Fall's Best Shoe Trends, Rated by a Buying Director
When it comes to prepping your wardrobe for fall and an influx of brand-new trends, shoes are a great place to start. The reason they’re at the top of many shopping lists is their ability to ground transitional looks seamlessly to the next season. While you may not want to abandon your summer dresses quite yet, the stealthy addition of a cool new pair of boots allows your look to tap into the next season’s trends. Another reason fashion girls adopt shoes early in the season? Their cultish appeal.
To investigate the buzziest shoe trends for fall, I asked Elizabeth von der Goltz, global buying director at Net-a-Porter, to weigh in. As someone on the frontlines of luxury fashion, she has a hand in identifying key pieces for the season that we’ll want in our wardrobes and the brands designing the most exciting pieces. Yes, these are the pieces you’ll be spotting on fashion girls very soon from Instagram to the front row at fashion month. Ahead she’s breaking down exactly which fall shoe trends belong in your closet for the months ahead.
Animal prints
“We love animal prints at Net-a-Porter and are considering it a fashion wardrobe staple. It was prevalent in so many fall collections across all categories. We also saw some amazing mixes of leopard with zebra calf hair boots from Aquazzura. I would style it back to solid colors, midi length skirts or dresses, or with pencil jeans and a jacket,” von der Goltz says.
Available in sizes 35 to 40.
Available in sizes 35 to 41.
High shine
“High shine is having a moment this season, and we are welcoming it with open arms. Black patent stiletto boots add a hint of glamour to any look. I love the idea of mixing them with very classic daytime pieces like a khaki trench,” von der Goltz says.
Available in sizes 35 to 42.
Available in sizes 36 to 42.
Available in sizes 36 to 41.
Available in sizes 36 to 41.
The new pumps
“Updated pumps are the back-to-reality-trend as I like to call it, being real shoes that anyone can wear. It makes sense that pumps have made a comeback in a more modern silhouette. My favorite is the woven leather from new brand Souliers Martinez. I’ll be pairing mine with a great suit or tweed dress,” von der Goltz says.
Western
“Western influence was a major theme on the fall runways, so a good pair of cowboy boots makes sense in any fall wardrobe. Raf Simons for Calvin Klein and Saint Laurent have really brought them back into style. I especially love the new fringe Isabel Marant boots, which would look fabulous with a great mini cocktail dress,” von der Goltz says.
New-age sneakers
“For F/W 18, we saw each designer take on the new-age sneaker in their own way, from Gucci’s logo heavy and crystal-embellished boot hybrid to Stella McCartney’s pared-back bright white version, which walked the menswear catwalk with loose tailoring. We loved this so much that we asked Stella to make them for women, which we will pre-launch this month,” von der Goltz says.
Available in sizes 5 to 10.
The great outdoors
“The great outdoors was another theme that I loved on the fall runways. What I like most about this fall’s hiking boots is that they’re not only practical for tromping through the woods and countryside, but they’re chic and cool for running around in the city as well,” von der Goltz says.
Available in sizes 35 to 41.
Next: Find out why our editor is shopping her entire fall wardrobe from Instagram.
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.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear
Ready in 10 minutes or less.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
Olivia Rodrigo Just Found the Next It Shoes to Wear With Dresses
They're fresher than Western boots.
By Allyson Payer
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion People
There's something for everyone.
By Remy Farrell
-
Every Chic Person I Know Is Shopping for This Elegant Shoe Trend Right Now
Expect to spot it everywhere this spring.
By Eliza Huber
-
Found: The Only Shoe Style You Need for Expensive-Looking Spring Outfits
It's a classic for a reason.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
J.Lo Wore the Classic Two-Item Outfit That Looks Elegant Every Single Time
The Birkin helps.
By Eliza Huber
-
Jennifer Lopez Just Wore Her Anti–Skinny Jeans With a Surprising Spring Shoe Trend
A Gen Z favorite.
By Natalie Munro
-
The Timeless, Cult-Favorite Shoes That Celebrities Swear By
From Jasmine Tookes to Mary-Kate Olsen.
By Eliza Huber