The fall/winter collections are full of surprises, and fall 2024 footwear trends have already begun arriving in stores, giving wearers fresh options for the season. The luxury-utility theme works for both work and vacation, with luxe leather over-the-knee boots (Chloé, Fendi) and heeled hotel slippers (Miu Miu) complementing bohemian and ladylike outfits. Elaborating on the latter, we also saw new designs of work pumps and ballet pumps, which appear in more wearable forms for September delivery. Shoes designed for special occasions take on new meaning this season, as designers (Prada, who else?) propose a vision of embracing everyday preciousness through jewel-box-like flats best enjoyed in the morning.
There was a mature atmosphere overall this season, with fall 2024 footwear trends moving away from a less luxury aesthetic, reinforced by the many animal print boots and heels seen on the runways earlier; motorcycling boots are gaining popularity as the best footwear for autumn’s unpredictable weather – some are uncomfortable with thick buckles, while others have clean, smooth lines. The modest Mary Jane shoe has become dynamic this season with the introduction of hardware, directional silhouettes and shiny leather.
Askum’s guide to fall 2024 shoe trends:
Over-the-knee boots: Chloé Eve Over-the-Knee Boots, $2,090
Modern Work Heels: Tory Burch Pierced XL Pumps, $468
Moto Boots: Banana Republic Italian Leather Boots, $250
Mary Jane makes a statement: Ganni Women’s Buckle Ballet Slipper, $425
Fancy Flats: Vince Leah Sequined Ballet Flat, $250
New Ballerina: Jacquemus Les Doubles Ballet Pumps, $1,255
Animal print loafers: Massimo Dutti Animal Print Penny Loafers, $199
New loafers: Gucci Horsebit Platform Loafers, $1,490
Cozy slippers: Jil Sander slippers, $950
The psychological transition from summer to fall often begins with transitional footwear, and the following nine fall 2024 footwear trends encourage you to make the leap. The only question remains: Which path will you take?
working Girl
The office was top of mind for Dries Van Noten, Tory Burch and Totem, who decided to modernize classic work shoes. For fall/winter 2024, they are expanding the definition of polished office shoes by tightening the upper and redesigning the heel, making the traditional three-inch stiletto look cool and stylish. More affordable styles from Everlane, Uni Buffa and Reformation reflect this design philosophy.
Shoes that reach new heights
Chemena Kamali’s first fall show for Chloé featured over-the-knee boots. In the Eskume runway’s sixth highest-rated show of the season, Kamali debuted a series of buttery leather styles — hazelnut brown, camel, burgundy — that offered welcome coverage and, paired with matching sheer busts, the contrast between skirt and dress is striking. Buyers immediately agreed — they predicted the Chloé would be this season’s best-selling product; the crystal ball moment was reiterated by Eskume columnist and app contributor Gabe Waller, who shared the pair in her September Hot List. The boots are “the most comfortable OTK shoes she’s ever tried.” Elsewhere, the style is recommended by Gucci, Fendi and Ferragamo, all of which feature in their latest autumn collections. Get a similar look for less with options from Staud and Reformation.
walk on the wild side
Spots and stripes are everywhere. They have long rows of wavy lines (Jacquemus); there are speckled solid spots on white (Alaïa) and dark rosettes on golden brown coats. But these animal prints seem less bold than usual. They provide a timeless base that gives a hint of versatility often reserved for your trusty black flats or boots. The Totem is one of this season’s most popular shoes; Mansur Gavriel and Zara have introduced printed ballet flats for a more restrained approach to the trend.
cyclist
Every fall and winter season requires a great pair of black boots, and for 2024, it’s a motorcycle or motorcycle-inspired style. Designers known for their buckle details or silver suspenders have made several updates to this classic but always eye-catching option. Miu Miu and Prada reinforced the boots’ sturdiness with laces, buckles, and alternating patina; Valentino and Hermès tried to blend classicism with a pull-on design that featured minimal hardware and a clean stacked heel design. In addition to these iconic runway styles, you can find similar everyday motorcycle boot offerings at Frye, Loewe, and Paris Texas.
Mary Jane shoes that express your personality
Sweet and sophisticated Mary Janes have lost their youthful connotations and have been replaced by something more compelling. Thick straps, thin heels, sleek leather, silver grommets and bold studs all contribute to the “look at me now” effect. Here are some standout styles from Bally, Ganni, Valentino, Loewe and Chloé this season.
Fancy Feet
We’ve been here before, but jewel-toned heels and flats seem particularly appropriate this season. At Prada, tiny satin heels felt the most restrained. At the Erdem show, crystal-embellished high heels were the most playful, while at Saint Laurent, crystal-embellished stilettos completed the designer’s vision of “dark glamour,” as Eskume Nicole Phelps previously described at Anthony Vaccarello’s show Same. Taken together, however, these styles make a strong case for incorporating everyday treasures into your wardrobe. Wear them day or night, and check out the recent Prada Spring 2025 show for an unexpected styling tip: pair your polished shoe of choice with something totally practical. May we recommend denim and a barn jacket?
ballet dancer takes flight
There’s no denying the timeless appeal of ballet flats, but Jacquemus, Alaïa and Simone Rocha are introducing pump-heeled styles for fall and winter. Pieter Mulier favors voluminous, pencil-thin styles. Simon Porte Jacquemus said “one more time” with heels. Simone Rocha looked to elegant dancers’ pointe shoes (square toes and gathered elastic straps) for design inspiration, but in the end she found a Plexiglas heel—a cheeky move, as expected from the Irish designer. All three runway styles are appearing in the retailer’s fall offerings, but if you prefer a more subtle interpretation, consider Sandy Liang, Everlane and 3.1. Ideas by Phillip Lim.
a new kind of vagabond
The idea of loafers gets a lot of attention in the fall. Gucci aimed for chunky style, and though it divided opinion, it certainly raised the bar. Tod’s looks beyond fringe, launching all-fringe designs that embody quirky maximalism — and leather accessories that push the envelope of craftsmanship. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find toothy lug soles (Victoria Beckham), sharp brogues (Ferragamo) and tweed heeled sandals (Louis Vuitton). These aren’t classic loafers, but that’s what makes them so fun. JW Anderson, GH Bass and Madewell offer you everyday options that are similar in spirit.
The category is: Comfort
The idea of all-day comfort was proposed by many. At Miu Miu, a leather hotel shoe brings a sense of laissez-faire. At Carven and Staud, plush footwear has been reimagined in both extreme (ubiquitous) and restrained forms (trimmed with fake fur tufts). Wear any of these styles, from Proenza Schouler to Lulu Studio, and you’ll likely get the same feeling you get when you wear cushioned house slippers: a pair of slippers you’ll never want to take off.
