The 9 Best Shoes to Wear With Jean Shorts, Trouser Shorts and More for Women Over 50
You finally put together the perfect summer outfit to wear: you found a pair of shorts you love that are actually comfortable, a top you feel confident in and perhaps a new summer bag or your favorite pair of earrings. But there's still one thing to decide: what shoes are you going to wear? While we love shorts season, they are one of the harder clothing items to pair shoes with. For example, the go-to pair of heels you wear with your flare jeans may look completely different when you try them on with shorts. No need to fear — we put together a guide for shoes to wear with shorts based on the style and look you're going for. One of our carefully curated options will leave you feeling both comfortable and stylish, the perfect combination when trying to stay cool for the summer heat!
What to look for
For starters, it really all comes down to how casual or how formal you're going for. You'll first want to decide if you want a more dressy or "night out" feel, or if you just want something easy and casual perhaps for a daytime lunch or running errands. For instance, you probably wouldn't wear heels with casual sweat shorts to go grocery shopping. Once you decide this, you can then narrow down the style of shoes to consider.
Next, comfort is key, especially for women over 50. As we age, our feet tend to lose its natural arch, cushioning and can develop painful issues like bunions. Trust us: You don't need to sacrifice style for comfort or vice versa. There are countless options of stylish, cute shoes on the market that also protect and support your feet. Look for features like arch support, contour footbeds, extra cushioning and heel cupping.
The best shoes to wear with shorts
Keep reading for our favorite shoe styles to wear with different types of shorts to comfortably elevate all of your summer outfits.
Shoes to wear with jean shorts
Gap 5-Inch Mid Rise Denim Girlfriend Shorts
Dress jean shorts up with a blazer or down with a basic white tee.
One of the most common and versatile style of shorts? Denim shorts. A good, classic pair of jean shorts is a staple for the summer, and so versatile. And, the pair of shoes you choose is part of what makes them so versatile. You can dress up a pair of jean shorts with a chic kitten heel, or dress them down with a pair of flat sandals. Another great option for jean shorts are a pair of white sneakers for days you'll be running around on your feet a lot.
Clarks Adela Sling Back Leather
A black pair of sling backs are a staple to have in your closet, as they go with just about anything. We like this pair specifically for women over 50 because it has a contour cushioned footbed and adjustable ankle strap for security.
Dr. Scholl's Time Off Platform Sneaker
Name a better summer duo than white and denim. A pair of comfortable white sneakers are great to have all year round, but are especially great for the summer. This Dr. Scholl's pair has gone viral all over social media for their comfort and style.
Platform sandals take your basic pair of summer sandals to new heights — literally and figuratively. Not only do they make a chic statement with jean shorts, but they add a bit of length sans the pain. This pair is designed with a lightweight EVA foam lug sole and a molded leather footbed for all day comfort.
Shoes to wear with trouser shorts
Pleated Shorts in Emory with 7 Inch Inseam
Trouser shorts that are just as chic for work as they are out for drinks with friends.
Headed into the office on a hot summer day or just going for a dressier look? Look no further than trouser shorts. This style is more of a formal shorts option, as they typically feature polished pleats and hit a bit longer on legs (hence making them usually appropriate for work). And with a more elevated short, you need an elevated shoe.
Naturalizer Gazing Slingback Kitten Heel
A color block design spices up any shoe, and this black and nude color way is perfect for the office. They are closed-toe but still are breathable with the slingback heel. Even better, they have shock-absorbent cushioning and contour comfort technology.
Vivaia Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals
Mules are the perfect office shoe, as they are comfy, have low/flat heel options and are closed-toe. Made with arch support, a moisture-wicking insole and anti-slip outsole, these mules will keep you pain-free and secure the entire day.
Cole Haan Anica Lux Buckle Sandals
If your office allows sandals/open-toe shoes, this chic pair fits the bill for shoes to wear with trouser shorts. The leather straps make them a bit more elevated and dressy, and they have a cushioned footbed for no aches or pains.
Shoes to wear with athleisure shorts
Old Navy High-Waisted CloudMotion Shorts
The 5-inch inseam of these athletic shorts will keep you covered without clinging or discomfort.
Just need to run a few errands? No need for anything fancy here; throw on a pair of sweat shorts or athletic shorts with one of the below shoes and you're good to go!
Sporty sandals pair well with athletic or sweat shorts as they fit the casual vibe but are a bit more breathable than sneakers. This pair has arch support, an anti-slip outsole, adjustable heel strap and lots of cushioning (and come in wide array of fun and neutral colors).
If you are looking for sneakers to wear with shorts, we like ones that are designed to be breathable and light for the summer. This pair has a stretch knit upper and Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole, as well as lightweight foam cushioning.
For a lifestyle sneaker option to wear with casual shorts, this pair couldn't be cuter. We love the colors, as well as the padded footbed. They make a statement while still looking casual.
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