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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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