Call Off the Search: These Are Undoubtedly the 7 Best Shoes to Style With Denim Shorts

No matter where I’m going with my friends, from a boozy brunch, lunch or dinner to a hen do abroad, they’ll always ask me the same question before we go. "What shoes do I wear with (insert outfit)?" And having been a stylist for over 10 years, I don’t blame them for asking me, as often, what to wear on your feet can be the biggest conundrum when deciding what to wear.

I always meet them with my own questions: Is it going to rain? Are you going to be walking far? Which colours work best? There’s so much to consider. And when it comes to summer shoes, although the weather question is somewhat solved (though in the UK, you never know), there are other factors to think about when you get your legs out in a skirt, dress or, in this case, denim shorts.

A couple of decades ago, cut-offs were the only ones we were interested in, but now we’ve got so many other styles to take note of, including jorts, low-rise, tailored and super-short. When it comes to the longline styles we’re seeing a lot of, a heel often works best, which is why '90s-style heeled thong sandals are the perfect pairing. And if you’re into baggier iterations, trainers (I’m backing suede, especially now there's less chance of them getting ruined in the rain) are an easy win. And if cut-offs are more your vibe, then a flip-flop will always work.

No matter your plans or preferred shorts style, consider this your guide to the best shoes to wear with denim shorts.

The Best Shoes to Wear With Denim Shorts:

1. Heeled Thong Sandals

Style Notes: It's the style Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow wore in the '90s, and it's the style fashion people (including me!) wear now. Heeled thong sandals are sticking around, and although they work with any denim wash or shorts length, they look particularly summer 2025 when teamed with jorts.

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2. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: I swore I would never wear ballet flats again (after all the bad pairs I wore at school), but of course, I now own at least five pairs. This summer, I'm going to take inspiration from Sasha (pictured above) and wear them with loose-fit shorts and a vest. Whilst black will never fail, I love all the fun cut-out, printed and bright versions we're seeing right now.

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3. Loafers

Style Notes: Marilyn (pictured above) is the queen of mixing smart and casual pieces in the same look, creating unexpected outfits that just work. I love how she's paired simple longline shorts with a super oversized (in a chic way) blazer and polished-to-perfection loafers. If you're worried about sweaty feet, follow her lead with ankle socks.

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4. Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Simple yet so effective for summer, the humble flip-flop has actually become the centre of attention for so many looks this season. A lot of fashion people have been wearing them with trouser suits and lace-trim skirts, and they're an excellent finishing touch to cut-off shorts, too. Jelly styles are set to take over for summer, but any style you have kicking around will work.

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5. Suede Trainers

Style Notes: Suede trainers and shorts are a match made in off-duty fashion heaven. Neutral shades like taupe, beige or brown work especially well with denim shorts, whilst a colour-contrasting lace adds a fun touch.

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6. Strappy Sandals

Style notes: Strappy sandals are the understated yet so chic footwear option. They're an elevated essential and it's surprising how many different outfits they can be paired with. While the A.Emery Jalen sandal holds a special place in my heart, there are a number of other styles available if they aren't quite for you.

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7. Sliders

Style notes: While sliders may seem quite casual, don't underestimate them. Yes, there are more laidback options, however, a leather iteration can instantly elevate a look. Their simplicity allows them to be worn with so many different outfits yet still make a statement.

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