How to Pair Sneakers with Jeans
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Recently, while working with my 1:1 personal styling clients, a recurring question has caught my attention: “What sneakers pair best with current jean styles?” Recognizing that if one person has this question, many others likely do too, I decided to create a blog post to address it.
I've put together a handy cheat sheet, similar to my previous guide on what shoes to wear with different jeans. This time, we’re diving deeper into sneakers—because let's be real, is there anything more comfortable than a good pair of sneakers?
It's important to remember that style isn't one-size-fits-all. We're all unique, and these are general guidelines meant to help. If something doesn't feel right for you, trust your instincts. Confidence comes from feeling good in what you're wearing.
How To Pair Sneakers with Jeans
Ankle Flare
This style works best with a sneaker that has a medium to low profile and an elongated toe. The cropped flare adds visual volume, so the shoe needs to balance that. Running sneakers or chunky high-tops tend to add too much bulk, and that fights with the crop flare.
Note: The profile of a shoe refers to the drop between the heel and the toe. Running shoes have a higher profile, and flat shoes like Vans slip-ons have a lower profile. Visually, this means the shoe is more streamlined and less bulky, especially around the laces and the top of the foot area.
Wide Leg Crop
A wide-leg crop has the same bulk/volume proposition as the ankle flare. However, this style has added volume at the top of the pant as well, so a more streamlined, low-profile sneaker is the way to go.
Barrel Leg
I know this is a controversial jean style. Some people love them! And some hate them, with a passion, I might add. The only other time I’ve received such seething comments on my Instagram feed was when I posted about my love of Israel and the Jewish people after October 7. I’ll take the barrel jean negative comments any day because those comments are subjective. All fashion is subjective. On the other hand, the comments filled with hate, death threats, and lies because of my religion and ties to my ancestral homeland are not subjective, and those folks were blocked.
When it comes to pairing with a sneaker, low-profile versions like a soccer shoe, court shoes, or retro trainers work best with barrel jeans. These shapes play nicely with the below-the-knee pant volume.
Full-Length Flare
Flare jeans can be tricky to wear casually with sneakers, as they tend to look best with a heel. However, sneakers that have a low profile and a low top or a tighter ankle shaft (if high-top) work best. The shoe needs to disappear somewhat under the flare, creating a long, clean line. The flare should almost hit the ground without a significant break.
Slim Straight
A slim, straight pair of jeans is often universally flattering and easy to wear. However, when it comes to styling them with sneakers, length is questioned.
When wearing these jeans full length, a low-profile pair, like a Converse high-top, will work best. This denim style can also be rolled up with one or two cuffs to achieve the right look.
Bootcut
Bootcut denim, similar to flares, gets wide at the bottom, so the shoe needs to balance that. Non-chunky high tops, court shoes, and soccer shoes are all good options. True running shoes will look off with this jean style.
A boxier button up that hits at the hips creates a proportional play with the boot cut bottom of these jeans. And the red sneakers are A+++.
Wide Leg Trouser
Trouser jeans are a style we’ve been seeing more of this season. Similar to a true trouser, the full leg style looks great with an elongated rounded toe and less embellishment on the shoe itself.
I hope that this has been helpful! Next, we’ll talk about how to style an outfit with jeans and sneakers!