5 Fall/Winter Shoe Trends Editors Say Are Coming, Per the Runways

Luxurious Satins

Every year it’s the same story: Temperatures drop, and even the most devoted impractical shoe wearers among us (guilty) trade our beloved heels for something weatherproof. But this year’s runways made room for everyone. The fall/winter collections served up two juxtaposing ideas: Celine and Miu Miu went pragmatic and stripped-back, while Dior and Chanel indulged in a little whimsy with their models opulently dressed and decked out in accessories. And the shoes followed suit in the best way.

Translation: Satin pumps can be a winter shoe now, hiking boots are getting a chic makeover (Miu Miu’s take may be the only thing that could pique my interest in an uphill trek), and the buzziest trend of the season is the answer to ballet flat fatigue: bye-bye ballet, enter jazz flats.

From flats to thigh-highs, this season’s shoe trends will get you laced up—and once your shoes are sorted, our full fall 2026 fashion trend report—plus deep dives on clothing, bags, and jewelry—handles the rest of the outfit.

Victor Virgile//Getty ImagesDior Fall/Winter 2026

estrop//Getty ImagesBalmain Fall/Winter 2026

Satin may not exactly be built for winter weather, but if you haven’t already heard, quiet luxury is out! And footwear is no exception. No need to save your ritzy pumps for special occasions—we’re taking notes from Dior and planning to style a pair with some baggy jeans.

Peak Performance

Victor Virgile//Getty ImagesMiu Miu Fall/Winter 2026

Victor Virgile//Getty ImagesCecilie Bahnsen Fall/Winter 2026

Now, back to practicality. While we love an outdoor-friendly option, we aren’t advocating for a full-on gorpcore revival. Miu Miu, for example, styles these hiking boots with high-hemmed minidresses—ever heard of “wrong shoe theory”? All we’re saying is that weather-conscious girls can have fun, too.

Thigh Highs

Victor Virgile//Getty ImagesChloé Fall/Winter 2026

Daniele Venturelli//Getty ImagesValentino Fall/Winter 2026

Seeing this trend sweep the runways this season threw us back to the heyday of the thigh-high boot, circa 2016, when they were a staple of Ariana Grande’s wardrobe. These pairs from Chloé and Valentino prove that there is something so chic about an above-the-knee boot with a lived-in slouch. These boots are a win-win: full leg coverage without losing their inherent air of seduction.

Western Flair

Peter White//Getty ImagesRabanne Fall/Winter 2026

Victor Virgile//Getty ImagesGabriela Hearst Fall/Winter 2026

Cowboy boots seem to be caught in the eternal loop of fashion’s trend cycle. While we certainly saw flashes of Western Americana throughout the catwalks this season, Western boots seemed to pop up in unlikely ensembles. Rabanne and Gabriela Hearst were among a parade of other designers who didn’t go full-on horse girl yet opted for these boots for fall.

All That Jazz

WWD//Getty ImagesJacquemus Fall/Winter 2026

Vogue RunwayCeline Fall/Winter 2026

Think of the jazz shoe as a cross between a ballet flat, a derby, and a pair of Keds. While the masses strutted the spring and summer away in their ballet flats, this retro and slightly preppier alternative has been growing in popularity. You can thank Celine for building the hype (heads-up: they double down on this trend in their spring menswear collection).