I'm Obsessed With Puddle Pants—6 Summer Shoes I'm Wearing With Them

If there’s one trend we’ve seen dominate this spring/summer, it has to be puddle pants—a term coined by the fashion set referring to loose wide-leg pants (or jeans) that are so long they pool around the ankles and drag slightly on the ground, creating an overall baggy effect.

The fashion crowd fully endorses this dramatic silhouette, and we've spotted plenty of celebrities wearing them, including Rhianna, Zoë Kravitz, and Kaia Gerber, and even Kate Middleton has gotten in on the puddle-pants action. So if you’ve finally procured a pair, the next question becomes what shoes to wear with them that feel modern, fresh, and cool. No need to wear them with only heeled boots. Below, we’re sharing six shoe styles worth considering that will give your long, loose pants a fashion-approved touch.

1. Pointed-Toe Heels

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(Image credit: @endlesslyloveclub)

Pointed-toe heels are unquestionably one of our favorite shoes to pair with puddle pants because not only do they add polish to the baggy silhouette, but they also work to elongate the legs and make you look slightly taller (which we won't say no to!).

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2. Sneakers

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Sneakers are the perfect way to add a cool and casual spin to long, tailored trousers. Opt for white or neutral sneakers so they don't draw the eye to the base of your outfit.

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3. Strappy-Heeled Sandals

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

In summer, nothing looks as alluring as heeled strappy sandals with long wide-leg pants. They'll add height and look unquestionably chic whether you dress your look up or down.

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4. Simple Flats or Slides

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(Image credit: @fakerstrom)

Simple slides or flats look classic and chic with long and languid pants. This may not be for everyone (especially if you're on the more petite side and don't want your trousers dragging), but having your trousers hemmed ever so slightly is a quick fix for that.

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5. Flatforms

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(Image credit: @jessicaskye_)

Of-the-moment flatforms not only are comfortable but also add an instant cool factor to puddle pants. The extra height will lift those hemlines off the floor a little too.

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6. Clogs

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Clogs are having a major moment this season, and we've already spotted many fashion people wearing them with relaxed wide-leg pants—a refreshingly cool duo.

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Up next, nine summer trends I'm buying from Nordstrom for under $100.

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Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.