These days, every street style star knows how to wear sneakers with jeans in the coolest way possible. But there was once a time when the outfit combo meant only one thing: You were someone’s dad. Channeling Hot Dad Energy, normcore, and other fashion-forward aesthetics weren’t a thing. You were just…someone’s dad. The kind of guy who relied on pairing his chunky jogging shoes with aggressively medium-wash blue jeans.
But that was then. Now, to wear sneakers with jeans is less an outfit and more a philosophy—an exercise in proportion, texture, and the art of looking like you didn’t try too hard. (When in reality, we all know it took three outfit changes, four shoe swaps, and an internal debate about whether high-top sneakers or low-top white sneakers were the move.) But once you crack the code? It becomes a uniform—a low-effort, high-impact staple you can pull out again and again. And honestly, we love an outfit repeat. Because it’s more sustainable, of course, but also because when something works, why fight it?
The blueprint has always been there. Remember Princess Diana in the ‘90s, stepping out in her Levi’s, white Converse, and a slouchy sweatshirt to prove that simple can still be statement making? Then there were the early 2000s supermodels, running errands in bootcut jeans, Nike Dunks, and a fitted cardigan and making casual outfits look editorial. Even today, those same formulas hold up—it’s all about balance. The right pair of sneakers can elevate denim from something you just threw on to a walking street-style mood board.
So, let’s get into it. Here’s how to wear sneakers with jeans to hit that perfect sweet spot.
1. Wide-Leg Jeans + Sleek Sneakers
We are deep in a Big Jean Renaissance, and the sneakers you pair with wide leg jeans can make or break the silhouette. If your jeans are full-length and puddling just slightly over your shoes (think Hailey Bieber off-duty), then you’d do best to find sneakers that balance the volume—something structured but not overwhelming, bold but not bulky.
What works: a sleek yet substantial sneaker like New Balance 9060s, Adidas Gazelles, or Nike P-6000s. The contrast between the excess fabric and a streamlined (but slightly chunky) shoe creates that “I know fashion, but don’t try too hard” vibe.
What doesn’t: Avoid the ultra bulky, dad-core runners that swallow your feet or, on the flip side, super minimal sneakers that disappear under the denim. The goal is balance here—let the jeans flow, but give them an anchor.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 26: A guest wears black sunglasses, black earrings, white buttoned up long sleeve shirt, light pink white striped necktie, light gray oversized sweater, dark gray oversized leather jacket, shiny black clutch Fendi First leather bag, light blue baggy denim jean pants, light pink satin lace sneaker shoes, outside Fendi, during the Milan Fashion week Women’s Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on February 26, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 02: Anna Winter is seen wearing red college jacket Gant, denim jeans Uniqlo, black sneaker New Balance sunglasses, black Dior bag on May 02, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)Christian Vierig/Getty Images
2. Cropped & Cuffed Denim + Statement Sneakers
If the hem of your jeans hits ankle-length—whether they’re cropped, cuffed, or aggressively hacked with a DIY laser-cut moment—then consider it sneaker showcase time. Your shoes become the focal point, so they better be worth the attention.
What works: Sleek, low-profile sneakers like Adidas Sambas, Onitsuka Tigers, or Nike Cortez. The goal? A refined silhouette that complements the exposed ankle without overwhelming it.
What doesn’t: Bulky, heavy sneakers throw off the balance. A massive shoe with a cropped hem can feel clunky instead of intentional. Keep it streamlined.
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 07: A model is seen wearing a gray coat, black top, blue jeans and black shoes with black bag outside the Nina Ricci show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 05: Jacqueline Zelwis wears navy blue ONWEEKENDS jeans, white sleeveless Sezane top, Samsoe Samsoe pullover, orange Adidas Samba sneaker, light brown Flattered bag, Joseph sunglasses on May 05, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)Christian Vierig/Getty Images
3. Straight-Leg Jeans + Timeless Classics
A good pair of jeans with a straight-leg cut is the universal donor of denim—it goes with everything. And yet, sneaker selection still matters. The key here is to keep it classic but intentional.
