Creating chic looks with sneakers (or any shoes) and wide-leg pants comes down to understanding visual weight and balanced proportions. There are plenty of ways to find balance, so you can choose the silhouette that best suits you.
Start by thinking about the look you’re going for. Is this a sporty, casual outfit for Saturday afternoon? Or are you putting together a more polished look for a Monday morning at the office? If you want a laid-back aesthetic, choose more relaxed styles like jeans, track pants and sweatpants. These look best with retro runners, skater styles and basketball shoes. If you need to look more upscale, try khaki pants or wide-leg slacks. Pair these with lifestyle shoes, such as adidas Gazelle or Vans.
The exact length of your wide-leg pants also matters. If the pants are shorter and fall at or above your ankle, a low-profile pair of sneakers often looks better. Leaving a small gap between your hemline and sneakers can look more intentional, rather than making it look like your pants are too short. For flared pants that go all the way to the floor, possibly covering your shoes, chunky shoes can make them easier to style and care for. Bigger shoes allow you to tuck the bottom of your pants or stack them above the shoe. You may also want to make sure that your shoes are visible. After all, when you have a fierce pair of kicks from Hibbett, why wouldn’t you want to show ‘em off?
When putting these outfits together, consider color. If you want the pants to be the highlight, wear shoes in the same color for a monochrome look. If you’d prefer a stronger contrast, wear black pants with orange sneakers or crisp white shoes with brown pants. Find a look that makes you feel confident.