’Tis the season of sweater weather and pumpkin spice—and October is also bringing a fresh slate of fall shoe trends to try. Many of our favorites are contemporary twists on classics, including suede boots with updated attitude, retro kicks with slim soles, and fresh alternatives to classic loafers like moccasins and boat shoes. But there’s also plenty of newness, including Mary Janes, glove pumps, and animal prints. From the season’s best boots to the year’s It sneakers, these are the fall 2025 shoe trends on our radar—and in our carts—fresh from the catwalk and ready to bring your wardrobe into a new season. (Now all you need is a new coat to match.)
Glamour’s fall shoe trend edit
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1. Glove pumps
Ladylike and (more importantly) comfortable, this foot-hugging, high-vamp silhouette is a welcome alternative to stilettos or even skinny kitten heels that run the risk of sticking in sidewalk cracks. With a strong designer backing from the likes of Khaite and Phoebe Philo, this fashion trend has a back-to-work energy, ideal for styling with the sleek trousers we spotted all over the runways this fall. They’re perfect for cold-weather outfits when you want to look put-together and on trend all at once.
2. Lady in red
While this bold hue isn’t new to fashion—the shade trended two years back and has stuck around ever since—a cherry-red shoe has never felt more like an everyday essential. There’s an inherent power to sliding into something red, just like when you swipe on that punchy rouge lipstick before you walk out the door. Whether you choose a ballet flat or a pointy-toe boot, this fall fashion trend has serious versatility. As the French say, très chic!
3. Suede boots
Each autumn is a chance to reassess which boots made it unscathed through last year’s fall shoe trends. If your collection is in need of an update, might we recommend a pair of suede boots, a timeless style that popped up all over this season’s runways and on Kate Middleton? (The material also had a bigger-than-usual summer, so prepare to see it everywhere even as we head into spring.) Although suede can be a little more delicate than leather, it’s still plenty wearable to the office or drinks with friends. And, with a breadth of options from Western-inspired cowboy boots to pointy-toe styles, it’s easy to find a pair of fall boots that align with your style.
4. Mary Janes
Last year, it was all about Alaïa’s rhinestone-encrusted ballet flats, a harbinger of the Mary Jane silhouettes that would soon take over the trend cycle. Now it’s shoe styles of all heights, punctuated by a thick strap that runs over the top of the foot. Not only is it a stylish detail, but for those who get sick of their shoes sliding off all the time, the strap will keep you snugly in place. Just ask Jennifer Lawrence.
5. Animal prints
Leopard, zebra, snake—it’s a veritable jungle of wild-animal-inspired prints this year. For those who aren’t afraid to go all out, try knee-high boots in a punchy leopard print. For something a bit more tame, we love Ayede’s flats in zebra stripe (a print that popped up on a surprising number of fall runways) or a python pump that pairs beautifully with a blazer and jeans.
6. Boat shoes
Thanks to two major runway moments last spring at Miu Miu and Bally, boat shoes have slowly been creeping back into the zeitgeist—and this autumn is the season they go supernova. Virtually every brand now has its own version of the slim laced loafers, meaning you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars to get the same look. Don’t hesitate; we’ve seen plenty of these pairs around New York, but you’ll still be ahead of the curve if you buy in now.
7. Extra-slim sneakers
Yet another silhouette that can be traced back to a single pair of shoes, the extra-thin sneaker has become 2025’s hottest sneaker trend after fashion people became obsessed with this Dries Van Noten pair. Nearly every brand now offers an iteration, expanding the colors and detailing into a rainbow of options (though we’re loving all the on-trend neutral options). Unlike a blister-inducing strappy heel or over-the-knee boots that slip, these shoes are delightfully fuss-free.
