Best Shoes to Wear with Shorts for Men & Women

2025-04-25 12:44:40

Shorts weather is officially in—and whether you're beach-hopping, brunching, or just chilling around town, pairing your shorts with the right shoes is what turns your outfit from basic to basically awesome. But let’s be real: finding the perfect shoes to wear with shorts can be a bit tricky. Too formal and it looks off; too casual and it might feel underdressed. So how does one choose the right shoes to pair with shorts? That’s where we come in. 

We’ve created this guide to solve this exact problem by taking you through the nitty gritties of choosing the right footwear to go with your favourite summer outfits with shorts. This guide is here to make sure your summer outfits are strong from the hemline down. Whether you’re into sporty vibes, street-chic, or something a little more elevated, here’s everything you need to know about styling your shoes with shorts—for both guys and girls. So without further ado, let’s get started. 

Best Casual Shoes to Wear with Shorts 

First up, the everyday heroes. You want something comfy, cool, and versatile enough to take you from park hangs to late-night food runs without a second thought. Here are the best picks for these use cases. 

Slip-On Sneakers 

Easy to wear, easy to style. Slip-ons are perfect for both men and women when you want that "I woke up like this" effortlessness. Throw them on with denim shorts, a tucked-in tee, and you’re all set for a wide range of adventures. 

Espadrilles 

Soft, breathable, and undeniably summery, espadrilles are the laid-back footwear you didn’t know you needed. Hailing from the summer vacation destinations of France and Spain, these designs are ideal for picnics, movie dates, or rooftop evenings. 

Slides & Flip-Flops 

Okay, flip-flops are a beach staple. But slides? Slides are stylish, especially when paired with oversized shorts, tanks, or sporty co-ords. Perfect for pool parties, errands, or weekend getaways – and with the right ones you can wear them indoors too. 

Dress Shoes That Go Well with Shorts 

Shorts, but make it fashionable. If you're dressing up your shorts for dinner, a semi-formal event, or even a creative office day, this one’s for you. Here are some dress shoes that will work really well to elevate your look with minimal effort. 

Loafers (Yes, Really) 

Hear us out—shorts + loafers = power move. Especially when you’re styling tailored shorts with a blazer or button-down shirt. This is a gender-neutral styling flex that brings major polished energy. You might have even spotted this look on the runway a couple of times in Spring-Summer season. 

For guys, check out Mochi’s smart range of loafers for men to keep the look elevated and clean. 

Heeled Mules & Block Sandals (For Women) 

Want to dress up in a paper-bag waist short or a matching set? Heeled sandals or mules give your outfit a luxe boost without being too much. Go for metallics, pastels, or croc-textured finishes to keep the overall appeal chic and cool. 

Pointed Flats 

If heels aren’t your thing, opt for pointed flats or structured ballerinas. They keep the look polished and pair beautifully with formal or smart-casual shorts. The versatility of these designs actually also makes them suitable for a wide range of other outfits. 

Pro tip: When you're pairing shoes to wear with dress shorts, focus on materials like leather, suede, or patent for that extra-glam finish. 

Sneakers and Trainers: The Perfect Pairing for Shorts 

This one’s a no-brainer. Sneakers + shorts = the ultimate cool combo. But the key lies in how you wear them. So, here’s how you should go about it. 

Classic White Sneakers 

They go with everything. From biker shorts and crop tops to linen shorts and shirts, white kicks are a summer staple. White, being a neutral colour, automatically pairs well with every other colour and you’ll find yourself reaching out for them many times. 

Chunky Trainers 

If your style leans more streetwear or 90s-inspired, throw on chunky sneakers with oversized shorts, an oversized tee, and sunnies for that off-duty model vibe. Chunky trainers and sneakers are trending right now and you’ll boost your fashion quotient with these in your wardrobe. 

High-Tops 

High-top sneakers paired with shorts? Iconic. Especially if you’re feeling retro or sporty. Add tube socks for a playful twist. This look is one for the ages. 

Ladies, shop Mochi’s collection of stylish, trend-forward women sneakers for all your off-duty looks. 

Sandals and Loafers: Stylish Summer Footwear for Shorts 

Don’t sleep on sandals and loafers—they’re stylish, functional, and seriously underrated when it comes to pairing with shorts. Here’s how you can choose them effectively for pairing with your shorts. 

Leather Sandals (For Men) 

Planning a Sunday lunch or beachside hangout? A pair of tan or black leather sandals will work wonders with chino or drawstring shorts. Clean, minimal, and heat-proof, these are summer staples for a reason. 

Guys, explore Mochi’s curated selection of sandals for men for comfort that doesn’t compromise on style. 

Open-Back Loafers & Slides 

For women, backless loafers or structured slides offer that effortlessly luxe vibe. Whether you're in printed culottes or denim cut-offs, these shoes instantly elevate your look – plus they’re super easy to pull off comfortably. 

Gladiator Sandals 

Looking for something with a little flair? Gladiators and strappy sandals are bold, breathable, and totally summer approved. Depending on the shorts that you’re wearing, they can actually look quite fashionable. 

Best Shoes to Wear with Shorts for Different Occasions 

With all those recommendations, it’s natural to feel a bit confused. So, if you’re still asking what goes with what, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve prepared a quick cheat sheet to get you sorted – do keep it handy: 

Occasion	Outfit	Recommended Shoes
Beach/Pool Day	Linen shorts, tank tops	Slides or espadrilles
Brunch with Friends	High-waist shorts + crop top	Strappy sandals or sneakers
Smart-Casual Office	Tailored shorts + shirt	Loafers or pointed flats
Shopping Day Out	Co-ord set or rompers	White sneakers
Concerts/Fests	Oversized tee + biker shorts	Chunky sneakers or trainers
Dinner Date	Dressy shorts + blouse	Heeled sandals or mules

Styling tip: Always think balance. If your shorts are super casual, elevate with statement shoes. If your shorts are dressy, go sleek in minimalist footwear. 

Conclusion 

Finding the best shoes to wear with shorts isn’t just about matching—it’s about creating a vibe. From sporty to chic, dressy to effortless, the right pair of shoes will take your shorts game to a whole new level. Isn’t that something we all want? To be comfortable while also looking good? This combination of shorts with the right footwear enables just that. 

At Mochi, we’ve got a collection that covers every kind of short-and-shoe combo. From crisp loafers for men, breathable sandals for men, to fashion-forward women sneakers—we're all about helping you look put-together, even when you're dressed down. Explore our range to find evergreen classics as well as the latest trends when it comes to picking out the next BFF for your favourite shorts. 

Shorts season just got cooler. Style it your way—with Mochi.
Shop now at MochiShoes.com