Stop Scrolling—These Are the Definitive It Girl-Approved Fall 2026 Shoes
Autumnal footwear has never been more interesting.
I'm just going to say it: I'm bored to death of fall shoes. Too often, autumnal footwear trends can feel played-out and uninspired: the leather loafer, the knee-high boot, the simple ballet flat. It's not the shoe style that irks me, it's the same drab color palette we return to year after year.
I yearn for something more than classic black, espresso, or whatever forest-grown hue designers are favoring at the moment. Give me pattern! Give me texture! Give me the full spectrum of color! Thankfully, that's exactly what fall 2026's shoe offerings have provided.
Fall's shoe selection has taken an abrupt turn for the titillating. We, as a society, have (mercifully!) evolved beyond the confines of brown suede and black leather. Now, it-girls are shopping funky autumnal styles in every matter of fabric and hue. I'm talking sneakers coated in snakeskin, hot-girl clogs covered in curly fur, knee-high boots with a swanky slouch, and color-blocked pumps that give a distinct Matthieu Blazy vibe.
It's this shift toward the fresh and invigorating that inspired me to put this story together. Ahead, shop the coolest fall shoe styles that will influence your next shopping trip.
I've been systematically adding zebra print to my shoe collection for the past few years, but this season, I kicked it into overdrive. Thus far, I've added ballet flats, sling-backs, and kitten heels—all that's missing is this luxurious Larroudé loafer.
I won't take back what I said about suede boots, but I will amend it. With the addition of interesting details, like statement buckles and contrasting fabrication, the run-of-the-mill shoe style suddenly feels current.
I love my Ugg boots as much as the next commuter, but it's time for a change. As you're building out your fall rotation, consider a pair of clogs. They're also a comfortable running-errands shoe, only with a more editorial feel.
The runway greats have convened and their ruling is clear: cap-toe shoes are back. Gossip Girl fans to the front, please!
Extra-dramatic silhouettes, like this one, adds a runway-inspired energy to even the most traditional fall boot.
If you haven't yet figured it out, let me make it clear: It's going to be an animal print fall. Alongside zebra stripes and leopard print (more on that ahead), cow spots will, likewise, be enjoying the limelight this season.
Not only are designers embracing faux fur, suede, and leather this season, they've also begun dabbling in gloss. It takes guts to reach for this playful finish, but it's well worth the risk.
Plain white sneakers will always be the modern wardrobe's most valuable player, but it turns out, colorful styles also have a lot to bring to the table. Introduce a bit of excitement to your casual look, with a vivid pair in a non-boring color.
There's just something about an exaggerated slouchy silhouette that feels so runway to me. Leather is always a good idea, but shop textured styles, like suede or croc, to introduce even more interest to your lower half.
Rihanna has been wearing snakeskin boots for going on two years now—and, as usual, Bad Gal RiRi was right. The reptilian print has now popped up in the collections of every major shoe brand, just in time for fall.
Plush, fluffy footwear has been battling its way to the fashion forefront for several seasons now. Finally, a freaky fall shoe I can get behind.
I'm of the strong belief that moto boots are a seasonless investment. That said, they certainly hit their stride during the cold weather months. This pair stands out, thanks to this bubbly silver hoop.
For years, my inner trend forecaster has been patiently waiting for gold accessories to re-enter the conversation. The time has finally come.
Last fall (and winter, to be honest), my own leopard print boots reigned as the most-worn shoes in my closet—no question. Of all the tempting pairs on this list, these are undoubtedly the hardest-working.
Purple and red, aqua and brown, sage and snakeskin—this season's runways were flush with kooky color combinations. My hot tip? Embrace the look via footwear for a low-risk trial of the trend.
Most people would tell you to leave jelly shoes in the summer months, but I disagree. I've fallen so deeply in love with this BCBG pair, I've already begun building fall 'fits around them. And, so far, they're looking great.
Clogs, mules—this season will see an upswing in every type of slide-on shoe. This pair, specifically, taps into a playful mix of seasonal shearling and weather-proof utility.
One of fashion's latest color fixations can be found on the shelves of your local grocery store and, soon enough, the eggplant-inspired hue will also be found in your closet.
