10 Fall Shoe Trends That Give Your Go-To Styles a Sophisticated Refresh

The Kitten Heel Agenda

A little goes a long way this season, as kitten heels continue to reign supreme across footwear categories. “Kitten heel boots are a must-have: They deliver the perfect mix of effortless elegance and all-day wearability,” says Stuart Weitzman’s SVP of merchandising and product strategy, Juliana Naso. The dainty, practical silhouette has remained at the forefront in part thanks to continued interest in Y2K aesthetics and “office siren” style.

These versatile heels come in a variety of shades, styles, and settings, with moody hues and textural animal prints being among the most popular for fall. “ I love them in eye-catching color and material combinations, like boysenberry vinyl and espresso stretch leather,” Naso says. 

Zebra Print Everything

Zebra print has found its way back to the forefront of accessories as part of the wider animal print trend, and we couldn’t be happier to see its reign. The pattern is great for footwear because of its simple, black-and-white (or otherwise neutral) color scheme, which remains versatile while adding a touch of interest.

In general, footwear designer Marina Larroudé thinks of animal print as a neutral. “An animal print is always a good idea,” she says. “It’s the kind of boot that makes a very simple outfit instantly feel like fashion.”

Sumptuous Suede

A classic fall material, suede has been at the center of fashion lately, with suede handbags, sneakers, and jackets all trending. “Suede for fall immediately makes a shoe feel elevated,” Larroudé says. “This season, I’m seeing these rich, saturated browns rooted in fall’s coziest vibes, like espresso brown, toasted almond, and deep walnut.” It seems chocolate brown’s momentum is showing no signs of stopping this season.

Polished Western

Fashion’s love affair with the Wild West and cowboy boots continues this fall, but with sophisticated twists that translate well to city-dwellers. “This season, it’s less about looking like a cowboy and more about taking details like the silhouette, the heel, and the leather to make them feel polished,” Larroudé says. She recommends wearing a western boot with a pair of jeans or a white shirt for an effortlessly stylish outfit.

Hip to Be Square

It’s hip to be square this season, as square-toe shoes are giving a fresh twist to many of our old favorites this fall. “The ‘90s minimalist trend isn’t going anywhere, and you will see that in a variety of square-toe boots this season,” says Naso. The unique shape can add some refinement to your shoe, whether that entails ballet flats or boots. “It gives a classic boot a bit of an edge and makes the silhouette feel new,” Larroude says. “I would keep everything else clean and let that shape be the fashion statement.”

Embellished Energy

If you’re over minimalism, embellishments are here to make your footwear statements bigger and bolder this season. Coming alongside the ongoing popularity of charms across the board, this fall shoe trend encourages us to opt for whimsical accessories that stand out from the crowd.

“More is more! I love embellishment because shoes should make you happy,” Larroudé tells us. “Crystals, studs, hardware, buckles—those details turn a boot into the special piece in your closet.” Don’t save these shoes for a special occasion: They’re worth wearing any day.

Modern Moto

Moto boots—also known as biker boots—have always been a fall favorite, as they’re a cool, versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down. This season, we’re seeing them shine in softer brown hues as well as varied silhouettes.

“This is one of the most fun ones to play with styling,” says Naso, who has seen moto boots paired with boho dresses to “ contrast the ruggedness of the shoes.” Larroudé also recommends pairing the boots with dresses and sheer clothing to make the look feel more modern. 

Riding Classics

Calling all horse girls and lovers of an “old money” aesthetic: Riding boots offer a classic, luxurious look that can make an outfit look a little more polished. “A riding boot is forever. It’s one of those shoes everyone can have in their closet because you can style it a million different ways,” Larroudé tells us.

The Higher, The Better

Move over, booties: While kitten heels may be popular right now, we want our boot shafts themselves to go on for days. Our experts agree that thigh-high boots are a fun statement for day and night looks alike, especially when paired with contrasting silhouettes and other bold accessories. Stick with classic black for a true neutral, or bring in the drama with red or leopard print. 

Timeless Leather

“For me, beautiful leather is not a trend; it’s something you should always have in your closet,” Larroudé says. But while leather is a timeless fall shoe staple, it’s truly trending this season, with a growing appreciation for expensive-looking materials and textural moments. More shoppers are looking to invest in quality leather to keep in their closets for seasons to come.