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Swapping out your skinny jeans for mom jeans? We guarantee you’ll be comfy, but you might need to reconsider certain shoes. The straight-leg, relaxed fit of mom jeans doesn’t look great with everything, but there are plenty of footwear options that work great, especially those styles that came out of the ’80s and ’90s when mom jeans hit the scene (Air Force 1‘s anyone?). We’ve rounded up 35 shoe options to wear with mom jeans that’ll prove this denim trend is not only cool but here to stay, from vintage Converse sneakers to leather loafers to chunky lug sole boots.
No matter what decade’s denim trend we’re talking about, Converse has always been in style. And their classic silhouette certainly works with mom jeans. Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas, $80 at Converse
The Nike Air Force 1 appeared on the scene first in 1982, so it’s no wonder they look so good with mom jeans. Nike Air Force 1 ’07, $100 at Nike
Likewise, it was the ’80s when Reebok introduced their Harman sneaker, and the cushiony design with a white leather upper and a rubber gum sole has stood the test of time. Reebok Classic Harman Run Sneaker, $59.99 at DSW
The popular stationary/home decor brand Rifle Paper Co. teamed up with Keds for some seriously fun and funky sneakers. The patterns are girly but not ostentatious, perfect to add a little kick to a simple denim look. Keds x Rifle Paper Co. Triple Kick Colette Jacquard, $84.95 at Keds
High-top sneakers look really good with cuffed or cropped mom jeans. This super-versatile pair is also machine-washable. The Forever High-Top Sneaker, $70 at Everlane
This pair of high-tops with a wedge is an easy way to dress up that denim but still feel comfy. Steve Madden Wedgie Sneaker, $91.95 at Zappos
Oprah put APL sneakers on her “Favorite Things” list in 2018 and 2019, and for good reason. They are incredibly comfortable and come in countless colors (with seasonal hues always popping up). When you’re really going to be running around but want to wear jeans instead of workout wear, these trainers feel less sporty than most. Women’s TechLoom Phantom, $185 at APL
Related: Best Shoes for Standing All Day
A dainty ballet flat is a stylish contrast to mom jeans, and they work with both business casual and dressed-up outfits. Kelly & Katie Perri Ballet Flat, $49.99 at DSW
The sophisticated pointed toe of these flats will instantly complete a chic denim outfit. The fact that Rothy’s are insanely comfortable and machine-washable makes them even more appealing. The Point, $145 at Rothy’s
Slip on this pointed-toe mule for an easy way to round out an outfit of mom jeans and a sweater. Lucky Brand Meliada Mule, $59.99 at DSW
The woven material of these mules is stylish without being too fussy for denim. But the pointed toe and slight wooden block heel give an outfit that fashionable flair. Matisse Minx Mule, $59.99 at DSW
Part mule, part bootie, this is a shoe for all seasons and all types of denim. The Brady Lowcut Bootie, $168 at Madewell
The traditional look of a leather penny loather against the casualness of loose denim is a style we can’t get enough of. Pair it with a blazer, and you’ve got yourself a work-ready outfit. This Madewell pair is even more perfect because of the ’90s-inspired chunky lug sole. The Corinne Lugsole Loafer, $158 at Madewell
These suede loafers have a classic design that pairs nicely with relaxed-fit jeans, but the tassel adds a little something extra. Franco Sarto Hadden Loafer, $98.99 at DSW
In the fall or spring, a no-fuss clog is an easy way to make mom jeans and a t-shirt look effortlessly chic. Studded Clogs, $59.90 at Zara
A good old-fashioned Birkenstock clog can hold up to even the loosest and longest mom jeans. We love this shearling pair for cold days when you don’t feel like putting on boots. Buckley Shearling Clogs, $170 at Birkenstock
Dr. Martens actually first debuted in the U.K. in the 1960s, but during the grunge era of the ’80s and ’90s, they took on new cultural prominence in the U.S. Recreate the full look with mom jeans and a cropped top. Dr. Martens 1460 Boot, $169.99 at DSW
A lug sole is made of rubber and has deep indents and grooves. The look was crazy popular in the ’90s, which explains why the stocky style stands up so well to the looseness of mom jeans. Steve Madden Howler Chelsea Boot, $109.99 at DSW
This lug sole is less dramatic, so paired with the block heel, rounded toe and sumptuous leather, these booties can also do double duty for a more posh outfit. Emelia Boot, $180 at Aerosoles
A more chic bootie also looks beautiful with mom jeans. Pair a cropped pair of jeans with a low bootie to take an outfit from day to night. The snake-embossed faux leather on this pair is extra glam. Spirit Black Snake Pointed Toe Ankle Booties, $68 at Lulus
An ultra-low bootie is a good choice for mom jeans, since you can’t tuck them in as you would with skinny jeans. Journee Lola Bootie, $74.99 at Zappos
The delicate rounded toe and streamlined silhouette of these leather booties mean they’ll go with a variety of styles and washes of mom jeans. Cole Haan Addie Bootie, $119 at Zappos
Related: The Best TikTok-Approved Mom Jeans
Does anything scream mom jeans like a tried-and-true pair of Birkenstock sandals? The white color takes them from super casual to classic casual, great for a lunch date or taking the kids to the playground. Arizona Birko-Flor, $99.95 at Birkenstock
These slide sandals are simplistic enough to complete a casual denim ensemble but flirty enough to take that outfit from day to night. The Walker Slide Sandal, $78 at Madewell
The retro style of these sandals definitely brings us back to the ’90s, but they still feel cool and modern. Universal Thread Holden Platform Sport Sandals, $29.99 at Target
You might’ve worn jelly sandals as a kid in the ’90s, but this pair is all grown up and a fun accessory for your mom jeans. Veronica Beard Salva Jelly Sandals, $98 at Zappos
The fisherman style and platform sole of these sandals scream ’90s, and the crisp whiteness will stand out against your denim. A New Day Monroe Platform Sandals, $34.99 at Target
Strappy sandals offset the looseness of mom jeans. Pair this bright, studded pair with a silk tank for a glam going-out look. Steve Madden Skyler Sandal, $79.99 at DSW
These platform heels are casual enough to wear with jeans, but paired with dark-wash denim they can easily work for a nice dinner out. The chunkiness complements the relaxed fit of mom jeans. Universal Thread April Platfrom Heels, $34.99 at Target
The espadrille experts at Soludos make their wedges in varying heel heights, 2.75″, 3.5″, and 4″, so there’s something for everyone. A tapered pair of mom jeans look cool-casual for those summer nights when you’re not in the mood for a dress. Mallorca Wedge, $115 at Soludos
More fitted mom jeans can hold up to a strappy heel, proving that opposites really do attract. Mix No. 6 Aliciana Sandal, $49.99 at DSW
These Vince Camuto slides have a tapered heel and a braided leather strap that contrast in a stylish way against the relaxed fit of mom jeans. Plus, they come in a dozen colors. Vince Camuto Brelanie Braided Strap Sandal, $99 at Nordstrom
Celebs are constantly spotted in mom jeans and a white/off-white pump, so there must be something to the look. It’s so versatile, and white keeps the look a little less formal than a black pump would. Jessica Simpson Haneh Pump, $59.99 at DSW
In colder temps, take a pair of rolled-up mom jeans out on the town with a strappy pair of black pumps. The velvet material and shiny gold block heel make this pair extra special. Laura Black Velvet Ankle Strap Heels, $44 at Lulus
Just like a flat clog works well with mom jeans, so does a heeled version, especially a chunky leather pair like these. Emon Clogs, $130 at Aerosoles
Next up, here are 25 denim jackets to wear with your mom jeans.
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