Every January, I find myself reaching for my leggings more than usual. Whether it’s because I’m eager to pursue my New Year’s resolutions, which include staying active, or I enjoy the comfort and warmth they provide during the chilly month, leggings become my go-to choice. However, I always face the same question: What shoes pair best with leggings?
To address this dilemma, I researched the top footwear trends that elevate leggings. The best part? It didn’t take long to discover some popular styles. Fashion icons like Jennifer Lopez and Nicky Hilton have recently embraced this wardrobe essential and set the standard for styling it.
If you’re looking for fresh inspiration, keep reading. I’ve uncovered the top four shoe trends people will wear with their leggings in 2025.
Riding Boots
Pair your leggings with riding boots to elevate their look. This equestrian-inspired style exudes a timeless elegance that’s hard to beat. While many fashion people opt for black leggings teamed with black riding boots, don’t shy away from exploring bolder choices. Deep burgundy or rich brown leather boots can add that extra touch of luxury to your ensemble.
Shop the shoe trend:
Steve Madden
Gaige Riding Boots
Reformation
Nancy Knee Boots
TOTEME
+ Net Sustain the Riding Leather Knee Boots
ZARA
Tall Shaft Flat Boots
Combat Boots
(Image credit: Backgrid)
Whether you like it or not, combat boots, many of which have thick lug soles, have returned to celebrities’ legging outfits. And we have to say, they look incredibly chic. Just look at Nicky Hilton—she turned heads this week in a cozy long teddy coat, sleek black leggings, a stylish striped sweater, and J.Crew’s lace-up ankle boots. Talk about a winning winter look.
Shop the shoe trend:
J.Crew
New Nordic Boots in Nubuck
Sam Edelman
Elliot Faux Shearling Boots
Snow Boots
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Channel your inner J.Lo this winter by rocking black leggings, a Fair Isle sweater, a stylish puffer jacket, and statement-making fur boots. If fur boots aren’t your style, you can easily swap in any ankle snow boots.
Shop the shoe trend:
ASOS
Weekend Collective Snow Boots
Pajar
Janie Waterproof Faux Shearling Platform Booties
BOGNER
Chamonix Shearling Snow Boots
Retro-Inspired Sneakers
This season, fashion’s street-style icons are more than ever incorporating retro-inspired kicks into their leggings outfits. These shoes combine style and practicality, making them suitable for various activities, from school drop-offs to workouts.
Shop the shoe trend:
NEW BALANCE
860v2 Ceres Rubber and Leather-Trimmed Mesh Sneakers
ASICS
Asics Gel-1130 Sneakers
Miu Miu
Sport Quilted Nylon Sneaker
Nike
Zoom Vomero 5 Sneaker
Shop some of our favorite leggings
H&M
Cotton-Blend Leggings
Zella
Live in High Waist Leggings
Splits59
Airweight High Waist 26″ Legging
MANGO
Leggings With Seam Detail
THE ROW
Essentials Woolworth Stretch-Ponte Leggings
ZARA
Thermolite Thermal Leggings Ski Collection
