Best Shoes To Match Ellen Degeneres’ Clothes Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Accuracy
We would be quite useless without our choices reflecting those of Degeneres. A style isn't a straight line, it can curve in many different directions. There is no right way to dress. There is, however, a right way to dress like Ellen.
Bringing happiness to her audiences constantly, her tomboyish appearance is perfectly achieved from head to toe. She manages to always look put-together while remaining light and carefree. We only chose items that Ellen herself would not only look like herself in but also choose for herself. Lots of research enabled us to figure out the most true-to-character options.
Color
Color is crucial when curating footwear based on an individual's style. Ms. Degeneres wears a ton of neutrals. A few of her favorite colors as evidenced by her wardrobe are black, grey, tan, cream, and white.
Luckily, the basics have never been easier to wear, and her short list of color favorites still lends a lot of versatility to ensembles. From casual to formal, she finds ways to reinvent old standards and look amazing when she does. You can get the same effect with a bit of guidance! No one will be left behind with this comprehensive list of ways to wear the Ellen flair.
Heel
For this collection of choices, in particular, we tried to keep all the heel options either non-existent or very low. It wouldn't be sincerely an emulation of Ellen's fashion savvy if high heels and thick platforms were featured. Ellen has a daily talk show where she stands, dances, and interacts with her audience for most of it. Her comfort is most important, and she prefers to be low to the ground when descending down her stairs through the audience.
For those on-the-go, Ellen's clothing picks are a dream. She nails practicality in every day, and the flats, sneakers, and even dressier options that she loves are clearly suited for anyone on a mission. Her outfits wouldn't work the same if she has a sky-high chunky heel attached to her favorite oxford. We wanted stuff that was "her" because if you admire her clothing, chances are that it will be "you" too.
Style
Scouring the internet for as many full body photos as we could find, we carefully reviewed Ellen's outfit choices and style proclivities. Her closet staples are simple: relaxed fit skinny jeans, tapered cigarette pants, button-downs, solid color tees, sweaters, and blazers. When she dresses up, it is most often in an incredibly tailored and sophisticated menswear inspire suit.
Her palette is mostly neutrals, but sometimes she adds a black boot to a dark ensemble, or a pop of blush into a mostly denim getup. We had to understand her overall look to be able to choose shoes that not only are reminiscent of her actual choices in footwear but can be seamlessly swapped into other outfits in her wardrobe.
Ellen is extremely sensible and smart when it comes to how she dresses. Classics reappear often in her wardrobe, she takes on the timeless with a perfect mix of the feminine and masculine. If you are trying to incorporate more androgynous pieces, these sneakers and menswear favorites are a good place to start. Working from the feet up can inspire some awesome ensembles!
Value
Most people looking for curated style options aren't looking to completely change their look. Implementing new elements into a wardrobe, like the clean and refreshing footwear style of Ellen, probably won't be an overhaul of all your existing items. When experimenting with a look that we aren't comfortable with yet, we don't want to go all in on your purchases.
Easy into her casual and evening looks with versatile and affordable shoes was our solution for those dipping their toes into her fashion profile. Big budget purchases and heart-stopping costs shouldn't be a factor when trying to have fun with the look of our favorite icons. Everything on our curated favorites isn't out of reach to someone with price restrictions. We understand most people are millionaires like the "relatable" Ellen. You don't have to shop like a millionaire to dress like one though!
Top 10 Picks
1. ED by Ellen Degeneres Costella
Items inspired by the iconic style of our girl herself, ED by Ellen Degeneres makes getting her seamless look as simple as ever. Christopher Burch helped Ellen Degeneres conceptualize her brand in 2015, and their partnership has had breathtaking results. Their lifestyle brand imagines the world as Ellen sees it. Offering houseware, pet accessories, human accessories, and everything in between, ED by Ellen Degeneres is something close to her heart. From the inspired and playful to the stone cold necessities, you will love what you find.
The Costella is a colorful sneaker you won’t soon forget. Rich fabric is beautifully put together into a profile and palette that is sure to please. Whether you want the leather white and pink options, or fall for the blue calfskin, the Costella is an elegant way to wear a laid back look. The rounded toe creates a soft appearance, and the colorful hues add to the delicate flair on this slightly chunky sneaker. Color block striping is embroidered, which lends depth and texture to the velvety upper. Truly a look to turn heads.
Lining in a suede or leather option is pertinent, and these have textile to keep your feet cool while wearing. A padded collar supports your ankles and will make you feel like dancing like Ellen herself! Light padding on the insole allows you to take every step in stride. Rubber outsoles have a fun and distinctive striping detail. The rubber creates awesome traction and these Costellas will work in any setting, rural or city. With a price below most name brand sneakers, this is a cost-savvy way to get the designer Ellen look you love for less, all while supporting her along the way.
2. Dr. Martens 2976
A brand whose name is known far and wide for quality, heavy-duty footwear, Dr. Martens has a history that shows exactly what their values are. In post-war Munich, all the way back in 1945, Dr. Klaus Maertens needed a way to walk with a foot injury. He designed what would come to be known as their patented air-cushioned sole, in a time where hard leather was the standard. When first advertising after obtaining a partnership with an engineer in university, they were discovered by the Griggs brothers, and the Airwair shoes were born. Dr. Martens is the go-to for boots that will last a lifetime, but make every moment feel amazing.
Of course, there needed to be an option that was a little classier than the average tennis shoe or slip-on. Ellen can often be seen in cool, London-inspired Chelsea boots when she goes out and about in more formal options. With her sleek and slim blazers and tuxedo pants, a peak of Chelsea boots adds some edge to the more buttoned-up looks she likes to flaunt. Woven stretch goring inserts make this classic boot comfortable and simple to get on and off, but also lend it that iconic look. The higher rise does mean there is a bit of a break-in period, but it is well worth it with the result.
The pull-tab on the top ankle of this boot has the classic “with bouncing soles” message in Bill Griggs’ handwriting, and the history of the brand is displayed proudly in their bright signature yellow. Of course, with the tag comes the feature itself. Dr. Martens outfits every shoe with bouncing, buoyant soles that are incredibly forgiving when walking, dancing, or working. They help posture and overall foot health and can be worn for hours comfortably. Their rubber bottoms have simply remarkable traction and the ground feel is incomparable. These boots are handmade and all leather with a strong rubber sole, the price definitely reflects that, but the quality is high and these are a wardrobe signature for any fashion savvy person.
3. ECCO Biom
The foundation of ECCO is innovation. While some may see their styles and think they are simply sleek streetwear, the thought that goes into every style is unparalleled. Every product is imagined with the constant churning of the mind; how can this product be made better? All the way back in 1963, two men were on a mission to do something different. Birte and Karl Toosbuy were the two behind this, and though Toosbuy was trained as a shoemaker from a young age, they both gave up lives and the safety of their current employment to birth the ECCO brand. Looking to Denmark to provide a trusty workforce, an advertisement for a factory led them to their current headquarters. ECCO has been changing the way the world does footwear since.
If you have ever seen Ellen hit the town, you know our girl loves sporty styles. What she loves, even more, is sporty, neutral-toned sneakers. What better to fit the bill than this ECCO Biom. The hues are called Oyester and Rosato, but this footwear combines multiple soft tones, coral, pewter, tan. It is a lush looking sneaker, one that is as subtle as it is cool. Yak leather uppers - yep, you read it right, Yak - are treated with Hydromax, making them weather resistant and stain resistant. Light colored, natural material sneakers can be an absolute nightmare without treating them, so the fact these are pretreated is a big bonus.
The shape is so crucial in sneakers, you want the insole and upper to both contours correctly to the foot and properly support it. Every foot is different of course and the ECCO solution was to scan the feet of 2,500 athletes to find where most people need the most support. Gorgeous results in ground feel and insole comfort abound. Tour-proven traction creates the perfect sole for long term wear. Resistance to walking and athletic activities creates longevity, which is a sure thing for the Biom. Silicon printing tops off this fantastic Biom in their technical insole system. Premium materials and manufacturing go into this shoe, so its moderate to high price isn’t even a question in terms of being worth it. Wear this to flaunt your Ellen inspired look at the range or on the green itself.
4. Converse All Star
A favorite among young creatives, basketball stars, and everyone in between, Converse is a brand that has defined decades of style stars. From the punk phase of the 80s, the grunge of the 90s, all the way to the soft but androgynous look in recent years, Converse has been helping shape our collective styles since their focus expanded from athletics to everyone. Converse are cool, and there is no denying that when you see them on the feet of someone in a fabulous outfit. These are a brand that never goes out of style, just look down on the street and you will see how many people love and rock them today.
The classic Ellen ensemble is skinny jeans or slacks, a collared shirt, then an outer layer of a cardigan, pullover sweater, or blazer. While occasionally she dresses up the look, canvas high tops are often her thing when she is finishing off a more casual look of a layered sweater. These Chuck Taylor’s will be absolutely precious paired with a simple and slim silhouetted outfit. Eight-eyelet lacing and strong canvas material are a staple on this vintage looking canvas option. Stark white was a no brainer, as Ellen is hugely into white and neutral footwear. Medial eyelets on this sneaker create airflow to make this a high top even for warmer weather.
Converse All Stars are a flat outsole, but they have begun to input some really great Ortholite insoles in every pair. These control temperature and moisture but also add some solid comfort to every step. Vulcanized rubber soles are the Converse “thing” and they will hold up to some serious abuse when wearing these out. One of my favorite knock-around shoes are light Converse, they somehow get even cooler with a little dirt on them! Finished with the classic emblem, they show off your love for the brand while maintaining your own unique style. A relatively low price for name brand sneakers, there is nothing to lose with these adorable sneakers.
5. Roxy Rory
In 1990, Quiksilver wanted to take a risk. The surfing brand has always celebrated surfers of all genders, but they didn’t have offerings for women, and the market just wasn’t there. Despite achievements in surfing, many women in the sport didn’t garner the same kind of attention as male surfers. It wasn’t for any reason other than the age-old stigma surrounding women athletes. Quiksilver went for it and launched Roxy, a swimwear line, and it only took a year for them to expand into the realm of sports. Once they designed the women’s board short, the brand became cemented in the history of women’s surf and water shorts. Today, they are heralded for practical, cute, and casual styles.
Not to be too emphatic, but from having walked around for long hours in a similar Roxy to this Rory, I have to gush and say it is insanely comfortable. It feels like you’re walking on air. Light and slim fitting, this is feminine but chilled out. Knotted cotton laces make this a slip on despite their four eyelets, a great grab and go Roxy to complete an outfit. Ellen loves white linen pants and jeans, these would compliment both insanely well. For the slip-on, there is an elasticized back that has unique embroidery in bright colors. A small pop of interest on an otherwise gray and white slip-on. We know that Ellen’s outfits are all about the details.
Memory foam in this insole is highly cushioned and recovers from pressure and impact very well. You won’t even notice you have any footwear on, that is how awesome these feel on your feet. Terry cloth lines the inside making this summer shoe a breeze to wear. Terry cloth absorbs moisture but dries quickly, and the canvas insole lining will do the same. Flexible TPR insoles on the Rory are slim and easy to move in. However, for added support, there is an engineered arch in them. The Rory’s price tag is slightly under that of name brand athleisure picks, and will soon become your favorite slip-on.
6. Clarks Desert Boot
Shoemakers are considered to be in the business long after 50 years, but Clarks has a track record that puts most to shame. They have been making shoes since 1825. That is pretty amazing longevity for any brand, but for one that still makes some of its earliest styles
It is particularly impressive. 200 years ago Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts, and now their shoes are still rustic and timeless. Though they pioneer many cutting edge innovations and different footwear designs and engineering, their Desert line is still a consumer favorite for its iconic appearance.
If you have seen Ellen Degeneres in her more dressed up looks, I am sure you have seen her in Desert boots. This laidback boot with a ton of style is more than just your run of the mill footwear and you can pair it in so many ways, you won’t ever tire from your options. Desert boots go so well with khakis and neutrals, but you could wear similar pieces to Ellen in shades of green, burnt orange, or even deep burgundy, to punch up the look while still maintaining its timeless feel. Fully suede or leather uppers adorn these beauties, even the lining is completely leather, something that isn’t very common in similar boots.
An EVA footbed is flexible and has a lot of bounce back. This means it will give with your foot without sacrificing support and comfort. Too-soft midsoles are responsible for a lot of the pain we experience in some less structured shoes. The slight heel elongates the leg but also lifts the arch which maximizes ground feel and support. Crepe outsoles are made from a natural gum that feel absolutely lovely to wear. I guarantee you won’t have felt anything similar to this crepe sole before. Inspired by World War II, you can wear these to compliment your best military inspired trends as well as to get Ellen’s swag.
7. Vince Camuto Lesta
Not everyone has always known Camuto by name, but his presence in the fashion industry has been apparent by way of partnerships for years. Nine West was one of the brainchildren of Vince Caputo, and he slowly moved onto collaborations until starting his own brand. Through work with BCBG and Banana Republic, Camuto curated a very keen sense of style, trends, and fashion in general. He unfortunately passed in 2015, but his legacy remains. Aldo has sought to acquire the Vince Camuto brand and has been successful. They plan to keep the brand and its staple look thriving.
Ellen can often be seen in sleek oxfords on the red carpet or in her more dressed up menswear looks. This Lesta oxford has an element of interest with laser cutouts that add depth to the look of the fabric. Five eyelets give this that classic look, with thin waxed laces that are truly sophisticated. These would look great paired with grey cigarette pants, a button-down blouse of your choosing, and a black cardigan or blazer. A slight heel slims the leg and gives you some height without being uncomfortably high. Small studs at the base where the upper connects to the outsole add some serious edge. Not for the faint of heart, but will definitely make those around you faint when you show up completing your ensemble with these!
100 percent leather on this Lesta makes it as luxurious as it looks. For an Oxford such as this, standing or walking can sometimes get uncomfortable due to bare bones soles, that is not at all the case with this oxford. Light padding on the insole makes these manageable to even wear to work if you wish, even if work is standing, dancing, and entertaining others on your hit daytime talk show. A bit higher in price than lesser quality oxfords, these will stand the test of time once purchased.
8. Adidas Stan Smith
A German company with a long history of shoemaking, Adidas is so beloved as sportswear and athleisure brand with global reach. In a washroom in 1924, the first Adidas pair was crafted by Adi Dassler. August 1949, marks the time that Adi Dassler totally began a new life of the footwear. Adidas three stripe embellishment began with the first inception of the company, and it hasn’t wavered since. Copied by many, but only perfected by Adidas, their look is famous for being a cool, effortless, comfortable sportswear option. Screw in studs changed the game for Adi Dassler’s light and soft football shoe, but they still innovate even today in more unconventional ways.
Ellen can often be seen in puffy white sneakers. When she isn’t wowing with effortless looks put together with clean lines and palettes, she is kicking it in cigarette pants and a tee. Style shouldn’t be a herculean effort, and with a couple wardrobe musts you can mix and match to emulate Ellen’s with ease. This is one of the original Adidas favorites. Stan Smith was a number one world tennis player and part of one of the best double’s teams in history. Perforated detail for the Adidas three stripes changes up the usual bold classic style.
Full-grain leather is important for how the upper will fit on your foot. If the upper isn’t made in quality material, it can gap, crease, and wrinkle. I have personally never had this problem with Adidas, their understanding of the shape and needs of a foot is intensely accurate. Stan Smith adorns the tongue, and the coated eyelets give this a monochrome look with just bursts of green in the label and heel. Super padding in the tongue and collar feels like a total dream. These are marketed as a tennis sneaker but really are best for rocking on the street. Adidas is in the mid-range of brand name sneakers in terms of cost, but they hold up very well and are incredibly comfortable.
9. Toms Classic
Toms is a great brand with an even greater purpose. Since they first started in 2006, Toms has been gobbled up by consumers for their comfortable, casual styles. When the brand first started, absolutely everyone was wearing Toms. They started with Blake Mycoskie noticing in Argentina the strife of shoeless children in the communities there. He was dedicated to helping, so he conceptualized a company that would give a pair of shoes for every single pair sold. That is exactly what they did. Now having given over 60 million pairs, Toms looks towards opening production in countries in need to stimulate their economies and create job growth. feels good on your feet, what more could you want?
Activism is a big part of Ellen’s life. She definitely wouldn’t shrug off any meaningful charity or organization with a purpose. Not only do Toms match her style, but they also match her tireless commitment to making the world a better place in whatever way she can. Toms Classic is a shoe that is memorable from the first time you see it. Bandage-like wrapping on the upper looks awesome but it isn’t restricting. Instead, it allows full motion and wiggle room, by taking up no more space than your foot already would.
Classic toe stitch detailing is a must on Toms and this Alpargata Classic has it all. The v-shaped gore on the upper makes it comfortable on your instep. Similarly styled slip-on options can rub and cut into the top of your foot, Toms give you wiggle room for all-day comfort. An insanely flexible bottom works to make walking a breeze. These are a good errand shoe, but if you were to pair them with cropped jeans, blazer, and v-neck, you would be ready to go anywhere with that Ellen Degeneres Flair. The traction works wonderfully for all outdoor or indoor activities. This is the kind of shoe you forget you’re wearing and at a price that you won’t forget! Plus, they’re matching your purchase for a child in need, it doesn’t get much sweeter than that.
10. Steve Madden Gills
Most of us know Steve Madden well and remember their larger than life advertising of the 1990s. You would be surprised to know that Madden built this brand from absolutely nothing. Madden had about 1,100 dollars in his bank account and access to a Brooklyn Warehouse. Starting to craft shoe designs, he soon realized he may have found his niche, and thus, the brand was born. A little sex appeal, a little streetwear, and a lot of rock and roll, Steve Madden is considered one of the most successful fashion moguls on the planet. Unlike other fashion brands that have branched out into shoes after being established, Steve Madden has been perfecting his footwear craft from the beginning.
Ellen loves a laceless slip-on and you will too. One of her most commonly worn colors is gray, it is considered a new neutral and can be dressed up or down. It is as flattering as black but not heavy or boring. Gray is the perfect color for winter, fall, summer, or even spring. This suede is no exception. Suede was once seen as a pure winter option, however, a few seasons ago, we started seeing it burst into every season. Soft and light, this slightly platformed look would be sweet paired with a cuffed pant, striped tee, and open button down with rolled sleeves. Ellen Degeneres would approve of such a look, without a question.
Twin gore ensures you won’t struggling getting these on and off, an experience no one should have with a slip-on. The ultra padded collar sits comfortably on your heel, and the way it is raised on the outside adds to the rounded profile of the Gills. Removable insoles are amazing, this Gills isn’t too shallow to add your own insole for comfort, but if not, removable ones mean you can wash and care for them to keep your shoes fresh from the inside out. Steve Madden comes at a bit of a higher price tag, but you are buying a legendary sneaker in the industry that is sure to get a ton of compliments.
Sources
- Ellen Degeneres, Encyclopedia ,
- Female Suit Icon, Style Report ,
- Ellen Degeneres Clothes Looks, Style Guide ,
- Ellentube, Celebrity Website ,