There’s something about the arrival of spring that makes getting dressed feel lighter— both literally (no more chunky knits!) and stylistically. As the layers peel back, denim returns to its rightful place as the backbone of my everyday wardrobe, which means the shoes I pair with my favorite jeans suddenly matter a lot more. After a long winter of snow boots and waterproof puffer jackets, city sidewalks are becoming a lot more interesting.
Lately, I’ve been paying close attention to what stylish women in places like New York,Paris, London, and Los Angeles are actually wearing with their jeans. Spoiler alert: in between coffee runs and late-night dinners with friends, all of these fashion people are relying on the same 8 shoe trends they’re wearing with their spring jeans.
Some feel refreshingly classic, like sleek ankle boots that elevate even the most relaxed denim. Others lean into the fashion crowd’s current obsessions, from sculptural T-strap heels to the unmistakable split-toe silhouette of Tabis. And then there are the unexpected picks—suede sneakers and minimalist flip-flops—that somehow make even the simplest pair of jeans look intentional.
Ahead, I’m breaking down the 8 shoe styles city girls are reaching for right now. Scroll (and shop!) the spring 2026 shoe trends to wear with jeans, below.