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What Shoes to Pair With Every Kind of Shorts This Summer

Published 12 hours ago7 minute read

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.

Gabriella Karefa Johnson outside Givenchy at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

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.

Sonia Lyson in Milan in February 2022.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.

Lois Opoku in Berlin in June 2023.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

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.

Xenia Adonts in Paris in March 2020.

Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

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.

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.

Ellie Delphine in Paris in May 2021.

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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.

Mandy Bork in Berlin in May 2022.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.

Tamu McPherson in Paris in March 2024.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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.

Yoyo Cao in Paris in September 2024.

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

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.

Sisi Stringer in Sydney in May 2024.

Don Arnold/Getty Images

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.

Charlene Davies in Sydney in May 2023.

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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.

A passerby is seen in Paris in June 2025.

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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. 

Fashion Week guest in Paris in June 2022.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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.

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.

Saraja Roberta Elez in Berlin in September 2021.

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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.

Caroline Ebo in London in September 2021.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.

Marianne Theodorsen in Paris in March 2025.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.

Hailey Bieber in L.A. in December 2023.

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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.

Akimoto Kozue in Paris in January 2023.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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.

Heart Evangelista outside Giambattista Valli during Paris Fashion Week in March 2025.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

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.

Emy Venturini during a street style photoshoot in Paris in April 2023.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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.

Elise Seitz in Hamburg, Germany, in August 2022.

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

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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