Skinny jeans have become a men’s wardrobe staple in recent years, and their tighter fit helps highlight your shoes better than any other cut. Initially a trend in women’s clothing, skinny jeans seamlessly transitioned into menswear due to their versatility and flexible properties. With the ability to be dressed both up and down, skinny jeans are suitable for any occasion, opening up a plethora of footwear options to match them.
Youthfulness and dynamism are often associated with skinny jeans, so knowing how to play off those themes with your shoes is important. You need to consider what shoes go best with darker jeans or lighter denim shades and consider what style opportunities are presented in different seasons.
Learn how to get the most out of your denim and footwear collections with Rieker’s guide to the best shoes to wear with skinny jeans.

Table of contents
- What shoes to wear with black skinny jeans
- How to wear smart shoes with skinny jeans
- How to wear boots with skinny jeans
- How to wear casual shoes with skinny jeans
What shoes to wear with black skinny jeans
Perhaps the most versatile option when it comes to jeans is a pair of black skinny jeans. Smart settings aren’t usually the place for jeans, but black jeans bridge the gap considerably. Black jeans are sharp, subtle, and suit smart-casual occasions much better than their lighter denim counterparts.
Dress up your black skinny jeans with Chelsea or desert boots for a laid-back yet classy evening look. Keep things smart with darker tones such as burgundy, dark brown and another layer of black to achieve a winning date night outfit.
Loafers accompany black skinny jeans wonderfully in the summer, bringing together a semi-formal minimalist aesthetic that works wonders for office days out or a lovely outdoor restaurant. If you’re looking to lean more on the casual end of the smart-casual spectrum, opt for white sneakers to perfectly complement your slim-cut black jeans in a simple but effective manner.
How to wear smart shoes with skinny jeans

While we’ve mentioned that skinny jeans aren’t at the forefront of formal wear, that doesn’t mean you can’t pair them with smart shoes. When matching skinny jeans and smart shoes, it’s more about dressing the shoes down to a casual level than dressing up your jeans. A smart shoe can elevate your everyday outfits without creating a contrast in styles.
Consider a summer look featuring brown Oxfords, blue skinny jeans, and a check shirt over a white tee for a perfect casual ensemble for warmer weather. Sticking with shoes in the sun, loafers are a great option for skinny jeans due to the cut just above the ankle. Wear without socks for a modern and trendy look on your summer outings. Swapping your blazer for a light blue denim jacket can also relax the look and kick up the fashion factor of any outfit.
If you’re experimenting with smarter shoes on skinny jeans, try a pair of mid-wash skinny jeans. This shade of denim acts as a blank canvas due to its suitability for daily tasks and evening wear. Opt for light brown or tan brogues and a smart-casual feel, or choose the Oxfords and loafers mentioned above to boost your summer get-up.
Rieker’s collection of men’s shoes offers great versatility for various occasions and seasons. Boost your wardrobe options and pair some of our comfortable and stylish shoes with your favourite skinny jeans.
How to wear boots with skinny jeans

A pairing that has become wildly popular among men in recent years is boots with skinny jeans. The styling versatility of boots and skinny jeans makes for a great partnership and can elevate your casual streetwear while still giving a classy impression. Chelsea boots, for example, have a shape and pointed toe that would suggest formality, but the lack of laces on Chelsea boots makes them perfect for casual wear.
A black pair of slim Chelsea boots partner black or indigo skinny jeans perfectly, while brown leather or suede are good alternatives for a statement look. Finish an office look off with a shirt and tie, or opt for a white tee and black leather jacket for an edgy and alternative aesthetic. You can even style out tan leather Chelsea boots with light skinny jeans, a light cotton button-down shirt and a khaki or camel-coloured sweater for evening drinks with friends.
Work boots can work just as well in the street as on the job, especially when coupled with the right jeans. Accompany tan work boots with a lighter wash of denim, but if your boots are darker, follow the suit with your jeans. Add a heavy denim jacket or winter coat in the colder months.
How to wear casual shoes with skinny jeans

Skinny jeans have made the streetwear scene of men’s fashion their home, and it’s a natural fit. The smart-casual element of skinny jeans prepares you for a day that could take you anywhere. From relaxing with friends and catching up over a coffee to a night on the town or an impromptu meal out, skinny jeans have you covered.
The perfect partner for this dynamism and flexibility are casual shoes, the old reliables that can complete most outfits or even the flashier styles that have hit the scene in recent years. Minimalist sneakers are a classic pairing with black skinny jeans. Complement the slim fit of the jeans with light-coloured shoes like white or beige and a white tee for a simple yet classic look.
Canvas shoes and skinny jeans are the bread and butter of men’s casual wear, a straightforward but effective partnership that sets a strong foundation for any casual look. High and low-top canvas shoes suit skinny jeans wonderfully, and their minimalist silhouette makes them an ideal and dressed-down alternative to smarter shoes.
Men’s footwear at Rieker
Style your skinny jeans confidently with an array of suitable footwear options available at Rieker. Be ready for each season’s trends with versatile boots and smart and casual shoes. Rieker shoes are made with not just style but your comfort in mind. Our antistress technology makes our shoes more flexible, shock-absorbing, more lightweight and roomier. Walk with assurance that you’ll feel as good as you look with Rieker.