Best shoes to wear with mom jeans

When it comes to picking the best shoes to wear with mom jeans, it depends on the occasion and the aesthetic you are going for. There are so many different shoe styles that can work well with mom jeans are here are a list of our top picks:

Shoes to wear with mom jeans - women wearing heels and mom jeans

Image courtesy of The Style Stalker

Why is it difficult to style shoes with mom jeans?

Mom jeans can be difficult to style due to their up to the belly button, high-waisted and relaxed fit. Unlike straight-leg jeans, they are typically looser around the waist, hips and thighs with a similarly relaxed straight or slightly tapered leg. This can make it hard to find shoes that complement this style without making the silhouettes of your outfit look too boxy or stiff.

The unique cut of mom jeans makes them versatile enough to be worn for almost any occasion, which is why they are an absolute must in any woman’s wardrobe. However, this versatility also comes with the difficulty of choosing the right footwear to look appropriately dressed up or dressed down.

Ankle boots

Ankle boots are a trendy footwear choice that can add an edgy touch to your outfit, depending on the brand or style of boots and the type of denim you pair them with. The ankle cut of mom jeans complements various styles of ankle boots, making them a versatile option for any fashion-forward look.

Combat boots

high waisted mom jeans with leather jacket and combat boots

Photo: @Kinacan

Combat boots are an excellent choice for creating a modern and edgy look, especially when paired with a leather jacket and distressed mom jeans. Their bold and distinct design makes them a statement piece on their own, elevating your outfit to a whole new level of style.

Chelsea boots

girl with a black boot and trousers

Pairing Chelsea boots with mom jeans results in a stylish and sophisticated appearance. The boots add a refined touch of elegance, making your outfit appear more polished and put together.

Western boots

mom jeans tucked into western boots with grey blazer

Western boots have a unique design inspired by the traditional footwear worn by cowboys and ranchers. Opting for western-style shoes when pairing them with mom jeans can add a touch of individuality and character to your outfit while still complementing the jeans.

Sneakers

Pairing mom jeans with sneakers is an excellent option as it offers a relaxed, loose and comfortable look that complements the versatility of mom jeans. This combination ensures an all-around comfortable fit that will be perfect for any casual occasion.

Classic sneakers

Woman wearing mom jeans and white sneakers

Opting for iconic sneakers such as Converse – Chuck Taylor, Adidas – Stan Smiths, or Nike – Air Forces is always a safe bet when it comes to pairing sneakers with mom jeans. Their understated and sleek design makes them effortlessly compatible with any classic mom jean or outfit. When in doubt, rely on the classics to complement your look!

retro-inspired running shoes.

woman wearing black mom jeans, black sweater and running trainers

Photo: @whowhatwear

Incorporating retro-inspired running shoes into your mom jean outfit can add a fun and captivating touch to your overall look. These shoes not only provide practicality but also offer an excellent opportunity to infuse a vintage-inspired aesthetic into your wardrobe.

Chunky Sneakers

Woman wearing mom jeans with black leather jacket and chunky sneakers

Photo: @inspireyou

The dad sneaker, also known as the chunky sneaker, is a fantastic footwear option to pair with mom jeans as it offers a trendy and haute couture appearance. The chunky sneaker typically features a thick sole and an exaggerated silhouette, which adds an element of interest to the casual feel of mom jeans and is a style that is highly popular right now.

Heels

Wearing heels with mom jeans offers women a polished and classy appearance, elevating the overall look. The feminine and elegant design of heels can easily dress up any outfit.

Strappy heel

mom jeans and black strappy heels

For an elegant and dressier look, strappy heels are a must when pairing with mom jeans. The different strap materials and styles give the silhouette of the shoes a distinctive flair, making them stand out in the crowd.

Block heels

Woman wearing mom jean, white shirt and beige block heels and bag

Photo: @Paigekh

Block heels are a comfortable and versatile option to add sophistication and height to your look. Pairing them with a well-fitted pair of cuffed mom jeans can give a polished and put-together look, perfect for a formal event or a night out. If heels are not your thing, flat sandals can still provide an elegant look.

Classic pump

Woman wearing black top with mom jeans and black pumps

Achieving balance is key when styling pumps with mom jeans. The classic cut of mom jeans pairs exceptionally well with pumps, as the cuffed hemline allows the shoes to be showcased. To create a polished look, try experimenting with different tops and coats, such as a blouse or sweater.

Flats

Loafers and ballet flats, being slip-on shoes, can help create a sophisticated and chic appearance that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Their versatility makes these shoes work as an excellent choice for many different outfit styles that can be well suited to formal or casual engagements.

Penny loafers

Woman sat on bench with black blazer and black penny loafers

Penny loafers are a classic and timeless footwear option that usually showcases a slim and distinct strap across the vamp, often adorned with a small coin-shaped decoration. Their smart and sleek design perfectly balance the casualness of mom jeans and elevate the overall appearance of your outfit, giving it a more polished and put-together look.

Sandals

mom jeans neon green sandal slides and long sleeve green top

Although flip flops may not offer the polished and refined look that mom jeans are capable of achieving, you can opt for sandals instead. Sandals provide a similar effortless appearance without appearing too casual, making them an ideal choice for pairing with mom jeans and at the top of our list for comfort.

Ballet flats

girl with denim jeans, blazer and slip ons

Photo: @ebraathen1

Ballet flats are a must-have for a more casual appearance, particularly when pairing them with mom jeans. If the jeans are extra short or cropped then flats are an excellent choice for displaying your ankles and adding a visually appealing touch to your outfit.

Conclusion

When selecting footwear to wear with mom jeans, it’s important to choose a style that complements the overall aesthetic and one that you feel comfortable wearing. 

In addition, take into account the occasion and weather; for instance, open-toed shoes are not ideal for cold weather and booties may be too warm for hot summer days. 

These guidelines also apply to straight-leg jeans, so try out various styles until you find the one that suits you best.

And if you are looking for more styling tips for wearing mom jeans then you can check out this blog: How to style mom jeans

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