Of all the early 2000s denim styles that have staged a comeback, one of the most approachable is the humble bootcut jeans. With a straight-legged silhouette with wider hems, the roomy shape hits the mark between slim-fit and baggy wide-legged denim. But over 20 years later, how does the style stay current in the packed denim market? 

As with their predecessors, styling today’s bootcut jeans is all about the shoes you pair them with. A rise in aesthetic inspirations from mob wives, ballerinas, and prep school — among others — means there’s no shortage of ways to style your jeans, whether you choose a set of sweet cap-toed pumps or Mary Jane flats in the red hue of the moment. 

Of course, staple shoe styles that can dress up any attire — like pointed or square-toed boots, metallic sandals, and more — are easy and effortless complements to your bootcut jeans as well.

Consider the collection of 10 styles below your go-to guide to picking the footwear to pair with them. 

High-Shine Sandals

For maximum impact — and a burst of glamour — elevate your bootcut jeans with slick, shiny sandals. Block- or stiletto-heeled styles in gold or silver will provide a sheen to match jewelry or accessories. Since the front of your shoes will peek beneath the jeans’ long hems, opt for a light-catching finish for a gilded edge.

Patent Leather Pumps

Classic leather pumps will never go out of style, and their formal silhouette — thanks to pointed toes and thin heels — will instantly dress up even the most casual of bootcut jeans. Neutral pairs will provide an effortless complement to any outfit, while glossy patent leather holds its own alongside the denim’s matte texture. 

Pointed-Toe Boots

Like their pump counterparts, pointed-toe boots are a classic that can be worn with any denim style. Bootcut jeans, particularly those with distressed or detailed hems, pair well with this style in the winter months thanks to higher heels and fuller leg coverage. Just look to Campbell Puckett (a.k.a. “Pookie”) as inspiration when dressing up the denim, which can be paired with separates like a sheer blouse and classic blazer for a sharp finish.

Ruby Ballet Flats

Between dark cherry and vibrant pepper hues lies ruby, a deeper red tone that pairs well with a range of denim shapes including bootcut jeans. For a whimsical pop of color, try this color in ballet flats with Mary Jane or slip-on silhouettes, as seen at New York Fashion Week. Matte or patent finishes will embrace the hue with a hint of texture. 

Printed Mules

For a playful contrast to the rugged nature of bootcut jeans — which were originally worn as workwear — try slipping on a pair of printed mules. Any heel height will prevent the hem from dragging on the ground, and as a toe-focused shoe its silhouette is ideal for pairing with full-coverage denim. Patterns ranging from florals to leopard to feather prints, each in an array of different colors, will provide a slew of options when styling this slip-on. 

Chocolate-Toned Booties

Here's a contemporary take on the close-toed boot with the kind of rich brown tones that have been on the rise since last year. Pointed-toe and narrowed styles crafted in smooth suede or leather will provide a clean, contemporary base for your bootcut jeans. The denim’s long legs also allow boot shafts to be as short or tall as you desire.

Denim Heels

Bootcut denim can be streamlined with denim shoes for added flair. Pointed-toe pumps will provide the sharpest silhouette with an elongated base, while any wash — particularly a blue shade — will playfully mix textures together. For a campy spin, this shoe can be styled with a denim shirt, jacket or accessories, elevating the Canadian tuxedo from a simple set to a multi-piece look. 

Sky-High Platform Heels

If keeping yourself — and your hems — high off the ground is the goal, strap into a dynamic set of platform heels. Thick soles and block heels create a sturdy base that’s dynamic and sharp, with a hint of drama to boot. To embrace bootcut jeans' aforementioned toe-framing capabilities, opt for a style with wide or knotted straps that can showcase a dash of texture — and your pedicure. 

Cap-Toed Pumps

Capped pumps can provide a sophisticated contrast to bootcut jeans. While monochrome is easy to pair in any context, two-toned styles with black, white, or beige tones allow for added dimension and layering potential. Pairing a black-and-white set with a white blouse and dark sunglasses, for example, creates a streamlined outfit that playfully dresses up any shade of bootcut denim. 

Platform Boots

Like the aforementioned platform sandals, platform boots are an easy way to keep your bootcut jeans off the ground and bring you a sharp height boost at the same time. This style’s full-foot coverage makes it ideal for any winter outing, keeping you covered up no matter how casual or formal the affair. Matte, monochrome pairs will draw greater focus to your denim’s texture and tone, while thick bases ensure elevation with every step.