Jeans Will Always Be In—These 5 Shoe Colours Freshen Them Up

Classic blue jeans are a cornerstone in almost everyone's wardrobe. They're what we reach for when we need something reliable yet effortlessly stylish to pair with just about anything, for just about any occasion.

Your choice of footwear can entirely change how those trusty jeans read, though, so picking the right tone becomes as important as the style itself. So, which shoe colours to wear with blue jeans? It's not just about stepping out in comfort or matching your outfit by default; shoes play a starring role in transforming denim from laid-back weekend looks to after-work social hours.

In that vein, the shoes you choose can completely alter the mood of your denim. Just think about the difference between pale-wash jeans worn with a sunny yellow heel versus a deep burgundy loafer. One instantly feels playful, the other more considered. The shoe pairing is often the thing that turns "just jeans" into an actual outfit, smartening them for dinner, softening them for a lazy Sunday walk or giving them a streak of personality that reflects your mood.

Over the seasons, fashion has played with colour in fascinating cycles. Last summer, it was all about lime-green shoes (it was all "Brat Girl Summer"), which slowly faded as we entered 2025. Yet, year-round favourites persist. Certain tones keep cropping up with such frequency that they feel permanently attached to denim's spirit. The below shoe colours to wear with blue jeans are tried-and-true, able to adapt with what you already own, shift with seasons and still feel fresh. Others ebb in and out of the trend stream, but we're keeping our eyes peeled, so you don't have to.

Below, you'll find five shoe colours that look especially good with different washes of jeans—whether your blue denim is light-wash, raw or somewhere in between. From rich, moody burgundy to fresh white, bold yellow to warm brown, and of course, classic black, there's a shade here for every occasion and taste.

The 5 Best Shoe Colours to Wear With Blue Jeans

1. Burgundy

Style Notes: Burgundy is one of those shades that quietly commands attention without shouting for it. It works across the spectrum of blue denim washes, feeling sophisticated with darker indigo jeans, whilst richer wine-reds lift paler washes. Burgundy or oxblood tones feel autumnal, but you'll find they work year-round, especially if you treat them as a neutral. I love how they add depth to simple outfits; mid-rise straight-leg jeans, a white shirt and burgundy loafers or boots suddenly feel more considered.

It's also a shade that plays well with classic outerwear like trench coats, camel wool coats and even khaki parkas. I've noticed this colour cropping up in everyday street style recently, particularly on people who clearly know their way around a vintage shop—burgundy leather shoes look best when they're lived-in.

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2. Yellow

Style Notes: Yellow shoes with blue denim are such a mood booster. Whether it's a soft buttery tone or a punchy sunflower hue, yellow offers instant energy to an outfit without the effort of full-on colour-blocking. Light-wash jeans are the perfect partner, giving yellow space to shine without clashing.

If you're wary of bright shoes, start with a softer pastel tone in a casual silhouette, like a slip-on sandal or a trainer. I love this pairing in summer when the light catches the colour and it feels almost luminous. You can lean into a '70s influence with mustard clogs or mules, or go contemporary with a sleek strappy heel in a golden shade. Either way, it's a combination that says you're confident about your outfit choices.

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3. Brown

Style Notes: Brown is the quiet achiever of the shoe world. It rarely gets the same attention as black or white, but it works beautifully with blue denim, giving a warm, almost Western feel. It's a shade that looks especially good in leather and suede, which makes it feel rich even when the shoe itself is simple in design. A chocolate-toned boot can make raw denim look intentional and city-ready, whilst a soft tan sandal gives light-wash jeans an easy, holiday feel.

I often reach for brown when I want my shoes to blend into the outfit rather than stand out, but the beauty is in the detail, so play with texture, from glossy leather loafers to brushed-suede ankle boots. It's also a shade that transitions easily between seasons, meaning you can buy once and wear on repeat.

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4. White

Style Notes: White shoes with blue jeans is a pairing I'll never tire of. They feel clean, fresh and put-together without crossing into overly formal territory. The crisp contrast works particularly well with mid to dark-wash denim, though I've also seen it styled in a more tonal way with pale jeans and an all-light outfit, which is perfect for warmer weather.

White trainers are the obvious choice (and they're classics for a reason), but there's something equally appealing about a white heeled boot or a strappy sandal in the shade. If you're worried about scuffs, go for textured finishes like pebbled leather or styles with clever contrast soles. I find white shoes make the rest of an outfit look sharper, even when the pieces are casual, so they're a good choice on those days when you want to feel slightly more polished without changing your whole approach.

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5. Black

Style Notes: Some might argue that black isn't really a "colour" choice, but rather the safe option or the default when you can't decide. But I think the key is to treat black shoes as a blank canvas to play with. If you're going for black, look for designs that have something extra, like unexpected stitching, a metallic accent, an unusual heel shape, or even a subtle texture shift.

This keeps the shoes from feeling flat against denim, especially lighter washes. Black boots are a staple with jeans, but a sleek loafer or slingback in this shade can feel just as current. I love pairing cropped straight-leg jeans with a glossy black ballet flat and a simple tee for a nod to Parisian ease that still feels wearable in everyday life.

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