As a millennial, it's almost unnerving to see tweens and teens wearing the exact same trends I wore in the early 2000s. It's like looking in a time-traveling mirror every time I spot capri pants, low-rise jeans, butterfly clips, jelly shoes, and everything else I absolutely insisted my parents buy me from Limited Too. While there are certain trends I personally refuse to bring back—hello, trucker hats—I'm more than willing to accept other items into my grown-up life in 2026. Case in point: wedges.

Not all wedges are created equal, however. The shoe trend can easily veer into outdated, cheesy territory, but that's certainly not the case with Reformation's new versions. Ref has collaborated with influencer Enya Umanzor on a trio of gorgeous wedges I need ASAP. "Inspired by Enya’s playful interpretation of femininity, [the wedges are] silky, whimsical, and finished with embroidered swirls along the heel, hand-drawn by Enya herself," Reformation explains on its website. Shop them below.

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If you're someone who loves jeans but gets bored easily, step into my office. The first order of business is fall shoes. The easiest way to spice up a denim outfit is with a pair of cool, trendy shoes. That being said, I say trendy with a caveat: Certain shoe trends work better than others when it comes to which ones to pair with jeans. Something too chunky or with too high a heel can look off, and if it's cooler outfits I'm seeking, I tend to veer away from plain, boring shoes and toward trends that are a bit more fun. It sounds like a lot to think about, but luckily, you don't have to—that's what I'm here for.

Below, you'll find a tight edit of five specific fall shoe trends that'll make your jeans look cooler in one fell swoop. They run the gamut from classic to subtly flashy, and each looks as chic with denim as the next. So, before jeans season—or fall, if that's what you call it—arrives, keep scrolling to shop the shoe trends you'll see all the fashion people (yourself included, perhaps?) wearing with jeans of every wash.

Jewel Tones

Since jewel tones were all over the 2026 runways, it should come as no surprise that they're going to be all over everyone's feet this fall. Think shades of royal purple, emerald green, ruby red, and cobalt blue. They all pop against denim and quickly become the main character of an outfit—in a good way.

Shop Jewel-Tone Shoes to Wear With Jeans

Embellished

Ever since those embellished kitten heels became an instant It shoe upon making their debut on the Prada F/W 26 runway, shoes adorned with beads and baubles have become a thing again. Pro tip: Pair them with a simple denim outfit to let them be the stand-out component.

Shop Embellished Shoes to Wear With Jeans

Two-Tone

Ever since Matthieu Blazy breathed new life into Chanel’s signature two-tone shoes, the fashion world has been enamored with the trend. After all, two shoe colors are better than one—when they’re as chic as the styles below, at least. Whether cap-toed, trimmed, or geometric, all are welcome, and all add interest to any jeans outfit they’re paired with.

Shop Two-Tone Shoes to Wear With Jeans

Satin

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Satin shoes are the prettiest shoe trend of 2026. When it comes to specifics, the fashion crowd is partial to wedges, mules, and simple ballet flats in any and every shade of satin. And of course, denim and satin are a match made in heaven.

Shop Satin Shoes to Wear With Jeans

Ballet Heels

If you like the delicate look of ballet flats but prefer a bit of a heel, good news: Ballet heels are trending, which means that there are plenty of options to choose from on the market. It’s a low-key, pretty way to dress up your jeans.

Shop Ballet Heels to Wear With Jeans

Kylie Jenner's label Khy has launched its first-ever shoes in collaboration with the Italian luxury designer Gia Borghini, and the collection is out today, August 21.

In a post on Instagram, Jenner shared, "I've worn Gia Borghini for years, so this one felt right. 🤍 I got to create my dream footwear for Khy, handmade in Italy. I reworked every detail over and over until they felt just right and completely effortless."

The line includes three different styles and four core fabrics used across the designs. The Studio Thongs are everyday sandals that come in Black Leather and Metallic Chrome. The Muse Thong Wedges are architectural wedges available in Black Leather, Chocolate Pony, and Metallic Chrome. The Icon Sandals are sculptural, strappy, buckled heels inspired by the early 2000s, coming in White Leather and Metallic Chrome.

Shop the new Khy x Gia Borghini range below, available on Khy.com.

Shop Khy x Gia Borghini

I have a bit of a shoe problem. Some people like bags. For others, it's jewelry. I've always found shoes to be my greatest weakness—a category I'll always invest in, even when my bank account insists I resist the urge. Because of this, err, affliction, I pay extra close attention when new shoe styles come out, and this fall, there's an almost painful number of It shoes to shop, with tempting options by Chanel, Prada, The Row, and more all currently calling my name. Where are the noise-canceling headphones when I need them?

Sometimes, sharing my findings helps to ease the pull to shop, which is why I decided to spill the beans about the most talked-about fall shoes within fashion circles. Herbert Levine's aquamarine-colored satin mules? Everyone wants a pair. Tory Burch's beaded kitten heels? If you haven't bought yours yet, good luck. Saint Laurent's hunter-green knee-high boots? I'm drooling. Suffice to say, there's no shortage of It shoes to add to your collection (and mine) this fall. I'd know; I've already tried most (if not all) of them on at least once.

Start shopping for your favorite styles below.

Shop Fall's It Shoes

Despite all signs indicating the contrary, it’s actually quite a difficult time to be a trainer. As a category, trainers have been mutilated beyond recognition. These days, everything from a pair of satin ballet flats fixed with a pair of laces to technical-inspired loafers with meshed netting could be considered a trainer, leading to the style being wholly overlooked thanks to these half-baked iterations. But as the autumn trainer trends of 2026 indicate, the tides are slowly but surely turning.

Though we’re nowhere near going back to the days when wearing trainers was only fit for exercising and running errands, trainers have recently lost some of the qualities that made them a go-to for easy styling and casual wear. Now, with so many options available, trainers have been kept to the sidelines in favour of more classic options, be it a pair of ballet flats or flip-flops.

The appeal of this latter style also comes down to their subversive nature, especially when styled with typically athletic pieces. Indeed, when paired with a windbreaker and track shorts, a pair of heeled flip-flops feels thoughtful instead of athletic. Or, a pair of jeans and an oversized T-shirt feel far more in-the-know when styled with suede sandals.

But as the weather begins to shift, dictating a need for shoes that not only protect us from the elements but also ensure stylish attire, there are several autumn trainer trends waiting in the wings to fill this gap. Striking the perfect balance between sensible and chic, these are pieces that you can happily trot around in without feeling like you’re wearing a one-season wonder.

From the return of shades that haven’t made an appearance since the noughties to silhouettes your teenage skater boyfriend would’ve worn, albeit in an incredibly cool way, keep scrolling through for the key trainer trends that will dominate autumn wardrobes this year.

The 6 Major Trainer Trends for Autumn 2026

1. Snap, Bubble, Pop

Style Notes: Don’t let the talk of inflation get you down. In fashion sectors, designers are responding to this economic term with humour and lightness, instead focusing on a more literal take by reviving silhouettes like the 1980s-approved bubble skirt and 1650-coded balloon shorts. This has even begun trickling into trainers, with Miu Miu sending a slew of bubble sole styles down its autumn/winter 2026 runway.

This style, which is already almost sold out, features sequin embroidery and suede trims, and is inspired by an archival design from the early 2000s. However, there are equally intriguing options from the likes of Keen, a lesser-known trainer brand that specialises in specialised terrain usage and orthopaedic protection, to consider.

Shop the Trend:

2. Old School Suede

Style Notes: Once upon a time, wearing a suede jacket would have people believing that you were on your way to a '70s-themed costume party. Now, after a high-fashion makeover from brands including Nour Hammour and Saint Laurent, suede has become mainstream again. Over the past few years, we’ve even seen suede crop up in trainer format, from the viral Puma Speedcat to the incredibly enviable offering from Dries Van Noten.

This autumn, suede continues to reign, but in a more delicate format. Designers are being intentional about their use of suede, rather than covering the entire shoe in the napped fabric. The result is styles that almost rival track shoes from the decade, but are far more suited for city living. Think: low-profiles, refined trims and nylon upper. A word to the wise: start searching for vintage models of the Adidas Apollo on resale sites for the most authentic version of this trend.

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3. Heavy Metal Hues

Style Notes: They say that coming second is the first to lose, but if the rate at which silver trainers are beginning to crop up, we’d contend that it’s gilded colours who are the runner-up. Sleek, futuristic and polished, silver trainers will forever be associated with the techno-optimism that defined Y2K-era dressing. And honestly, not much has changed in the way they’re being styled since then, anyway. From baggy, three-quarter capris to high-octane T-shirts, slip into these to fulfil your Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century fantasy.

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4. Highly Strung

Style Notes: Michelle Obama once said, when they go low, we go high. Surely then, the former First Lady of the United States must have been talking about the return of the high-top fashion trend. After a period of slim-line and low-rise shapes, the tops of trainers are slowly creeping up the ankle again. From the basketball-inspired Chuck Taylor Converse to the boxing-approved Adidas, these shoes offer an alternative to the leather boots that usually command winter ensembles.

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5. Slip-On Sleaze

Style Notes: If this summer was all about dressing like an extra from Blue Crush—think: hacienda prints, surf shorts and shell necklaces—then autumn will be about dressing like you’re straight out of the pages of Thrasher Magazine—read: two-layered shirts, baggy jeans and, most importantly, slip-on shoes. The latter is obviously synonymous with Vans, which is enjoying quite the renaissance thanks to the likes of Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence spearheading their revival.

Still, the slip-on trainer always feels inherently sleazy, like you’ve just stepped out of a Brooklyn club in the 2010s. Pair it with lace-trim slip dresses for a look that embraces both the masculine qualities of the skater shoe and the French-esque, feminine sensibilities of this boudoir essential.

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6. Ready, Preppy, Go!

Style Notes: The preppy subculture will always be a perennial source for fashion to mine. This autumn, designers like Michael Ryder at Celine are leading the rise of a more urbanite style that takes the trend off the campus and into the city. Nowhere is this more apparent than in footwear. Still underscored by a country club ease, these functional preppy trainers feel slightly more poised than performance-ready. After all, these are styles intended for leisure activities as opposed to endurance sports.

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Long before the first leaf changes colour, designer brands start to slowly release their new autumn pieces, much to the delight of the members of the fashion crowd who have been anxiously awaiting them since they made their initial debuts on the runways and in lookbooks. It goes without saying that one of the most highly anticipated first of the autumn drops is The Row—the cult brand's bags and shoes, in particular.

Much to my delight, I just discovered that The Row has begun to quietly release new pieces, and I think we all know that every one of them is going to sell out. We live in a Row-obsessed world, so if you're in the market for a new investment piece from the brand, I highly suggest you place your order (or preorder) now, and I highly suggest it be for any one of the bags and shoes below. You can thank me later for bringing this to your attention.

Shop New The Row Bags

Shop New The Row Shoes

The coolest shoes to wear with jeans right now? Ask Alexa Chung, and she'll point you towards an unlikely pairing: denim heels. Beginning her latest look with a pair of pale straight-leg jeans, as so many of Alexa's best outfits do, the model and presenter skipped the ballet flats and jelly shoes she's been reaching for this season, instead styling her denim with a pair of bow-embellished denim mules from Dior.

An unlikely shoe trend, denim shoes have been creeping into new-in sections over the past few seasons. And whilst they might not be the most obvious choice to wear with jeans, I've found that the denim shoes add interest without disrupting the streamlined feel of the jeans, making them one of the coolest shoes to wear with your denim collection right now.

Whilst I'll be taking my cues from Alexa and pairing my denim shoes with jeans, the trend also makes for a lighter alternative to heavier leather and suede styles. Try wearing them with floaty cotton dresses or linen pieces for an equally chic summer look.

Taking your styling cues from Alexa like me? Read on to shop the denim shoes I'm recommending below.

Shop Denim Heels:

Many months ago, we made our predictions on the fall 2026 shoe trends that will become the most noteworthy. While our runway predictions are never far off, the first glimpses of fall fashion are beginning to take shape, which means it's time to revisit the footwear silhouettes to know. It may not technically be fall yet, but there are already several specific trends that are resonating in the designer collections and IRL, and it's time to report on them.

Of course, because everything is cyclical, a number of styles are slowly starting to lose favor while these newer ones take center stage. It's not to say that you should go and remove them from your closet right this second, but fashion people who stay ahead of things are quietly skipping them when shopping for anything new right now. If you also want to know what the insider set is into and, consequently, not into going into next season, consider this your download on the status of cool footwear.

Here, see which fall 2026 shoe trends are taking priority among the fashion set and which styles are simply not trending as much anymore.

Trending: Satin Finishes

Not Trending as Much: Patent Finishes

Heavy satin finishes are the first shoe trend I'm already seeing resonating in the wild from what came down the runways in the fall designer collections, and based on all the early popularity, I know it's set to be one of the major styles of the season. Whether that means a pair of pretty pumps, elevated flats, or even modern sneakers, seemingly every pair of cool fall shoes is getting the satin treatment.

Trending: Western Boots

Not Trending as Much: Chunky Boots

Yep, Western boots are back, but maybe not like you're thinking. Instead of on-the-nose cowboy motifs, designers are taking a more modern approach with boots that take classic Western details, like stacked heels and suede finishes, and reimagine them to be sleeker.

Trending: Derby Shoes

Not Trending as Much: Lug-Sole Loafers

In his debut Celine spring 2026 collection, Creative Director Michael Rider sent model after model down the runway wearing derby shoes. Not quite as formal as oxfords but more sophisticated than your average ballet flats, derby shoes are the surprising new style that's just right for a dose of everyday polish. With more brands getting in on the look, I only expect the trend to gain momentum this fall.

Trending: Beautiful Embellishments

Not Trending as Much: Studs and Grommets

Heavy embellishments were a key shoe trend on the fall/winter 2026 runways, where they appeared either with feathers and laces, like at Prada, or an abundance of beading, like at Tory Burch. These pairs are paving the way for the rise in beautiful and intricate embellishments that will come to define the prettiest evening-ready shoes of fall and winter.

Trending: Eel Embossing

Not Trending as Much: Croc Embossing

I have nothing against croc embossing. It's still quite chic, but there's an obvious successor taking its place going into next season, and it's none other than eel print. The finish is popping up all over, from The Row's viral eel-printed loafers to Reformation's beloved Inez Flats. Calling it now: Eel is set to be the new croc when it comes to luxe leather finishes.

Trending: Ballet Sneakers

Not Trending as Much: Athletic Sneakers

It might be time to set aside those chunky '90s runners, at least outside of the gym, because the new lifestyle sneaker silhouette of the moment has arrived in the form of ballet sneakers. Featuring slim soles, rounded toe shapes, and scrunched-ankle details, this is the trend behind the current It pairs, including Nike Moon Shoes.

Trending: High-Vamp Heels

Not Trending as Much: Mary Jane Heels

If I sound like a broken record about high-vamp pumps by now, it's only because the silhouette is climbing in the ranks. Come fall, they'll fully take over other trending heel styles like Mary Janes as the new go-to to pair with skirts and, later on in the season, tights.

I love to try new things, and my shoe choices reflect that. When it comes to picking out a new sneaker for the season, the options can be overwhelming, but the right brand makes it a lot easier. That's what I love about Adidas: the silhouettes are classic yet modern, which gives you room to take risks with color, texture, and unexpected details. I can count on Adidas sneakers for comfort and affordability, and once I have those two things locked in, experimenting with something a little more playful comes naturally. Ahead, see the 13 styles I'm adding to my wardrobe this fall.

As a stylist, I'm often asked where I shop for a particular category, and no matter the item in question, recently, my answer is always the same: Marks and Spencer. Because, as we've all noticed—and it's impossible not to with the brand's runway shows in Ibiza, Silverstone and soon, London Fashion Week—the high-street hero has had a real glow-up.

Once considered slightly "dated", the womenswear section now effortlessly ticks off all key seasonal trends, but I'm most interested in the new-season shoes right now. It'll soon be time to pack away my beloved flip-flops (sob), so I'm pre-empting the cooler weather and starting to consider what to wear on my feet. As expected, M&S already has autumn footwear covered, and expertly so. Whether it's sleek loafers, luxe suede flats, comfy clogs or low-heel boots that'll see you all the way through to winter, these are the five autumn shoe trends at M&S that'll sell out so fast, it's best to get them now.

1. Suede Flats

2. Clogs

3. Retro Sneakers

4. Demi-Heel Boots

5. Luxe Loafers

As long as I can remember, I've been a bit particular when it comes to shoes. I only wear traditional sneakers when I go to the gym, but I also never buy shoes with a heel over two inches. This gives me a narrower window of certain styles of shoes, like ballet flats, kitten-heel sandals, low-heel pumps, loafers, knee-high boots, and Mary Janes.

Recently, my aunt texted me saying: "I need cute comfy shoes that are closed toe. Any idea?" My mind immediately went to Camper's Casi Myra, which I've been wearing the last couple of years and are still going strong. I told her, "My Camper flats are my favorite. And then I have a pair of Naturalizer Mary Janes I randomly got that I wear with tights or socks, and vintage pairs from Merrell and Nike Air x Cole Haan from eBay. I see people on TikTok vouch for Sam Edelman ballet flats, too."

Below, shop these and more comfortable walking shoes.

Shop Comfortable Walking Shoes

Whilst I'm usually one to steer clear of sandals and flip-flops in the city—the dust-strewn pavements are off-putting enough—this summer's unrelenting heatwaves have made me give in more times than I'd have liked. In an attempt not to overheat, my near-bare feet have been far closer to the pavement than I would ever have preferred. But now, just as summer draws to a close, I've come across a breathable shoe trend that I'll be opting for instead. Thanks to Karlie Kloss, I'm officially in the market for a pair of peep-toe flats.

How this shoe trend didn't come into my orbit sooner, I couldn't say, particularly as I've been such a fan of peep-toe heels for several seasons now. Offering the same slim cut-out that has always felt so sophisticated to me, these flat styles bring that elegant finish to an altogether more wearable silhouette, making them perfect for elevating everyday outfits.

Whilst Karlie wore hers with a slim-fitting midi dress, the trend would look just as polished with jeans or even shorts whilst we wait out the final weeks of summer.

Now that it's on my radar, I don't think I'll be able to go without a pair. If you're thinking the same, read on to shop the peep-toe flats I'm recommending below.

Shop Peep-Toe Flats:

Happy "Zara fall new arrivals" season to all who celebrate. We all have our favorite Zara season, and mine would have to be fall, in part because it's when the most expensive-looking pieces are stocked. The first categories I typically shop are light jackets and shoes for the approaching season, as they're typically what I reach for the moment the weather starts to change. Light jackets and fall shoes are always present and accounted for once mid-August hits, and we're officially there, folks.

Zara has been very busy churning out new arrivals, and I just did a deep dive so you don't have to. The top-tier lightweight jackets and fall shoes I chose are a mix of classics and trendier styles, all of which will have friends and strangers alike asking where you bought them.

Ready to shop? Keep scrolling for the 26 best Zara light jackets and shoes for fall.

Shop Top-Tier Light Jackets

Shop Top-Tier Fall Shoes

If the first thing you buy for fall each year is shoes, join the club. At this point, it feels like it's been summer for years, and I'm counting the days until the initial signs of fall reveal themselves. In the meantime, I'll just be over here shopping for fall shoes in anticipation of the change of seasons.

If satin ballet flats, red jazz shoes, and chocolate-brown suede mules get your attention, I have a feeling you're going to like this edit as much as I do. I perused the just-in stock at Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, Net-a-Porter, Reformation, Prada, and more. The price points run the gamut, so you're sure to find something that fits your needs, your wants, and your budget.

Suede, animal prints, taffeta, and beads are all present and accounted for, and the 33 new fall shoes I found are too good not to sell out. Some are already headed to that fate. Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop the best new shoes of fall 2026 so far.