The Best Fall Shoe Trends

As the air gets colder and everything becomes pumpkin spice scented, all sorts of fun, new Fall shoe trends emerge! Now is the time to be rocking stylish kicks, and you have found just the place to learn how to amp up your closet. Though they range from a variety of styles and aesthetics, needless to say, these shoe styles are simply show-stopping all around.

Here is a guide to some of the most popular shoe trends for Fall 2020, and why they are absolutely to die for!

1. Platform High-Top Converse

This look is an absolute classic. Though high-top Converse (and high-top shoes in general) have been around for ages, the addition of a platform sole to these basics allow them to be a great way to spice up an outfit! The extra inches also allow for some additional height, making styling lengthier jeans and looser pants that much easier. These Converse come in a wide variety of colors and styles, some of them being limited edition lines. The classic white with a black star logo has quickly become the fan favorite, as it matches literally every outfit. Black is of course another amazing option, as they are super easy to keep in good condition and keep clean (black is virtually impossible to get dirty). Overall, these are an absolute staple in any closet, and can be dressed up or down for virtually any occasion! 

2. Doc Martens (and other boots)

Docs (and other similar boots) have come back in recent years, and are a fantastic way to add a little bit of edge to an outfit. They come in a wide variety of styles, with tons of funky patterns and accents to play around with. Though they are on the pricey side, they are well worth the investment, as they tend to last for long periods of time. These boots are definitely on the larger side, which makes them super fun to pair with truly any bottoms, from tennis skirts to wide-leg jeans. Even though they definitely are not easy to wear in (trust me, I speak from experience) they are so worth it in the end! Their thick material makes them not only durable, but also super warm and perfect for when winter arrives! A pair of Docs can be worn with just about everything, especially a nice neutral pair like their patent leather black or white. No matter what style you choose, make sure to get your hands on a pair for this season!

3. Nike Air Jordan Mids

Finally, Jordans are getting the recognition that they deserve! They have been around for decades, but are finally making more of a comeback, and in the best way possible. The mid height has become much more popular, likely due to the rise in popularity of other high-top sneakers. Jordans come in an infinite amount of styles and colors, not to mention the plethora of creators who make custom Jordans! Though they are certainly far from cheap, similarly to Doc Martens, a pair of Jordans (so long as they are taken care of) can last for quite a long time. Like many of the shoes mentioned here, Jordans have the ability to add a simply gorgeous flare to any outfit, and it is almost impossible to not receive compliments on them. You simply can not go wrong with this absolute classic!

4. Dad Sneakers

Though they may scare away some because of their clunky nature, this style is an absolute must-have. Not only do they look simply adorable with an outfit, but they’re extremely comfortable, too! Trust me, I know that the name “dad sneakers” might sound a little scary; never in a million years did I think I would be looking to my dad for any sort of fashion advice. Alas, here we are! This style is definitely one that may initially take some getting used to, primarily due to the bad reputation that this style has faced for so long, but fear not! The main shoe in this style that I have come across is carried by Nike and New Balance, but there are tons of others out there as well. Even though they may seem a bit daunting to style, take the risk! Maybe dad wasn’t wrong when he said they were his go-to shoe...  

5. Mules

Mules have proven to be one of the most popular dress shoe styles for women in recent years, and for all the right reasons. They’re basically a fun way to wear slippers without being judged! Not only are they extremely comfortable, but super easy to slip on and rock all day. These are definitely a bit of a harder shoe to dress down, as they tend to look very professional right off the bat, but are certainly an amazing way to dress up a pair of jeans and a button down. The best part is, even though they may look like you spent your whole bank account on a pair, they can be very reasonably priced! 

6. Heeled Boots

These shoes may not be new to the trendy shoe game, but they are an absolute necessity for virtually every and any fall activity. They are the perfect shoe for a night out on the town, and pair well with any length of bottoms, from mini skirts to jeans! You simply can not go wrong with a pair of these booties, especially due to their durability and how easy it is to take care of them and keep them in good condition. A thicker-heeled style (which has certainly proven to be the more popular choice) also allows the heel to remain fairly comfortable throughout the night, so there is little need to worry about getting tired of walking around in them! No matter what heel height, color, or material you choose, get these in your closet as soon as possible! 

7. Tennis Shoe-style Sneakers

This style of sneaker is definitely daintier than the others that we have already discussed, but is a perfect way to add a slightly preppy accent to any outfit. Paired with a tennis skirt (of course), a long sleeve, and a sweater vest, these shoes are absolute show-stoppers. They tend to have a slimming effect due to the nature of the fit, which makes them all the more appealing. A variety of amazing brands make shoes in this style, but the most popular brand would have to be Reebok, as they have been working with this look practically right from the start.

8. Platform Loafers

Listen, I hear it too. Loafers? It sounds like I’ve gone crazy. But believe it or not, this look has definitely come a long way since loafers first became popular way back in the 80s. Similarly to many of the shoes on this list, the platform element of them gives these shoes some much-needed edge that adds to any outfit. Doc Martens carries a low-cut loafer style shoe, which as previously discussed, is a brand well worth your money, though there are many alternatives. Most of the shoes that fall into this category are made of leather, so you are basically guaranteed to have these around for years to come. This look is definitely more for an academia-meets-cottage core type of an aesthetic, but can truly spice up even the most tame of outfits in a flash! Moral of the story is, go get them!

9. Slippers

And you probably thought that mules were as slipper-esque as we would get! Even though it may seem a bit ludicrous, slippers have in fact become a major part of the Fall 2020 shoe trend watch. This is likely primarily due to the fact that quarantine has people staying in comfy clothes significantly more than they used to, and so a pair of good slippers has become absolutely essential to daily life now more than ever. While the moccasin style has certainly done a good job of keeping itself relevant, UGG has recently come out with a new sandal-style slipper that is all the rage. The various fun colors and super fuzzy straps allow for a very comfortable fit, all with a flare of fashion! Though you may not have thought it socially acceptable to wear slippers in the past, I am here to tell you that you absolutely must invest in a pair!

You truly can not go wrong with any of these timeless styles. Though they all serve a slightly different purpose in a wardrobe, they each cover a wide variety of purposes and uses, and will truly allow you to up your shoe game (and not just for the fall!) The main thing to remember is to always take proper care of your shoes and ensure that they will live long and happy lives in your closet. That way, the money that you spend will be all the more worth it! Have fun pairing these styles with virtually any outfit in your closet, and remember to make it fun and fresh! 

-Liana Giacobbe