10 Types of Shoes to Wear with Leggings

As well as being quite possibly the most comfortable pants ever, leggings are also incredibly versatile. Not only are they perfect for the gym, but they can also suit a range of other outfits, including athleisure, casual, and smart casual ensembles. Of course, making your leggings look great for any occasion is about how you style them. In particular, your footwear is essential to how your leggings are perceived. So, to help you look awesome while feeling comfy, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best shoes to wear with leggings. From classic sneakers to chic loafers, these footwear options have you covered in almost any outing.

1. Lace-Up Sneakers

Lace-up sneakers are, without a doubt, the easiest shoes to pair with leggings. The combination works perfectly, thanks to the sporty aesthetic of both leggings and sneakers. Although you can wear the look in various ways, it appears particularly chic when styled with an athletic edge. Start with a pair of sports leggings and minimal sneakers to nail the style. Then, add a fitted, high-neck crop top and cap. You can also add jewelry, such as hoop earrings, for an extra dose of attitude.

2. Slip-On Sneakers

Lace-up sneakers aren’t the only type that looks great with leggings. Slip-on sneakers can also appear seriously stylish with these minimal pants. While still looking somewhat sporty, like traditional designs, slip-on styles have a more minimal aesthetic. As such, they project a more casual and relaxed vibe, making them ideal for weekend ensembles. So, next time you need to run some Sunday errands and want to look good doing so, try teaming a pair of leggings with some slip-on sneakers. A simple crop top and cozy coat will complete the look perfectly.

3. Loafers

Loafers can make a surprisingly stylish footwear option to wear with leggings. Thanks to their chic and polished appearance, they can be used to dress leggings up for a smart appearance. If you’re unsure how to wear the combination, try teaming it with a long, button-up shirt in a fashionable print. You can also throw a blazer over the top for added polish. The resulting look will be sophisticated and stylish yet comfortable and laid-back.

4. Slides

Want to look effortlessly cool when rocking your favorite leggings? All you need to do is add a pair of slides. These simple, slip-on shoes are the perfect blend of sporty and street. Therefore, they make an excellent choice for achieving an on-trend athleisure appearance. So, try this combination next time you need an outfit that’ll see you stylishly through yoga and brunch. While it can work with various options, we love it with a simple tee and cozy yet chic oversized sweater.

5. Over-the-Knee Boots

In winter, you can’t go wrong pairing leggings with over-the-knee boots. The look is not only stylish but can also be seriously sexy. So, consider a pair of leggings instead of relying on your black skinny jeans for nights out. As well as being more comfortable than jeans, leggings will also fit better beneath slim boots. Try teaming your leggings and long boots with a slim-cut, turtleneck sweater, and cropped leather jacket to nail the look for an edgy all-black outfit.

6. Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are a classic and chic footwear option that can work with various pants, including leggings. While they look great with standard leggings, you should try them with a leather pair. You’ll instantly have an edgy and on-trend outfit by teaming black, heeled ankle boots with leather leggings. Just pair the combination with a black, long-sleeve bodysuit and chic cape for a gorgeous outfit that can easily take you from day to night.

7. Heels

Think heels don’t work with leggings? Think again. Pumps can partner ideally with leggings for a stylish look. The key to making the outfit work is to strike a balance. As leggings and heels make your bottom half appear long and lean, try offsetting them with something looser on top. In particular, a long shirt that finishes at the top of your thighs can work fabulously with leggings and heels. You can also add a loose sweater or chunky jacket over the top if the weather’s cold.

8. Ballet Flats

Their simple and slim design makes ballet flats work perfectly with leggings. As such, the combination should be your go-to for a casual yet chic look. When deciding what to wear on top, the choice is yours. You could try a crop top, leather jacket, sweater dress, chambray shirt, scarf, or something else. As your pants and shoes will be minimal, you’ll be free to experiment with your top half.

9. Sandals

It may surprise you, but sandals look fantastic when worn with leggings. The trick to successfully rocking the combination is finding the right style. To start with, try opting for flats for casual daytime outfits and heeled designs for nighttime party ensembles. Then, you can choose your specific style. Consider simple sandals with minimal straps for a chic look and bolder multi-strap designs for an edgier appearance.

10. Knee-High Boots

A pair of leggings teamed with knee-high boots makes for a cute autumn or winter outfit. Choose a pair of flat boots in either suede or leather to keep things casual. Then, add an oversized sweater and finish things off with a cute hat, such as a beanie or baker boy cap. While this outfit can be chic and comfy for all ladies, it can be an excellent choice for pregnant women.

Taylah McKee

Writer

Taylah Brewer holds a bachelor's degree in fashion and business and is a skilled writer with several years of experience in the world of online content creation and copywriting. She is passionate about fashion, beauty, and all things lifestyle-related and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2016. She currently works as the Head of Digital & Ecommerce at White & Co.