In the Friends With Benefits Discord, a member recently asked:
“What kinds of sneakers should I wear with different types of jeans?”
Which is a great question! I’m glad that more guys are excited to get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great outfit.
Because leveling up your style means recognizing that it’s usually the small details — like the profile of a shoe, how round or pointy the toe is, the fit or length of your pants — that take a look from average to exceptional.
So, Team SG put together this guide on the best men’s sneakers to wear with the jeans in your closet.
Consider it a cheat sheet to elevate your casual, everyday style.
Below, check out the best men’s sneakers to wear with jeans
WEAR CHUNKY SNEAKERS WITH RELAXED, LOOSE, OR BAGGY JEANS
Shop the outfit:
- sneakers: Nike
- jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch
- hoodie: Corridor
- t-shirt: Flint and Tinder
- bracelet: Isabel Marant
Right now, a looser style is popular in men’s pants. From workwear pants to baggy denim, the ’90s are back in a big way.
If you’re down to clown with bigger pants, your shoe shouldn’t get lost beneath all that material.
To keep things stylish not sloppy, go with chunky sneakers with a rounded toe like a pair of crisp white Air Force 1’s to create a solid foundation for your jeans outfit. In 2024, the style may feel downright retro but we assure you they look as fresh as ever.
Of course, you can rarely go wrong with white sneakers in leather that hit at your ankle when it comes to stylish men’s outfits. But for looser jeans, the best shoes to wear are ones that look and feel more substantial.
EXPLORE rounded-toe sneakers
WEAR A SLIM-PROFILE SNEAKER WITH A STRAIGHT-FIT JEAN
Shop the outfit:
Straight-leg jeans that skim your thighs and calf are a staple in plenty of men’s year-round wardrobe.
Wear yours with a low-top sneaker that has an elongated toe. You can go with something new, but we like retro sneakers like the Nike Killshot 2, which will keep your look streamlined and stylish.
Throw on a white t-shirt with blue jeans in warm weather for a “celebrities getting photographed at the airport” casually cool vibe. In colder months, add a navy rugby shirt or shacket to layer your look.
EXPLORE slim-profile sneakers
PAIR A MID OR HIGH TOP WITH TAPERED JEANS
We love a man in tapered jeans, the better to show off his unique personal style when it comes to the casual sneakers in his footwear repertoire!
Exhibit A? An understated pair of high-top sneakers like the Air Jordan style above.
The athletic or regular fit of shorter jeans means you can expect to show socks when sitting. Don’t be afraid to pick a tall sock that plays off colors in your outfit. They’ll be spotted peeking out from your casual shoes, so you want them to be cohesive with the rest of your look.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
- sneakers: Nike
- jeans: Madewell
- oxford shirt: Taylor Stitch
- baseball cap: J.Crew
EXPLORE MID- AND HIGH-TOPS
WEAR SKINNY OR SLIM-FIT JEANS WITH A RUNNING SNEAKER
Do your best Seinfeld impersonation in a pair of slim or skinny jeans that hit higher on the waist with classic dad sneakers. The more functional-looking, the better. Dressier sneakers have their place; this isn’t it.
We like a durable running sneaker like the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 lightweight shoes shown here.
Shop the outfit:
EXPLORE running sneakers
READ MORE ON MEN’S SNEAKER STYLE FROM SG HQ:
I’m a Stylist. These Are My Favorite Everyday Sneakers to Recommend to Clients
The Bear‘s Jeremy Allen White Loves Nike Cortez Sneakers. Here’s How to Wear Them
