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14 Best Shoes to Wear With Wide-Leg Pants for Bold and Effortless Looks

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a person wearing a blue jacket and yellow shoes
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IDK about you, but I'm a firm believer that a shoe choice can make or break an outfit. Finding the prettiest ballet flats to match with jeans or the perfect heel to style with a dress really is a science! When it comes to finding the perfect shoe to pair with pants, and in particular, wide-leg pants, the struggle is real!

Wide-leg pants are typically more fitted at the waist and gradually get looser towards the knee and ankle areas. When it comes to dressing 'em up, it is important to keep these proportions in mind. Some shoe styles that typically work well are pointed-toe shoes (if you wanna give some more leg action) or platform shoes (if you want an extra boost). However, you can't go wrong with a fun sneaker or a flat shoe! Below I've curated a list of 14 shoes that would look amazing with wide-leg pants. Style these cuties with your wide-leg jeans, work trousers, or culottes for any occasion!

Our top picks for what shoes to wear with wide leg pants in 2024:


And just like that I solved the answer to your Google search. You're welcome! But if you want more inspo, here's some editor intel. This past winter, I was styling my wide-leg pants with a more fitted top and a chic ankle boot. However, now that the weather is warm, I've been loving wearing wide-leg trousers with an oversized button-down and a cute sandal for a light and breezy summer look! You really can't go wrong with any of these options.

1
These Cute Little Ballet Flats

DREAM PAIRS Round Toe Ballet Flats

Round Toe Ballet Flats

I'm a ballet flat lover to the core. How cute would it be to wear extra long pants and have just the tips of these shoes poke out? A simple but cute lil touch!

A platform shoe is definitely a good idea when it comes to styling wide-leg pants. This shoe from Charles & Keith would look great with medium-wash denim and a cropped jacket.

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Clogs are a great shoe to style with wide-leg pants. This platform version will give you some height while still maintaining comfort so you can wear all day. Wear these printed clogs with a cute anklet and/or cozy socks!

Wanna wear your wide-leg jeans on a night out with your BFFs? Go with these mules from Steve Madden to elevate your ensemble.

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A simple loafer is a great option to keep in your wardrobe because of its versatility. This style from Sam Edelman is superrr cushy and is great with just about any outfit (I know because I have 'em!). Style these with your wide-leg trousers for a sophisticated work vibe, or go for a cropped pant for casual weekend attire.

6
These Simple Yet Effective Heels

Tony Bianco Caprice Heel

Caprice Heel

A simple heel, like these from Tony Bianco would work wonders with a wide-leg silhouette. These are so fashionable with a cargo style and a sleeveless blouse.

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7
These Gorge Cowboy Booties

Mix No.6 Brycen Cowboy Boot

Brycen Cowboy Boot
Now 39% Off

I've been heavily leaning into the western styles that have been trending recently. You can incorporate elements of this trend into your everyday looks by going for a sleek pair of cowboy boots!

How cute is the minimal T strap design on these thong sandals? The snake print adds just the perfect amount of edge, too.

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If you are searching for some simple kicks that will look good with any style or color of wide-leg pants, try these from Puma! This aesthetic is the ideal everyday shoe.

IK these shoes appear as if they are house slippers but trust me, you can wear these outside! They would be sooo adorbs with a pair of light-wash jeans!

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11
This Classic Pointed Toe Option

Franco Sarto Anna Pointed Toe Bootie

Anna Pointed Toe Bootie

A lil heeled boot from Franco Sarto is definitely a closet staple. The pointed toe and skinny heel makes it ideal to wear with oversized wide-leg pants and a fab coat in cooler weather.

12
These Funky Sneakers

Salomon XT-6

XT-6

You can never go wrong with sneakers! Rather than wearing a simple white shoe, lean into the gorpcore aesthetic with some fun Salomons! These shoes have been trending recently as they've been spotted on celebs like Emily Ratajkowsi and Bella Hadid...so basically, you need 'em!

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13
These Sophisticated Sling-Backs

Zou Xou Luisa Slingback in Pinot

Luisa Slingback in Pinot

How about a gorgeous pair of flats? These stunning shoes from Zou Xou would be perfect with your trousers and an oversized button-down shirt.

You absolutely need a suede boot option in your arsenal. This stunning pick comes in several styles, including one that's sleek leather!

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15

Why trust Cosmo:

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Cosmo’s team of fashion experts—which includes fashion director Cassie Anderson and fashion features director Rachel Torgerson, senior accessories editor Andrea Zendejas, and fashion editors Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Danielle Flum—have decades of experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we've curated a chic little corner of the internet for you like it’s our job (because it is, heh).

We have pretty high standards when it comes to clothing and accessory recommendations. Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes. And you better believe we read those product reviews (and test many of the brands IRL) so you don't have to. You're welcome!

Lettermark

Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.

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