sellers.
Lean into the relaxed denim trend fully with this pair.
Whether it's snowing or raining, you'll be so happy you styled your bootcut jeans with these platform Chelsea boots.
For bootcut jeans with longer hemlines, opt for footwear that will give you a bit of height—ahem, heeled booties. During colder months, a heeled ankle boot will transition these jeans into the season and keep your denim from dragging on the ground, which is a win-win in our books.
The split cuffs at the bottom of these jeans will allow you to show off your favorite ankle boots.
Trust us, these are the best boots you'll ever buy.
Note the frayed edge on these jeans!
Before you get rid of those extra-long jeans, try styling them with a high stiletto boot.
With bootcut jeans, the flair can range from '70s-inspired to slightly more minimal. If your pair falls in the latter category, it's easier to get away with styling them with flats as the hemline won't drag on the ground. But to be safe, with flats you want to opt for a style that will still give you a little lift, like a pair of chunky loafers.
Don't sleep on H&M's denim section.
You can also shop these loafers in five other colorways.
Meet the perfect pair of bootcut jeans.
We love a metallic moment.
Another flat footwear option you can rely upon to look good with semi-flared denim? Platform sneakers. The chunkier silhouette will keep your pants from dragging while also dramatizing the relaxed silhouette.
All of DL1961's denim is sustainably produced, making these bootcut jeans a great buy all around.
White sneakers always look good with jeans.
Chic, chic, chic.
Cool girls, apply here.
Unless you just bought a brand-new pair of jeans, chances are you've worn them in quite a bit. Rather than ditching a pair of bootcut jeans that have maybe shrunk or frayed over time, consider embracing the more relaxed look by pairing them with ballet flats. By doing this, you'll give the jeans a baggier appearance, which is trending at the moment. Plus, you'll get more wear out of them!
Your search for size-inclusive denim is over.
Mary Jane flats have made their comeback—we're not mad about it!
Get that worn-in look that's signature to old denim, without having to wear-in your jeans.
Chocolate-brown ballet flats? Say no more.
Let's be honest: We might love flats, but they don't always work with bootcut jeans. Whether the fit of your denim doesn't work with flat shoes or you're dressing for a more formal occasion, you want to have a foolproof footwear option to turn to when styling these pants. Enter heeled mules. No other footwear can elevate this denim (in every definition of the word) like these shoes can.
We're obsessed with the wash on these jeans.
You can style these with just about anything in your closet, jeans included.
These jeans are beloved among the fashion set.
These feel very '90s Prada.
Since bootcut jeans have been considered a Western-inspired silhouette for decades, it doesn't hurt to lean into the history of this type of denim by pairing it with cowboy boots. While the idea might seem a bit too on-theme, the truth is that many fashion people regularly pair these jeans with this footwear. The key to pulling it off is pairing your flared denim with an ankle cowboy boot that feels contemporary so that it doesn't feel cliché.
White denim is vastly underrated.
A girl can dream.
Calling all fans of faded washes: We'd like you to meet your new favorite jeans.
Giddy up.
If you're not a fan of Western-inspired footwear, there's another style you can rely upon to give this "dated" denim a contemporary touch: slingback heels. Although this type of footwear has been around forever, with so many modern iterations on the market, it makes them the perfect item to pair with these jeans.
Barrel-leg denim is back.
Leave it to Tory Burch to make the most timeless pair of slingback pumps.
It doesn't get more classic than Calvin Klein denim.
These are the perfect addition to your work wardrobe.
Although bootcut jeans are a staple that can be worn year-round, it can be a bit more challenging to style them during colder months as one might be worried about the hemline dragging in the snow. Rather than packing away these pants until the springtime, try pairing them with winter boots. Not only will opting for this footwear allow you to navigate winter storms with ease, but its height allows it to be comfortably worn underneath the flare of your jeans without having to tuck them in.
The fading on these jeans is fabulous.
We love the contrasting laces on these boots.
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the split-cuff hem on these jeans. It's so good, right?
Winter storms will have nothing on you in these boots.
Hopefully, you've got ample inspiration on what footwear to wear with your bootcut jeans by now. But if you need one last suggestion, let us leave you with one last suggestion: strappy sandals. By pairing bootcut jeans with this footwear, you'll not only be able to show off your favorite open-toed shoes, but prove once and for all that bootcut jeans are the only denim silhouette that matters.
We love the overall baggier feel of these jeans.
You'll wear these strappy sandals for years to come.
You can dress these jeans up or down based on your mood.
