Autumn’s top shoe trends pick up where we left off in the spring – infusing classic shapes with personality-driven touches. The result? Styles that feel both familiar and new, wearable yet a touch unexpected. As we approach boot season, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the key autumn 2026 shoe trends to shop for the months ahead.
A look at autumn/winter 2026’s top shoe trends
The kitten heel was a reference point for many designers this season – Celine, Prada, and Proenza Schouler included – all of whom reworked pared-back silhouettes with playful, feminine flourishes. (Those looking for a little more height can turn to options from Victoria Beckham, Jil Sander, and Stella McCartney.)
Elsewhere, several brands reimagined the T-strap in both heeled sandal and pump form. It’s a perfect shoe for all-year-round, and in the colder months, you can pair them with socks – as seen at Dries Van Noten and Fendi.
Slippers made their mark for autumn, too, from the return of classics like Gucci’s fur-lined horsebit style to patterned and embroidered takes from Ralph Lauren and Conner Ives. A slip-on style brings an ease to daily dressing, adding a polished feel to worn-in jeans, and a laid-back mood to skirts.
Here is a rundown of the top autumn/winter 2026 shoe trends to invest in now.
The kitten heel
Autumn’s kitten heel marries uptown elegance with downtown edge, thanks to unexpected touches like intricate embellishments and modern hardware. For the on-the-go woman, it’s a sensible style for the 9-to-5 – with plenty of personality to boot.
The slipper
The slipper’s effortless yet trend-forward nature was illustrated at Conner Ives and Calvin Klein, where it grounded statement skirts and sequinned dresses, respectively. For autumn, it works just as well with poplin dresses and knitwear as with baggy jeans.
The T-strap
The T-strap sandal has made a stealth return thanks to the likes of Dior and Givenchy, which presented open-toe styles that can easily be added to your autumn rotation. We recommend leaning further into the trend with a sharp pointed toe. The shape is a natural match for an elegant midi-skirt, as seen at Calvin Klein, Dries Van Noten, and Fendi.
The pump
A favourite in recent seasons, the fashion pump continues to reign supreme. For autumn 2026, fresh takes walked the runway at Stella McCartney, Chanel, and Tory Burch – from barely-there glove pumps to sculptural cone heels. We love it rendered in unexpected hues and playful prints for right now – bold dressers should even consider wearing them with coloured tights.
The animal-print shoe
The autumn/winter 2026 runways went wild for animal prints. Leopard, snakeskin, zebra, and even abstract iterations appeared across footwear styles. Minimalists should take their cues from Toteme, and pair tiger-print flats with sleek tights and a faux-fur jacket. For maximalists, meanwhile, Isabel Marant’s crimson jeans are the ideal companion for a pair of zebra-print boots.
The cone heel
An extension of the fashion pump – another hero of this season – the cone heel made its mark on the autumn/winter 2026 runways. Spotted on pumps, slingbacks, and boots, the sculptural silhouette instantly sharpens your look. Reach for colourful styles to elevate a breezy dress, or consider a boot that slips effortlessly beneath a statement skirt.
The statement shoe
Minimalists look away now. The autumn/winter 2026 collections invited us to have more fun with our footwear, with shoes that were quite literally weighed down with fringing, sequins and tassels. At Prada kitten heels were dripping in delicate beading, while Miu Miu adorned its trainers in dense sequins. No matter the occasion or destination, they bring a little fancy footwork to every step. Prepare to see a lot more of these Miu Miu sneakers over fashion month.
Ballet Runner Crystal-Embellished Satin Pumps
