The Ultimate Guide: What Shoes To Wear With Flare Jeans For A Flawless Look

Flare jeans are a timeless denim staple that effortlessly blend retro charm with modern style. From their humble beginnings in the 70s to their resurgence on today's fashion runways, these wide-legged beauties have a unique way of elongating the silhouette and adding a touch of bohemian chic to any outfit. However, their distinctive cut—fitting slim through the thigh and then dramatically flaring out from the knee—means that finding the perfect footwear isn't always as straightforward as with skinny jeans or straight-leg styles. In fact, finding the right shoes to wear with flare jeans and bell bottoms is important, as shoes can make or break your flare jeans outfit!

Since flared jeans require a bit of extra thought when it comes to what shoes to wear, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you navigate the world of footwear for your favorite flares. We'll dive deep into the best styles, why they work, and even offer tips for different flare lengths, ensuring your outfit is always on point.

Why Choosing the Right Shoes Matters for Flare Jeans

You might think shoes are just an afterthought, but with flare jeans, they play a starring role. The wrong pair can make your legs look shorter, your outfit feel unbalanced, or simply get swallowed up by the denim. Flare jeans create a unique silhouette, and the goal is to enhance that, not detract from it. The right shoes will provide the necessary height and balance to complement the volume of the flare, ensuring your legs look long and your overall look is cohesive and stylish. The way flare jeans fit slim and straight through the upper leg before widening out means that the footwear you choose directly impacts the flow and proportion of your entire ensemble. It's about creating a harmonious visual line from top to bottom.

Your Go-To Shoe Styles for Flare Jeans

We've found that a specific selection of shoes consistently look great with flared jeans. Here’s a breakdown of the best shoe styles to wear with flare jeans, designed to take your flare jeans to the next level.

Platforms: The Ultimate Cheat Code

When in doubt, go up when it comes to styling shoes with flare jeans. Platforms are hands down the ultimate cheat code for this type of denim. Whether it’s a chunky boot or a summer sandal, the added height from a platform sole helps to lift the hem of your jeans off the ground, preventing them from dragging and creating a beautifully elongated line. This not only makes your legs look miles long but also ensures the flare falls perfectly, maintaining its intended shape.

Platform Sandals & Wedges: For a boho-chic look, opt for a pair of platform sandals or wedges. These styles perfectly embody the free-spirited vibe often associated with flares. Wedges, in particular, offer a comfortable alternative to heels and can still give you the height you desire. They pair exceptionally well with flare jeans, providing stability and a relaxed yet elevated vibe that's perfect for warmer days or a casual-chic outing.
Platform Boots: Perfect for cooler weather, a chunky platform boot can add an edgy touch while providing all the necessary height to keep your full-length flares from dragging. They offer a sturdy foundation that complements the substantial volume of the denim.

Heeled Boots: Adding Edge and Sophistication

Heeled boots are a fantastic choice for giving your flare jeans a polished and edgy feel. They provide the necessary lift to showcase the flare beautifully, and the variety of styles means you can easily adapt your look from casual to dressy. The way the shaft of the boot disappears under the flare creates a seamless and lengthening effect.

Classic Heeled Boots: A sturdy heeled boot, especially one with a pointed or almond toe, can create a sleek line that disappears under the flare, making your legs appear even longer. They are versatile enough for both daytime and evening looks.
Snakeskin Boots: For a cool edge, dark flared jeans and snakeskin boots are an unbeatable combination. This pairing adds a touch of wild sophistication and personality, especially when tied together with a cozy yet polished top like a maroon long-sleeve. The nude bodysuit underneath keeps the look sleek and seamless.

Trainers: Unexpected Cool and Comfort

Gone are the days when sneakers were only for the gym. Any type of trainers are shoes that look great with flared jeans, especially when styled thoughtfully. Stylish, sleek sneakers are now fashion-forward options that add an unexpected flair when styled with flares, particularly cropped or ankle-length ones. This pairing offers a comfortable yet incredibly chic aesthetic that's perfect for everyday wear and gives your outfit a modern, relaxed edge.

Sleek Sneakers: Brands like Vejas, Converse, or Adidas Sambas are excellent choices. Their streamlined profiles prevent them from looking bulky under the flare, offering a modern, minimalist contrast that elevates the casual denim.
Chunky Dad Sneakers: Don't shy away from chunky dad sneakers either! When paired with the right cropped flare, they can create a deliberate, fashion-forward statement that's both comfortable and cool. This unexpected combination adds a playful and trendy element to your outfit.

Strappy Heels: Elegant Elongation

For a dressier occasion or when you want to add a touch of elegance, strappy heels are a beautiful complement to flare jeans. They provide significant height, allowing the flare to skim just above the ground, and their delicate straps add a feminine touch that contrasts nicely with the denim's casual nature. This combination is perfect for a night out or an elevated casual look, offering a sophisticated silhouette.

Kitten Heels: Subtle Chic

If towering heels aren't your preference, kitten heels offer a more subtle lift while still providing a sophisticated touch. They work well for a refined, vintage-inspired look, especially with a slightly shorter flare that allows the heel to be seen. Kitten heels are another few other options that look great with flared jeans, adding a touch of understated elegance without sacrificing comfort.

Clogs: Boho-Chic Revival

Embracing the bohemian roots of flare jeans, clogs are making a strong comeback. Their chunky wooden soles and often leather uppers perfectly align with the relaxed, earthy vibe of flares. They provide a comfortable lift and add a unique, vintage-inspired element to your outfit, especially when paired with a flowy top or a cozy sweater. Clogs truly enhance the authentic 70s feel of your flared denim.

Styling Tips for Different Flare Lengths

The length of your flare jeans significantly impacts your footwear choice. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best shoe styles for flare jeans, including tips for cropped and ankle-length flares, like the super popular “kick flare” jeans, as well as traditional full-length styles.

Cropped and Ankle-Length Flares (Kick Flares)

These shorter flares, often called "kick flares," hit above the ankle, making them ideal for showcasing your footwear. This length offers more versatility as you don't have to worry as much about the hem dragging, allowing for a wider range of shoe choices.

Sneakers: As mentioned, sleek sneakers like Vejas, Converse, or Adidas Sambas, or even chunky dad sneakers, are excellent choices for cropped flares. They add an unexpected flair and a casual-cool vibe, perfectly highlighting the ankle.
Ankle Boots: Boots that hit just at or above the ankle work well, especially if they have a slight heel to maintain the leg-lengthening effect. They create a clean line with the cropped hem.
Loafers & Flats: For a more relaxed or preppy look, even some loafers or dressier flats can work with cropped flares, as long as the proportion feels right and the shoe doesn't get lost under the slight flare.

Full-Length Flares

For traditional full-length flares that are designed to almost touch the ground, height is key. The hem should ideally skim the top of your foot or just barely touch the floor, creating an unbroken line from your hip down to your toes. This is crucial for achieving the leg-lengthening effect that full flares are known for.

Platforms: This is where platforms truly shine. Platform sandals, boots, or wedges will ensure your jeans don't drag and maintain that elegant, elongated silhouette. They provide the necessary lift to allow the fabric to drape beautifully.
Heeled Boots & Strappy Heels: Any shoe with a substantial heel will work wonders, allowing the flare to fall perfectly without bunching or getting caught under your foot. Choose a heel height that allows the hem to just graze the ground, creating a seamless and polished look.

Beyond Footwear: A Holistic Approach to Wearing Flared Jeans

Footwear is just one part of the equation when it comes to mastering the flared jeans look. To truly nail the style, consider the entire outfit. HOW TO WEAR FLARED JEANS: A HOLISTIC GUIDE. So what