Call Off the Search: These Are Undoubtedly the 7 Best Shoes to Style With Denim Shorts
Whether it's to wear with cut-offs or jorts, these are the chicest shoes to wear with denim shorts this summer and beyond.

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.
Shop Heeled Thong Sandals:
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.
Shop Ballet Flats:
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.
Shop Loafers:
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.
Shop Flip-Flops:
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.
Shop Suede Trainers:
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.
Shop Strappy Sandals:
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.
Shop Sliders:
Why Trust Us?
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.
-
Bella Hadid Just Landed in Paris Wearing *the* Shoes to Pair With Fall's #1 Denim Trend
Model-off-duty elegance to the max.
-
Stylish Women All Over Milan Are Suddenly Swapping Out Their Classic Pumps for This "Dated" Shoe Trend
Spotted on Shailene Woodley.
-
Taylor Swift Just Wore the Fall Shoe Trend That's All Over Zara, Steve Madden, and H&M
It looks good with everything.
-
Not Ballet Flats, Not Loafers—Amelia Gray Just Wore the Flat-Shoe Trend in Italy That's Everywhere This Fall
Spotted at Milan Fashion Week.
-
Sorry, Heels, Flats, and Loafers—9 Fall Sneaker Trends That Matter Way More
Classic white? Snakeskin? Soft suede? Check, check, and check!
-
Black Boots Are Fine, But *This* Fall Shoe Color Trend Looks Rich as Hell
Lily James is a fan.
-
There Are Just Too Many Cool Adidas Sneakers to Choose From RN—These 5 Are at the Top of My List
Your new favorite pair awaits.
-
Suddenly, Everyone With Good Taste Is Styling Their Fall Outfits With This Shoe Trend
See the proof inside.