Joggers have come a long way from just gym wear. These comfortable pants are now seen everywhere, from coffee shops to casual offices.
But picking the wrong shoes can make your joggers look sloppy instead of stylish. The right footwear turns these laid-back pants into a real outfit that works for many occasions.
In this guide, we’ll show you which shoes work best with joggers for different settings and seasons. You’ll learn how to dress them up or down, avoid common mistakes, and get outfit ideas you can use right away.
If you’re heading to work or hanging out with friends, you’ll learn how to make joggers look put-together with just the right shoes.
Ready to upgrade your jogger game? Let’s get started.
Best Shoes To Wear With Joggers
Joggers have become a wardrobe staple that works beyond the gym. Selecting the right shoes to complement these comfortable pants can upgrade your entire look.
Here are the top shoe options that pair well with joggers for different occasions:
1. Sneakers
Sneakers are the most natural match for joggers, creating a put-together yet relaxed look that works for many occasions.
Athletic sneakers offer the most casual option, perfect for running errands or actual workouts. Running shoes with joggers create a sporty vibe that looks intentional and functional.
Low-top sneakers give a cleaner, more minimal look that works well for casual outings or coffee dates.
Platform sneakers add height while maintaining comfort, making them an ideal choice for those who want a style boost without compromising comfort.
2. Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots elevate joggers to a more polished level without compromising comfort.
These boots work well with joggers in cooler weather, creating a nice balance between casual and dressy. The sleek shape of Chelsea boots helps joggers look more intentional as an outfit choice.
Black or brown leather options are the most flexible, while suede versions add a touch of texture to your look.
3. Loafers
Loafers add a touch of class to joggers, maintaining a relaxed overall feel. To make this combo work, choose joggers with a tapered or slim fit, and pair them with loafers that have a modern shape.
This pairing works well for casual office settings or weekend brunches where you want to look neat but not overly formal.
Penny loafers or driving shoes pair nicely with joggers for a smart-casual look.
4. Ballet Flats and Slip-Ons
These easy-to-wear shoes match the comfort level of joggers while adding a softer touch to the overall outfit.
Ballet flats pair well with joggers for women seeking a simple yet polished look. The key is choosing flats with some structure rather than very soft ones.
Slip-on canvas shoes or mules offer another easy option that keeps the outfit casual but neat.
5. Combat and Sock Boots
For those who like to add some edge to their outfits, these boot styles make joggers look more fashion-forward.
Combat boots create an interesting contrast with the softness of joggers, making a statement that works well for casual outings or concerts.
Sock boots, with their close fit around the ankle, pair nicely with joggers, creating a smooth line from pant to shoe that looks thoughtful rather than thrown together.
6. Boat Shoes and Dress Sneakers
These options strike a balance between being totally casual and somewhat formal.
Boat shoes bring a hint of prep style to joggers, working especially well in spring and summer. This combo is perfect for weekend gatherings or casual Fridays.
Dress sneakers, those with cleaner lines and high-quality materials, enhance joggers while prioritizing comfort.
7. Pumps and Kitten Heels
Yes, you can pair heels with joggers for a surprising yet effective look that works well for certain occasions.
The key to pulling off this look is choosing joggers with a sleeker fabric and a good fit. Small to medium-height heels are more effective than very high ones for maintaining balance.
This unexpected pairing works well for casual evening events or when you want to look put-together yet still feel comfortable.
Styling Joggers With The Right Shoes
How you pair your joggers with shoes can significantly alter the overall feel of your outfit. The right shoe choice helps you move from gym-ready to night-out worthy with the same basic pants.
Let’s learn how to achieve different looks by simply changing your footwear.
Casual Looks
Casual pairings prioritize comfort while maintaining a put-together appearance for everyday activities.
For running errands or meeting friends for coffee, white low-top sneakers with joggers create a clean, simple look that works every time.
Canvas slip-ons offer another easy option that keeps things light and simple – step in and go. Athletic sneakers work well too, but choosing ones in neutral colors helps the outfit look planned rather than just for the gym.
Men can pair joggers with boat shoes for a slightly more structured, yet casual, look that works well for weekend lunches or casual gatherings.
Women might opt for ballet flats with slim-fit joggers for a similar effect – casual but not sloppy.
Dressy Looks
Yes, joggers can look nice enough for more formal settings with the right shoes and styling.
Chelsea boots instantly lift joggers to a more polished level. The smooth transition from pants to boots creates a streamlined look that works well for casual offices or dinner dates.
Black leather Chelsea boots are best suited for evening wear, while brown or tan suede options are more suitable for daytime events.
For women, pairing slim black joggers with kitten heels or pumps creates a modern and thoughtful look. The key is choosing joggers with a smooth fabric rather than thick sweatshirt material.
Men can wear dress sneakers – those with leather uppers and a minimalist design – paired with well-fitted joggers for an outfit that bridges the casual and formal worlds. This works well for creative workplaces or evening events where formal wear isn’t required.
Seasonal Styling
Different seasons call for different shoe choices with your joggers. The weather and activities of each season guide what works best while keeping you comfortable and looking good.
Summer Shoes
Light, breathable options keep you cool in warm weather. Slides work for very casual summer days – easy to wear for beach trips or quick errands.
Simple sandals pair well with joggers for a relaxed summer look. Light canvas or mesh sneakers pair well with joggers in summer, with white or light colors looking fresh with most jogger shades.
Winter Shoes
Practical options that add warmth without losing style. Boots naturally complement joggers in cold months. Combat boots add warmth and grip while bringing toughness to soft joggers.
Fleece-lined sneakers offer casual style with added warmth. For the coldest days, short snow boots pair well with joggers tucked in for a practical winter style.
Bonus: Outfit Ideas to Try
Looking for ways to put together complete looks with your joggers and shoes?
Here are some ready-to-wear outfit ideas that strike a balance between style and comfort for various occasions:
- Black joggers + white low-top sneakers + oversized gray t-shirt + bomber jacket.
- Navy joggers + brown Chelsea boots + white button-down shirt + tan sweater.
- Green joggers + white canvas slip-ons + striped tee + light denim jacket.
- Gray joggers + black combat boots + white tee + leather jacket.
- Tan joggers + boat shoes + navy polo shirt.
- Black slim joggers + kitten heels + silk blouse + fitted blazer.
- Burgundy joggers + white sneakers + black turtleneck + camel coat.
- Light gray joggers + nude ballet flats + white button-up + cardigan.
- Dark wash joggers + dress sneakers + crisp white t-shirt + navy blazer.
- Black joggers + sock boots + oversized sweater + long coat.
- Olive joggers + white athletic sneakers + graphic tee + utility jacket.
- Khaki joggers + loafers + light blue Oxford shirt.
- Black joggers + slides + basic tee + open flannel shirt.
- Navy joggers + white platform sneakers + striped boatneck top.
- Charcoal joggers + brown loafers + light blue button-down + vest.
Joggers and Shoes For Men vs. Women
While many shoe options work for both men and women, there are some differences in how they typically pair shoes with joggers.
For men, shoes paired with joggers often emphasize clean lines and functionality. Athletic sneakers, low-tops, and white leather options create a put-together casual look.
Men often pair joggers with boat shoes for a preppy touch or Chelsea boots for a more refined style. The cut of men’s joggers usually allows for chunkier shoes without looking unbalanced.
Women have a wider range of shoe options that complement joggers well. From sleek sneakers to ballet flats to heeled boots, the choices are more varied.
Women’s joggers, which sometimes feature a higher waist or more tapered legs, pair nicely with more delicate footwear, such as pointed flats or small heels.
Both men and women can wear similar shoes, such as minimalist sneakers, Chelsea boots, and loafers, paired with joggers or other casual pants. The key is to maintain a consistent overall look in terms of casualness or dressiness.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even though joggers are flexible pieces in your wardrobe, some pairing errors can make your outfit look mismatched or careless.
Here are the key mistakes to avoid when matching shoes with joggers:
- Pairing very worn-out athletic shoes with nicer joggers can make the outfit look uneven in quality.
- Choosing shoes that are too formal (like oxfords) with casual fleece joggers.
- Wearing heavy winter boots with lightweight summer joggers creates an odd seasonal mix.
- Selecting shoes that make your joggers bunch up or wrinkle at the bottom.
- Using ultra-bright or heavily patterned shoes with joggers unless the rest of your outfit is simple.
- Wearing shoes that are much wider than the leg opening of your joggers can look unbalanced.
- Choosing heels that are too high with joggers can look awkward rather than stylish.
- Forgetting to consider the color match between your joggers and shoes.
- Wearing dirty shoes with clean, nice joggers, or vice versa.
- Neglecting sock choice, which can be visible with joggers and affect the overall look.
Conclusion
Pairing the right shoes with joggers unlocks a multitude of outfit options that strike a balance between comfort and style.
As we’ve seen, these versatile pants work with everything from sneakers to boots to heels, making them truly adaptable for different settings and seasons.
The best part about joggers is that they allow you to create outfits that feel good and look good with minimal effort. Remember that the jogger-shoe combo works best when both pieces match in terms of style, occasion, and season.
Next time you reach for your favorite joggers, try a new shoe pairing from our list to refresh your look. The right shoes can upgrade these casual pants into an outfit that works almost anywhere.
Ready to update your wardrobe? Check out our other style guides for more everyday fashion advice.
