Today, each avenue type star is aware of how one can put on sneakers with denims within the coolest manner attainable. However there was as soon as a time when the outfit combo meant just one factor: You had been somebody’s dad. Channeling Sizzling Dad Power, normcore, and different fashion-forward aesthetics weren’t a factor. You had been simply…somebody’s dad. The sort of man who relied on pairing his chunky jogging shoes with aggressively medium-wash blue denims.
However that was then. Now, to put on sneakers with denims is much less an outfit and extra a philosophy—an train in proportion, texture, and the artwork of trying such as you didn’t strive too onerous. (When in actuality, everyone knows it took three outfit modifications, 4 shoe swaps, and an inside debate about whether or not high-top sneakers or low-top white sneakers had been the transfer.) However when you crack the code? It turns into a uniform—a low-effort, high-impact staple you may pull out time and again. And truthfully, we love an outfit repeat. As a result of it is extra sustainable, in fact, but additionally as a result of when one thing works, why battle it?
The blueprint has at all times been there. Keep in mind Princess Diana within the ‘90s, stepping out in her Levi’s, white Converse, and a slouchy sweatshirt to show that easy can nonetheless be assertion making? Then there have been the early 2000s supermodels, working errands in bootcut denims, Nike Dunks, and a fitted cardigan and making informal outfits look editorial. Even at the moment, those self same formulation maintain up—it’s all about stability. The fitting pair of sneakers can elevate denim from one thing you simply threw on to a strolling street-style temper board.
So, let’s get into it. This is how one can put on sneakers with denims to hit that excellent candy spot.
1. Huge-Leg Denims + Glossy Sneakers
We’re deep in a Large Jean Renaissance, and the sneakers you pair with wide leg jeans could make or break the silhouette. In case your denims are full-length and puddling simply barely over your footwear (suppose Hailey Bieber off-duty), then you definately’d do finest to seek out sneakers that stability the amount—one thing structured however not overwhelming, daring however not cumbersome.
What works: a glossy but substantial sneaker like New Steadiness 9060s, Adidas Gazelles, or Nike P-6000s. The distinction between the surplus material and a streamlined (however barely chunky) shoe creates that “I do know style, however don’t strive too onerous” vibe.
What would not: Keep away from the extremely cumbersome, dad-core runners that swallow your toes or, on the flip facet, tremendous minimal sneakers that disappear beneath the denim. The objective is stability right here—let the denims circulation, however give them an anchor.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: A visitor wears black sun shades, black earrings, white buttoned up lengthy sleeve shirt, gentle pink white striped necktie, gentle grey outsized sweater, darkish grey outsized leather-based jacket, shiny black clutch Fendi First leather-based bag, gentle blue saggy denim jean pants, gentle pink satin lace sneaker footwear, outdoors Fendi, throughout the Milan Vogue week Girls’s Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on February 26, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Edward Berthelot/Getty Photographs)Edward Berthelot/Getty Photographs
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 02: Anna Winter is seen carrying purple school jacket Gant, denim denims Uniqlo, black sneaker New Steadiness sun shades, black Dior bag on Might 02, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Picture by Christian Vierig/Getty Photographs)Christian Vierig/Getty Photographs
2. Cropped & Cuffed Denim + Assertion Sneakers
If the hem of your denims hits ankle-length—whether or not they’re cropped, cuffed, or aggressively hacked with a DIY laser-cut second—then take into account it sneaker showcase time. Your footwear develop into the focus, in order that they higher be well worth the consideration.
What works: Glossy, low-profile sneakers like Adidas Sambas, Onitsuka Tigers, or Nike Cortez. The objective? A refined silhouette that enhances the uncovered ankle with out overwhelming it.
What doesn’t: Cumbersome, heavy sneakers throw off the stability. A large shoe with a cropped hem can really feel clunky as a substitute of intentional. Hold it streamlined.
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 07: A mannequin is seen carrying a grey coat, black high, blue denims and black footwear with black bag outdoors the Nina Ricci present throughout the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 as a part of Paris Vogue Week on March 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Picture by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Photographs)Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Photographs
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 05: Jacqueline Zelwis wears navy blue ONWEEKENDS denims, white sleeveless Sezane high, Samsoe Samsoe pullover, orange Adidas Samba sneaker, gentle brown Flattered bag, Joseph sun shades on Might 05, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Picture by Christian Vierig/Getty Photographs)Christian Vierig/Getty Photographs
3. Straight-Leg Denims + Timeless Classics
An excellent pair of denims with a straight-leg reduce is the common donor of denim—it goes with every part. And but, sneaker choice nonetheless issues. The important thing right here is to maintain it traditional however intentional.
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