Feel that chill in the air? It’s officially time to snap up the best fall shoes—and we know just the pairs that’ll turn heads this season. It’s no surprise that evergreen materials (like suede and leather) and silhouettes (like fall boots and classic sneakers) are trending for fall 2025. And while you can never go wrong with those timeless pieces, on the more of-the-moment side of things, we’re noticing a few key shoe trends among the street-style crowd, including studded ballet flats, classic loafers, and kitten-heel boots.
While we’ll always suggest keeping a spot for classic practical footwear, like Chelsea boots and galoshes, this year we’re crowning a new class of timeless staples. The vibe is practical with an edge—and with the right styling, it’ll all fit in with your existing fall wardrobe. These are the need-to-know fall shoe trends of 2025, curated by Glamour editors from the runways and our feeds. Don’t face a packed calendar of dressy weddings, apple picking, and return-to-office mandates without them.
Glamour’s fall shoe trends wish list
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1. The suede boot
A staple among editors and the Christian Girl Autumn set alike, suede boots are the great unifier this time of year. Any outfit looks better grounded in rich, luxe suede, especially in earth tones. Need to punch up a fall dress? Want to contrast the texture of a sequinned skirt? Need something nice to poke out of your wide-leg jeans? These comfy, of-the-moment suede shoes are here to help elevate all of your fall outfit ideas. (And don’t worry about the weather—just pick up some suede-protecting spray and set out on your next adventure.)
2. The classic loafer
There’s never a bad time to bust out a pair of loafers, but they’re at the height of their powers each autumn. Even as adults, there’s something about a back-to-school-inspired shoe that feels just right this time of year, whether you prefer a pair of shoes that’s chunky or more streamlined. (The silhouette of the moment, by the way, is the soft loafer, exemplified the the Coach and Mango pairs below.) Style your pick with a classic blazer, faded jeans, and crew socks for a contemporary spin on prep, one of fall’s biggest fashion trends—or emulate Miu Miu’s fall runway by styling penny loafers with sheer socks or a pair of tights.
3. The versatile sneaker
It’s high time to invest in a pair of retro, vaguely sporty sneakers, a more subtle sibling to the look-at-me sneakerina trend. Best-selling lace-up styles from Adidas, Veja, and Nike are perennially popular among celebrities and pair nicely with everything from structured trousers and midi-skirts to black leggings and sweatpants. While you can’t go wrong with classic black or white sneakers, this year it’s all about treating colorful sneakers like they’re a neutral; it may sound crazy, but it works. Shop our editors’ favorite pairs below—they go with everything.
4. The sleek bootie
There’s a reason ankle boots are the fundamental fall shoe style: They look great with trousers and skinny jeans, provide plenty of room to show off your cozy sock game, and offer the lift of high heels without the same blister risk. While fall fashion is trending toward taller styles this year, we’ll never pass up a great short boot for autumn; some insiders are already getting ahead of the curve by shortening their shafts for 2025. Maximize walkability with a block-heel ankle boot silhouette or lean into the kitten-heel shoe trend for something a little more flashy.
5. The ballet flat
Ballet flats aren’t going anywhere—in fact, they’re only getting more popular among the street-style crowds of New York and beyond, and we’ve seen them styled well with virtually every kind of outfit. Classic slip-ons will always be in style, so find a color that fits your personal style and consider wearing it now and into colder months. You can also look for Mary Jane flats for an of-the-moment yet timeless alternative.
6. The tall boot
Tall boots have officially replaced booties as the fashion crowd’s go-to footwear—just ask Zendaya. We have nothing against shorter silhouettes (see above), but mid-calf and knee-high boots offer just a touch more autumnal glamour right now; imagine one of these pairs peeking out of worn-in jeans or kissing the hem of a dress. Most labels, including Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci, showed smooth, structured styles for fall, but try cowboy boots, equestrian buckles, and croc-embossed styles for a little more oomph.
7. The go-to heel
While there were certainly a ton of blinged-out shoes on the runway this season, a more understated countercurrent flowed through our favorite shows. At Prada and Saint Laurent, models wore prim pointed-toe pumps, mirroring the fashion set’s current obsession with office-ready kitten heels and slingbacks. Mary Janes also made an appearance at Victoria Beckham and Max Mara, offering a slightly preppier take. There’s a time and a place for out-out footwear, but we’re finding it easier (and even more exciting) to style these humbler, more versatile picks with our dresses and jeans.
