What Shoes To Wear With Cargo Pants

Cargo pants can be worn by both men and women and are the perfect go-to for casual wear. They can be styled with just about anything casual and have the pockets to carry all your essentials. Their comfortable, loose fit has long made them a favorite of skaters, free runners, and parkour enthusiasts.

Of course, you don’t have to be scaling buildings or riding rails to appreciate their versatility and comfort.

If you were wondering what shoes to wear with cargo pants, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we are going to go over our top choices for shoe and cargo pant pairings and show you where to get them.

So let’s get to it!

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Are Cargo Pants Trending?

They are indeed! With lots of celebrities and social media influencers seen sporting cargo pants this season, it’s had those rushing out to army surplus stores looking for a pair.

And though the classic pocket-for-everything pants in their loose, baggy style are one of the latest closet must-haves of this year, there are lots of designers putting their own spin on the cargo pants!

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What Shoes To Wear With Cargo Pants

1. Sneakers

Sneakers are the classic, comfy, casual choice and go great with cargo pants. What kind of sneakers? Every kind!

Depending on the look you are going for you can opt for a plain black or white sneaker, but a sneaker in bold colors also looks great as long as your cargo pants are a solid color that is in either a neutral tone like beige, black, grey, even dark olive green, or one of the colors in your shoes.

Flat, Low Riding Court Shoe

Adidas court shoes  in black and white will go with whatever colour cargo pants you have. Their flexible soft leather upper and cloudfoam midsole offers extra cushioning and comfort.

Platform Low Riding Sneaker

Vans Unisex Old Skool Skate Shoes  are made of suede and canvas with a padded heel cup and feature their signature waffle grip sole.

Not to mention their extra thick rubber outer makes these super cute.

Running Shoes

Why not go a little flash? ASICS Women's Gel-Venture Running Shoes  come in 17 different color combos and feature rear foot gel cushioning and special traction for uphill and downhill running on all types of terrain.

You’re not likely to be running a cross-country marathon in cargo pants… but you could and you’d look great doing it!

High Tops

Nike Womens Dunk High Tops  in a clean black and white are the perfect accompaniment to a pair of cargo pants.

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2. Loafers

Loafers have the worst name of any fashion item in the world. They should change the name to chillers. Regardless, they can look good!

Casual slip-on loafers also work well with cargo pants.

Canvas Loafers

Canvas slip on loafers  and cargo pants go together like peanut butter and jelly. There is something to be said about casual simplicity. When you look like you’re well put together without even trying, it’s that seeming effortlessness that is in itself stylish.

Leather Loafers

There are so many different styles of casual loafers and almost all of them go with cargo pants, as long as they are casual loafers. Eastland Women's Newport leather loafers  are a great example of a casual loafer that will take your cargo pants from summer to fall.

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3. Mules and Sandals

Mules look great with cargo pants. Whether you go for a wedge mule, a heeled mule, or a flat mule, they all work.

Mules and sandals both look great with straight-leg cargo pants, slim-fitting cargo pants, or those that have a drawstring cuff.

The best sandals to pair with cargo pants are those that are casual and have a bit of ‘chunk’ to them. Whether it’s a sandal with a chunky heel, platforms or a thick flat sandal, you want something utilitarian that will go with the style of the pants.

Despite a lot of blogs out there suggesting stilettos with cargo pants as a way to “dress them up”, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Cargo pants are not dress pants. Just because there’s a photo of someone wearing something on Instagram, doesn’t mean it was a good idea!

Cargo pants are not dress pants. Just because there’s a photo of someone wearing something on Instagram, doesn’t mean it was a good idea!

Wedge Mule

Wedge mules  look great with cargo pants if you are looking for something a little less sporty than sneakers, running shoes, and loafers. 

Heeled Mule

A chunky heeled mule  is a great complement to cargo pants if you want to make your look a bit more refined.

Chunky Platform Sandal

For a bit of a retro vibe, add a pair of chunky platform sandals  to your cargo pant ensemble.

Mesh Slip-On Sandals

Even sporty mesh slip on sandals  work with cargo pants.

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4. Combat Boots

If you’re going for an in-your-face look, combat boots are the way to go. They will put a little kick-ass into any outfit and let everyone know you are not one to mess with.

At the same time, you might want to soften up the outfit with a fitted T, halter, or a crop top so you won’t be mistaken for Army personnel on leave.

Combat Boots

Doc Martens  are notorious for being synonymous with rebellion.

If you’re over all the style trends that focus more on looks than practicality and comfort, then you’re going to want to jump on the cargo pant/combat boots bandwagon because these Docs have an air-cushioned sole and are super comfy.

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Take Away

It’s great to finally have a trend that does not have you sacrificing comfort for style! Cargo pants are comfortable and the shoes you pair them with should be as well.

And there you have it!