Cargo pants are a wardrobe staple that offer both fashion and function.
With their roomy side and leg pockets, cargo pants provide plenty of storage while keeping your essentials close at hand.
While cargos are beloved for their practicality, they can sometimes present a styling conundrum.
The right shoes are key to pulling off this casual classic.
When choosing shoes to wear with cargo pants, you’ll want options that balance and complement the pants’ relaxed vibe.
Bulky or overly dressy shoes will look out of place, while footwear that’s too flimsy won’t provide enough visual weight.
The key is to opt for shoes with a casual, laidback aesthetic in materials like canvas, leather, suede or nubuck.
Neutral, earthy tones will integrate seamlessly with cargos in tan, olive, gray or black. Details like stitching, hardware and textural elements add interest.
From slip-on sneakers to lug-sole boots, here are 13 perfect shoe options to pair with your favorite cargo pants.
Slip-On Sneakers
Nothing complements cargos quite like slip-on sneakers. The easy on-off style syncs effortlessly with cargo pants’ relaxed vibe.
When choosing slip-ons, go for leather or canvas styles in versatile neutral shades like white, beige or gray. Crisp monochrome pairs will act as a clean slate for cargo pants in vibrant colors.
Opt for low-profile or minimalist silhouettes like Vans.
The famous brand’s Classic Slip-On sneaker features a streamlined low top collar and durable canvas upper making it an ideal match for cargos.
For a slightly dressier look, try leather slip-ons with needlepoint details like quilting or perforations. The rich material and elegant accents offset cargos’ casual feel. Stick to tonal pairings and avoid bold sneaker colors or prints that might clash. Simple white or gum soles finish the look cleanly.
Espadrilles
Espadrilles lend cargo pants a breezy, vacation-ready vibe. The lightweight canvas or cotton fabric integrates beautifully with cargo pants in casual cotton blends and linen.
Opt for neutral-toned espadrilles in beige, tan or gray. The muted palette acts as an understated foundation for cargos in punchy jewel tones or bright white.
If your cargo pants feature eye-catching details like oversized snap pockets or bold contrast stitching, let them take center stage by choosing simple espadrilles without embellishment.
If your cargos have a more neutral look, make a statement by pairing them with patterned espadrilles featuring stripes, florals or polka dots. Just be sure the prints have tones that complement your pants. Finish the carefree look with raffia or jute wedge soles.
Boat Shoes
The preppy vibe of boat shoes makes them another smart match for laidback cargo pants.
Leather or suede styles in traditional navy, tan or brown integrate seamlessly with cargos in similar earthy hues as well as olive, khaki and gray.
For summer, go for breathable mesh boat shoes to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Pair with cargos that hit at the ankle to show off the shoes’ low-profile silhouette.
Many boat shoes feature neat details like contrast stitching or leather lacing around the collar.
Choose cargo pants in a solid color to let the shoes’ accents pop. Or, echo the shoes’ detailing by pairing with cargos featuring interesting buttons, pockets or colorblocking. Just avoid flashy metallic boat shoes that may look costumy with casual pants.
Chukka Boots
For transitional weather, ground cargo pants with versatile chukka boots. Their ankle-height silhouette pairs perfectly with cropped or rolled cargos.
Stick to smooth leather or suede chukkas in tan, brown, beige or gray hues that complement standard cargo colors.
Sleek, simple styles act as an anchor for cargo pants in bolder camo or graphic prints.
You can also double down on texture by pairing nubuck or brushed suede chukkas with soft cotton, linen or twill cargos.
If both pants and boots feature eye-catching details like oversized pockets or visible stitching, choose contrasting colors to keep the accents distinct. For chillier temps, look for chukkas with cozy sherpa linings. Cuff your cargos to show off the plush material.
Hiking Boots
Built for the outdoors, hiking boots make an on-point pairing for adventure-ready cargo pants. Go for waterproof leather or suede boots in understated beige, brown, olive and black.
The rugged boots balance cargo pants’ voluminous silhouette.
Streamlined hikers with a minimalist shape prevent your look from feeling bulky. Prioritize function by choosing hiking boots with traction outsoles, padding and arch support.
Cargo pants’ roomy pockets are ideal for stashing hiking essentials like trail mix and a folded map.
Coordinate your boots and pants by choosing complementary neutrals like olive boots with tan pants.
Or, make your gear stand out by pairing brightly-colored cargo pants with black or brown boots. Just avoid flashy metallic hiking boots that could look costumy.
Duck Boots
With their weatherproof construction and utilitarian style, duck boots complement cargo pants’ functional vibe. Stick to classic duck boot silhouettes in waxed leather or oiled suede.
For vintage appeal, choose rich brown or tan hues. Matte finishings like brushed suede help downplay shine. Cargo pants offer ample storage, so tuck boot laces inside rather than tying for a streamlined look.
The boots’ chunky rubber sole and lace-up shaft add interest without overpowering cargos’ understated style. Try cropped cargo pants that hit just above the ankle, showing off the boots’ distinctive silhouette.
Monochrome pairings in matching earth tones have an unexpectedly sleek effect. For more contrast, pair dark duck boots with light wash jeans or vice-versa.
Chelsea Boots
For a bit more polish, smarten up cargos with refined Chelsea boots. Their elastic gore side panels make Chelsea boots a cinch to slip on and off, aligning with cargo pants’ fuss-free vibe.
Stick to versatile brown and black leather or suede options. A matte finish helps downplays shine for a casual effect.
Chelsea boots’ tapered toe and low heel lend cargo pants a tailored touch.
Pair with cargos in classic tan, olive and gray for an effortlessly cohesive look. Show off the sleek silhouette by wearing your cargos cropped to hit just above the ankle bone.
For contrast, pair darkened Chelsea boots with light-wash denim cargos. Just avoid excess embellishment like buckles, studs or metallic finishes that might feel overdone.
Desert Boots
With their smooth, streamlined profile, desert boots integrate seamlessly with casual cargos. Suede is the traditional desert boot material, lending an understated matte look that pairs perfectly with classic canvas or twill cargos. Tan and sand hues complement army green, navy and brick red cargo shades.
For vintage appeal, look for desert boots with a crepe sole. The muted finish underscores cargo pants’ laidback vibe. Desert boots’ ankle-height silhouette means they’ll never overpower or visually shorten cargo pants the way bulky boots can.
For summer, opt for breathable linen or cotton blend cargos with light suede desert boots. Just avoid overloading on extraneous details like heavy distressing or zippers.
The sleek boots pair best with minimalist, neutrally-hued cargos.
Leather Sneakers
Leather sneakers lend cargo pants a hint of modern edge. In classic white or black, they act as a neutral anchor for brightly colored or patterned cargos.
Their pared-back silhouette balances cargo pants’ bulk and volume. Opt for low-profile leather sneakers with a streamlined shape and minimal branding. Pairs featuring interesting details like raw edges, exposed stitching or perforations add visual interest without overpowering cargos.
With their roomy side pockets, cargo pants easily stow away larger essentials like a phone, sunglasses or small notebook.
Prioritize comfort by choosing cushioned leather sneakers with arch support from brands known for functionality. For more versatility, try white or black leather sneakers with monochrome cargo looks in olive, navy or charcoal.
Monk Strap Shoes
For occasions that call for a more polished look, smarten cargos with refined monk strap shoes. Their unusual closure makes them an unexpected match for casual cargo pants.
Opt for monk shoes in rich leather rather than suede, which can feel too informal. Deep shades like mahogany, chocolate or chestnut complement classic cargo colors.
Streamlined, round toe silhouettes keep the look laidback.
Monk shoes’ eye-catching buckles and straps let them do the talking. Pair with solid-hued cargo pants to keep the focus on the shoes’ defining details. If your cargos feature oversized pockets or bold contrast stitching, choose monk shoes in a neutral earth tone finish to avoid clashing accents.
Finish the look with wool coats or knits in navy, gray or olive for a put-together vibe.
Derby Shoes
Another smart option to dress up cargos are derby shoes. Also known as bluchers, their open lacing system has a more casual feel than oxfords.
Stick to finishes like brushed suede or grained leather to downplay shine. Earth tones like medium brown, loden green and tan work well with both neutral and colorful cargos.
Look for derbies with interesting broguing or perforations that provide visual interest without overwhelming cargos’ laidback vibe. Pair with cargos cropped to the ankle to show off the lace-up detail.
For an especially polished look, choose derbies with a slimmer silhouette and rounder toe.
Keep the rest of your look relaxed by pairing derbies with a knit pullover or untucked button-down. Just avoid excess embellishment like tassels or heavy distressing that could feel costumey.
Loafers
Loafers make cargo pants feel perfectly polished for business casual offices or daytime dates. Opt for leather penny or tassel loafers in classic brown or black hues.
Their sleek silhouette balances cargos’ slouchy shape. Loafers with an understated, low-profile design avoid competing with cargo pockets and utility details.
Pair with cargos in tan, olive or navy for a pulled-together yet relaxed look. For events and outings after work, try statement loafers featuring unique hardware or printed leathers. Cargo pants offer ample storage space for stashing a small bag or clutch.
Show off fun socks or go sockless in warmer weather to play up the loafers’ laidback vibe. Just skip overly clunky platform loafers that could overwhelm cargos’ easygoing aesthetic.
Combat Boots
Edgy combat boots make cargos feel modern and street-ready. Choose black, white or brown leather styles with a chunky lug sole for bold contrast.
Opt for mid-calf combat boots to complement cargos’ baggy silhouette rather than shrink it. Pair with cargo pants featuring interesting utility details like oversized snap pockets or knee paneling to double down on urban utilitarian vibes.
Monochrome black on black has an unexpectedly sleek effect for casual daywear. White or tan combat boots stand out against darker olive and khaki cargos.
For weekends and nights out, try brightly colored combat boots as an eye-catching accent.
Cargo pants offer ample room for stowing night-out essentials like your phone, ID and lip gloss. Just avoid overly glitzy studded or metallic combat boots that could skew costumey.
With their laidback appeal and versatile style, cargo pants have cemented themselves as a casualwear staple. But their roomy silhouette can sometimes make it tricky finding the right footwear pairings.
The key is opting for shoes with an equally casual and unfussy vibe.
From slip-on sneakers to lug-sole boots, the shoes you choose should complement cargos’ functional design without overpowering their slouchy shape.
Keeping to neutral, earthy tones and matte textures ensures your footwear integrates seamlessly with both neutral and colorful cargos.
With the right lace-up kicks, slip-on loafers or ankle boots, you’re guaranteed to pull off this casual classic in effortless style.
