And just like that, Summer is over. Now is the time to absolutely JUMP on the fall and winter shoe trends before everyone sells them out again. I’ve gathered 10 shoes of the cold season for you to add to your cart. Say it with me now, “I will not have a repeat of last season with the Tasman Ugg Slippers!” Let’s be proactive instead of reactive for once shall we? GO!
I’ve added shoppable links for all shoes. And because I am a visual learner and an apprehensive buyer, I recommend searching these styles on Pinterest to see how they are typically styled. If I really like how others have styled them, that usually helps me go for the purchase 🙂
Here are my picks:
1. Birkenstock Boston Clog
Clogs are the pinnacle of fall footwear. When I tell you every major shoe label has released some version of this exact shoe for this season, I am not lying. For good reason, these are the absolute most nonnegotiable style of shoe for the fall in my opinion. This is the blueprint style of clog, and you can wear these with anything from leggings to baggy low-rise jeans. I would not blame you if this is the only pair you buy for the fall and winter, I’m right there with you. Arguably the only necessary shoe for the WFH/homebody girlies like myself for sure. Especially if you already have the Tasman’s from last year (lucky you), these are a very close second – and in my opinion, are more ~presentable~ in public than a slipper. Style pictured: Wool Felt in Cacao
2. Dr. Martens Carlson Suede Casual Slingback Mules
Anotha one. I am actually dying for these in comparison to the Birks to be completely honest. Not only do these master the summer to fall transitional footwear idea, but they are extremely versatile and can be put to use in many aesthetic looks. These could easily work as business casual shoes with the strap folded up, but also work well with socks, leggings, jeans, skirts and sweats. I have seen them styled in every possible way, and this is not something that can be done with any shoe. Also, if you’re not a suede girlie, they have leather options that push the office wear look of these even more. They have already sold out once, so these are a no brainer. The nickname for these on TikTok are DOC CROCS! – all the more reason to add to cart imo. Style pictured: Sand E.H.Suede
3. Adidas Gazelle Bold
Okay these are not the Sambas that everyone has been talking about. For me personally, the Sambas lack height and variability. Something about them also come off as a male shoe, not something that would looks super well with outfits that lean more feminine. Gazelles have a platform to them (which I love) and come in many color variations while still staying in line with the 3 stripe shoe trend. The Sambas are giving very much “European summer” for me, so I substituted the Gazelles in this list instead. To each their own! This is just my preferred style. Style pictured: Wonder Beige / Cloud White / Collegiate Orange
4. Gola Classics Dropshot Sneakers
This is a newer brand for me, but I am not one to shy away from styles just because I haven’t seen them out in public as much compared to bigger market names. Gola has been on the rise in popularity, especially with those that frequent Free People, as they have them highlighted on their site. They are trending heavily on Pinterest when searching for “fall sneakers.”
If I were to create a new line of sneakers for myself and develop a color palette, this is exactly what I would have put together. The color ways for each style of shoe in Gola’s line are absolutely chef’s kiss, not one single miss in the entire collection. Additionally, all the styles look pretty similar except for small variations here and there. I LOVE this concept. It centers the brand on a collective style focus. This makes it very dangerous when deciding on which pair to purchase though, because you will more than likely pick more than one pair that you absolutely love. The side profile reminds me of vintage Reebok club c’s, which is one of my favorite styles of streetwear sneakers ever. Since this list is meant to focus on shoes that are great picks for the fall, I chose to highlight a more muted tone in color palette (though I would most definitely go for a brighter style and wear them year round). Style pictured: White/Blossom
5. Dr. Martens Faux Fur Lined Chelsea Boots
Whether you go for the Doc brand or not, this style of shoe is an absolute must in my opinion. There is no going wrong with a warm Chelsea boot that you can dress up or dress down. I think of this as an alternative to an Ugg boot, because these have a bit more versatility toward the more “dressy” end of the spectrum. These would look great with leggings and an oversized flannel, and they look phenomenal with a pair of denim or skirt and black panty hose. I feel like these would be my shoe of choice for cold tailgating days, and would look good with an oversized jersey even. These also have a platform, so they elevate the outfit a little more than a grounded shoe can, sometimes it can make an outfit work better even. They are a bit steep in price, but Docs are very comfortable and last a very long time. If you don’t have a Chelsea in your closet yet, I highly recommend making these your first pair. Style pictured: Black Burnished Wyoming
6. New Balance 550
The 550s have been in style for quite a few seasons now. What is so great about the 550s is that you get the vintage trainer look without sacrificing color ways. This shoe comes in so many colors that there probably is no true total to the number of versions they have. I feel like this style of shoe is the alternative to the Nike Dunk Lows that have swept pop culture in these last few years. They carry a more “sophisticated” street style feel over the Nikes, and can go with many different outfit aesthetics which Nikes sometimes struggle to do. I am a sucker for neutral toned New Balances, and I knew I had to put one on this list. It was a no brainer to find a fall-vibe 550 that could feel like a smooth transition from summer. This is a beautiful fall sneaker that you’ll be sure to reach for this season if you’re ever unsure about which shoes to pair the fit with.
7. Sam Edelman Anko Sneaker
As you can tell by now, beige and white shoes are my vibe this fall. They pair so easily with many different outfits and they’re so easy to transition into from summer. These sneakers are so adorable to me, and give off a Gucci vibe without the Gucci price. Sam Edelman produces such an expansive and beautiful line of shoes for each season, mainly circulating around office wear and professional shoe styles. Their sneakers have grown very quickly in popularity over the last year, and for good reason. This is a shoe that could be worn for so many fall festivities with all styles of bottoms and even dresses. If you are a sneaker girl through and through like I am, this is a safe bet for being able to wear a comfortable sneaker without the logo you usually get with streetwear sneakers like Adidas and New Balance.
8. Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Leather
Without a doubt, a classic. In my personal opinion, this is really the only classic style from the Uggs line that doesn’t give off “pajamas.” Don’t get me wrong, the slippers and platforms are cute, but they really only look good for late night Target runs/walking around campus to class/”I have a hangover and I’m getting food.” I just would never grab the Tasman slippers and build an outfit around them — the outfit would be a sweatshirt and leggings.
These are of course very similar, however they are a leather material instead of the suede material that is impossible to take care of and clean properly. These boots work well with many different styles of bottoms such as leggings, wide-legged style pants, bootcut jeans, and ankle cut bottoms. I also feel like the brown color is the least common color of Uggs, but these could go with literally soooo many fall outfit color palettes. If I were actively looking for a new pair of Uggs, I would purchase these for sure.
9. Steven Madden ROUX Black Leather
Now, these are somewhat pushing the “casual” part of the title of this blog when you look at them alone, but Pinterest backs me up on this one. When it comes to wearing skirts, panty hose, and short dresses in the fall, mules are the perfect shoe to tie the look together beyond the powers of a boot. This is especially true if you are someone who works in an office. These also look great with loose fitting, midrise jeans and a blazer. Many have styled these with calf-length white socks, which I think is casual yet so put together. These will continue to be a staple for the next couple of years as they break down the office doors and make their way into casual street fashion.
10. Converse Run Star Hike Platform Utility Twist
Because I am a sneaker head through and through, I am also a Converse girl through and through. I immediately fell in love with these. The color combination is so unique, and the utility accent is something that is very different from many of the trending sneakers right now. These would be great for those that live in colder areas with potentially more snow than others. I would style these with wide leg ankle cut jeans and an oversized black and white flannel.
Every time I buy new Converse, I always get multiple compliments about them and have people ask what style they are. Oddly enough, I usually buy the style that I haven’t really seen anyone else wear before. That just goes to show that you may as well get the style that you love without worrying if it’s close enough to the shoe style that is trending at the moment. I am a sucker for Converse until the day I die, no matter if they stay popular or not!