A Fashion Expert Gave Us the Scoop on Fall’s Biggest Shoe Trends—Shop These Stylish Options

It’s time to switch over your closet for autumn, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which trends to shop, you’ve come to the right place. Linda Cui Zhang, Associate Fashion Director at Nordstrom, is here to give her expert advice and help you find your new favorite fall shoes. Zhang says that shoes are the perfect way to transition your clothing to fall, as they provide an anchor for your look—swap out your sandals for a pair of boots to take your maxi skirt from summer to autumn. Keep reading below to discover the fall shoes Zhang thinks are worth shopping. 

Zhang is a fan of versatile styles for this season, including “ladylike heels” and “sporty sneakers.” No matter your own personal style, you’ll find shoes that will easily fit into your wardrobe below, whether it’s preppy loafers or cute Mary Janes. And prices start at only $24, so what’s not to love? Shop expert-approved fall shoe trends below. 

Fall Shoe Trends to Shop

• Tall Boots: Dream Pairs Gogo Boots, $42 (was $60); amazon.com.
• Cozy Browns: DV by Dolce Vita Flapper Boot in Dark Brown, $80 (was $90); dsw.com.
• Kitten Heels: Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump, $140; nordstrom.com.
• Preppy Styles: Birdies The Vesper, from $130; birdies.com.
• Suede and Shearling: Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clog, $170; dsw.com.
• Pointed-Toe Boots: Vivaia Alexandra Pointed-Toe Ankle Heel Boots, $159; vivaia.com.
• Boho: Cushionaire Guest Clog with Memory Foam Padding, $40; amazon.com.
• Sleek Sneakers: New Balance RC42 Sneaker, $100; nordstrom.com.

Tall Boots

Want to make your legs look extra long? Try a pair of knee-high boots. According to Zhang, “A tall boot extends the line of your leg, offering a sleek complement to skirts and creating a streamlined silhouette.” These boots have a chunky heel that’s easy to walk in all day long and a square toe that provides more room for your foot inside the shoe. One five-star reviewer even said, “It doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing heels. I am so excited to find a pair of boots I can wear without pain!”

Cozy Browns

Zhang says that “warm, earthy” browns provide a “softer alternative” to black if you’re looking for a neutral fall shoe. Plus, this pair of boots does double duty to satisfy the knee-high boots trend, too. These square-toed boots feature a cushioned footbed, traction sole, and stacked block heel for walkability. You won’t have to struggle to pull them on, either, thanks to the hidden zipper on the inside of the shoe. 

Kitten Heels

A “classic, ladylike heel” brings a “dash of femininity” and a “polished finish” to any outfit, Zhang explains. Kitten heels are also a great compromise between high heels and flats for when you want just a tiny bit of height. These shoes also have a pointed toe that elongates your leg even further and an adjustable ankle strap to ensure they fit properly and are easy to walk in. In addition to neutrals, there are a number of brighter colors to choose from, as well, including gold, dark red, and silver. 

Preppy Styles

Preppy styles, like loafers, ballet flats, and Mary Janes, are “cool and suitable for multiple occasions,” whether they’re paired with “a laid-back striped polo or sophisticated patterned separates,” Zhang says. According to reviews, these loafers are “so soft and comfortable right out of the box” that shoppers are purchasing multiple pairs. The vintage-inspired shoes have interior padding and a nonslip sole for all-day comfort. There are leather and suede variations available in colors including sage, toffee, gold, and light aqua. 

Suede and Shearling

Obviously suede and shearling are must-have materials for the colder months, but according to Zhang, they also “add dimension to your full look while bringing a cozy touch.” Wear these shearling slides when you want to be comfy while running errands, heading to brunch, or walking the dog. Like with all Birkenstock styles, the shoes have a contoured footbed and cork midsole for support and cushioning.

Pointed-Toe Boots

Zhang says you can “elevate a casual look or add a touch of edge to a formal ensemble” with chic pointed-toe boots like this pair. With the stretchy shaft and pressure-relief insole, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. And the coolest part is that the outside of the shoes is made with water-repellent material, making them easy to clean and safe to wear in the rain.

Boho

“Embrace the free-spirit style with bold shoes paired with flowing, romantic pieces to make a full boho-chic, sensible look,” Zhang says. Think modernized trends from the 1970s, like clogs, platforms, chunky heels, and studded accents. Made with vegan leather and faux wood, these heeled clogs have a memory foam footbed, and they come in four neutral shades: chestnut, black, sand, and brown. “I am on my feet walking through a large industrial warehouse on cement floors [and] standing at my multiple computers for up to 12 hours a day, and I can wear these shoes all day comfortably,” raved one customer. 

Sleek Sneakers