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

Blue jeans are a modern-day cornerstone in almost everyone's wardrobe—they're what you reach for when you need something reliable yet effortlessly stylish. Whether you're grabbing coffee on a crisp morning, heading to your favourite brunch spot, or running errands before an impromptu meet-up, denim is your no-fuss go-to. The way you pair your footwear can entirely change how those trusty pairs of jeans read—so picking the right tone of shoe becomes as important as the fit itself. Cue the ultimate search term: 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 weekends to after-five social hours. In that vein, the shoes you choose can completely alter the mood of your denim—just think about the difference between a pale-wash jean worn with a sunny yellow heel versus a deep burgundy loafer. One instantly feels playful, the other more considered. The pairing is often the thing that turns "just jeans" into an actual outfit. Shoes can also push them into smarter territory for dinner, soften them for a lazy Sunday walk, or give them a streak of personality that reflects your mood. It's not always about matching, either—sometimes the best results come from colours that offer a little contrast, making the denim feel more intentional.

Over the seasons, fashion has played with colour in fascinating cycles—last summer it was all about lime-green shoes (thank you, Brat Girl Summer), which slowly faded as we entered this year. Yet, year-round staples persist. Certain tones keep cropping up with such frequency that they feel permanently attached to denim's spirit. That's why we're here: these 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 trend—but we're keeping our eyes peeled, so you don't have to.

Below, I'll show you five shoe colours that look especially good with different washes of jeans—whether your blue denim is light-washed, raw, or somewhere in between. From rich, moody burgundy to crisp white, bold yellow to warm brown, and of course, classic black—there's a shade here for every occasion and taste, whether you’re aiming for a quiet casual weekend or making a strong impression at a dressier occasion on a Friday night. 2

The 5 Best Show 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—deep oxblood tones feel sophisticated with darker indigo jeans, while brighter wine-reds lift paler washes. It's the kind of colour that feels autumnal, but you'll find it works year-round, especially if you treat it as a neutral. I love how it adds depth to simple outfits; a mid-rise straight jean, a white shirt, and a burgundy loafer or boot suddenly feels more considered. It's also a shade that plays well with classic outerwear—think 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—it's got a vintage feel, without literally needing to be from the '60s.

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2. Yellow

Style Notes: Yellow shoes with blue denim feel like a mood boost you can wear. 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—they give 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-toned 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. A chocolate-toned boot can make raw denim look intentional and city-ready, while 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—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 without thinking too hard about it.

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4. White

Style Notes: White shoes with blue jeans are 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—perfect for warmer seasons. 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 this shade. If you're worried about scuffs, lean into 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 ideal for 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—it's the safe option, 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: unexpected stitching, a metallic accent, an unusual heel shape, or even a subtle texture shift. This keeps the look 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—it's a nod to Parisian ease, but still feels wearable in everyday life.

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