The fall/winter season is the perfect time to refresh your shoe wardrobe with the latest women's shoe trends.
Many of the trends you may have seen trickling in from spring, but many are new and include a few interesting micro-trends from certain colors and bold prints, to some subtle changes in toe shapes.
Whether you're drawn to the effortless elegance of loafers, the timeless charm of ballet flats, or the chic sophistication of slingback pumps, there's a style to suit every style and occasion.
And let’s not forget sneakers, which continue to dominate with new designs and colors that blend fashion and function.
Women's Shoe Trends to Wear This Fall
Key Fall 2024 Shoe Trends Breakdown:
- Trending Toe Shapes: variations of pointed and squared
- Trending Shoe Styles: hybrid loafers, slingbacks, ballet flats, sneakers
- Trending Shoe Colors: burgundy, silver, chocolate brown
- Trending Shoe Prints: animal, croc and snake embossing
Trending Toe Shapes: Pointed and Square
The dead giveaway of whether a shoe is dated or trendy is its toe shape, so we'll start from here. This season is easy as both pointed and square toe shapes are trending–ranging from very pointed, to extremely squared off.
So really, the only toe shape that is fully out is a very round toe. You can get away with an almond toe by wearing it in a trendier shoe style or color. For instance, a burgundy ballet flat or knee high equestrian boot.
PS: you might be wondering why I'm not speaking about heel shapes in this post.
That's because most heel shapes are trending: from stilettos to block to curved heels. Lower heels are probably the trendiest of the fall heels and thankfully, the most practical!
If you prefer sky-high stilettos, those will never go out of style, so you're good.
Let's start things off with the shoe styles that are trending this season:
Slingbacks
Slingbacks aren't a new trend for Fall 2024, but you know they're at the height of their popularity when they come in all shoe styles & forms. Seriously.
From slingback pumps (where we saw them most last season) to slingback flats and loafers–honestly, I'm surprised we aren't seeing slingback sneakers 😂.
I'm loving slingback pumps in a burgundy patent for this season, but any color will do if you're looking to update your simple pointed-toe pumps for fall/winter. These make a great alternative shoe for elevating a dress.
These are a perfect option for transitioning into fall if it's too hot for a fully closed shoe.
Women's Loafers
Loafers continue to hit big this season and there's no stopping it. Just like the slingback trend, you can see various loafer styles including slingback loafers!
The most significant trending hues include silver, burgundy and chocolate brown, black/white and neutral tone color-blocking.
Lug soles are still around and kicking, but a high block heel appears to be taking over. Penny loafers are at an all time high. Creeping back into the fashion spotlight? Tassel and fringe loafers (my personal favorite).
If you prefer a loafer style that will stick around in style the longest, stick to a horsebit or classic penny loafer!
Ballet Flats
If you're sick of ballet flats from spring/summer, you're not getting away from them anytime yet. Mesh flats are still around, but only worthwhile if your fall/winters are warm.
Mary Jane flats continue to push forth in many fall colors and materials, although we're seeing many more multi-strap flats. I'm also seeing more single and double-buckled ballet flats adding an edge to the more feminine shoe, as well as fun detailing like loop ties.
The most trending ballet flats have a squared toe shape, but these might not be for everyone–especially those that with a very squared shape.
An easier ballet flat style to wear is a smaller, more sleek square toe. A pointed or more classic almond shaped to is still prominent in cap toe and ballerina-inspired flats.
Trending Sneakers
Trending Sneaker Styles
Women's fall 2024 sneaker trends bring a mix of both bold and practical designs. In terms of styles, chunky runners continue to dominate, offering a statement-making option for those who want comfort and style combined.
On the flip side, slimline profiles are still going strong. Perfect for those who prefer a sleeker, more understated look.
Hiking sneakers are another standout trend, blending outdoor functionality with urban fashion, while retro-inspired designs add a nostalgic touch to modern wardrobes.
Trending Sneaker Colors
Color trends range from metallic silver, which adds a futuristic edge, to colorful sneakers with bright hues that inject fun into any outfit.
For those preferring a more neutral sneaker, the new neutral palette includes beige and tan shades that provide versatility for the most discriminate capsule shoe wardrobe.
Prints are making a bold statement too, with contrasting patterns and animal prints adding extra flair to everyday looks. In terms of detailing, gum soles are a key feature, bringing a classic yet trendy touch.
Trending fall 2024 sneaker styling includes crew socks or funky, patterned socks, along with playful shoe lace accessories and charms. These are a fun way to personalize any of the current sneaker trends.
Check out my full fall 2024 sneaker trend post here!
Now we're moving onto trending shoe colors and prints:
Metallic Silver Shoes
This fall, silver shoes aren't a completely new trend but rather an extension of the metallic vibe we've seen rising since spring and summer.
What makes metallics so appealing, especially as we move into the cooler months, is their versatility—they can effortlessly complement almost any outfit, making them a great option for both everyday wear and the festive holiday season.
This season, silver shoes are shining with mirror-like metallic finishes, available in a wide range of styles. Leading the pack are sleek loafers, trendy sneakers, and the ever-popular slingback pumps with a reflective metallic look.
But let’s not overlook silver boots and ballet flats, which are just as stylish and offer a perfect blend of practicality and shine.
If you're looking to tap into multiple trends at once, consider trying a silver slingback—a silhouette in loafer, pump or ballet flat form, that's having a major moment this season, making it a standout piece in your wardrobe.
See my full roundup of the fall 2024 silver shoes trend, including newly released favorites!
Burgundy Shoes
Spring/Summer 2024 was all about red shoes, and don't get me wrong–red shoes are still on trend. However, burgundy shoes will be more prominent for Fall/Winter
Not shocking, as it's the darker season to match the darker months, but burgundy shoes have been working up to a major seasonal trend the past few seasons.
I'm seeing many Burgundy shoes in suede and patent materials for fall 2024, and across the full footwear style spectrum!
It's a great muted shoe color to pair with work outfits, adding a burgundy ankle boot or loafer and to add to more formal occasions. However, burgundy also has a place in more formal outfit in the form of a shiny burgundy slingback or ballet flat.
Chocolate Brown Shoes
If burgundy isn't your color, you can find a similar, but less bright hue in a chocolate brown. Dark brown shoes can be seen in all kinds of shoe styles, particularly loafers, boots and flats.
It's a nice break from all the black shoes and boots that have been dominating the fall/winter seasons prior! I would pair dark brown shoes this season with red, leopard, navy and black outfits.
I'm absolutely loving the brown croc embossed boots and pumps from Everlane, with their beautiful curved heel. Both versions look very high-end and sleek. A great way to add some subtle animal print to a more conservative outfit.
Animal Print Shoes
Speaking of animal prints, this takes us to our final fall 2024 shoe trend, which is animal prints. Yes, all of them!
From more subtle croc embossing and snake print to the mega trending cheetah & leopard print, we're now even seeing a bolder zebra print in footwear.
If you want to wear this trend but don't know how, start out with a ballet flat, or a bootie or pump under a long wide leg pant. You can't go wrong with an all-black outfit when wearing any animal print!
Check out all my favorite ways to wear leopard/cheetah shoes, here.
Now That You Know the Top Fall Shoe Trends:
With so many exciting trends to choose from, updating your shoe wardrobe has never been easier.
Whether you’re experimenting with bold colors, trying a new toe shape, or sticking to classic styles like loafers and sneakers, there’s something for everyone this season.
Not loving any of the above trends? Not a problem! You can always stick to the classics: pointed pumps, simple flats, classic loafers and sneakers. Yes, even in black.
These are the shoe styles I recommend if you prefer more timeless shoes in your closet!
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xo Cristina
Cristina is the chief editor, fashion & shoe expert here at ShoeTease. As a seasoned stylist and women's fashion & shoe designer, she boasts over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She loves crafting effortless outfits for ladies both online and off and believes that styling advice should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're a styling pro or just starting out, Cristina's here to guide you on your fashion journey! Learn more.
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