Fall is the best season for footwear, and I won’t be convinced otherwise. Sure, summer sandals and strappy heels are liberating for your pedicure, but there’s something about the versatility of fall weather combined with that crisp air that makes dressing that much more exciting. This season, the runways were chock-full of trends both new and familiar. The overarching message? Glamour is back in full force as we continue to dress up and go out, but comfort isn’t taking a backseat. Turns out, super-high platforms actually aren’t so difficult walk in (that is, if you’re even-keeled), and cowboy boots are reimagined as a day and night shoe. Here, we’ve taken stock of all the fall shoe trends you need to shop now.
Sky-High Platforms
The platform was the runaway trend of the season, with almost every designer offering a vertical lift. From Valentino’s sky-high PP Pink platforms that Anne Hathaway just stomped around Rome in to Versace’s patently sexy take, there was no shortage of leg-lengthening, view-altering heels. Add a pair of socks to carry you through the winter months.
Naked Wolfe Angel White Leather Platform
D’Accori Belle Platform Sandals
Valentino Platform Pump in Patent Leather
Schutz Lenne Nappa Leather Sandal
Sculptural Silhouettes
Art and fashion (and kink) all blurred together at Loewe’s fall/winter show, adding daring, graphic design to what would be regular old pumps. This season, take a sculptural approach to footwear with angular heels and artful touches.
Piferi Fantasia Bicolor Satin Sandals
Now 60% Off
Alaïa La Sculpture Wooden Wedge Glossy Strap Sandals
Loewe Drop heel mule in calfskin
Twinkle Toes
The ever-present trend of glittering, shimmering shoes didn’t show any signs of stopping on the fall runways. From punk-ified versions at Alexander McQueen to ladylike diamanté sandals from Saint Laurent, everyone rolled out their take on stage-ready sparklers.
Amina Muaddi Rosie Crystal-Embellished Satin Pumps
Madga Butrym Silver Crystal Heeled Sandals
Paris Texas Penelope 95mm mules
Salvatore Ferragamo Crystal embellished slingback
Haute Cowgirl
The Wild West is an infinite reference resource, with fringe, beading, and rodeo-ready looks taking the runways by storm this season. We’re particularly fond of Chloé’s French-girl take on the classic cowboy boots, while others also got in on the fun.
Isabel Marant DENVEE SUEDE BOOTS
Ranch Road Boots Presidio Black
Steve Madden Lasso Cowboy Boot
Miron Crosby Samantha Crème
Skater Chic
It’s never a bad idea to borrow from the boys—this season, designers reimagined the iconic low-rise skate shoe into something more fashion-forward. We love to see it.
Gucci Adidas x Gucci Women’s Gazelle sneaker
Mary-Janes
For all the girls who wanted to steal their doll’s Mary-Janes, designers have you covered. This season, brands like Ambush, Marc Jacobs, and Del Core took the classic style to new heights with ultra-platform versions, adding the perfect dose of adult to the tried-and-true childhood staple.
Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat
Miu Miu Denim Mary Jane pumps
Marc Jacobs THE PLAID MARY JANE
Carel Kina patent leather mary janes
Thigh-High Boots
Bottega Veneta
MIGUEL MEDINA
An over-the-knee boot is a classic fall/winter silhouette that isn’t going anywhere. While it has been a staple of every Christian Girl Autumn since pretty much forever, this season, designers made creative choices with different textiles that set the silhouette apart, our favorite being Bottega Veneta’s metallic rendition that does all the talking.
Paris Texas Mama over-the-knee boots
Loeffler Randall Irma Over-The-Knee Platform Boots
Brother Vellies Brandy Over The Knee Boot
Steve Madden SAPPHIRE RHINESTONES
Kevin LeBlanc is the Fashion Associate at ELLE Magazine. He covers fashion news, trends, and anything to do with Robyn Rihanna Fenty.