You Can Wear These 12 Fall Shoe Trends Right Now

September might feel like it's a world away, but Fall/Winter collections made their debut months ago. While there's plenty of summer fun — and fashion — left to be had, despite the dwindling number of summer Fridays left on our calendar, there's no reason not to slip your feet into the best fall shoe trends of the year right now.

Designers seemed determined to deliver fresh takes on fall's familiar favorites like over-the-knee boots, but also whimsically remixed staples like wedges and cowboy boots. From luxe hardware to micro-heels, there's lots to love about this year's hottest fall shoe styles. While it was a struggle to pick just 12 favorites, we're confident your summer dresses, short sets, and skirts will look amazing with these fall shoe trends.

En Pointe Ballet Flats

We love a fall shoe trend that doesn't leave our arches aching, which makes this season's ballet flat update particularly appealing. Whether spurred on by the popularity of the balletcore aesthetic or early aughts fashion nostalgia, ballet flats are the shoe trend this fall. On the runways, designers took an elegant approach by applying glossy abstract bows and buckles to their high-shine flats. At Miu Miu and Prada, ballet flats featured an ultra-sharp pointed toe while Gucci brought softer corners to its more square take on the trend.

Sculpted Heels

A great pair of high heels always make a statement, but the pumps spotted on the JW Anderson and Loewe runways go the extra mile thanks to sculpted heels that take these shoes from footwear to high art.

On the Wedge

Featuring high gloss finishes and sloping silhouettes, wedges were seen all over the Fall/Winter fashion week runways. While the metallic open-toed sandals at Missoni are perfect for summer weather, we found ourselves salivating over Ferragamo's cherry point-toe wedges.

Over-the-Knee Boots

Same boot, different day, right? Not exactly. There was no shortage of thigh-skimming boots on the runways, but the slouchy silhouettes spotted at Stella McCartney, Elie Saab, Isabel Marant, MM6 Maison Margiela, and Etro were a welcome departure from skin-tight over-the-knee boots.

24 Carat Heels

Opulence from the ankle down takes the form of luxe, golden heels on both boots and pumps for fall. Whether you prefer a shapely slingback like Saint Laurent's sky-high stilettos or crave a more covered-up knee-high boot à la Moschino, this is one luxe trend worth investing in,

Giddy Up, Cowgirl

If the boots in Zimmerman, Philipp Plein, Weinsanto, Givenchy, and A.W.A.K.E Mode Fall/Winter 2023/2024 shows are any indication, this summer's cowboy boots craze is set to continue well into fall. While the silhouettes (and how to style them) are familiar, Zimmerman's delicately embroidered boots and Givenchy's fold-over, croc-embossed approach felt fresh.

Buckled Up

Accessorizing just got a whole lot easier. Delivering a bit of function and a whole lot of fashion, heels and sandals with bold, gold buckles like those seen at Moschino and Chloé are set to make a major splash this fall.

All Laced Up

Expect to see lots of laces this fall on all kinds of shoes and in all kinds of styles. While ballet-shoe ankle ribbons appeared at Vivienne Westwood and Ulla Johnson, Gucci delivered sneaker-adjacent boots with laces looped around the ankles, and models in the Patou Fall/Winter show were spotted in similarly styled thigh-high denim boots.

Pearl Girls

If ribbons and shiny buckles aren't your thing, but you still want a bit of shine on your shoes, then Balmain's pearly flats and Kimhekim's pearl-lined thigh-high boots might be right for you.

Put a Bow on It

Ultra-feminine details are slowly (and gracefully) taking over fashion from head-to-toe and we're here for it. Balmain, Giambattista Valli, Loewe, Versace, and Vivienne Westwood all sent their takes on bow-bedecked shoes down the runway. The best part of this trend? Loewe's statement bow slippers and Versace and Giambattista Valli's cage-bow high heels look equally gorgeous with summer dresses.

Sling It Back

A trend that works as well on a kitten heel as it does on a four-inch stiletto is always a win in our book. Whether you prefer Gucci's micro-heels, Saint Laurent's ultra-high take on the trend, or something in between, you're guaranteed to look sharp in a pair of Kate Middleton-approved slingbacks.

Bejeweled Blitz

Cinderella could never. Designers like Lanvin, Moschino, David Koma, Versace, and Sportmax took the concept of glittering footwear to a whole new level. The crystal pumps at Sportmax offer a dreamy, delicate take while Lanvin sent a villain-era version down the runway.

Softcore Studs

A world away from spikey, punk-rock hardware, the heels and clogs spotted on the Lanvin and A.W.A.K.E Mode showed the softer side of studs. The rounded embellishments in silver and mixed metals have edgy vibes without any sharp edges.

Mary Janes

Retro Mary Janes, never far from on trend, receive an extra layer of romance for fall. At Paul & Joe, scalloped edges and ribbon bows brought feminine whimsy. Meanwhile, Etro leaned into '70s glamour with a fresh, pressed-petal take on flower child style.