The element of surprise marked the fall/winter collections, and the fall 2024 shoe trends that have begun to trickle into stores present wearers with options for the season that have a refreshed attitude. Themes of luxe practicality were proposed for on- and off-duty, with sumptuous leather over-the-knee boots (Chloé, Fendi) and elevated hotel slippers (Miu Miu) to complement both boho and ladylike outfits. Expounding on the latter, we also saw a reimagining of the work pump and the ballerina, which appear in September deliveries in more wearable formats. Only-for-special-occasion footwear takes on new meaning this season as designers (Prada, who else?) put forward visions for embracing everyday preciousness by way of jewel box–like flats that are best appreciated while it’s still light out.
The overall mood for the season is mature, and the fall 2024 shoe trends appear to break ties from the quiet luxury aesthetic that previously dominated; a sentiment that gets reinforced by the many animal-print boots and heels that stalked the runways.
Vogue’s Guide to the Fall 2024 Shoe Trends:
The mental shift from summer to fall often begins with transitional footwear—and the six fall 2024 shoe trends below encourage you to make that leap. The only question remaining is: Which way will you go?
Boots That Reach New Heights
Over-the-knee boots defined Chemena Kamali’s debut fall runway show for Chloé. It was the sixth most-viewed show of the season on Vogue Runway, and Kamali sent down styles in a range of buttery leathers—hazelnut brown, camel, burgundy—that offered welcome coverage and contrast to the diaphanous skirts and dresses they were paired with. Buyers instantly approved—they’re predicting Chloé’s to be the bestsellers of the season; a crystal ball moment echoed by Vogue columnist and app contributor Gab Waller, who shared in her September Hot List that they were “the comfiest OTK boots she’s ever tried.” Elsewhere, the style was proposed at Gucci, Fendi, and Ferragamo—all included in the latest fall drops. Get a similar look for less with options from Staud and Reformation.
Working Girl
The office was top of mind at Carven, Tod’s, Toteme, and Tory Burch, which all decided to modernize the classic work pump. For fall/winter 2024, they made the traditional three-inch stiletto look cool and fashion-forward by tightening the vamp and reimagining the heel, expanding the definition of what one might consider a polished office shoe. More accessibly priced styles by Everlane, Yuni Buffa, and Reformation mirror that design sentiment.
Fancy Feet
We’ve been here before, but there’s something about the rich, jewel-toned pumps and feather-trimmed flats that feels particularly right for the season. At Prada the satin kitten heels felt the most prim; at Erdem the most playful, while at Saint Laurent, the crystal-embellished stilettos completed the designer’s vision of “noirish after-dark glamour,” as Vogue’s Nicole Phelps previously described Anthony Vaccarello’s show. Viewed together, however, these styles make a strong case for incorporating everyday preciousness into your wardrobe. Wear them day or night—and look to the recent Prada spring 2025 runway for an unexpected styling tip: Pair your choice of fancy footwear with something thoroughly practical. May we suggest denim and a barn jacket?
Ballerinas Take Flight
There’s no denying the enduring appeal of the ballet flat, but a heeled silhouette was proposed for fall/winter by Jacquemus, Alaïa, and Simone Rocha. Pieter Mulier favored a towering, pencil-thin style; Simon Porte Jacquemus said “encore” with a stacked double stiletto. Simone Rocha referenced the graceful dancers’ pointe shoes for design inspiration (a gathered square toe box and elastic band), but finished off with a Lucite heel—a cheeky move that was to be expected from the Irish designer. These three runway styles made it into retailers’ fall deliveries, but if a more subtle interpretation is preferred, look to Sandy Liang, Everlane, and 3.1. Phillip Lim for ideas.
Walk on the Wild Side
Spots and stripes were on the prowl. They came in long, wavy lines (Jacquemus); as solid spots flecked on white (Alaïa); and dark rosettes on golden tan coats. But something about these animal prints felt less daring than usual. They took on a timeless connotation, hinting at a versatility that’s most often reserved for a trusted black flat or boot. One of the most desired pairs for the season can be found at Toteme; Mansur Gavriel and Zara offer a more restrained way into the trend with printed ballet flats.
Category is: Cozy
The idea of all-day comfort was put forward by many. At Miu Miu, a leather hotel slipper felt like a revelation in laissez-faire cool; at Carven and Staud, plush footwear was reimagined in extreme (allover) and restrained form (trim with tufts of faux fur). Slip into any one of these styles, from Proenza Schouler to Loulou Studio, and you’ll likely feel the same way as you do about your matted house slippers: a pair you never want to take off.
