These 6 Fall Shoe Trends Signal Elite Style—Here’s What to Buy
From knife-point stilettos to square-toe boots, these fashion editor-approved pairs are about to take over.
Basically, my job is to figure out what women will be wearing in three months. That was how I explained my career as a fashion editor to a curious stranger I met at a friend’s housewarming over the weekend. That means, every season, I’m responsible for researching trends—drawing from designer runway shows, celebrity styles, and what industry insiders are already wearing—to predict which styles and specific products are about to become mainstream.
My latest project was to predict which fall shoe trends will be everywhere in just a few weeks—and here, I share my findings from over 40 hours of footwear research (yes, I counted). You can expect the season's classic staples to reappear, like leather loafers with a nod to '90s prep and knee-high boots to help transition your summer Bermuda shorts and slip skirts into colder weather. Meanwhile, the suede sneaker trend, a key part of the retro sneaker movement that makes every pair look like it’s from a different era, will show up in earthy, autumnal shades.
But that's just a preview of the footwear styles about to take center stage. Keep scrolling to discover—and shop—an expert-curated selection of fall 2025 shoe trends set to take off.
Back-to-School Loafers
A leather loafer is a timeless, widely loved fall favorite for good reason. The 2025 season highlights what makes this preppy staple so great: it's a neutral silhouette that always looks polished. Pair them with a checked blazer and a matching mini skirt or that breezy white skirt you've been wearing all summer for an easy, versatile piece in your wardrobe.
Mary Janes
Oh, how I adore a simple, sweet, and strappy Mary Jane shoe. The silhouette is naturally girlish, but fall 2025's take on the style sticks to fine leather textiles and foolproof color palettes that keep its Mary Janes from feeling too juvenile. A classic black Mary Jane flat is a smart addition to a summer dress you're transitioning into fall.
Textured Sneakers
Among all the footwear styles that fashion explores, sneaker trends might be the hardest to keep up with. But in a sea of options, from slender to chunky, minimal to loud luxury, fall's top sneaker trend is any pair made from a must-touch texture. Think: rich suede, coarse pony hair, or faux animal hide—any material that adds more dimension than just sleek leather.
Pointed-Toe Shoes
They're ladylike, elegant without fail, and visually engaging—it's easy to see why the fashion world has adored pointed-toe shoes for decades. Based on the fall runways and street style, you can expect to see flats, pumps, and boots with sharp front tips walking alongside you in a few weeks. But if you, like me, don't want to wait until September, buy a pointed ballet flat or slingback heel to wear with breezy maxis and linen pants as summer winds down.
Western Boots
Thanks to the Fall 2025 collections from Schiaparelli, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Burberry—and Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter, of course—boots with bold western flair are coming soon. Narrow your choices by focusing on tall riding boots or knee-high styles with silver hardware ready to ride.
Snake Prints
If 2025 has taught me anything, it's that animal prints basically count as neutrals—they're a natural look, after all, and that feels close enough, right? Snakeskin takes the top spot this fall, replacing leopard and cheetah spots after a months-long reign, and will appear in grays, caramel, and dark mahogany textiles. In particular, I'm drawn to the idea of pairing a chocolate brown snakeskin pump, like Aeyde's, with black separates because I firmly believe that an unexpected color combination makes every outfit better.
