The Shoes We Never Wear With Cropped Leggings

As you know, cropped leggings serve a variety of purposes. For starters, they’re the perfect length if you’re on the petite side, and of course they keep everyone cool during particularly sweaty workouts. It’s why, just like you (and our favorite legging-loving celebrities), we’re reaching for cropped leggings more often than not these days. But with cropped leggings comes a whole new set of challenges. Given that they can cut at an awkward place for many, they aren’t the most versatile when it comes to shoes that complement them—at least in the eyes of our editors.

While we certainly stand by the “to each her own” philosophy, in case you’re faced with a cropped legging–and–shoe pairing conundrum, we’re here to share with you the shoe styles we avoid wearing with leggings (and what styles we turn to instead). So without further ado… Below, find out which shoes we never wear with cropped leggings, and shop cool cropped leggings at the end.

“Since I only wear cropped leggings to and from the gym, I stick with sneakers or comfortable slides. I don’t see myself wearing any sort of boots with cropped leggings (unless it’s a pair of Uggs and I’m back home in Kansas and it’s snowing out—don’t judge).” — Michelle Scanga 
“I would never wear ankle boots with cropped leggings. Considering where the leggings end and the boots start, your leg will be visually chopped up in too many places. I prefer to wear sleek slides with my cropped leggings. I am loving this modern shearling pair from Parme Marin. These shoes make my cropped leggings feel just a tad more polished, whether I’m heading to and from Pilates or out running errands.” — Lauren Eggertsen 
“I definitely could never do stilettos of any height with cropped leggings. If I’m wearing them to a class that requires bare feet or a shoe change (e.g., barre or Spin), I’ll choose a pair of classic sneakers to put on before and after class so that I look at least a little pulled together.” — Allyson Payer
“I’m personally not a fan of pool slides, which feel too chunky for me. Instead, I’d rather put on a pair of embellished slides, which are more flirty and suit my style better but are just as easy to slip on and off.” — Erin Fitzpatrick
“I would never wear any type of ankle boots with cropped leggings. Besides the fact that the hem of the leggings and the top of the booties will likely meet at an awkward point on the leg, I’d much rather stick to the practical and sportier vibes that leggings suggest. These light, perforated slip-on sneakers would be a perfect match.” — Gina Marinelli
“I reserve cropped leggings for the gym, so I would never pair them with sandals. The only shoes I’ll wear with them are for working out. Right now, my favorite style is Nike’s lightweight Roshe sneakers.” — Kristen Nichols
“I’d never wear high heels; that’s so awkward. Instead, I always wear sneakers or Birkenstocks—comfortable, sporty, and cool.” — Aemilia Madden 
These will go with all of your workout tops. Additional sizes available here.
We’re into white leggings all year round.
These feature moisture-wicking Dri-Fit fabric and cooling mesh panels. 
Meet the attractive leggings that keep selling out. 
We’re big fans of Outdoor Voices’ high-rise compression leggings. 
These J Brand leggings look insanely good on.
Michi leggings are consistently very chic.
These will look cool post-workout too.
Velvet star leggings? Why not?

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.