The Best Shoes to Wear With Shorts

last updated 10 October 2019

When it comes to baring your legs in shorts, the type of shoe you wear is important. Too-high heels give a '00s going-out vibe that may feel a bit off, yet options that are too low can also make the outfit a bit clunky.

Because of this, we assembled a guide on the best shoes to wear with summer's key shorts styles (think high-wasted, denim, and beyond). Scroll through for our roundup, and enjoy a little shopping along the way!

Tailored Shorts

Option 1: Low Heels

& Other Stories

Circle Buckle Sandals

Available in sizes 6 to 10.5.

Option 2: Wooden Platforms

Swedish Hasbeens

Kringlan Block Heel Sandals

Available in sizes EU 37 to EU 41.

Option 3: Classic Flats

Gucci

Leather Horsebit Loafers

Available in sizes 4.5 to 12.

Denim Shorts

Option 1: Chelsea Boots

Marc Fisher Ltd

Yale Chelsea Boots

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Option 2: Fancy Flats

Marguax

The Slingback

Available in sizes EU 35 to EU 45.5.

Option 3: Slip-On Espadrilles

Soludos

Original Dali Espadrille Slip-Ons

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

High-Waist Shorts

Option 1: Gladiator Sandals

K. Jacques

Fusain Leather Sandals

Available in sizes IT 35 to IT 42.

Option 2: Penny Loafers

Rachel Comey

Horsebit Varnished Loafers

Available in sizes 7 to 10.

Option 3: High, High Heels

Zara

Shiny Multi-Strap Sandals

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Leather Shorts

Option 1: Sneakers

Nike

Air Huarache Run Ultra

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Option 2: Ankle-Strap Heels

Prada

Crystal-Buckle Suede Pumps

Available in sizes IT 34 to IT 42.

Option 3: Sleek Sandals

Sam Edelman

Gala Sandals

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Long Shorts

Option 1: Ballet Flats

Acne Studios

Odry Snake Flats

Available in sizes EU 36 to EU 40.

Option 2: Simple Sandals

Who What Wear

Ruth Toe Ring Wood Heeled Pumps

Available in sizes 6 to 11.

Option 3: Thin-Strap Heels

Saint Laurent

Loulou Wood and Leather Sandals

Available in sizes EU 34 to EU 41.

Loose-Fitted Shorts

Option 1: Ankle Boots

Chloé

Susanna Studded Leather Ankle Boots

Available in sizes EU 34 to EU 42.

Option 2: Lace-Up Heels

Charles and Keith

Lace-Up Flatform Sandals

Available in sizes EU 35 to EU 41.

Option 3: Chunky Heels

Paula Cademartori

Chunky Heel Sandals

Available in size 40.

Short Shorts

Option 1: Strappy Sandals

Ganni

Olive Suede Mules

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Option 2: Booties

Tory Burch

Brooke Metallic Booties

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Option 3: Nude Sandals

Who What Wear

Accent Heeled Ankle Strap Sandals

Available in sizes 6 to 11.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Gina Marinelli.

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Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)