If you’re going to invest in just one or two wardrobe updates for the new season, shoes are a great place to start. You can keep wearing the jeans, dresses, skirts and pants already in your closet and instantly make them feel more current simply by changing what’s on your feet.
And Fall 2026 gives us plenty to choose from. Designers revisited familiar favorites like pumps, loafers and ballet flats, but changed the proportions, added interesting textures and introduced new details. There are also some wonderfully wearable heel heights, alongside statement boots and shoes for those who want something a little more directional.
Below are the Fall 2026 shoe trends to have on your radar, plus how to wear them.
Fall 2026 shoe trends
Below, we’re bringing you 11 of the key shoe trends for Fall 2026, so there’s plenty to choose from whatever your personal style. You certainly don’t need them all. Simply pick the styles that work with your wardrobe and make the outfits you already own feel fresh for the new season.
Animal print and reptile textures
Fendi – Tory Burch – Isabel Marant
Animal print is having a major moment for Fall 2026, and when it comes to shoes, almost anything goes. Rather than one particular style taking the spotlight, it’s the print or texture that makes your footwear feel current. Look for zebra print in particular, along with leopard, snakeskin and other reptile-effect finishes.
That means you can choose the shoe shape that already works for you, whether that’s a loafer, ballet flat, pump, sneaker or boot. Animal-print shoes are also surprisingly easy to wear. Treat them almost as a neutral and pair with denim, black, chocolate brown, camel or burgundy for an easy way to add interest to simple fall outfits.
Reiss Rene Wool Blend Coat – Open Edit Long Sleeve Polo Sweater – PAIGE Leenah High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Lauren Ralph Lauren Dani Python-Embossed Low-profile Sneaker – Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote – ARGENTO VIVO Tiger’s Eye Huggie Hoop Earrings
Riding boots
Dries Van Noten – Ralph Lauren – Proenza Schouler
Knee-high boots are a fall wardrobe staple, but this season it’s the classic riding boot that’s particularly on trend. Think sleek, equestrian-inspired styles with a relatively flat heel, structured shape and minimal detailing, in timeless black or rich shades of brown.
They’re also one of the easiest Fall 2026 shoe trends to work into the wardrobe you already have. Wear yours over slim jeans or leggings, or use them to give midi dresses and skirts a more grounded, relaxed feel. Choose a simple leather pair and you’ll have boots that feel current now but are classic enough to wear for many falls to come.
MAURITIUS Sofia Lambskin Moto Jacket – COS Slim Silk T-Shirt – ALICE + OLIVIA Maeve Asymmetric Slip Skirt – Tommy Hilfiger Illuna Riding Boot – JW PEI Carmen Faux Leather Top Handle Bag – ARGENTO VIVO Tiger’s Eye Huggie Hoop Earrings
T-strap
Calvin Klein – Givenchy – Moschino
If you’re looking ahead to party season, T-strap shoes are one of the most elegant trends to try for Fall 2026. The distinctive strap gives classic pumps and heels a slightly vintage feel, while still looking modern, and we’ve already seen plenty of celebrities embracing the style, including Sandra Bullock.
Choose a sleek black pair for maximum versatility, or look for metallics, velvet or embellishment for evening. Wear with tailored pants, a midi skirt or your favorite party dress. They’re an easy way to make an outfit you already own feel new again without having to rethink the rest of your look.
MAURITIUS Sofia Lambskin Moto Jacket – COS Slim Silk T-Shirt – Wit & Wisdom Whitney Skyrise Flat Front Wide Leg Pants – Johnston & Murphy Amy T-Strap Pump – Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Shoulder Tote – Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Silk Square Scarf – ARGENTO VIVO Tiger’s Eye Huggie Hoop Earrings
Two-tone – cap toes
Isabel Marant – Isabel Marant – Chanel
If you have a classic style personality, this is one Fall 2026 shoe trend that should fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. Chanel-inspired two-tone shoes, particularly styles with a contrasting toe cap, have a timeless elegance that works just as well with everyday outfits as it does with smarter looks.
The classic combination is beige or cream with a black toe, but you can also look for more contemporary color combinations. Try yours with tailored pants, jeans, midi skirts or dresses. Toe cap boots are a fantastic way to update this look.
MAURITIUS Sofia Lambskin Moto Jacket – COS Draped-twist Detail Midi Dress – Miz Mooz Gilda Heels – The Sak Tess Shoulder Bag Leather – Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Silk Square Scarf – Karine Sultan Round Drop Huggie Hoop Earrings
Embellished
Here’s another Fall 2026 trend that’s perfect for party season. Embellished shoes bring a little glamour to even the simplest outfit, with crystals, jewels and decorative details appearing on everything from elegant flats to evening heels.
The beauty of this trend is that you can choose whatever heel height works for you. A pair of jeweled ballet flats can look just as special as embellished pumps, particularly with tailored pants or a simple dress. Let your shoes be the statement and keep the rest of your outfit relatively understated.
Reiss Rene Wool Blend Coat – COS Slim Silk T-Shirt – Wit & Wisdom Whitney Skyrise Flat Front Wide Leg Pants – Betsey Johnson Maren Crystal Loafer – Marc Jacobs The Scene Tote – Nordstrom Demi Fine Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Earthy olive
Tory Burch – Hermès – Jil Sander
Sometimes it’s the color rather than the shoe style that makes an outfit feel new for fall. This season, embrace rich autumnal shades, with olive green being a particularly stylish alternative to your usual black or brown footwear.
Olive works beautifully with so many fall neutrals, including cream, camel, chocolate brown, navy and denim, as well as richer shades such as burgundy. Choose whichever shoe style suits your wardrobe, from loafers and sneakers to pumps and boots, and let the color provide the seasonal update.
COS Tailored Check Long Coat – AllSaints Asha Mock Neck Sweater – Wit & Wisdom Whitney Skyrise Flat Front Wide Leg Pants – Eric Michael Zelda Boot – The Sak Tess Shoulder Bag Leather – Nordstrom Demi Fine Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Western
Chloé – Louis Vuitton – Gabriela Hearst
Western-inspired boots are another key boot trend for Fall 2026, but you don’t need to go full cowboy to make them work. Look for subtle Western details such as a slightly pointed toe, curved top, angled heel or decorative stitching for a more sophisticated take on the trend.
They’re particularly good for adding a little edge to pieces you already own. Wear yours with straight-leg jeans, or use them to toughen up a feminine midi dress or skirt. Classic brown or tan will give you the most timeless look, while suede feels particularly right for fall.
AllSaints Asha Mock Neck Sweater – ALICE + OLIVIA Maeve Asymmetric Slip Skirt – Eric Michael Laredo Boot – Marc Jacobs The Scene Tote – Karine Sultan Round Drop Huggie Hoop Earrings
wedges
Diesel – Louis Vuitton – McQueen
We tend to associate wedges with summer, particularly espadrilles and sandals, but they’ve been given a sophisticated update for Fall 2026. This time, look for wedge pumps and loafers and closed-toe styles that combine the sleek appearance of a classic pump with a more substantial wedge heel.
They’re a great option if you like some height but prefer the stability of a wedge. Choose a streamlined pair in black, chocolate brown or burgundy and wear with wide-leg pants, midi skirts or dresses for an elegant alternative to traditional heels.
Reiss Rene Wool Blend Coat – COS Draped-twist Detail Midi Dress – Schutz Siena Mid Buckle Wedge Pump – JW PEI Carmen Faux Leather Top Handle Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Jazz shoes
Bottega Veneta – Celine – Bottega Veneta
If you’ve been wearing ballet flats for the past few seasons and fancy a change, jazz shoes offer a fresh alternative for Fall 2026. With their soft, streamlined shape and lace-up design, they have the same easy, low-profile appeal as a ballet flat but feel a little more unexpected.
Wear them in much the same way you would your favorite flats, with ankle-length or wide-leg pants, jeans, skirts and dresses. Black leather is the classic choice, but rich brown, burgundy or metallic styles can make this simple shoe feel even more special.
Nordstrom Side Twist Top – Open Edit Satin Maxi Skirt – Nine West Jazzy Oxford – JW PEI Carmen Faux Leather Top Handle Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Moccasins and slippers
Acne Studios – Miu Miu – Moschino
Comfort is very much part of the Fall 2026 shoe story, with soft moccasins and slipper-inspired styles offering an easy alternative to more structured flats. Think supple leather and suede, flexible soles and relaxed shapes that feel almost as comfortable as your favorite slippers, but are polished enough to wear outside the house.
They’re perfect for casual days with jeans, relaxed pants or knitwear, and also work well with tailoring if you like that high-low mix. Look for rich fall shades such as chocolate, tan, burgundy or olive, and choose a streamlined shape to keep the look sophisticated rather than overly cozy.
Sam Edelman Corduroy Trim Jacket – Veronica Beard Spruce Cotton & Silk Blend Denim Button-Up Top – Wit & Wisdom Whitney Skyrise Flat Front Wide Leg Pants – Vince Camuto Sennett Studded Mocassin – The Sak Tess Shoulder Bag Leather – rag & bone Lina Striped Modal Scarf – Astor & Orion Pyramid Studs
hiking
Isabel Marant – Moschino – Miu Miu
Hiking shoes have made their way off the trails and into our everyday wardrobes for Fall 2026. Practical details such as chunky soles, sturdy laces and technical fabrics are being combined with more fashion-forward colors and finishes, so you certainly don’t need to be heading into the mountains to wear a pair.
The key is to contrast their outdoorsy feel with your everyday wardrobe. Wear them with straight-leg jeans and a blazer, relaxed pants and knitwear, or even a casual dress or skirt for a more unexpected combination. Plus, they’re one trend where comfort is very much part of the appeal.
Sam Edelman Corduroy Trim Jacket – Nordstrom Cashmere Short Sleeve Crewneck Sweater – PAIGE Leenah High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Blondo Natasia Waterproof Boots – Rebecca Minkoff Jumbo Julian Leather Backpack – rag & bone Lina Striped Modal Scarf – Astor & Orion Pyramid Studs
Your Fall 2026 shoes together in one capsule
Below, you can see all of our Fall 2026 shoe trends brought together in one capsule, along with the clothes we’d wear them with. We’ve kept the clothing versatile and easy to mix and match, so you can see how simply changing your shoes can completely alter the mood of an outfit. A classic dress feels different with Western boots or embellished flats, while jeans can take on a new look with jazz shoes, moccasins or a pair of animal-print shoes.
Continue reading:
- 12 fall 2026 trends you’ll want to wear – and how to style them
- The most beautiful fall 2026 colors – and how to wear them
- 12 pieces to transition your summer wardrobe into fall without buying everything new
Like this article on Fall 2026 shoe trends? Share it on Pinterest
Images from Vogue
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!