Fall Fashion Trends Week continues today, and it’s all about what shoes and boots are in style for Fall 2024!
I mentioned two fall 2024 shoe trends in my Fall Fashion Forecast, but I’ve added a bunch more to this post. You don’t need all of these in your closet, but this should give you plenty of options to choose from, if you want to integrate some fresh styles into your fall wardrobe.
Trends don’t exist in a vacuum, so the shoe styles that are popular right now are following the shift in silhouettes we’re seeing across all clothing categories this season. For that reason, I’ll try to share a little bit about what to wear with the shoes included in this list, but there are more in-depth posts coming that will further unpack some of these ideas.
Okay, let’s dive in to the top 2024 fall footwear trends! Also, be sure you’re subscribed to get my emails so you don’t miss a post! I also share exclusive content that you can’t find anywhere else, plus I share a little bit more about life here behind the scenes.
What Shoes and Boots Are In Style for Fall 2024
The widgets at the end of each section provide more examples of each trend for your shopping convenience, and I tried to include a variety of retailers and price points. You can click through on those for more details. As always, I appreciate it when you support my work by shopping through my links!
#1. Ladylike Flats
photo credit: Madewell
As I mentioned in my Fall Fashion Forecast, ladylike shoes are a huge trend this fall. Almost every mainstream retail store is featuring sleek Mary Jane flats and ballet flats. (When it comes to ballet flats, we’re talking about the more structured styles with sturdier soles, rather than the flimsy soft leather that forms to your foot.)
I love the idea of pairing ladylike flats with more relaxed pant styles and jeans, as shown here, or you can or pair them with skirts or dresses to lean into the “era of elegance” that is gaining momentum.
#2. Slingbacks
photo credit: Shopbop
Speaking of ladylike footwear, slingbacks are coming in big this season. The most popular silhouette is with a pointy toe and kitten heel, but you can also find slingback flats and higher heels. These styles look good with almost every pant style, and they work with skirts and dresses too.
The downside to this trend is they may feel fussy and hard to style for casual wear, and they can be hard on finicky feet, but I think it’s fun to see more elegant styles returning after so many years of chunky platform soles. I plan to pair mine with trouser jeans and flares, to create some of that juxtaposition that I like to incorporate into my outfits.
#3. Mules
photo credit: Evereve
Mules haven’t been as prominent over the past few years, but they’re back this season, and I’m so happy about that. I’ve always loved mules for transitioning from summer to fall. This year’s styles are more streamlined and minimalist, not as chunky as the clogs that were bigger over the past few seasons.
I’m seeing a lot of flat mules like the ones shown above, and also some heels as well. Mules work well with all styles of pants and jeans, making them highly versatile for transition season.
#4. Low Profile Sneakers
photo credit: Shopbop
Sneakers as a fashion statement are still going strong this season, and just like most other shoe styles, they’re taking on a more streamlined silhouette. We’re seeing more low profile sneakers and soccer-inspired styles, as shown above. Colors run the gamut from traditional white leather and trendy silver metallic, to bold colors and earthy neutrals.
#5. Tall Boots
photo credit: Shopbop
Ankle boots are still very much out there, and I plan to wear mine a lot this year, but we are also seeing a return of knee-high boots to the fashion scene this season. I predict we will be wearing these over skinny jeans again eventually, but at the moment, the most fashion-forward way to wear tall boots is with all the skirts and dresses that are so abundant right now.
In Conclusion
There are other types of shoes that are trending for Fall 2024, of course, but these are the ones I feel are newest and most worthy of mentioning.
We could also talk about micro trends such as Western-inspired styles, kitten heels, mesh materials, etc. But you can find all of those elements in the major shoe styles listed above, and I also want to touch on what colors are trending in footwear this fall.
What Color Shoes to Wear For Fall 2024
I realize this could be another post in and of itself, but I have so many shoe-related posts planned, and this overlaps a bit with yesterday’s 2024 Fall Color Trends post, so I thought I’d just tack this on here at the end. In the interest of time, I’m not going to do shopping widgets for these, but you can find plenty of options in the ones above.
1. Shades of Brown
photo credit: Evereve
As I said in my 2024 Fall Fashion Trends Forecast, shades of brown — especially rich chocolatey tones — are taking over the footwear sphere this season, and I’m super excited about this. After years of wearing so much taupe and light beige, I feel like these deeper, warmer tones are really fresh and fun.
Browns will be my default neutral this year, rather than taupe and other cool tones. They also pair nicely with the darker denim washes that are coming back this season.
#2. Red
photo credit: Evereve
On the flip side, a bold red shoe is also having a moment this year. I’ve mentioned this several times already, as well, but we can’t ignore red as a shoe trend this year. They are ev-er-y-where.
#3. Silver Metallic
photo credit: Evereve
Silver footwear started trending last year, and it’s gaining momentum this season. I love the silver flats pictured above, and I’m also seeing a lot of silver sneakers. If you don’t wear silver, there are also a lot of gold options out there. Metallic shoes are easy to update your look and integrate into your existing wardrobe because they’re neutral and pretty much go with everything.
4. Black
photo credit: Evereve
Black footwear is also making a comeback this fall. Not that black ever really goes out of style, mind you. I wear black shoes all year ’round, whether they’re trending or not, because I love them and they work well with my wardrobe. But over the past few years, it seemed like black shoes were taking a backseat to all the taupe and shades of beige.
Lately, though, I’ve seen them mentioned as a current shoe trend in several articles, and I notice them being featured more at the retailers I frequent. I still think shades of brown are going to dominate as the neutral shoe choice of fall 2024, but black shoes will be there as well.
5. Snake Print and Croc Embossed Textures
photo credit: Evereve
This is not so much a color, but I’m seeing croc-embossed leather and snake prints everywhere right now. Like leopard print shoes and clothing, it wasn’t all that long ago that snake embossed footwear was trending, and then it all but disappeared from my favorite retailers. This year, we’re seeing it pop up again, and I’m here for it! I love how it adds texture to an outfit.
I could go on for days on this topic, but I think this hits the highlights. Shoe choice can really make or break an outfit, so if you’re wanting to update your fall wardrobe, this is a great place to start!
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27 Responses
I like red shoes and metallic shoes. Other than that, I’ll stick with what I already have:)
Thank you Jo-Lynne- always helpful and fun! What an improvement in show styles from my viewpoint! I never embraced the platforms – maybe cause I had been there done that and did not want a repeat! Can you comment on options for short boots – all I saw for current trend was slouch boots!?? Look forward to more fall fashion info!
Short boots are more streamlined, too, and there are a lot of lower heels out there. I am looking forward to wearing these, these, and these that I got during the #NSale. Oh, and these. I’m debating if I’m going to keep these and these. Yes, I bought a lot of boots, lol!
I added red salt water sandals to my Spring and Summer wardrobe and love them. I also have silver loafers and I bought two new black booties in the NSALE, but still deciding how they fit my lifestyle and pairing with my jeans. You are right and I saw it coming, the booties just aren’t great style for home and running errands or just casual anything. But, I need booties for church and other occasions that might come up. I thought of you saying you won’t get caught again without the appropriate nice coat. My hair color and clothing colors don’t really lend toward the brown tones,so unforunatley I’ll probably sit this one out. Great post as always. Love how you keep us in the know.
Gray and black is out there too, what I’m really noticing is there’s a lot less taupe and other cool light neutrals. For a coat, a shade of gray might work for you.
I’m excited for several reasons. Fall is always the most exciting season to dress for. I like most of the new colors and styles and have so many already. A lot of these styles came be found with good support for my finicky feet, or will accommodate inserts. Looking for a comfortable red sling back or Mary Jane now. I appreciate all of your suggestions and research. Since we have similar styles, it’s so helpful. I was watching a live show on Poshmark and the host was selling high end and designer clothing at great prices. She said she was learning my style by what I was purchasing. She said I was classic and edgy, and she hit the nail on the head. I think that describes you too.
Patt-I have arthritis, bone spurs & bunions (yikes, RIGHT??) and I bought Madewell’s “The Beverley Mary Jane Flat” in early May & have worn them so much. I wasn’t sure if the style was for me as I’m “sporty, casual” but my girls encouraged me & I can wear them with so much. I get tons of compliments in our smaller city every time I wear them.
Thank you for this very informative post. It does seem like there will be something for all of us. Like you, I’m excited about the shades of brown taking center stage, along with earth tones in sneakers.
Love these! Mary Jane styles seem to be returning.
They definitely are.
I’m here for the red and brown footwear. I had brown leather booties on my list to search out this year. And, I do love red.
As for kitten heels & Mary Jane’s – too precious for my style. Mules and sling backs don’t stay on my very narrow foot. The backs of slings always fall down and leave me unstable. The ladylike, Chanel inspired flats, I love but haven’t found a pair narrow enough to fit comfortably. If I do I’ll gladly add them to my footwear collection. 😀
I’ll stick to my fashion sneakers and booties.
Always fun to see the new trend reports, JoLynne.
So I’m pretty excited about this cause…..well I’m not exactly a trend setter BUT I do own several pointy toe kitten heel sling back shoes and…..wait for it….one pair is actually chocolate brown. Also with large feet I prefer slingbacks and mules and so I def won’t be wearing the mary jane styles at all but maybe some structured ballet flats. I also own a couple snake print, leopard print and metallic shoes I can’t wait to wear also.
You are not going to believe this Sharon, but iI still have a pair of reptile kitten heels I bought years ago that I could not art with.
I am excited about wearing them again too…
How fun!
Thanks for the fall fashion trends you bring to us this week. I’m so excited about the fall shoe trends, I love sling backs and I’m so happy they’re back, as well as the more structured ballet flats and Mary Janes. I went to Nordstrom and Bloomingdales this morning and saw that the sling backs come in all different heel hights, kitten heels, block heels, all different styles. Also saw different brands feature pumps that look like ballerina flats, but with a block heel about 1 to 2 inches high, I don’t know what you would call them.
While brousing the new fall cloths I saw quite a few light, long cardigans in rich fall colors from all different brands. I was surprised because you mentioned in one of your posts this week that long cardigans are not trending. I’m not the biggest fan of the real long cardigans, but I think they might look nice with a short, sleeveless shell and a trouser style pant
I don’t think I included cardigans in this year’s list of what’s out. I heard they are on their way back, so that’s interesting that you noticed them when you were shopping today.
I’m hoping to find dark brown shoes. I have some of these styles already. I’m warming up to Mary Jane’s in a square toe. They have to have at one inch heel. Flat shoes make my feet hurt. In the winter I still see women wearing skinny jeans with tall riding boots. I’m sure I will this year too.
The croc embossed shoes from EVEREVE are my favorites. I also plan to get some red shoes. I like the silver metallics too. I’ve never tried mules. I feel like they would be hard to keep on my feet. They would be a great option for transitioning to Fall, especially in my very warm climate. I may try some from Target. That way if I don’t like them, I haven’t spent much. Thanks for another great post♥️
I’m excited to see snake print shoes come back! I had a pair of boots I loved, but tossed when the silhouette got dated. Can’t what to get a more modern version! As to the shades of brown, do you think that will include lighter shades like cognac and caramel? Or mainly darker ones like chocolate and espresso?
I’m seeing all shades of brown.
I’m so excited about all the new fall shoes! Comfort is really important to me, and as a work-from-home mom I don’t have a lot of need for heels. Are Rothy’s still popular and stylish? They have so many of these styles but are also really comfortable (and can be washed!)
They have some new styles that are a little more trendy. I love this square mary jane and these loafer mules.
Sitting here nursing a sprained arch wondering when I can wear fun shoes again!
Ugh, foot injuries are the worst. I get it. I hope it heals quickly.
What is the camel colored ankle bootie in the intro to this blog.
Thanks for all your fabulous info!
It’s this Staud one.
Do you have any recommendations for a no show sock to wear with MJ ballet flats?
I like Sheec no show socks.