In London, New York and Paris, Fashion's Chicest Dressers Can’t Stop Wearing These 7 Shoe Trends With Wide-Leg Trousers
If you want to spice up your wide-leg trousers, look no further. Below, I've rounded up the seven shoe styles which work best.
Whether they’re from France, the UK or New York, if there's one thing fashion people can agree on, it's the importance of owning a good pair of wide-leg trousers. Once considered a slightly dull, work-appropriate piece, wide-leg trousers have officially earned their capsule-wardrobe status. Easy to style, versatile and—most importantly—endlessly comfortable, this silhouette has shed its '80s power-dresser connotations for a casually cool allure.
From the ultra-wide to slightly more tailored and fitted, 2026’s wide-legs balance sleek polish with roomy comfort, beloved by fashion’s most classic dressers (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Elsa Hosk and Jennifer Lawrence, I’m looking at you). But given just how easily these trousers work with just about everything, one common question still arises: what are the best shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers?
Well, there are a host (can you ever truly go wrong with a soft leather loafer?), but for spring/summer 2026, there are seven shoe trends in particular that we want to steer you towards. Having delved into my social feeds and combed through the runway looks, these are the shoe trends that, regardless of personal style, will make the most of your trousers. So whether you’re a low-maintenance dresser or just a sucker for a new pair of shoes, keep scrolling to see the pairings to take note of now.
7 Shoe Trends to Wear With Wide-Leg Trousers in 2026:
1. Soft Leather Loafers
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers and soft leather loafers go together like florals in spring, so this is a tried-and-true combo that never dates. After years of backless iterations gaining popularity, the rise of Miu Miu-coded preppy chic has brought penny loafers back into the spotlight, and this simple combination can be dressed up and down with ease depending on your top.
Shop Leather Loafers:
The perfect pared-back loafers for minimalists.
If you're after an on-trend square toe, look no further.
These went straight into my basket.
ASOS's new Arrange line has some seriously expensive-looking finds.
The flat sole and buttery leather will make you feel like you're walking on clouds.
2. Low-Profile Trainers
Style Notes: From Jacquemus X Nike to Cecilie Bahnsen X Asics, many of last year's hottest trainer drops were all about the low-profile silhouette. In a move away from all things chunky, "ugly" and dad-shoe-coded, this sleek, streamlined shape has been gaining in popularity since Miu Miu's first collaboration with New Balance in 2022 (ICYMI, Miu Miu is providing a lot of trend inspo right now). With the same charming appeal as ballet flats but wrapped in the comfort of a trainer, these shoes will make your wide-leg trousers look infinitely cooler.
Shop Low-Profile Trainers:
Be quick! This quietly released restock won't be around for long.
Satin-effect trainers are set to be one of this season's biggest shoe trend.
Take it from me: these are set to sell out fast.
Your new pair of everyday trainers.
The stitching is a nice touch.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Not everyone will be a fan of ballet flats with wide-leg trousers, and petite dressers who already battle with dragging hemlines might be turned off by this combo, but the right pairing of dainty ballet flats and well-proportioned trousers is fun and fresh, especially with a statement style like Hollie’s studded leather pair.
Shop Ballet Flats Below:
Year after year, I pull out my Le Monde Béryl Luna slippers.
The strap is great for narrow feet.
Add a touch of soft colour to your minimalist looks with this elevated pretty pink pair.
The perfect pair of black ballet flats does exist!
The double strap is so French.
4. Pointed-Toe Boots
Style Notes: Polished, timeless and undeniably elevated, if you’re after a look that ups the drama, go for a pointed-toe boot. Adding sleek polish to everything from slouchy, low-waisted pants to longline blazers and mini hemlines, they’re a classic that always looks sharp—especially wide-leg trousers.
Shop Pointed-Toe Boots:
You'll be able to walk a mile in these thanks to the low heel.
I'd always advise you size up in Reformation shoes, as they tend to fit a touch narrow.
These look so much more expensive than they are.
I've worn these Tony Bianco boots almost every day for the past week.
Aeyde sells some of the most comfortable (and chicest) shoes on the market.
5. Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Okay, I know it's only February and the weather is leaving an awful lot to be desired, but soon it’ll be time to dust off the flip-flops once again! From Ancient Greek Sandals' jelly styles to Reformation’s Jessie Thong, elevated flip-flops will be back with a vengeance this spring/summer. Seen with wide-leg trousers at Aje, Christopher Esber and Balenciaga, this pairing is all about the casual, laid-back energy championed by the likes of Kendall Jenner and Sofia Richie Grainge.
Shop Flip-Flops:
These square-toe flip-flops feel super luxe.
These completely sold out last summer.
A purse-friendly option.
The neutral tone keeps these from veering too childlike.
Ancient Greek Sandals basically won the footwear game last summer.
6. Backless Mules
Style Notes: With fashion leaning into '90s shoe trends right now, as with the slimline-trainer resurgence, a dressy mule feels like the natural next step (no pun intended). Add a streamlined backless heel to flowing wide-leg trousers, and finish with a simple white tee for an easy, elevated look.
Shop Backless Mules:
Chic, sleek and under £40.
I've seen these all over my socials lately.
If you want something a little different, go for a sculptural pair.
These would look amazing with a monochrome black look.
If I won the lottery, there would be signs.
I haven't seen another pair like these.
7. Chunky Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Perfect for weekend walking or day-to-day dressing, a chunky sole is a gorpcore signature, and more directional than plain white trainers. Equally fashionable and functional, hardy ankle boots are the smart way to keep your hems off the floor, and they also happen to work just as well with bootcut trousers and flared jeans.
Shop Chunky Ankle Boots:
You can't beat H&M for an expensive-looking find.
I've seen these on so many fashion people.
The leather! The soles! The hardware! Find me a better Chelsea boot.
These are so 2016-coded.
A classic.
