Stay A Step Ahead With These Chic Fall Shoe Trends
From power pumps and riding boots to statement animal-print and chocolate suede, these are the key shoe trends to complete your look this season
Return-to-work pumps
With ultra-elegant takes on power suiting spotted all over the fall/winter ’25 runways – at Givenchy, Saint Laurent and Calvin Klein Collection, to name a few – it makes perfect sense that pumps are trending again. Immediately capturing the attention of every editor on the front row in Paris, Tom Ford’s croc-effect leather ‘Eva’ pumps are giving ’40s femme fatale, while Manolo Blahnik’s ‘Mayslibi’ slingbacks come in the perfect desk-to-dinner silhouette. Elsewhere, show you mean business in Saint Laurent’s ‘Babylone’ heels – the logo plaque and cutout detailing create a unique point of difference.
Chocolate suede
Chocolate-brown suede (think 70% dark chocolate and above) feels extra luxurious in the fall, especially when paired with fuzzy knits and faux-fur coats. Manolo Blahnik’s ‘Maysale’ mules, complete with pointed toes and signature buckles, will look elegant with a simple column dress or tailoring, while Aeyde’s ‘Harris’ loafers will add a preppy feel to off-duty denim. Alternatively, embrace timeless elegance with these exquisite ‘Miralonepla’ knee-high boots, also by Manolo Blahnik – the perfect complement to a midi skirt or dress.
Western
Much like classic Chelsea or biker boots, Western styles have become a mainstay in our wardrobes – proof that boho isn’t going anywhere any time soon. For a refined take, reach for Paris Texas’s ‘Bettina’ boots, which are crafted from butter-soft leather with sleek pointed toes, or nail Parisian Left Bank cool with Isabel Marant’s tasselled ‘Dalby’ in whipstitched suede – the wide, folded cuffs nod to styles from the ’80s and work especially well with flouncy hemlines. Chloé’s signature ‘Susanna’ boots, on the other hand, are a throwback to the indie trend of the early 2000s and an effortless way to add a rock ’n’ roll edge to your look.
Statement animal print
The beauty of animal print is its ability to shapeshift from timeless neutral to fierce accent, depending on how it’s worn. Looking to make a glamorous statement? Jimmy Choo’s leopard-print ‘Maxima’ boots – a NET-A-PORTER exclusive – will give your trusty LBD a whole new look. For the perfect day-to-night option, try Khaite’s ‘Ona’ ankle boots. Crafted from snake-effect leather, they’re sure to make tailoring and shirt dresses pop.
Boat shoes
Boat shoes were a big hit last season – and their popularity is set to continue well into fall, with brands updating the style in sumptuous textures and richer colors. Tod’s reworked version of its iconic driving shoes come in smooth leopard-print calf hair with bow-tied leather laces and signature ‘Gommino’ soles. Wear them with a T-shirt and slouchy denim on weekends. Alternatively, try Bally’s army-green ‘Pathy’ pair with tailored pants and an oversized trench coat.
Riding boots
Equestrian and British-heritage references dominated the fall/winter 2025 shows, which can only mean one thing: riding boots are back. Seen at Burberry, Altuzarra, Tory Burch and TWP, they were either pulled on over jodhpurs or layered beneath swishy midi skirts and dresses, offering plenty of styling inspiration. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, Aeyde’s ‘Hector’ boots are crafted from smooth camel leather and come in a traditional, close-fitting silhouette; while Ferragamo’s sophisticated ‘Therma’ boots are detailed with interlocking gold hardware.
Retro sneakers
Retro sneakers have quickly become every tastemaker’s favorite way to finish both on- and off-duty looks – their low profile and streamlined shape mean they go with pretty much anything. Perfect paired with a slouchy suit or wide-leg jeans, Loewe’s ‘Flow Runner 2.0’ sneakers come in tonal-blue leather, shell and suede with cursive logo appliqués at the sides and are a fashion-editor favorite. Adidas Originals, Dries Van Noten and Autry also have brilliant options in sporty, ’70s- and ’80s-inspired shapes.
Heeled loafers
Chances are, you probably already own a pair of flat loafers – but, if you’ve yet to be tempted by heeled iterations, this season’s line-up might just change your mind. Echoing styles from the ’70s, Gucci’s ‘Lady’ pumps are made from smooth cream leather with signature horsebit hardware, while Saint Laurent takes the style to new heights (quite literally) with its ‘Chloé’ pair. For something a touch more office-appropriate, a pair of Church’s ‘Prudence’ loafers in glossed leather, complete with chunky block heels and traditional penny straps, is the perfect pick.
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown