From Mules to Sandals: Here Are 20 Stylish Shoes You Can Wear With Any Pair of Shorts

The Gist

• In the hot summer months, wearing shorts on repeat is practically a no-brainer.

• Choosing the right shoes to wear with shorts can make or break an outfit, given that there are so many different styles to choose from.

• Ahead, find 20 shoes to wear with every style of shorts, from tiny cut-offs to knee-grazing culottes, plus tips on how to style them.

While shorts are predominantly worn during the warmer months, you can incorporate them into your OOTD any time of year—with the proper styling, that is. Meaning, when it comes to finding the perfect shorts ensemble, the right footwear is key. Whether you’re sporting a casual pair of denim cut-offs or sleek, tailored styles, choosing shoes that complement your shorts can make or break your outfit. If comfort is your priority, you might end up feeling like your look is too laid-back. On the flip side, if you’re aiming for something dressier, picking the wrong shoes could throw off the entire vibe.

With so many options—sneakers, sandals, mules, and more—it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices. The key is narrowing down your options to the shoes that are both stylish and practical, enhancing your look without overthinking it. Whether you’re dressing up or down, curated footwear can take your shorts outfit to the next level.

Ahead, find 20 shoes to wear with every style of shorts, from tiny cut-offs to knee-grazing culottes, plus tips on how to style them.

Cap-Toe Heels

Longer jean shorts, a.k.a. jorts, are poised to be the garment of this summer. They’re a bit more conservative than their teeny tiny counterparts, but they’re still as fashionable—especially if you pair them with a classic cap-toe heel.

Slingbacks

Slingbacks bring a vampy vibe when worn with a shorts-and-suit combo. To level up this workplace-approved shoe and shorts pairing, choose a pair in a vivid spring shade and an eye-catching fabric like satin.

Loafers

Step into a pair of sleek and supple loafers for a quietly luxurious vibe. A somewhat unexpected choice, loafers are both trendy and timeless. They’re an excellent choice for a casual-but-still-elevated shorts outfit.

Platform Sandals

This one’s for the fashion girlies who dare to wear socks with sandals. Platform sandals deliver comfort and style in equal measure. The extra inches on this shoe, worn with shorts, give the effect of a pair of sky-high stilettos—minus the risk of losing your balance.

Tips

To make platform sandals more comfortable, look for styles with padded footbeds or added arch support to prevent foot fatigue. Pair them with cushioned insoles for extra support, and opt for ankle straps to keep your feet secure and balanced throughout the day.

Block Heels

Block heel sandals are another shoe to wear with shorts that deliver elegance and fashion-forward energy without sacrificing comfort. To ensure this pairing feels cohesive and intentional, color-match your shoes to either your outerwear or accessories.

Sporty Sandals

Since chunky normcore sandals won’t stop trending, you can work that energy into your summer shorts outfits. A pair of sporty hiking sandals worn with patterned shorts and a sharp blazer creates a conscious aesthetic clash that draws the eye.

Oxfords

While menswear-inspired looks are more accessible to style in cooler temps that call for layers, you can still capture that vibe in warmer weather by wearing oxfords and a blazer with your favorite pair of slouchy shorts.

Knee-High Boots

One can feel a bit exposed when they’re in teeny tiny shorts. A good way to cover up is by wearing knee-high boots. As a bonus, this will add structure and elevate your overall look.

Cowboy Boots

If cowboy boots go with jeans, then they surely go with jean shorts. Go full coastal cowgirl or incorporate this classic boot style into your go-to shorts outfits by swapping them for your usual sneakers, flats, or sandals.

Classic Pumps

Classic pumps deserve a spot in your shorts outfit footwear rotation simply because they’re so darn versatile. But if you want to embrace your inner street style star, put on a pair of sheer statement socks for added interest.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Wearing over-the-knee boots with shorts is the ultimate fashion-forward power move. Opt for luxury separates, light colors, and timeless prints for daywear. The perfect ‘fit for this style of shoe? A chic tube top, matching high-waisted shorts and contrasting black leather over-the-knee boots.

Sneakers

When it comes to shoes to wear with shorts, sneakers are a no-brainer for a casual warm-weather outfit. Keep things classic with a pair of pristine white kicks, or opt for a more experimental vibe by choosing a colorful and chunky platform sneaker.

Tips

If you’re shopping for sneakers, consider what you’ll be using them for. Walking around all day while on vacation? Do you need sneakers for work? Do your best to try the shoes on to see if they’re practical and appropriate for the occasion.

Combat Boots

Create a rugged, casual shorts outfit with hints of rock ‘n’ roll energy by wearing your favorite pair of combat boots with black denim shorts. A plain white T-shirt and oversized, lightweight jacket keep this look low-key, but you can amp it up with statement accessories.

Elevated Flip-Flops

No shade to flip-flops, but their more elevated, well-heeled cousin is also great option for shorts outfit. The high-heel flip-flop is ideal for adding considerable fashion energy to even the most casual of bike shorts outfits.

Slip-Ons

If you’re looking to dress shorts down, slip-on sneakers are your best bet. They bring an almost playful energy to any outfit, even a light pink tweed suit. It’s best to wear these with no-show socks, but crew socks work well too.

Ballet Flats

If you’re going for an effortless, cool girl vibe, you can’t go wrong with wearing ballet flats with shorts—or lack thereof. Go minimal with this style of shoe to wear with shorts; a simple pair in black worn with slouchy crew socks feels most fresh.

Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals earned their name because of their leg-hugging straps. The dramatic pair pictured here takes the ‘fit to the next level. But not all gladiator sandals are this dramatic. Consider ones with thinner straps for a daintier vibe.

Matching Footwear

If you’re already going with a monochromatic look—like, say, red on red—a good tip is to grab footwear in the same color. Filipino actress Heart Evangelista took color coordination to the next level by matching her tresses to her outfit.

Mules

As you might know, shorts exude a casual essence. And it’s only natural to want to figure out a way to elevate that. Here, a polka-dotted ascot and white button-down add structure and elegance to the ‘fit. Of course, the distressed shorts bring back that devil-may-care energy, but the mules make the overall ensemble a statement.

Birkenstocks

An outfit that’s perfect xfor a day of running errands or just taking the day off wearing heels? A matching shorts set with Birkenstock sandals. The style shown here is called Birkenstock Arizona, but just about any Birkenstock sandal will do.

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