December 13, 2024
8 Timeless Ways to Pair Men’s Boots with Jeans
Whether you like to keep your denim casual or dressed up, a go-to pair of men’s boots can effortlessly pull any look together. Boots work for just about any occasion, from a business-casual meeting to a dinner date to a late-night concert.
That said, not all boots and jeans work together. The wrong combo can look clunky, but the right boots can take your favorite jeans to a new level. In this guide, we’ll break down eight foolproof combinations, as well as quick tips on how to wear men’s boots with jeans (and how not to wear them).
1. Slim-Fit Jeans with Chukka Boots
When it comes to boots to wear with jeans, men’s chukkas pair perfectly with slim-fit jeans. Although you can easily wear them with a pair of chinos or trousers, the minimalist design of the chukkas balances out the tailored fit of slim jeans, creating an effortless outfit that’s classic and sharp.
Styling tip: Stick to chukkas in classic shades like tan, brown or soft suede because they work with any wash of denim. Cuff the jeans just slightly to show off the boots and throw on a crisp button-down shirt for a more put-together style.
2. Distressed Jeans with Lace-Up Boots
If you like distressed denim but are tired of pairing it with the same old sneakers, boots and a nice sweater are the perfect upgrade. Lace-up boots are trendy and eye-catching, adding just the right amount of edge to balance out the worn-in feel of distressed jeans. Plus, they’re durable and look better the more you wear them.
Styling tip: Let the jeans fall naturally over the boots, or cuff them if that’s more your thing. Up top, don’t overthink it. A simple tee, a flannel or a hoodie will look casual, cool and never overdone.
3. Dark Wash Jeans with Chelsea Boots
For those days when you just want to get out the door without worrying about your outfit, dark wash jeans and Chelsea boots are as easy as it gets. We love this look because the deep denim and clean lines of the Chelseas look sharp without feeling stuffy, making it a simple yet stylish outfit for dinner plans or casual days at work. The best part? You don’t need anything else to make it work.
Styling tip: Go for slim or straight-fit jeans that hit right at the top of the boots — no bunching or folding. Keep the rest simple with a fitted sweater, a nice tee or a button-up shirt. If you’re heading somewhere nicer, throw on a blazer, and you’re set.
4. Cuffed Jeans with Leather Boots
Rolling up your jeans isn’t just for when they’re too long — it’s also a way to show off your leather boots and make your outfit feel casual but put-together. The key is to keep the cuff simple: one or two clean folds are all you need. Anything bigger starts to look bulky and can throw the whole ensemble off.
Styling tip: Straight or slim-fit jeans work best since they keep the focus on the boots without adding extra bulk. For the top, stick to easy favorites like a flannel, henley or a hoodie. If it’s cooler out, throw on a denim jacket or a lightweight coat and a beanie.
5. Straight-Leg Jeans with Lug Boots
Lug boots are built with thick soles that give them a little edge and a lot of personality. Plus, they’re sturdy, comfortable and hard to miss — perfect for days when you want your shoes to stand out. Wear them with straight-leg jeans to balance out the chunky shape of the boots and throw on a mid-length coat to tie it all together.
Styling tip: No need for cuffs or tucks here! Simply let the jeans fall naturally over your boots. Keep it simple up top with a plain tee, a henley or a fitted sweater.
6. Tapered Jeans with Leather Hiking Boots
Leather hiking boots give off that outdoorsy, cool-guy vibe without veering too much into “I’m actually going hiking” territory. Wear them with tapered jeans to let the narrower ankle show off the boots. This men’s boots and jeans style is one of those outfits that will make you feel ready for anything, from city days and road trips to laid-back Sunday brunches.
Styling tip: Stick to earth tones — browns, tans or dark olive — since these colors always look great with jeans and capture the vibe even more. Let the jeans hit right at the boots or add a small cuff to keep it sharp. Layer up with a flannel, puffer or a jacket with some texture to tie it all together.
7. Light Wash Jeans with Casual Lace-Ups
Light wash jeans are an all-time favorite for a reason — they’ve got that easy, worn-in feel to them that works with just about anything. And, the best boots for men’s jeans in light wash styles are casual lace-ups, like chukkas or lightweight leather designs. These types of boots keep things easy-going and stylish and work well for both the day and night.
Styling tip: Go for a slim fit to keep the look clean, and add a small cuff if you want to show off the boots a little more. Pair with a plain tee, a relaxed button-down or a lightweight sweater. If you’re feeling it, toss on a watch or sunglasses for a subtle detail to round out your fit.
8. Bootcut Jeans with Dress Boots
Men’s dress boots, jeans and confidence are all you need to make any jeans-and-boots combo work. But when the jeans are literally designed to be worn with boots, creating stylish outfits gets easier than ever. As the name suggests, bootcut jeans are designed to sit effortlessly over your boots. And when you pair them with dress boots, the result is clean, confident and effortless.
Styling tip: Stick with dress boots and jeans featuring a slim bootcut to keep your outfit modern and avoid extra fabric bunching around the boots. Pair with a button-down shirt or a fitted turtleneck for a sharp finish, or dress it up a little more with a tailored blazer.
How to Wear Boots with Jeans: Men’s Styling Tips
There are thousands of ways to style boots for men. With jeans, however, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a quick list of what to do — and what not to do — when pairing men’s boots with jeans:
Do’s
- Wear the right fit. Slim, straight or bootcut jeans work best.
- Cuff your jeans cleanly for chukkas or casual boots — one or two folds max.
- Let straight or bootcut jeans sit naturally over chunkier boots.
- Stick to neutral boots like black, brown or tan for versatility.
- Keep your boots clean and well-maintained.
- Match your boots to the vibe: dress boots for sharper looks and rugged styles for casual outfits.
- Pay attention to proportions. Heavier boots need a looser leg, and sleek boots work with slimmer fits.
Don’ts
- Don’t let your jeans bunch up or drag. Make sure you get the right length for your body.
- Don’t tuck jeans into boots unless you’re going for a very specific look.
- Don’t wear overly baggy or skin-tight jeans. They throw off the balance.
- Don’t pair chunky boots with super skinny jeans — it just looks off.
- Don’t overdo flashy boots unless you’re confident it works.
- Don’t ignore scuffs and dirt on your boots. Worn-in is cool, dirty isn’t.
- Forget the belt. Keeping it cohesive with your boots ties the whole outfit together.
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
See? It’s easy to learn how to wear boots with jeans! For guys who want easy, effortless styling, TOMS boots pair seamlessly with what’s already in your closet. Your favorite jeans just got a lot more stylish! Browse our men’s boots collection to find a pair that’s stylish, comfortable and ready for life’s big (and small) moments.
Our boots don’t just feel good. They’re a purchase you can feel good about. A third of our profits are put toward grassroots efforts that drive meaningful change. Want to learn more? Read about our impact.