5 Shoes That Make Skinny Jeans Look More "2024"

You've heard the rumors, seen the outfits, and perhaps caught wind of Alexander McQueen's and Miu Miu's fall/winter 2024 shows. Yep—skinny jeans could be due for a comeback, and you'd be wise to be prepared if and when this happens. But how do we all style skinny jeans so we don't look like we're stuck in 2015, you ask? The answer is simple, and it's shoes.

Shoes are powerful, relatively speaking. Depending on the shoes you choose, they can make an outfit look either dated or brand new. My advice is to skip the espadrilles and flip-flops this year and instead opt for one of the following five shoe trends. All of them are wildly popular for 2024 and go with a lot more than just skinny jeans.

Without further ado, scroll on for the five shoe trends to wear with skinny jeans to avoid looking dated this year and shop the most stylish, worth-it pairs.

Western Boots

Tylyn wearing skinny jeans, western boots, a blazer, and a print sweater.

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Western boots are one of the most exciting boot trends of the season. You can choose either snug-fitting denim that fits under your jeans or a wide pair that goes over them. I love the sleek look of wearing them under your jeans, but they're both fun.

Shop My Western Boot Picks

Retro Sneakers

Ally Payer wearing skinny jeans with Adidas samba sneakers.

(Image credit: @allypayer)

There's no end in sight for the retro sneaker trend.

Shop My Retro Sneaker Picks

Platforms

A woman wearing skinny jeans with platform boots, a puffer jacket, a beanie, and a black Loewe bag.

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Basically, any type of platform shoe—from boots to sandals—is still very much a thing, and it's nice to have a chunky shoe to balance out the slim look of the jeans.

Shop My Platform Shoe Picks

Slingbacks

what-shoes-to-wear-with-skinny-jeans-79970-1675896666266-image

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

If you want to make your skinny jeans look especially chic and sophisticated, choose a pair of slingbacks. Kitten-heel styles are particularly trendy yet classic at the same time.

Shop My Slingback Shoe Picks

Ballet Flats

Salome wearing skinny jeans with ballet flats, a blazer, and a white t-shirt.

(Image credit: @salome.mory)

For the most French girl–inspired skinny-jean outfit, opt for a pair of ballet flats. You probably already own a pair or two based on how popular they are right now, but I found a few more excellent options.

Shop My Ballet Flats Picks

Loafers

Miu Miu Fall 2024 show. A woman wearing skinny jeans with loafers.

(Image credit: ImaxTree)

In Miu Miu's fall/winter 2024 show, it was evident that skinny jeans are coming back, and they look best when paired with loafers. Whether they're lug-sole or driving loafers, they are a great styling option for formfitting bottoms. You can choose from burgundy, black, or brown loafers to achieve a runway-ready look.

Shop My Loafer Picks

Lug-Sole Boots

Shop My Lug-Sole Boot Picks

A woman wearing skinny jeans with lug sole boots, a loewe brown bag, and black fur jacket.

(Image credit: @_loissterling)

Lug-sole boots are a must-have for the fall season. As Lois Sterling expertly demonstrates, their rugged yet stylish design makes them the perfect match for skinny jeans. The chunky soles provide great traction and support, making them ideal for pairing with cozy knit dresses as the temperatures drop. These boots are versatile and sure to become a staple in your wardrobe, no matter your style.

Knee-High Boots

Bridgette wearing skinny jeans, knee-high boots, a graphic cardigan, a white cropped tee, and a cowboy hat.

(Image credit: @acquiredstyle)

In 2024, knee-high boots are an essential part of styling skinny jeans. They effortlessly complement skinny jeans by allowing them to tuck into the boots seamlessly, creating a visually elongated effect highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts on Instagram. At Who What Wear, we particularly love silhouettes with sharp pointed or square-toes and a pretty kitten heel, making any outfit look refined. You can't make a wrong choice whether you opt for polished leather, supple suede, or glossy patent crocodile patterns.

Shop My Knee-High Boot Picks

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.