You Probably Won't Catch Fashion Girls Wearing These Shoes With Leggings
With the popularity of leggings, we're all inevitably going to want to get a little creative with how we wear them. In many cases, that means thinking outside the box when it comes to footwear. We've already discussed what to avoid wearing with leggings in general, but what about the all-important subject of shoes?
Given leggings' form-fitting silhouette and casual nature, determining which shoes will best complement them can be a bit perplexing—which is where we come in. As editors, we've been noticing fashion girls in fewer and fewer of a handful of shoe styles, at least paired with their leggings. So naturally, we've been taking notes on what they've been wearing instead. The legging trend is here to stay for the foreseeable future, so we might as well make the most of it and pair them with shoes that will keep things as stylish as possible, right?
With that, keep scrolling to find out which seven shoe styles fashion girls have pretty much stopped wearing with leggings, and shop the coolest shoe trends to wear with them instead.
X Stilettos & Platforms
Wear Instead: Mules
Towering heels and platforms are best suited for something a little less formfitting. Instead, sliding on a pair of mules will keep your outfit looking effortless and cool.
Pictured: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); Zara shoes
Shop Mules:
X Flip-Flops
Wear Instead: Slide Sandals
Flip-flops have a tendency to make leggings look a bit too casual. Rubber slides are an easy swap that will give your look an of-the-moment feel.
Pictured: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); Gucci sandals
Shop Slide Sandals:
X Wedge Sneakers
Wear Instead: Athletic and Classic Sneakers
The wedge-sneaker trend has come and gone, but athletic and classic sneaker styles are a no-brainer with leggings, and the fashion possibilities are endless.
Pictured: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); Nike sneakers
Shop Athletic Sneakers:
X Ankle-Strap Shoes
Wear Instead: Ballet Flats
While it may seem a bit out-there, we love the dancer-inspired look of a pair of ballet flats with a pair of leggings. On the other hand, shoes with buckled leather straps at the ankle aren't the best match for leggings.
Pictured: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); Miu Miu flats
Shop Ballet Flats:
X Sock Boots
Wear Instead: Combat Boots
Sock boots are a current fashion-girl favorite, but unless you want your shoes to look like an extension of your leggings, it's best to go with something that provides more of a contrast, like on-trend combat boots.
Pictured: Beyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); Jenni Kayne boots
Shop Combat Boots:
X Brogues
Wear Instead: Loafers
When it comes to classic flats styles, loafers are still going strong. Loafers and leggings are one of our favorite combinations at the moment.
Pictured: Beyond YogaBeyond Yoga Take Me Higher Long Leggings ($61); G.H. Bass & Co. shoes
Shop Loafers:
Next, the 4 fall trends this chic Parisian mom borrows from her daughters.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
-
Coniglio Palm Beach Just Launched At Shopbop— Consider These Vacation-Ready Pieces For Your Next GetawayYour wardrobe for your next tropical stay is here.
-
Yes, Cyber Month Is Over, But Nordstrom Just Dropped Some Sneaky New Markdowns—These 16 Are BestShop these surprise deep discounts ahead of the holidays.
-
If Parisians Walked Around in Leggings Like It Girls in NYC and L.A. Do, They'd Choose This Expensive-Looking Color TrendHint: It's not black or brown.
-
*Not* Black—6 Legging Color Trends Everyone Everywhere Will Be Wearing in 2026Everything you need to know about wearing leggings next year, all in one place.
-
If You're Going to Wear Leggings to the Airport in 2026, Pair Them With This Expensive-Looking ShoeIt's giving aspirational.
-
Introducing the Prettiest Legging Color Trend of 2026, as Worn by Maya HawkeBetter than black.
-
If You're Going to Wear a Sweater and Sneakers With Leggings This Winter, Choose Them in This Pretty Color TrendJ.Lo knows a good legging hue when she sees one.
-
Forget *It* Styles: These Back-to-Basics Sneakers Make Black Leggings Look Cool and ClassicThese shoes have been around for over 15 years.
-
Hold the Hoodies and Puffers—L.A. It Girls Are Wearing *This* Anti-Trend Item With LeggingsIf anyone knows a good legging outfit, it's Kaia Gerber.
-
Here's How All the Cool Girls Will Be Wearing Their Leggings This WinterThese outfits feel more fashion and less fitness.