Basically, my job is to figure out what women will be wearing in three months. That was how I explained my career as a fashion editor to a curious stranger I met at a friend’s housewarming over the weekend. That means, every season, I’m responsible for researching trends—drawing from designer runway shows, celebrity styles, and what industry insiders are already wearing—to predict which styles and specific products are about to become mainstream.
My latest project was to predict which fall shoe trends will be everywhere in just a few weeks—and here, I share my findings from over 40 hours of footwear research (yes, I counted). You can expect the season’s classic staples to reappear, like leather loafers with a nod to ’90s prep and knee-high boots to help transition your summer Bermuda shorts and slip skirts into colder weather. Meanwhile, the suede sneaker trend, a key part of the retro sneaker movement that makes every pair look like it’s from a different era, will show up in earthy, autumnal shades.
But that’s just a preview of the footwear styles about to take center stage. Keep scrolling to discover—and shop—an expert-curated selection of fall 2025 shoe trends set to take off.
Back-to-School Loafers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
A leather loafer is a timeless, widely loved fall favorite for good reason. The 2025 season highlights what makes this preppy staple so great: it’s a neutral silhouette that always looks polished. Pair them with a checked blazer and a matching mini skirt or that breezy white skirt you’ve been wearing all summer for an easy, versatile piece in your wardrobe.
Franco Sarto
Carolyn Tassel Loafer
Tory Burch
Classic Leather Lug Loafers
Gucci
45mm Horsebit Leather Loafers
G.H.BASS
Weejuns® Penny Loafer
Mary Janes
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Oh, how I adore a simple, sweet, and strappy Mary Jane shoe. The silhouette is naturally girlish, but fall 2025’s take on the style sticks to fine leather textiles and foolproof color palettes that keep its Mary Janes from feeling too juvenile. A classic black Mary Jane flat is a smart addition to a summer dress you’re transitioning into fall.
Sam Edelman
Michaela Mary Jane Flat
Loeffler Randall
Leonie Leather Ballet Flats
Stuart Weitzman
Vivienne 35mm Leather Mary Jane Pumps
Textured Sneakers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Among all the footwear styles that fashion explores, sneaker trends might be the hardest to keep up with. But in a sea of options, from slender to chunky, minimal to loud luxury, fall’s top sneaker trend is any pair made from a must-touch texture. Think: rich suede, coarse pony hair, or faux animal hide—any material that adds more dimension than just sleek leather.
PUMA
Speedcat Og Women’s Sneakers
Adidas
Superstar II Shoes
J.Crew
Field Sneakers in Calf Hair
Pointed-Toe Shoes
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
They’re ladylike, elegant without fail, and visually engaging—it’s easy to see why the fashion world has adored pointed-toe shoes for decades. Based on the fall runways and street style, you can expect to see flats, pumps, and boots with sharp front tips walking alongside you in a few weeks. But if you, like me, don’t want to wait until September, buy a pointed ballet flat or slingback heel to wear with breezy maxis and linen pants as summer winds down.
Steve Madden
Pipa Ballet Flat
Staud
Wally 45mm Suede Ankle Boots
COS
Pointed Leather Slingback Kitten Heels
Sam Edelman
Waller Pointed Toe Slingback Pump
Western Boots
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Thanks to the Fall 2025 collections from Schiaparelli, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Burberry—and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, of course—boots with bold western flair are coming soon. Narrow your choices by focusing on tall riding boots or knee-high styles with silver hardware ready to ride.
Stuart Weitzman
Tate 65mm Suede Ankle Booties
Free People
Brayden Western Boots
Dico Copenhagen
Ann Gaucho With Western Stitching Boot
Snake Prints
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
If 2025 has taught me anything, it’s that animal prints basically count as neutrals—they’re a natural look, after all, and that feels close enough, right? Snakeskin takes the top spot this fall, replacing leopard and cheetah spots after a months-long reign, and will appear in grays, caramel, and dark mahogany textiles. In particular, I’m drawn to the idea of pairing a chocolate brown snakeskin pump, like Aeyde’s, with black separates because I firmly believe that an unexpected color combination makes every outfit better.
Circus NY by Sam Edelman
Laura Snakeskin Embossed Snip Toe Bootie
Aeyde
Women’s Clara Pumps
Autry
Medalist Snake-Embossed Leather Sneakers
