Wondering what the best shoes to wear with wide leg trousers are? Here are the top 12 - from stilettos to ballet pumps

Not sure what shoes to wear with wide leg trousers? The loose-fit shape is everywhere this season, and the footwear styling options are pretty much endless. As a fashion editor, I love the laidback, comfortable vibe of the wide leg trouser, but I also understand that many fashion fans are put off from wearing them because finding the perfect shoes to wear with wide leg pants requires far more thought than the rest of your wardrobe.

Yes, I admit that finding the best shoes to wear with your wide leg trousers will take a little more effort than slinging on trainers with your best wide leg jeans but I promise that once you have found your footwear formula, you will be wearing this look on repeat. Finding the correct pair of shoes to finish off this style may seem like a challenge because the shoes need to balance out the volume of the trouser whilst flattering the silhouette of the outfit, but don't fear, we're here to help!

Wide leg trousers are totally timeless, and I think every capsule wardrobe should contain at least one pair. You can style them up or down easily, and your shoes can swiftly take them from daytime casual to a smarter evening vibe with minimal effort. With the correct footwear, you can create gorgeous wide leg white jeans outfits, wide leg tailored or linen trouser looks, or even style your best jumpsuits fabulously. I’d always recommend taking some time out to try on multiple outfits with different shoes in front of a mirror, to find a combination that works for you. Trends are great, but when it comes to finding the best shoe to wear with wide leg trousers, its most definitely more important to feel your best so go with what works for your own style.

12 shoes to wear with wide leg trousers

Whether you’re a big fan of your stomping boots or prefer to be out in strappy heels, you’ll find key tips and styling ideas below to make your everyday shoes work with this season’s must-have wide leg.

1. How to style wide leg trousers with trainers

Trainers have made the big move from basic gym bag and weekend attire, to all week wonder-shoe over the last few years. Whether you prefer classic staples such as your best white trainers, retro pumps, like the Adidas Gazelles, or are loyal to chunky trainers from the likes of New Balance, the most comfortable trainers are great shoes to wear with trousers and will give off an athleisure vibe without having to try too hard. The length of the leg should ideally skim over your sporty footwear rather than a cropped length that shows the whole shoe. It’s a nice way to make smarter trousers feel more casual, and is a great choice for anybody that wants their shoes to be chic and comfortable.

2. How to style wide leg trousers with ballet pumps

The humble ballet pump is officially back in the style spotlight for 2024 and its no surprise as there’s something super easy and simple about the slip-on style. Keep it fuss-free with a nude or plain black pair or go for a strappy Mary Jane for extra style points. Ideally, you should just see the toe poking out beneath the hem of this season’s wide leg jeans and trousers, but if you are tall then pumps would work just as well with ankle-length.

3. How to style wide leg trousers with flat mules

The slip-on mule may not be the prettiest but its been a huge hit with the fashion set and it's seriously comfortable. This modern take on the clog became so popular, there was even a waiting list, but if it doesn't set your pulse racing, have no fear, as there are some slightly more elegant options for flat mules too. Pointed toe, luxe textures and bright colours will give this look a softer vibe. They are quite chunky, so choose a pair of trousers that ends on the ankle or go a bit narrower close to the hemline to avoid tripping up.

4. How to style wide leg trousers with heeled mules

Heeled mules are not only elegant but the backless style means theres no chance of rubbing on your ankles either - hurrah! When it comes to shoes to wear with trousers, heeled mules add a feminine feel to smarter wide leg fits. You could keep it simple with a beige, black or white pair or liven the look up with brighter shades. Wear heeled mules with tailored trousers suits, which are a great alternative to the best wedding guest dresses.

5. How to style wide leg trousers with loafers

The androgynous style flat is a safe bet for every wardrobe - just make sure you opt for a sturdy and strong pair that will add some oomph to whatever you are wearing. The structured shape is at odds with the freedom of floaty trousers so to make it work, you need to keep the rest of your outfit very streamlined. Think a tailored blazer or a fitted shirt on top, teamed with trousers that toe the line between wide and straight cut. You can get away with a shorter leg length here, and we’d recommend aiming to show your ankles if you’re petite.

6. How to style wide leg trousers with wedge heels

Wedge heels have made a bit of a comeback recently and they have a seasonal vibe that is perfect for wearing with a tailored trousers and a glittery blouse, and even Queen Letizia of Spain loves them. As well as looking great, they are comfier than a narrower heel as they support your feet all over. If you’re going for a traditional wedge then make sure your trousers are short enough to show off the detailing on the toes. If you go too long, you’ll look like you could be wearing stilts.

7. How to style wide leg trousers with Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots are certainly in line with the spring/summer fashion trends 2024 and they look chic whilst being a comfortable and forgiving option, plus they are in line with boho style. Cowboy boots range from bright red knee high options, to ankle height suede variations - so there are plenty of options to choose from.

In terms of the style of trouser to wear with your footwear, anything goes. If you’re wearing a statement shoe that you want to show off, choose cropped lengths. If you’re only really wearing a heel to lengthen the lines of your outfit and give yourself a little confidence boost, then go longer - they don’t need to be on show.

8. How to style wide leg trousers with stiletto heels

Nothing says special occasion like a pair of stand out stiletto heels. The narrow heel is a fashion-forward footnote to a pretty dress but right now we would recommend wearing your shoes with a tailored suit in a colour pop for added wow. According to the street style set, the coolest way to wear your shoes with wide leg trousers is to just leave the tiniest whisper of your stiletto's toe and heel peeping out from the bottom of the hemline, so avoid cropped lengths that will show off your whole shoe. Ideally, only team stilettos with sturdier fabrics like cotton or denim as overly lightweight crepes have a tendency to catch on spiky heels.

9. How to style wide leg trousers with slingbacks

A slingback is a style of shoe characterised by a thin strap that goes around the ankles to the back of the heel, and they can be worn in a similar way to stilettos and mules. Slingbacks can be heeled or flat and tend to be filled in at the front - normally with a pointed or almond toe. The narrower the toe, the longer you can go with the length of your trousers - this style shoe can work well with extra wide flares and longer trousers. The smart yet playful shoe design will work just as well for daytime glam as it will for dinner with friends.

10. How to style wide leg trousers with stompy boots

Wide leg trousers have plenty of space for wearing chunkier, shorter boots underneath. Either wear your trousers long to just give a glimpse of the chunky soles and front of your boots, or go edgy and opt for a shorter length trouser that shows your boots off in all their glory. Embrace the grunge vibe across your whole outfit with head-to-toe black for a streamlined look, or keep the rest prim and feminine, using your stompy boots for added edge.

11. How to style wide leg trousers with platform shoes

The best thing about platforms is not only do they look great, but they’re also much comfier than your average heel. Wide leg trousers with a flare are everywhere at the moment and adding a platform into the mix only exaggerates the shape as well as giving off some serious 1970s vibes. For a classic look, stick to platforms in warm shades of brown or use your footwear to add a pretty touch to your outfit by opting for heels in pastels tones.

12. How to style wide leg trousers with sandals

When the weather warms up, loose and floaty trousers combined with a comfy sandal is the ultimate summer uniform. As the shape of the trousers is already creating the illusion of longer legs you can go as chunky as you want with your sandals, without the risk of making your legs look shorter. Think sensible sandals, like Tevas and Birkenstocks. Or, lean into the holiday vibe of floaty trousers and go all Grecian with a strappy or rope sandal instead.

FAQs

What to consider when choosing shoes to wear with wide leg trousers

• Try and create a balanced silhouette to finish to your final look.

• Consider the length of your trousers as floor-grazing, cropped, or ankle length will require different types of shoes.

• Think about the type of occasion you're looking to dress for, while trainers certainly are a shoe to wear with wide leg trousers, they won't necessarily be appropriate for office attire.

What shoes to wear with wide leg trousers in 2024

Unsure what shoes to wear with wide leg trousers for 2024? There are a few factors to consider. We asked the experts - “depending on the length, most wide leg trousers look best with a higher shoe,” says Daisy Barnett, founder, and personal stylist at The Daisy Edit. “It’s also a great way to elongate the leg as the extra volume of a wide leg pant can shorten the appearance of your legs. Boots are a great option, and for a more polished look, I also like an open-toe pump to add just a touch of sophistication.”

It’s heels all the way for personal stylist and jewellery designer Zoé DuFour too. “Wide leg trousers are so versatile, and a staple in my and many of my clients' wardrobes,” DuFour advises. “I love the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine so I would suggest a pointy-toe kitten heel or strappy sandal to add that feminine touch and take you from work to evening.”

For Mathilde Mader, Chief Creative Officer at Everlane, it’s all about the loafer. “Loafers are a great option for daytime,” she explains. “They’re smart but comfortable. Then for the evening a heeled boot or sandal is really lovely to add a bit more glamour. You can either have your trousers to the ground for just a hint of shoe or do an ankle-length crop to really show off your footwear.”

How do you style wide leg trousers for spring and summer?

How you style your wide leg trousers for spring will depend on the time of day. “I love tucking a white tee or simple crew neck sweater into wide leg jeans or trousers for daytime,” says Mader. “When the weather warms up, just take the jumper off and drape it over your shoulders. For an extra layer, an oversized blazer or classic trench finishes off the look. Wear with a loafer or a white trainer for an effortless spring look.”

In the evening, you can think more about adding extra details, whether that’s through fabrics or prints, or with elevated accessories. “Floaty and sheer fabrics will be everywhere this spring and summer, so pair a sheer blouse (with a bodysuit underneath) with your wide leg trousers,” adds DuFour. “Then add a belt and a pointy-toe shoe or strappy sandal.”

What shoes not to wear with wide leg trousers?

There aren't many shoes that wont work with wide leg trousers so it's hard to get it wrong. I'd avoid anything too fussy, or overly embellished to keep your ensemble looking as clean and chic as possible. It always looks best to have a little bit of your shoe poking out from the bottom of your trousers too, so rounded toe shoes may get swamped under fabric and look a little lost. Overall though, most shoes will work well with wide leg trousers - try on different pairs and find the right match for you.

What footwear to wear with wide leg trousers in winter?

woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Caroline Parr gives us her top tips for styling the wide leg style all year round - "ankle boots will always be a go-to in the colder months, and they work particularly well underneath wide leg trousers. Choose a block heel to give yourself some height and make your legs look longer, or if you're a fan of flats try chunky loafers and cosy socks with your wide leg trousers. Make sure they fall just above the floor either way. "

Caroline Parr

Caroline is Digital Fashion Editor for woman&home, and has been a fashion writer and editor for ten years. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, she has spent the last decade tracking down and writing about celebrity outfits, covering events ranging from the Met Gala to the King’s Coronation. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of brands, but always likes to know about new and under the radar labels. She’s originally from Liverpool, and outside of work, her great loves are leopard print and her lively but adorable cocker spaniel, Ghillie.