Summer is officially here and we’re once again obsessed with out denim---like a denim outfit. Although denim on our feet is not new, it’s still celebrated. From top to (toe), this typically-blue fabric is a choice for many. Footwear holds the power to break or make your outfit and we trust in the versatility, visual attractiveness, and coolness of the denim material. Espadrilles, crossover flat studded sandals with pointed toe mules, strappy high heels, ballet flats, detailed slides, fold-over boots, lace-up boots, sneakers, platform sandals, or buckle sandals—name any style—and it is available in denim, providing you a wide range of options from which to choose. Dress them up or down, on casual or formal occasions, for a relaxed or chic appearance. They could be incorporated and paired however you prefer.

Photo courtesy: Pinterest

The combination of denim and footwear creates a fusion of old-school charm and contemporary fashion. They bring back memories of classic denim jeans and jackets, and the retro element adds a unique and trendy touch to any outfit. Denim footwear offers a distinct texture that sets them apart from other types of shoes. The fabric's unique weave and color variations create visual interest and add depth to your look. This textural quality of denim footwear can elevate a simple outfit and make it more attractive.

Deciding on what would complement your denim shoes is an art-form. when executed correctly. it is aesthetically pleasing, and when executed incorrectly, it appears unnatural. One can go all out and clad in a denim on denim-on-denim attire or be paired either be paired with clothing that has different washes and tones than the shoes or could be interspersed with a different fabric not to make it too overwhelming.

In the past, music-world personalities such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna were seen in denim thigh-high boots, and JLo looked fabulous in knee-high denim boots. Moreover, Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Dakota Johnson, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski have all rocked denim on their feet too.. Celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, Dakota Johnson, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski have all rocked denim on their feet. Some with an overall denim outfit, while some paired it differently.

Fast fashion brands such as Zara, Shein, Fashion Nova, and Steve Madden have contributed to the ubiquity and hype of denim shoes. In spring of last year, Nike released a denim version of one of the highest-in-demand shoes: Jordan 1 High OG. The “Denim” makeup on this vintage basketball shoe features a frayed denim midsole against a white leather upper. It is a signature shoe in a denim-inspired colorway. The Air Force 1s and Dunks have their denim renditions too. One can secure a denim shoe for as low as $7.09 or as costly as$ 2k+.

Both Photos courtesy: Zara

While Coach has its Lowline Signature Sneakers, Alexander Wang launched a denim sandal, There are Jimmy Choo Denim Strap Mules, Salvatore Ferragamo’s denim shoe, Miu Miu’s Denim slingback pumps and how can we not note Jacquemus "Les Chaussures Duelo” denim pumps.

As it’s known, “The denim is designed to stretch” and it has visibly stretched way beyond its origin as a workwear garment. It has made its space amongst fashion luminaries, and high-end brands as it strikes the balance and still remains accessible.

While fast fashion brands and Luxury brands alike create this denim footgear, there are other, small businesses creating handmade ones. Jhone Josso, an online store based in Turkey selling to all American and European states, has been producing handmade denim boots. The brand mostly creates Lace-up Boots, women’s sports boots, and cowboy boots.

“Denim fabrics are cut and sewn according to their models. Our highly skilled craftsmen assemble the soles and fabrics by hand and accessories are added on the shoes and they’re ready.”—says the founder of Jhone Josso

“I think they are unusual compared to normal shoes. They are stylish and because they are made of denim fabric—people prefer them in summer.”— she further adds.

Photo of Best-sellers boots by Jhone Josso

Stephanie based in Ontario, Canada makes denim slides out of recycled denim and sells them locally and online. She ships them worldwide and each pair is one of a kind. “I love thrift shopping. There is so much waste that’s accumulated due to clothing and I wanted to recycle clothing so I started this small business of upcycling ladies' clothing and selling them. I recently added these denim slides.”, she says.

Photo by Stephanie: Upcycled denim slides

Another way to add a pair of denim shoes to your wardrobe is by making them yourself. DIY fashion is a great way to show off your fashion sense, and these super chic denim boots are one of the best ways to do it. You can cut a pair of your non-favorite straight-leg flare-leg or boot-cut jeans. You’ll now have two denim sleeves. Grab your favorite pair of knee-high boots and slip the two denim sleeves over your boot shaft, the cut ending at the bottom of the boot. Just tuck them into your boot, and you’re good to go. This is how you can transform jeans into literal boots.

Article by Palak Godara, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine

Denim Footwear: Still in Our Hearts and on Our Feet