7 Fall Shoes So Good, You’ll Plan Your Outfits Around Them

It’s an age-old trick: When you can’t figure out what to wear, pick one piece—be it clothing or an accessory—and build your outfit around it. The easiest piece to put the method into practice with once the temperatures drop? An amazing pair of fall shoes.

In a climate where trends are moving rather quickly, it seems that designers have started to embrace the idea of building upon pre-existent silhouettes. So, if you’re wondering whether or not you can still sport your favorite pair of shoes from last year, the odds are probably in your favor. From walkable heel heights to breathable materials, footwear brands are delivering practical, comfortable shoes made with the everyday wearer in mind this fall. Now, who should I send my acknowledgments to?

Be it a show-stopping ensemble or just your everyday get-up, a good pair of fall shoes is the lifeline to styling success this season. Ahead, you’ll find the top seven shoe trends for the fall 2024 season.

1. Heeled Mules 

For those of you who recently donated your 2019 mules, I hate to break it to you: Mules are back. Yes, even I, an industry professional, was rattled by this information. From mesh material to studded uppers to curved wedge heels, this slip-on silhouette is swiftly making a comeback.

2. Strappy Ballet Flats

While it may not come as a surprise to most, ballet flats and Mary Janes are still topping the trend charts; it seems we just can’t shake ‘em. After seeing countless seasons of classic ballet-style silhouettes, designers have upped the ante for fall with added criss-cross and lace-up renditions. And, buyers beware: Brands are reintroducing pointed flats to the footwear scene, too.

3. Retro Sneakers

After talking at length about colorful sneakers all summer long, it only seems fitting to reintroduce the retro-inspired sneaker this fall. From New Balance 574 Sneakers to Adidas Sl 72 Rs Sneakers, your go-to footwear brands are cooking up highly-saturated hues in ’70s-style shapes. If you’re looking for a way to modernize styling them, try pairing an old-school pair of trainers with an unexpected combo like an oversized bomber jacket and a knit dress.

4. Moto Boots

You probably won’t catch me hopping on a Harley anytime soon, but come fall, I’ll look the part. This once-functional shoe design is being reinvented this season with a Cowboy-Carter-esque attitude. If your initial reaction was moto-aversion, think again. Trend-goers are sporting this categorically masculine design with more feminine silhouettes. Think: Studded boots paired with frilly dresses.

5. Luxe Loafers

Loafers for fall? Groundbreaking. At this point, I’ve learned to pretty much never put my loafers up for resale. But if you’re in the market for a more exciting pair, there are still plenty of new offerings for the fall season. While higher platforms and lug soles dominated fall 2024 runways, mainstream brands seem to be carrying every slip-on style of the sorts. While we’re used to seeing our beloved loafers in neutrals, designers are dreaming up more fun, out-of-the-box alternatives for the season.

6. Thigh-High Boots

I’ll admit that the term thigh high has always seemed a bit intimidating—and at times, even a little promiscuous. But, don’t worry: If being Catwoman isn’t on your list of daily responsibilities, brands have invented over-the-knee boots in more versatile colors and materials. It’s possible that with the summer’s increasing popularity in the micro-short trend, designers anticipated the consumer’s desire to prolong the no-pants look: Hence, shoes that act as pants.

Get ready to slip into unexpected comfort—from shearling mules to fuzzy pumps, fall 2024’s shoe trends have no shortage of fur. Though we’re accustomed to seeing a sherpa lining here and there, designers are experimenting with this sort of inside-out effect on a range of different silhouettes.