Wide-leg trousers have been the breakout wardrobe must-have of the last year, and they're showing no signs of dropping off our radar in 2025. Between fashion month, where tailoring outnumbered pretty dresses two to one, and the revival of leather trousers, trousers are everywhere I look. Even I, a former midi-dress devotee, have fallen for the polished wardrobe staple like never before. However, wide-leg trousers can take some getting used to in terms of styling, which is why I've been looking at the best trouser-and-shoe pairings to try for the season ahead.
As I mentioned, wide-leg trousers previously eluded me, as they always seemed to be a particularly difficult item to pair with footwear. Evidently, I’m not alone, as we’ve recently seen an increase in searches of the phrase "shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers.”
Luckily, the social media style set are offering up plenty of inspiration on this exact topic, inadvertently giving us a veritable masterclass in how to style wide-leg trousers. Whether you’re looking to style long trousers that pool around the ankle, wide-leg leather pants or traditional suit trousers, those in the know have a footwear option for every occasion.
Keep scrolling for the best shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers, including sleek boots, heeled mules, loafers and so much more.
Shop the Best Shoes to Wear With Wide-Leg Trousers:
1. Wide-Leg Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: This may not be for everyone (due to the fact that many petite people will find their trousers dragging on the ground, but hey, that's the puddle-pant trend for you!). However, this super-simple pairing tends to look incredibly chic, and you’ll also be extremely comfortable. If you don't want to venture into heel territory, you can avoid puddles and wear and tear by ensuring your trouser hem is ever so slightly tailored to hit above the sole of your foot to allow for a flat shoe paring, such as a leopard ballet flat.
Shop the Look:
Whistles' has some of the beat leather on the high street.
Mary Jane flats are my favourite style of ballet pumps, and leopard print just elevates them even more.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers + Pointed-Toe Heels
Style Notes: This look means business. Pointed-toe pumps will work to elongate the leg and make you appear slightly taller (which is always a bonus if you’re on the shorter side like I am).
Shop the Look:
You can always rely on Zara for high-quality tailored pieces.
The fastest way to breathe new life into an outfit? Sleek pumps.
3. Wide-Leg Trousers + Minimalist Loafers
Style Notes: The contrast of wide-leg, relaxed trousers and daintier loafers is a good way to balance out the proportions of an outfit. Personally, I love this khaki and black pairing.
Shop the Look:
The khaki is so versatile.
Slip into these and you'll instantly feel smart.
4. Wide-Leg Trousers + Sneakers
Style Notes: To be frank, I’d wear sneakers with just about anything. I think brighter-coloured sneakers look great against neutral wide-leg trousers, as they add interest to your more subdued outfit.
Shop the Look:
Stuck on your favourite shade of grey? These trousers come in 7 different shades.
These go with everything.
5. Wide-Leg Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
Style Notes: Wide-leg leather trousers and kitten-heel boots are a pairing we see season after season. If you have shorter legs, opt for slightly cropped trousers which will allow you to see more of the boot’s silhouette.
Shop the Look:
Reformation never fail when it comes to everyday staples.
I love the unique slanted heel on these.
6. Wide-Leg Trousers + Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: As we've already established, puddle trousers are a big deal right now, and while it might feel appropriate to style them with heels to keep them off the ground, choose or alter yours to the right length, and I'd argue they look their coolest worn with on-trend chunky loafers. You need only look to Abi for proof.
Shop the Look:
These are stunning.
I'm so glad Sezane brought these loafers back this year.
7. Wide-Leg Trousers + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: These two are a match made in heaven. The combination of wide-leg leathers and strappy heels feels distinctly "fashion" and will look chic no matter how you style it.
Shop the Look:
The elasticated waistband will ensure all-day comfort.
I love the instep strap detail. So cool.
8. Wide-Leg Trousers + Flat Clogs
Style Notes: This winter, I'm all about comfortable clothing, and what could be better than a pair of wide-leg trousers worn with some Birkenstocks? Officially fashion's flat shoe du jour, Liv's cream pair have just had a restock.
Shop the Look:
These also come in black, cream, navy and burgundy.
Get them before they're gone (I'm also a fan of the chocolate brown version).
9. Wide-Leg Trousers + Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: A pair of Chelsea boots will work hard in your winter wardrobe, pairing well with dresses, skirts and wide-leg trousers alike. To avoid your trousers dragging on the ground, opt for a slightly shorter pair of trousers or pick a boot style that has a chunkier sole.
Shop the Look:
A true wardrobe hero.
Chunky Chelsea boots always make a statement.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
