Yes, full-length, floor-skimming trousers may be everywhere you look right now, but I'm here to play devil's advocate and argue in defence of the timelessly-chic cropped trouser. What shoes to wear with cropped trousers, however? Another story.
The cool-girl trend of the moment might be to have puddles of fabric around your ballet flats or Adidas Sambas, but as an editor who tries to focus not on the passing trends right in front of me, and more on which wardrobe items are genuinely flattering and will stand the test of time, I still have a soft spot for showing a little ankle. What can I say?
I know I'm not alone in this opinion, and so I recently took to social media to scroll through some of the most stylish accounts I know to find proof that cropped trousers are not only flattering, but extremely versatile, too. (Way more versatile than a tricky dragging hem!) Adding to my conviction, most of the women I found sporting cropped trousers recently were stylish Europeans—a demographic well-versed in eschewing "of the moment" trends in favour of forever buys.
The fact that I'm 5'2" and always looking out for styling tips for petite women, I've and find it extremely difficult to find full-length trousers that fit me, let alone look good, which may or may not have something to do with my stance. (Where are my fellow short girls at?!)
But I stand by my opinion that cropped trousers are universally flattering on everyone and do actually suit a lot of trending shoes—that little ankle flash makes ballet flats, loafers, trainers, heels and even boots just look, well, better.
Keep scrolling and you'll find examples for nine of the best shoes to wear with cropped trousers—all undeniable arguments for why you should still be proudly wearing this sliced pant. Whether that's smarter tailored styles to the office or your beloved cropped straight leg jeans—enjoy the footwear styles that suit best, ahead.
The 9 Best Shoes to Wear With Cropped Trousers
1. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Soft and rounded shapes are a gentle way of elongating your figure.
Shop the Look:
COS's wide-leg trousers are amongst the best-rated.
These black leather and patent-tip flats take the two-toned trend to the next level.
2. Loafers
Style Notes: Balance out the tapered hem of cropped trousers with a more structured shoe choice like a loafer.
Shop the Look:
Not only are these cropped wide-leg trousers available in eight sizes, they also come in two different cuts (regular and petite) and from size 23 to 34.
These feature a slightly larger sole and an elegant stitching around the toe.
3. Mules
Style Notes: Mules are one of the best shoes to wear with cropped trousers as they not only add height, but give the eye another focal point to draw itself too by leaving your toes exposed.
Shop the Look:
These are made from a heavy-weight cotton, making them far more breathable than other woollen options.
The bow detail on these mules is so sweet. Why wear a longer hem and avoid showing it off?
4. Chunky Ankle Books
Style Notes: Look for chunky ankle boots with thick soles to counteract the sharp crop of the trousers.
Shop the Look:
I love the barrel leg shape of these cropped trousers.
Here's a petite shopping tip for free: Chelsea boots always add length to your look.
5. Flat Boots
Style Notes: On the other hand, flat boots have started trending after Gen-Z discovered Prada Linea Rossa – the now-defunct, sportswear-inspired brand best revered for its '90s fashion offering. The flat shoe gives a more technical look to cropped trousers and has already become a staple in the wardrobes of Gabriette and Bella Hadid.
Shop the Look:
These denim barrel-leg jeans are amongst the best our shopping editor has ever tried on.
The square-toe shoe trend has made its way to ankle boots.
6. Trainers
Style Notes: Of course, you can always rely on trainers to achieve a similar silhouette without battling resale stomping grounds or buying a whole new pair of shoes.
Shop the Look:
Sézanne is one of the best French fashion brands around, meaning these cropped jeans are Parisienne-approved.
If you're already looking ahead from Adidas Sambas to see what's next on the horizon in the footwear department, there are plenty of 2025 trainer trends already bubbling up.
7. Pointed Toe
Style Notes: Point-toe shoes and cropped trousers are an elite combination adored by Meghan Markle and Zoë Kravitz alike.
Shop the Look:
Are these leggings? No. Ponte pants? Wrong again? They're just the most luxurious, slim-fitting cropped trousers around.
Talk about a razor-sharp point.
8. Heeled Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Wearing ankle boots with cropped trousers may sound contradictory, especially if you want to show a little skin at the bottom of your hem. They do, however, give you that lengthened look and add a few extra inches to your height. Just make sure you find a pair of cropped trousers that hit above the top of your boots.
Shop the Look:
For an ever-so delicate ankle-skimming length.
From bags to footwear, Khaite offer some of the best accessories available right now, and these contrasting animal-print tips take the cake. (And all my cash!)
9. Sandals
Style Notes: Wondering what shoes to wear with cropped trousers in the warmer months? Sandals are the chicest and safest bet purely because of how many varieties there are. We love this utility-inspired look with the addition of flip flops.
Shop the Look:
We'd contend these might be the softest cropped trouser you own, with the fabric a buttery finely waled cotton-corduroy.
You can never go wrong with Aeyde footwear.
-
24 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds That Are Taking Over My Fashion-Editor Text GroupLongchamp, Levi's, Madewell, and more.
-
Linens, Trousers, and Button-Downs, Oh My! These 30 Banana Republic Sale Picks Are Summer MagicUp to 60% off.
-
FYI: Fashion People in Spain Are Wearing This Elegant Pant Trend Instead of Wide-Leg JeansJ.Lo approves.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 31 Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are Giving Main Character EnergyThese were really hard not to gatekeep.
-
This Pant Style With Flip-Flops Creates the Chicest Combo We've Seen All SummerIf you're looking for a way to summerify your favorite fancy pants, this is it.
-
Sorry, But Jeans Look Downright Dated in the Face of These 7 Classier Pant TrendsThere, I said it!
-
I'm a Corporate Girlie Now—32 J.Crew Pieces That Have Me Excited for My Morning CommuteFor a fashionable 9-to-5.
-
I Couldn't Help But Notice That L.A.'s Coolest Dressers Always Wear This Shoe Trend With Black TrousersIf you guessed ballet flats, you'd be wrong.
