Fall shoe quick picks
Loafers: J.Crew Winona Penny Loafers
Ballet flats: Banana Republic Factory Vegan Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Square-toe shoes: Steve Madden Marianne Kitten Heel Satin Mules
Pointed-toe kitten heels: Calvin Klein Dainty Kitten Heel Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps
Over-the-knee boots: Naturalizer Lyric Over the Knee Boots
Between breezy mornings with a hint of chill, a welcome reintroduction to warm beverages and, of course, a new crop of inspiring fall fashion, there are myriad things to be excited about come autumn, but fall shoe trends just might take the cake. It’s for good reason: It might be a touch too early to grab your new suede jacket or to throw on the chic funnel-neck dresses we’ve seen all over the runways, but now’s the perfect time to get a leg up on 2024’s best fall shoe trends. And as it turns out, many of this season’s biggest trends dare to prioritize comfort over calluses. While last year saw the ubiquitous Adidas Samba sneaker trend, this season sees ballet flats back in full force — and comfortable shoes continue to reign supreme.
“I love a multipurpose shoe, something unfussy and easy to wear all day — and even take into night—that also looks polished,” says LA-based stylist Caroline Edison, who works with celebs like Solange Knowles and Greta Lee. “This notion is at the root of my favorite fall shoe trends.”
Ahead, take a look at what stylists are predicting to be this season’s top footwear trends.
Loafers
If you’ve been paying attention to the recent revival of prep-inspired trends like polos, glasses and even knee-high socks, it should come as no surprise that loafers are first on the list. “Loafers are making a major comeback in all sorts of forms and materials,” says Michaela Leitz, a size-inclusive fashion expert and stylist from Frankfurt, who adds that loafers are “incredibly versatile and timeless, perfect for both casual and formal settings.”
NYC-based editorial stylist Ryan Gale agrees, adding that she loves how a loafer looks when “paired with frilly lace or ankle socks. This is a trend I attach to season after season, and it’s an effortless style to shop for.”
Meanwhile, both classic and elevated platform styles have made appearances on recent runways like Burberry, Gucci and Loewe, meaning the trend won’t slow down anytime soon. If you’re looking for a bit of height, Edison says she’s particularly excited about a heeled iteration of loafers. “They’re the perfect versatile shoe to last you from day into the night, keeping your look cool and comfortable while adding a bit of height. A chunky heel and square toe is a nice update,” says Edison, who calls out a collab from Stuart Weitzman and Sandy Liang as this season’s must-have archetype. (Reformation and J.Crew have more classic iterations, though they lack Sandy’s very demure flower details on the uppers.)
Leitz says a round-toe shape, like that of these loafters from J.Crew, adds a softer, more approachable look.
One of Gale’s top picks, these silver loafers offer a touch of pizzazz to any fall look.?
Another favorite of Gale’s, these men's loafters have a square-toe design that feels more of-the-moment.?
“Who doesn’t love a tassel in their look?” Leitz says. “These loafers come in a suede material with a cushioned footbed for extra comfort.”?
Ballet flats
How long does a shoe have to trend before it veers into timeless territory? Ballet flats, which are enjoying their resurgence for a few seasons in a row now, show no signs of slowing down in popularity. “It’s so fun to see the sensible and cute ballet flat being constantly reinvented,” Edison says. “For fall, I’m excited to try them in new fabrications, colors and even with fur while keeping my classic ones in rotation.”
While Edison loves a novelty version like this fur-lined style from Staud, Gale calls out Zara’s lace-up version, which is great for someone who may have to commute through the elements.
“I love the feminine silhouette of these shoes and how chic they look styled with oversized denim,” Gale says. They come in gold, silver, tan and black.
“It's best to go the [nontraditional] route when shopping for ballet flats, like a funky lace-up or a wild card color like silver or red," Gale says.
Featuring a chic square toe, zig-zag straps and shiny patent finish, these stylish flats will bring a polished look to your fall outfits.
This COS style features grommeted buckles for an edgy take on the Mary Jane silhouette and cushioned soles for added comfort.
Square-toe shoes
Shoe trends don’t just zero in on the style but details like toe and heel shape too. “Square-toe shoes, which?come in all different styles like mules, boots and even ballet flats, are versatile statement shoes,” Gale says. “I love how this trend is available for all shoe types, but I prefer a square mule because it’s an easy transition from summer fashion into fall.”
Gale recommends these mules for anyone looking for a bold transitional shoe. The fast-selling style also comes in a statement-making slime green.
Known for its trend-forward designs, Charles & Keith is a stylist favorite, according to Gale. This style combines the coquettish bow trend with a structured square toe.
Leitz says square-toe boots “feels particularly modern,” even with their throwback feel.?
Pointed-toe kitten heels
According to Leitz, it takes most trends about 20 years to make their way through a full cycle, which means the kitten heels of the early-to-mid-aughts are officially back. “They’re the epitome of versatility, and their modest height makes them incredibly comfortable,” she says.
Meanwhile, Edison zeroed in on the trend even more closely, identifying this season’s freshest take on the style to be the ’80s-style pointed-toe kitten heel. “It’s always a favorite style for me, so I’m excited to see them throughout the fall with tights and dresses, cropped trousers and big coats. This shoe can be lady or sporty, depending what you pair her with,” she says.
A favorite of Edison's, these leather kitten heels feature adjustable slingback straps for added comfort.?
“I adore the classic style of these slingback kitten heels by Calvin Klein,” Leitz says. The butter yellow feels like a perfect summer-to-fall transition color too.?
“Look for kitten heels with innovative designs like a small wedge heel or architectural heels that add an unexpected twist — think bended or sculptural shapes,” Leitz says.
Leitz says to look for a kitten heel with “vintage charm [because it’s] a beautiful blend of past and present fashion, making them a timeless addition to your shoe collection.”
Over-the-knee boots
One of this season’s more controversial trends, over-the-knee boots aren’t for the faint of heart. Major labels like Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander and Chloé all showed the intrepid trend on their respective fall 2024 runways, meaning it’s only a matter of time before it’s everywhere. “Thigh-high boots are fantastic for shaping a beautiful silhouette and can serve as the fashion centerpiece of any outfit,” says Leitz, who notes that they can elongate your legs, giving you a more confident stance.
An espresso boot is a no-brainer for fall, and this over-the-knee style from Stuart Weitzman is begging for a pleated mini.??
“I’m a little obsessed with these thigh-high boots by Steve Madden,” Leitz says. “They resemble actual thigh-high stockings and are available in black and olive. Perfect for a date night, you can pair them with a miniskirt or a mididress for an unforgettable look.”
A classic over-the-knee boot is always a fall staple, but the tapered block heel on Naturalizer’s smooth leather style makes these a must-have. Plus, the brand is a stylist-favorite for all-day comfort.?
