Cooler weather has finally arrived — aka the perfect time to ready your seasonal wardrobe with some of the hottest trends for fall. And while our upper bodies will likely get swathed in the coziest fall sweaters, comfy denim, and leather jackets, our feet are crying out for a pair of cute boots. This fall, the shoe trends are about as comfort-focused as we’ve ever seen, with perennial favorites like stylish booties, lace-up combat boots, motorcycle-inspired styles, over-the-knee looks, and cowboy boots making a major resurgence. There are also trendy new silhouettes in the mix this season, like denim and wedged sky-high boots that are perfect for the fashion-forward. We’ve also rounded up the best occasion-specific footwear, like the spicy stiletto boots, which take the beloved strappy shoe and elongate its soles to sky-high levels.
Ahead, peep the seven types of shoes we’re placing our bets on for fall. Whether you’re a comfort connoisseur who needs a slip-on for errands or someone who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a flat sole, there’s a new fall boot with your name on it to help you start the season on the right foot.
Lace-Up Combat Boots
Thanks to the influence of celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Kourtney Kardashian, grunge is thriving, and platform combat boots are stomping around town. However, the once daring style has also been transformed into something softer with lighter hues and tweed fabrics. Additionally, instead of regular laces, French brands like Sézane have added soft velour-like cotton laces to their designs, and Dr. Martens’ once simple boot has been updated with elevated padded quilting and contrast stitching. If you don’t already have this chunky style in your footwear arsenal, it may just be making its way into your wardrobe very soon.
Motorcycle Boots
These are similar to combat boots, but rather than laces, these shoes have everything from clunky buckles to rhinestone embellishments. A tad more attention-worthy, these boots are best shown off with pleated skirts or cropped jeans.
Cowboy Boots
Buckle up as we ride off into fall with the coastal cowgirl trend. Western-inspired boots are back but with more color. Your favorite brands, such as Ganni and Jeffrey Campbell, are adventuring into colorblock and glossier statement hues with subtle topstitching and paneling. But we know color isn’t for everyone, so we’ve included several safe neutrals as well.
Stiletto Boots
Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re part of the Ocean 8 crew on a daily basis? Just me? Sorry. Bring out your chic inner-model in a knee-high stiletto boot. Throw on a wool coat and a pair of sunglasses and embrace the immense amount of confidence that exudes from this timeless shoe.
Over-The-Knee Boots
In case you haven’t picked up on this yet, thigh-high boots will forever be in any “fall shoe” roundup, but for good reason! They make any outfit seasonally appropriate, especially if you refuse to stow away your mini skirts and shorts. Slouchy thigh-high boots, in particular, will make a stance this fall, as the shoe has graced the Fall/Winter 2023 runways of brands like Burberry, Stella McCartney, and Isabel Marant.
Denim Boots
You’re not the only one who’s noticed a surge of denim pop up from tote bags to bucket hats to boots. People love a Canadian tuxedo, and all the style-savvy folks will gladly take up any chance to put the head-to-toe denim look to work. Labels like Chloé, Acne Studios, Loewe, and Diesel have also been putting their own fashionable spin on the trend, and to give you a glimpse of what all the street-style stars are wearing, we’ve included a couple of the silhouettes above.
Wedge Boots
Wedges are back from the 2000s y’all. We’ve been there for the revival of wedges, and now the comfy shoe has evolved from airy sandals and espadrilles to striking boots for the colder season. While the dramatic shoe re-emerged on the Fall/Winter 2022 runways from designers like Givenchy and Bottega Veneta, it’s been inching its way to this moment to declare that it’s the statement trend of this season.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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