Every fall, without fail, we’re hit with a flood of new trends to try, from editors, influencers and pretty much every retailer on the internet. I know this as a fashion editor, and you know this as a person with a closet that can only hold so many pairs of shoes. However! Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it deserves your money—or precious closet real estate. With that in mind, I did some serious shoe research, looking at the fall runways, street style and what’s actually landing at retailers right now to figure out which trends have legs. The result is seven styles I think are genuinely worth paying attention to, from familiar classics getting a 2026 update to a few throwbacks I didn’t necessarily see coming. And because knowing what’s trending is only half the battle, I’m also breaking down exactly how I’d wear each one. Consider this your fall shoe cheat sheet.
The 7 Biggest Shoes Trends of Fall 2026 (And How to Actually Wear Them)
Step into the season
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
1. Kitten Heels
If you’ve recently visited Nordstrom, Zara, Mango or Reformation, you probably don’t need me to tell you that kitten heels are back. The tiny heel is appearing on pumps, slingbacks and mules, and our arches couldn’t be more thrilled. And while kitten heels can occasionally veer into prim territory, the newest iterations are much cooler, thanks to pointy toes, unexpected colors and sleek, minimalist silhouettes.
How to Style Them:
I love a kitten heel with straight-leg or relaxed jeans because the juxtaposition keeps the shoe from getting overly dressy. They’re also an easy way to dress up trousers or make a midi skirt ensemble look more casual. And yes, you can wear them with tights once the temperature drops.
2. Two-Tone Shoes
Two-tone shoes (particularly contrasting cap-toe styles) are popping up all over the place. But the trend also got a major stamp of approval on the Fall 2026 runways. Obviously, Chanel played with its signature two-tone footwear, while Ferragamo showed pointed cream-and-black pumps and Isabel Marant mixed contrasting shades of snakeskin-embossed leather. The most recognizable combination is, of course, a beige shoe with a black toe, but I’m also seeing brown and burgundy, black and white and other color combinations. I think of this look as the footwear equivalent of ordering a martini, classic and very polished.
How to Style Them:
Let the shoe do the work. Two-tone flats or heels look especially good peeking out from beneath tailored trousers. You can also pair them with an otherwise monochromatic dress or long pencil skirt. Trust me, the contrasting toe adds interest without requiring any advanced styling skills.
Shop the Trend
3. Satin Heels
With fashion’s current obsession with making everything feel just a little bit fancier, it was really only a matter of time before satin made the jump from eveningwear to everyday shoes. And so here we are. Reformation, Mango, J.Crew and COS all have satin flats and heels in their fall lineups, while designers including Balmain, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Ferragamo and Michael Kors sent the glossy fabric down their Fall 2026 runways. And before you ask: No, you don’t need an invitation that says cocktail attire to wear them.
How to Style Them:
The easiest formula is satin heels, jeans and something simple on top. A white T-shirt and blazer will do nicely, too. For evenings, pair them with a slip skirt or dress and accept the compliments. I’m also into the idea of leaning into texture even more. Try a jewel-tone satin heel with a suede midi skirt and fitted turtleneck, or a satin flat with a leather skirt and cashmere sweater.
Shop the Trend
4. Slipper Mules
What a time to be alive! Slipper-like mules and soft loafers are having a moment, and unlike some shoe trends I’ve encountered over the years, this one requires very little convincing. Madewell, for example, currently has its Arden Slipper among its new shoe arrivals, while designers including Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Conner Ives have also embraced the easy slip-on silhouette for fall. Look for sleek leather, suede or velvet styles with a slim sole and minimal structure.
How to Style Them:
Treat them like loafers, not house shoes. I love them with a long pencil skirt and oversize button-down, or a pleated midi skirt with a chunky crewneck sweater. You can also pair a suede style with a knit midi dress and long wool coat, or wear them with Bermuda shorts, a cardigan and socks while the weather is still warm(ish). For weekends, try a denim midi skirt, simple tee and barn jacket.
Shop the Trend
5. Flat Boots
I love the look of a heeled boot, but I don’t always love actually wearing one. They’re great when I’m headed to dinner or an event, but for a full day of walking, commuting and generally being on my feet? My arches would be on fire! Luckily, one of my favorite shoe developments this season is the return of sleek, truly flat boots. Madewell’s new Paisley Flat Ankle Boot is a perfect example. It has a tapered square toe, center seam and low block heel, giving it the look of a dressier boot. These aren’t the chunky lug-soled Chelsea boots that dominated a few years ago. The newest flat boots are narrower, cleaner and often slightly elongated at the toe.
How to Style Them:
This is probably the easiest shoe trend on this list to wear. Pair flat ankle boots with a pleated skirt or straight-leg jeans. Just pay attention to where your pants hit; ideally, the hem should either fall neatly over the boot or end just above it. An awkward two inches of exposed ankle in late November helps no one.
Shop the Trend
6. Scrunch Heels
Reformation’s Calista Scrunch Heel is a prime example of the gathered, ruched footwear that’s catching my attention right now. Instead of a perfectly smooth upper, the material bunches and gathers around the foot (or toes), giving a little texture and personality. It’s a small detail, but so fun. After years of super-minimal shoes, I’m ready for footwear that has something interesting going on without requiring rhinestones, feathers or a heel shaped like a household object.
How to Style Them:
Because the texture is the focus, I’d keep everything else relatively simple. Try them with a slip skirt and fitted knit, or Bermuda shorts and an oversize blazer. And if your scrunch heels come in a bold color, resist the urge to match them to anything else; the unexpected pop will add flair to your look.
Shop the Trend
7. Jazz Shoes
Ballet flats have had an excellent run. Now their slightly artsier cousin has hit the scene. Jazz shoes (yes, those slim, glove-like lace-up shoes that look like what you wore to dance class in 1997) are making their way into fashion retailers this fall. Modern versions borrow from Oxfords and traditional dance shoes, with ultra-thin soles, soft leather and a close-to-the-foot silhouette. I’ll admit, this is probably the trend on this list that requires the biggest adjustment period. The first time you see them, you may think, Absolutely not. And by the tenth, there’s a pair sitting in your cart.
How to Style Them:
Skip anything overly dance-inspired and instead pair jazz shoes with barrel jeans or a long skirt. I especially like them with slightly cropped pants so you can actually see the shoe. Add a turtleneck and trench for added fun.
Shop the Trend
