The Fall Shoe Trends You Need To Know About

If one category serves as an indicator for seasonal changes in fashion, it would be footwear. And, as far as fall shoe trends go, they’re extra good this year. Your fall wardrobe will forever have enough room for the staples—leather booties, high-tops, chunky platform sneakers, and so on. But, while you save up from summer manicures, you might as well spice up your shoe rack with a pair (or two) of the year’s latest in new trending shoes.

Fall Shoe Trends To Keep Up With This Season

This year, fall is all about taking your already-loved classics and twisting them to reach new heights—yes, we’re talking about platforms, among other things. Think clogs, but 2021-ized; rain boots, but color-blocked; going out shoes, but with a quarantine twist. 

We’ve rounded up the most exciting fall shoe trends having a moment this year, from everyday boots to trending sneaker styles, and you can confidently step into the season knowing you’re putting your best foot forward. 

Power Platforms

Platforms are nothing new when it comes to trends in footwear. However, they get a special mention on the list of trending shoes for women due to their prominent presence on the runways this past spring in the shape of heavy, dark-colored leather boots, instead of last year’s straw espadrilles and woods. As more comfortable and stable alternatives to thin stilettos and pumps, platforms are experiencing a total resurgence this fall season, so expect to see your fashion-forward friends standing taller.

We’re loving the knee-high pair of Maximal boots from California-based brand Jeffrey Campbell; the violet pair is totally something Emma Chamberlain would rock. 

Lofty Loafers

Loafers are another rather classic silhouette having a moment under the spotlight. In fact, they have been in for a few seasons already and don’t show any signs of fading away anytime soon. So, loafers aren’t only a shoe trend of the moment, but a good investment for your everyday looks and back to the office fits. Purchase a good pair and watch yourself utilizing this fall shoe trend anytime you feel like dressing up a rather basic outfit.

The Agathea Chunky Loafer from Reformation not only hits the nail on the head in terms of what’s in at the moment, but is sustainably made as well—a total win-win. These loafers come in two colorways; the black is a classic that goes with basically any outfit, but the chunky white shoes are also super cool if you feel like standing out.

Lug-Sole Boots

Utilitarian clothing items have been taking turns appearing as trendy-must haves every season. Combat boots and bomber jackets were all the rage not too long ago, and now, lug-sole boots are ranking high on lists of must-have trending shoes for men and women. You’ve definitely seen these chunky booties before and they’re here to stay—comfier and chunkier than ever before; found in leather and rubber materials. 

The Loading pair from Jeffrey Campbell comes in four fun colorways and will have you stomping around confidently in any room. Prefer a more understated take on this fall shoe trend? The Palomino Boot from Staud is another amazing option and comes in both knee-high and over-the-ankle lengths.

Comfy Clogs

We know what you’re thinking, “clogs, really?” Yes, these wooden-soled shoes are, in fact, among the most trending shoes for girls this fall season. They’ve been appearing everywhere, and it’s only a matter of time until your favorite blogger convinces you to don a pair as well. Get your own set of clogs and get clomping, this is perhaps the fall shoe trend of the season.

Simon Miller is known to have quite the collection of clogs on its website, from the chic Low Raid Clog to the famously out-there Bubble Clog. Pick the pair more like your personality and rock this shoe trend like we know you can. You can also opt for a pair of ribbed open-toe clogs from Beklina, because you’re in California and the weather totally lets you get away with it.

Fluffy Feet

Heels and platforms are definitely having a moment because we miss dressing up after a year of being locked in. But, there is still a part of us that has grown accustomed to wearing slippers all day, and that has manifested itself into a fall shoe trend that’s the closest thing to outside appropriate slippers. Super cozy and comfy, yet still unbelievably cool, fuzzy slippers are officially trending shoes for fall 2021. Worried about looking too homey? The key is to pair the slippers with something more polished, like a sleek dress or a textured suit, and you’ll be good to go.

The 70s Shearling Clogs from RE/DONE combine two fall shoe trends in one. A comfy clog that also keeps your feet warm when it’s chilly outside? Sounds like a dream fall shoe if there ever was one. If you’re a fan of the fluff but not the clog, this pair of green high tops from Lisa Says Gah might be right up your alley.

Cowboy Boots

If you, like us, spend endless hours scrolling TikTok, then you’ve also probably caught on to the fact that cowboy boots are about to be everywhere—again. From classic vintage booties to new neon pairs, seeing a western take on kicks has been a major theme during the summer, and it’s about to be an even bigger thing when the weather gets chillier. 

By now, you can probably shop for this trend in footwear on any of your favorite online stores, but we went ahead and picked out our faves as well. The Bambi Western ankle booties from Matisse are super cool. But, if you want to go out out with this trending shoe for girls, there’s one pair that’s been really stealing the spotlight; the Dagget from Jeffrey Campbell. Coming in a range of fun colors, these heeled western boots tend to sell out very quickly—hurry and get a pair while you still can. 

Are your favorite fall shoe trends missing from this list? Tell us what we left out!