Practical, polished and versatile: 8 autumn/winter shoe trends 2026 that combine style and comfort

It has been hard to truly embrace autumn style when the weather has been such a rollercoaster. But I officially declare the autumn/winter shoe trends 2026 open for business. It's time to pack away those sandals and get ready for gloomier, wetter climes, and I'm so ready for it.

I've been reaching for my knee-high boots for some weeks now, but I'm over styling them with floaty dresses; I'm ready to make my footwear feel directional, combining classics with the autumn/winter fashion trends 2026, and adding some newer silhouettes to make my autumn staples feel fresh too.

As with clothing and bags, the shoe trends of the season are compiled based on the catwalk shows we saw back in February and March, and while there will be a host of familiar silhouettes to enjoy, there are also new styles to embrace.

Autumn/winter shoe trends 2026 that deliver on style and comfort

As with the autumn/winter handbag trends for 2026, a new set of shoe styles doesn't mean you have to abandon past favourites. There are plenty of classic silhouettes that you probably already own that you can dust off and slip back into. And alongside these, add newer shapes to help make your favourite autumn outfit ideas feel refreshed too.

1. Animal print

An absolute wardrobe staple, wild animal prints remain a key focus in every guise. Whether it's leopard-print boots, zebra mules, or mock-croc fabrications, safari inspiration dominated runways in all the major fashion cities.

From Toteme to Isabel Marant, whether you want to go full maximalist, clashing animal without bold trending hues and prints, or minimalist, using your new shoes to accent a monochromatic look, there is something for everyone.

While you can get some very luxe iterations of the trend - these Saint Laurent mules have caught my eye - this is an exceptionally easy look to recreate on the high street, which has embraced this style in a big way. From boots to even a re-zuzh of adidas OG Sambas, no shoe shape has escaped a wild reawakening.

2. Kitten heels

The return of this mini heel has been bubbling for some time, and for those who like a little elevation, this look is ideal. Largely covering the smarter end of the shoe spectrum, expect everything from delicate office-ready styles to blinged up party-perfect attire.

Embraced everywhere from Tory Burch and Chanel to Carolina Herrera, this was one of the runway's most-loved trends and a silhouette I expect to continue for several seasons, so if a kitten heel is your style, it's time to invest.

A great way of adding height without pain, or putting too much pressure onto the balls of your feet, kitten heels are not just stylish; they're practical too. Look out for boots that have also adopted the gently elevated trend; they're a great choice for everyday.

3. Standout shoes

Party shoes come into their own as we hit mid-October and festive fashion starts to flow in thick and fast. But this year, instead of just adding embellishment to your dress, try sparkling up your footwear too.

Adding the latest autumn/winter shoe trends is a great way of reinvigorating old favourites, and fancy flats, or a striking new pair of heels will make last years jeans and a nice top, or little black dress feel instantly refreshed.

Tory Burch, Chanel and Dior really led the way on this one for me, and I loved that it wasn't just about enormous heels, as a festive flats wearer, there were plenty of works of art without a stiletto finish.

4. Riding Boots

When it comes to autumn footwear, boots are a no brainer. Adding protection from the elements, as well as bags of style, there is every kind of conceivable silhouette available this season, from Chelsea and ankle boot, to hiking-inspired styles. But there is no shape I look forward to more than a knee-high riding boot.

The most timeless of silhouettes, the likes of Dries Van Noten and Chloe gave the classic shape a country-coded refresh that will look great for many years to come.

Practical and polished, the riding boot looks elegant paired with jeans, and is a cosy accompaniment to midi skirts and dresses. If you invest in a good pair of leather riding boots, and look after them, I guarantee they will make every outfit feel more put together.

5. Metallic trainers

Trainers rarely get a look-in on the runway, but Miu Miu made their appearance even more special, thanks to the embellished details. It's undeniable that we have definitely taken a more casual approach to dressing and footwear in general since the COVID-19 pandemic, and even in the return of glamour, I think there is still a substantially laid-back approach, so these trainers tread a fine line between party and practical.

Their appearance at Milan Fashion Week certainly raised questions about the trainer trends for the coming months too. The best white trainers still have a home in your autumn wardrobe, but there has definitely been a shift over the last six months towards more elaborate and colourful trainer trends, upping the ante on this casual and comfy choice. Metallic trainers feel like an excellent compromise when it comes to fun shoes that will support your feet too.

6. Slouchy boots

This style is certainly taking me back to the late 90s, early noughties, but despite the nostalgia, I do recognise how in 2026, this autumn/winter shoe trend is returning with sophistication and polish. While slouchy boots back then, was me, in my faux suede, shuffling flat boots, the new iteration is far more refined.

Spotted at the likes of Alberta Ferretti, heels and slouchy silhouettes is probably what best defines this trend and adds elevation in more ways than one. Look out for a gentle folding of fabric, rather than anything pooling at the ankle, it nods to more relaxed, bohemian silhouettes for laidback chic.

7. Cone heels

Spruce up your heel collection with this elegant, retro-inspired design. Hitting peak popularity in the 80s, this silhouette feels quite artsy, and when interpreted into a host of colourful or embellished designs for the season ahead, it is clearly a shoe made for partying.

Available in all kinds of silhouettes, from mule to boots and classic courts, Victoria Beckham went in for this design in quite a big way, producing some of the most wearable styles.

8. Loafers

Despite the popularity of the ballet pump remaining strong, there is no denying that a loafer is perhaps a more sturdy and polished autumn styling choice. Ready for business, the androgynous silhouette has been reinvented aplenty over the past five years, but it is the classics we keep returning to.

Supple leather loafers in neutral colourways remain a key investment choice, pairing well with tailoring or jeans, and even with midi dresses, adding instant polish. For the most timeless choice, look to metal front hardware, or tassel details.

A gentle gothic romanticism, such as that seen at Erdem, takes the spirit of the loafer, but ups the ante with lug soles, and platform detailing for a more directional approach to the classic shoe.

Of course, I could go on about the shoes available this season, and there are undoubtedly micro autumn/winter shoe trends for the season that are still to come, but these are eight key styles that I feel tread the line between style and comfort, which, in my opinion, is the most underrated fashion sweet spot.

Looking after your shoes will help make them last longer, so while it's tempting to pull them off and lob them into the understairs cupboard at the end of the day, taking a few minutes to buff and clean, and store appropriately will help them continue from one season to the next, making those more expensive investment purchases worth it.

When it comes to autumn shoe shopping, regardless of trends, think about practicality, longevity, and what will fit best with your wardrobe. Classic black, tan and brown will work effortlessly across multiple outfits, but if you want to refresh an old look, a statement pair of shoes is an easy step into new season fashion.