What Shoes To Wear With Chinos: A Styling Guide
December 12, 2024
What are the best shoes to wear with chinos?
Selecting the right shoes to pair with chinos is necessary to achieve a polished look. Luckily, the classic and adaptable nature of chinos allows for various footwear options, ranging from casual to more formal styles. So, consider the occasion, your personal style, and the colour of your chinos when making your selection. We share our top tips below.
Trainers
Men's trainers effortlessly create a casual and sporty vibe when paired with chinos. Opt for clean and minimalist designs in neutral tones for a versatile look. In fact, white trainers are a timeless choice, offering a crisp contrast to the chinos and ensuring a laid-back yet stylish appearance. The combination of comfort and contemporary flair makes trainers an excellent choice for more relaxed settings or smart casual occasions.
Oxford Boots
Oxford boots provide a refined and slightly rugged touch when paired with chinos, striking a balance between sophistication and casual appeal. If this look is what you're after, choose classic leather styles in brown or black to add a polished finish to your chinos ensemble. These boots seamlessly transition from business-casual to smart-casual occasions, offering a versatile and stylish option that complements the tailored nature of chinos.
Loafers
Loafers are a timeless and stylish choice to pair with chinos, striking a balance between casual and smart. Classic penny loafers or tassel loafers in leather or suede work well, adding a touch of sophistication to your chinos outfit. Choose neutral tones like brown or black for a polished look suitable for various occasions, from business-casual to more relaxed settings. The slip-on style of loafers also provides both comfort and style, making them an excellent match for chinos.
What shoes shouldn't be worn with chinos?
While chinos are versatile and can be paired with various types of shoes, some styles may not complement them as well. It's generally advisable to avoid overly formal or bulky footwear that can disrupt the balanced aesthetic of chinos.
Extremely formal dress shoes like patent leather oxford shoes might also clash with the casual nature of chinos. As well as excessively chunky or athletic shoes, like heavy running trainers or hiking boots, as these may not harmonise with the tailored and refined look of chinos.
Always consider the occasion and overall style to make sure that you have created a cohesive and polished outfit.
Our top picks: 10 shoes to wear with chinos
Halfway between jeans and tailored trousers, chinos are a super versatile piece for your wardrobe. You can dress them up with a shirt and blazer for in the office or dress them down with a graphic tee and bomber jacket for laidback weekends. They are the essence of smart-casual.
And not only do they look great with a diverse range of men's outfits, chinos also pair well with a wide selection of shoes. From classy brogues to casual trainers, the styling options are endless.
In this guide, we'll run through ten of our favourite shoes to wear with chinos and how you can create an effortless look for any occasion.
Beckett Men's Lace Up Formal Shoe
When it comes to dressing up your chinos, you can't go wrong with a trendy brogue, like the Beckett Men's Lace Up Formal Shoe. With classic stitching and versatile tan upper, these stylish formal men's shoes are a simple way to dress up an outfit.
Choose a pair of coloured chinos that complement the dark, neutral tone - such as navy or khaki green. You can then add a contrasting blazer and patterned tie to create a casual suit.
The shoe's lace-up design and grip sole keeps your feet well supported, making them ideal for work days, weddings and other formal events.
Top Tip: If you plan on wearing a belt with your chinos, make sure you colour-coordinate with your shoes. This will tie the whole outfit together.
Red Fish Bryce Mens Black and Grey Slip On Canvas
If your style is more relaxed, why not pair your chinos with a comfy trainer like the Red Fish Bryce Mens Black and Grey Slip On Canvas?
These laidback lace-ups feature soft insoles and thick outer soles to cushion your feet on the go - perfect for everyday wear.
And the colour scheme offers plenty of flexibility too. Black and grey canvas shoes with a white outsole work with a variety of chino colours. Go all black for a more monochromatic look or opt for a classic tan chino that builds on the neutral palette.
Top Tip: Don't be afraid to play around with colour. Whether you go for a brighter chino - like red, salmon pink or light blue - or a coloured trainer, it's all about finding the balance and feeling confident.
Comfy Steps Harlan Mens Tan Boat Shoe
Our Comfy Steps Harlan Mens Tan Boat Shoes are the perfect blend of smart and casual. Their canvas material is super lightweight and breathable for hot summer days, while a padded collar offers extra ankle support when walking.
They also come in a choice of colours to suit your wardrobe. Pair the tan shoes with white or navy chinos or opt for the grey colour with black or brown chinos.
Top Tip: When it comes to boat shoes, no-show socks are a great way to keep your feet comfortable without interrupting the look.
Hush Puppies Samuel Mens Tan Desert Suede Boot
A sturdy pair of desert boots are a staple in any man's wardrobe. That's why we've picked the Hush Puppies Samuel Boots as one of our top shoes to wear with chinos.
Their lace-up design and thick grip sole make them comfortable and easy to wear, whatever the occasion. Pair them with black chinos and a graphic tee for an everyday look or dress them up with navy chinos and a matching blazer for formal events.
Top Tip: Desert boots with a checked shirt and chinos are an ideal option for date night - whether you're going to a gig or out for dinner.
XL Weaver Mens Lace Up White Trainer
White trainers are an easy way to lighten up your look and transition your chinos into the summer months.
Pair these XL Weaver Mens Trainers with a navy pair of chinos that ties in with the colours on the shoe – then a white t-shirt to bring everything together.
You can also check out our blog for more ideas on how to style white shoes and trainers.
Top Tip: Apply a protective spray before wearing your white trainers, to reduce the risk of scuff marks.
Red Fish Men's Mule Sandal
Continuing the summer theme, these Red Fish Men's Mule Sandals are the perfect style of sandal to wear with chinos.
The dark brown tone, textured design and detailed stitching show your sense of style and complement a wide range of coloured chinos. Structured straps also add extra support when you're on the go, while elasticated inserts offer a flexible fit.
Top Tip: You can also pair sandals with chino shorts and a short sleeve shirt in the summer for a laidback look.
Hobos Brady Mens Black Slip On Formal Shoe
When it comes to dressing up your chinos for a special event, the Hobos Brady Mens Black Slip On Formal Shoes are the perfect fit.
With their sleek loafer shape and sturdy leather finish, these men's formal shoes pair well with ankle-length chinos. They have a supportive slip-on design that keeps your feet comfortable and secure, plus elasticated inserts for easier fitting.
Top Tip: Black loafers work best with black chinos, especially for special occasions. It's a comfier alternative to your dinner suit.
Relife Men's Brown Wide Fit Lace Up Shoe
Somewhere between a brogue and a trainer, these Relife Men's Brown Wide Fit Lace Up Shoes are ideal for casual days in the office or heading into town for your weekend plans.
The shoe incorporates multiple shades of brown for a monochromatic effect that pairs well with a wide range of colours in your wardrobe. A cushioned collar and rounded toe also offer extra comfort and stability when you're on the move.
Top Tip: Rolling up the hem on your chinos immediately adds some dimension to your outfit and appears more laidback.
Urban Territory Bill Mens Black Lace Up Boot
In the colder months, a sturdy pair of lace-up, boots offer comfort and warmth. Choose a simple black boot, like the Urban Territory Bill Mens Black Boots, that can work with a range of smart and casual outfits.
Their slimming profile sits neatly under full length chinos, or you can roll up the hem to show off more of your boots.
Top Tip: Save your darker, jewel-toned chinos for the winter - think teal, brown, grey and burgundy.
What shoes should you wear with coloured chinos?
Whether opting for neutrals for a timeless look or experimenting with bolder choices, the right footwear can accentuate the richness of coloured chinos for a well-rounded and stylish outfit. Take a look below at some of our top suggestions to get you started.
Black chinos
Black chinos are a simple and versatile canvas when it comes to creating an outfit. Opt for classic black oxfords for more formal occasions, while brown or black loafers add a touch of sophistication to smart casual occasions. Men's Chelsea boots in black or dark brown can also offer a stylish edge, and monk strap shoes provide a unique flair.
That said, the key is to balance formality and personal style, making sure your choice complements the occasion and enhances the overall aesthetic of your black chinos outfit.
Brown chinos
Brown chinos provide a warm and earthy base for a variety of footwear choices. For an elevated and sophisticated look, tan or brown brogues are a great option, as are a neutral pair of loafers - ideal for smart-casual settings. But for a more relaxed appearance, consider clean white trainers or some classic desert boots.
Whatever you choose, you should make sure your chosen shoes complement the richness of the brown chinos and align with the formality of the occasion.
Beige chinos
Finally, beige chinos are another wardrobe staple, perfect for summer and ideal for a wide range of occasions. If you are going for a polished look, opt for tan or brown loafers or brogues in leather or suede.
Alternatively, white trainers lend a casual and modern vibe, perfect for laid-back outings. Or, boat shoes in brown or navy can provide a nautical touch, while desert boots offer a smart-casual appeal.
The neutral tone of beige chinos allows for great flexibility, so you can experiment with different styles to suit your personal taste and the setting.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.