7 Major Shoe Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Fall

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(Image credit: Jil Sander; Bottega Veneta; Balenciaga; Miu Miu)

Taking a closer look at the fall/winter 2022 collections that debuted earlier this year, there are some key shoe trends to have on your radar for the upcoming season. While there are so many major trends worth noting for the season—ranging from floor-sweeping hemlines to the "new" new bomber jackets—I'm here to narrow in on the coolest fall shoe trends for 2022.

There were many notable styles introduced by designers, but there are seven trends that are the most important to know for the season ahead. Rather than focus on any seasonal basics, I'm highlighting the most directional footwear that I predict will have a big impact on fashion for the upcoming season. The shortlist includes the silhouettes taking over and the boots that are already going viral among the fashion set. Here, read on for the seven key fall shoe trends for 2022.

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(Image credit: Bottega Veneta; Prada; Versace)

Mary Janes were one of the standout silhouettes on the F/W 22 runways. These aren't your ordinary Mary Janes, though. The latest iterations are finished with big platforms, wedge heels, XXL buckles, and sculptural shapes, as spotted at Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Versace. I'm already predicting that Mary Janes 2.0 will be one of the key shoe shapes for fall 2022.

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(Image credit: Khaite; Proenza Schouler; Miu Miu)

Ballet flats are returning with a vengeance. Conjuring early 2000s Kate Moss when ballet flats had a major fashion moment, the shoes are back with the "cool girl" stamp of approval from brands including Miu Miu, Khaite, and Proenza Schouler. With balletcore on the rise, it's only fitting that the dance shoes make their comeback.

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(Image credit: Courreges; Alexander McQueen; Miu Miu)

In the early 2010s, motorcycle boots were a mainstay on the street style scene and a favorite shoe among the model-off-duty set. The motorcycle boots of that time were heavier, more traditional takes on the shoe, but now we're seeing them return with new interpretations including everything from boots to heeled versions. In part, we can thank Balenciaga for ushering in the trend. The brand's cult Cagole shoes—incorporating the grommets and tassels of the iconic Y2K motorcycle bag—have become the most in-demand boots of 2022. We'll see more designers tapping into the aesthetic when fall arrives.

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(Image credit: Bottega Veneta; Loewe; Jil Sander)

As designers infuse more elements of fun into their collections, we're seeing an uptick in all things shimmery and shiny. From metallic over-the-knee boots styled with sequined slip dresses at Bottega Veneta to gold foil-like mules paired with pastel dresses at Jil Sander, this is exactly the type of mood-boosting fashion we've been waiting for that we can look forward to for the season ahead.

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(Image credit: Bottega Veneta; Acne Studios; Chanel)

The major boot trend to have on your radar for fall? Waders—a shoe style spotted on the F/W 22 runways at Chanel, ACNE Studios, and Bottega Veneta. The tall boots go beyond your average over-the-knee styles, with wide shapes that rise to the mid-thigh. Paired with micro silhouettes including shirtdresses and tweed jackets, this is how I expect to see them worn among the street style set during Fashion Month.

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(Image credit: Saint Laurent; Burberry; Balenciaga)

Over-the-knee boots as a whole were one of the standout silhouettes of the season, and in addition to wide waders, fall will also mark the return of tall glove-like boots that fit tight on the legs. At Saint Laurent, Burberry, and Balenciaga, the boots were designed in everything from shiny leather to printed florals.

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(Image credit: Acne Studios; Bottega Veneta; Loewe)

Fuzzy things are taking over for fall 2022, including everything from handbags to footwear. While it may feel less wearable than some of the other trends coming up for fall, there are already signs that it will pick up even more steam. Fuzzy shoes are continuing into the Resort 2023 collections as well—notably at Khaite—which means that fashion people are sure to adopt them into their wardrobes in no time.

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Next: These Are the 11 Biggest Trends for Fall 2022

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.