Yes, High-Rise Jeans Are Coming Back—Wear Them With These Shoes to Look Relevant, Not Dated
Every chic girl's favorite denim shape is trending again.
If you ask me, high-waisted jeans were never out, but for many, when the Y2K craze took hold of the zeitgeist a few years ago, low-rise denim returned with full force, leaving no room for its far more timeless, refined counterpart. Jeans that buttoned at the waist instead of the hips were retired—donated, or if their owners had any forethought, just stored away for a later date—and replaced with the trendier style. Fortunately for anyone like me who's remained loyal to the denim style, the return of higher rises is arriving faster than I could have predicted, and this spring and summer, all signs are pointing to a full-on comeback, which means that it's time to start planning.
The most important thing to do when a denim shape enters or re-enters the scene is to think about the shoes that go best with it. You can really wear any top with jeans, but shoes are trickier to get right, with heel heights, toe shapes, colors, and materials all playing a role. If you wear the wrong footwear with your jeans, the whole outfit falls apart. To keep the process of reintroducing high-waisted jeans into your wardrobe as smooth and painless as possible, I did some digging through Instagram, finding the best shoe pairings with the incoming denim silhouette. Scroll down to consume the fruits of my labor, and by that, I mean, shop the best shoes to wear with high-waisted jeans in 2026.
Best Shoes to Wear with High-Waisted Jeans
High-Waisted Jeans + Flip-Flops
In the spring and summer, there's no easier denim outfit than a pair of high-waisted vintage jeans and some classic flip-flops. The combo is comfortable, cool, and effortless—a perfect trio on a warm day.
High-Waisted Jeans + Heeled Ankle Boots
When you're opting for a longer inseam, always wear heels to avoid awkward bunching at the hems of your jeans. A round-toe pump or mule will work great, but the best option is always an ankle boot.
High-Waisted Jeans + Ballet Flats
When in doubt, always pair high-waisted jeans with ballet flats. It's a timeless choice that's French girl–approved and perfect for any daytime occasion. Tip: To look extra "in the know" in 2026, opt for brown jeans, one of the year's top denim trends.
High-Waisted Jeans + Strappy Heeled Sandals
For an easy day-to-night transition, pair high-waisted jeans in a dark or indigo wash with a slightly bootcut shape with a pair of simple, strappy sandals. You're guaranteed to look refined without having to put any thought or effort into your ensemble.
High-Waisted Jeans + Slingback Flats
The sister to traditional ballet flats, slingback flats have a slightly more elevated look that instantly takes your denim outfit up a notch. The key to pairing them with high-waisted jeans is to find a pair with a slight crop and a fitted, almost cigarette-like cut, similar to a tailored trouser.
High-Waisted Jeans + Peep-Toe Wedges
Everyone cool is wearing peep-toe wedges right now à la Alaïa, Khaite, and Toteme, and the coolest ones are pairing them with high-waisted jeans. It's an unbeatable combination that's guaranteed to earn you compliments from every passerby.
High-Waisted Jeans + Loafers
I actually have a lot of trouble styling loafers with jeans because you have to find the perfect denim shape that hits just right for them to not make you look shorter than you are. My trick after many years of trial and error? Find a very straight, very high-waisted pair of vintage-wash jeans that doesn't bunch at the ankle and a soft, low-profile loafer.
High-Waisted Jeans + Heeled Slide Sandals
A kitten-heeled slide sandal might just be the #1 shoe option when it comes to high-waisted jeans in the spring and summer. Don't think too much about it—the pairing just works, no matter what top or lightweight jacket you choose to pair with.
High-Waisted Jeans + Western Boots
For a cool, Ralph Lauren–inspired Western-denim ensemble, style a khaki-colored pair of high-waisted jeans with ankle boots that have a subtle Western look to them. You don't want actual cowboy boots, just a style that leans Western. Trust me, it's an important distinction.
High-Waisted Jeans + Heeled Thong Sandals
Finally, my personal go-to shoes to wear with high-waisted jeans are heeled thong sandals. You get all the comfort of a flip-flop and the polish of a strappy sandal in one minimalist package.
