Maybe you have wondered before, why do we need to change or upgrade our shoes seasonally?
Well, it's easy to dismiss these as nothing more than fashion fads, but fall shoe trends matter more than you think because our footwear also anchors our entire seasonal wardrobe shift.
As summer draws to an end, moving from light summer styles to breezy fall, our wardrobe needs structural changes for the upcoming cooler weather as well. And what's better than updating our shoes? Because as our fall wardrobe shifts in proportion, with longer skirts, hemlines, and heavier trousers, choosing the right shoe silhouettes will also help us dress appropriately.
And, of course, as the weather transitions, we all need footwear that is as practical as it is stylish, so we can head into fall and winter prepared. From chunky boots to comfy heels, there is plenty of variety for everyone.
But can changing your seasonal footwear have positive psychological effects as well? Yes, it can. When you change your shoes, it can also help the mind adjust to a new seasonal mindset, knowing that we have made the right decision for the cooler weather.
So, if you’re looking for a new pair of designer shoes for fall, or are just curious about the latest trends, here are the styles that fashion industry insiders are loving this year.
High-Vamp Heels
The high-vamp heel has definitely been making a comeback for several years now, and it’s the perfect footwear for fall!
This vintage silhouette features a more elongated toe, but its defining characteristic is the upper part (the vamp) and how the heel covers most of the foot, compared to a low vamp. As more of the front of your foot is covered, it can also provide more support, allowing you to walk with greater ease.
For the 2026 trends, many luxury fashion houses are coming up with their own retro twists, especially in the colour department, where butter yellow and moss green take the spotlight. On their Spring 2026 runways, Balenciaga showcased its own version of V-shaped high-vamp heels, known as the Duchesse Pointed Toe Pump, while Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, and Khaite all offered their own version of the high-vamp heels.
You might have also noticed that high-vamp heels have attracted plenty of attention since spring, with our favourite A-list celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Kendall Jenner already sporting these classic styles.
High-vamp heels have also been associated with glamour, as they can easily be traced back to the '50s, when Old Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, Diahann Carroll, and Marilyn Monroe were all seen donning these styles.
Animal Print Time
As we bundle up for the chilly weather and our outfits lean towards cooler palettes, choosing animal-print shoes is the perfect way to spice up our looks for the fall season.
It's easy to feel intimidated by these bold patterns, but as seen on the Fall 2026 runways, from Isabel Marant's zebra-print ankle boots and Fendi's Colibrì pumps to Marni's popular printed boots, there is no stopping animal print shoes from dominating the autumn style.
Since these shoes are bound to turn heads, the grounding fashion tip is to let them take centre stage by keeping the rest of your outfit fairly low-key. You can always wear your animal print shoes with simple cigarette jeans and knit sweaters. For more formal settings, such as office wear, you can pick pointed-toe pumps, or loafers with animal prints, and pair them with tailored khaki trousers in neutral colours and a crisp blouse.
If you're going to attend an evening event, there is no way you can go wrong when you pair your animal print heels with a little black dress, a slip dress, or even a blazer paired with leather trousers for that extra oomph factor. And, of course, it goes without saying: do not mix prints. So, if you're loving your leopard-print shoes, don't mix them with a zebra-print top or a tiger-print bag for instance.
If you want to tie the outfit together, you can always match your animal print shoes with subtle accessories, such as a leopard-print belt or adorable animal-shaped earrings.
Say Hi to T-strap Heels
Another vintage style that’s making a huge comeback is none other than the swinging T-strap heels! First gaining popularity in the 1920s, when they were often paired with flapper dresses and drop-waist frocks, the designs back then featured a much more closed-toe silhouette. But modern reimagining has seen countless exciting and playful twists, mostly focusing on luxurious materials and embellishments.
For instance, Givenchy’s feather-embellished patent-leather T-strap sandals have been making waves since their debut at the brand’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection. When Avatar star Zoe Saldana showed them off in a custom Givenchy dress for the 2026 TIME100 Gala, she paired her bow-draped dress with the fresh-off-the-runway sandals. What most people didn’t know was that the T-strap sandals also feature a feather-trim detail at the back of the heel, giving them an extra stylish touch.
Since T-strap heels are generally dainty in design and have a slim profile, the best way to style them is to pair them with outfits with more volume, such as chunky knitwear or billowing bottoms. And, of course, for a night out, you can always pair your T-strap heels with a draped mini dress or a cool leather skirt, especially Aquazzura’s popular Sorbonne T-strap heels and Zimmermann’s Orchid Sandal 85.
Lace it up!
According to Elle magazine, shoes with laces are the current vibe right now. From Prada to Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana, luxury fashion houses have been parading their new collections of lace-up shoes.
But it’s not only heels and knee-high boots that are getting cute and adorable lace details. Ballerina flats, mules, and even slingbacks are now boasting these fashionable features. And for good reason: lace-up shoes not only offer more practicality but also match the romantic feeling that always comes with the fall season.
Meanwhile, if you’re more of a sneakerhead for fall, there are plenty of reimagined designer sneakers with fun twists on laces, designs, and materials. Classic lace-up low-top sneakers are a major trend this season, while lace detailing such as ribbed technical cotton laces, double-lace trainers, and even fresh alternative lace materials—from satin ribbons and rope cords to crochet-style laces—can be found at brands like Miu Miu, Gucci, and Jimmy Choo.
Satin Fever
Last but not least, there’s no slowing down satin shoes for fall either. From classic pointed-toe pumps to mules and peep-toe styles, luxury fashion maisons have been coming up with new ways to incorporate satin into their footwear.
The celebrated brand Roger Vivier, for example, is renowned for its luxurious silk-satin heels, pumps, and evening footwear, which are often accented with its signature crystal buckles and sculptural heels. With its iconic silhouettes, such as the Belle Vivier and Flower Strass pumps, it should come as no surprise that Roger Vivier’s shoes have become go-to choices for bridal wear, evening galas, and even red-carpet events.
But what makes satin shoes the perfect choice for fall is that you can mix and match them easily with casual outfits as well as glamorous ones. With Ferragamo’s glossy satin pumps, you can pair satin heels with more structured, everyday pieces like straight-leg jeans and jackets for a laid-back day. If you’re a monochrome gal, you can also pair your colourful satin heels with the usual neutral palette.
Dubbed the spring breakout shoe by Harper’s Bazaar, the satin fever has also reached sneakers, creating a delightful contrast between athletic running silhouettes and feminine fabrics, as seen in styles from Maison Margiela and Jil Sander. And since fall is a busy season and you’re going to be on your feet for a long time, it’s wise to invest in a pair of fabulous satin flats from darling brands like Alaïa, Tom Ford, and Bottega Veneta.
Now that you’ve learned all about the fall shoe trends for 2026, it’s time to shop your seasonal pieces only at MAYFEYR.
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