The mental shift from summer to autumn often begins with transitional footwear – and the nine autumn winter 2024 shoe trends below will encourage you to make that leap. The only question remaining is: Which way will you go?
Working girl
The office was top of mind at Carven, Tod’s, Toteme and Tory Burch, which all decided to modernise the classic work pump. For autumn/winter 2024, they made the traditional three-inch stiletto look cool and fashion-forward by tightening the vamp and reimagining the heel. Everlane, Cos and Reformation have all created pumps that mirror this design sentiment.
Boots that reach new heights
Over-the-knee boots defined Chemena Kamali’s debut autumn/winter 2024 runway show for Chloé. It was the sixth most-viewed show of the season on Vogue Runway, and Kamali sent down styles in a range of buttery leathers – hazelnut brown, camel, burgundy – that offered welcome coverage and contrast to the ruffled skirts and dresses they were paired with. Buyers instantly approved – they’re predicting they will be the bestsellers of the winter season; a crystal ball moment echoed by Vogue columnist and app contributor Gab Waller, who shared in her September Hot List that they were “the comfiest OTK boots she’s ever tried.” Elsewhere, the style was also seen at Gucci, Fendi, and Ferragamo, while the likes of Staud and Reformation offer more affordable options.
The bikers
Every autumn/winter season requires a great black boot – and for 2024, it’s all about the moto or biker-inspired style. Recognisable for its buckle detailing or silver harness, designers proposed various updates to this classic (yet always edgy) option. Miu Miu and Prada toughened up its boots with laces, buckles and a lived-in patina, while Valentino and Hermès sought to incorporate an air of classicism with a pull-on design that featured minimal hardware and a clean, stacked heel. Beyond these covetable runway styles, you’ll find similar everyday moto boots at Frye, Loewe and Paris Texas.
Statement-making Mary-Janes
The sweet and dainty Mary-Jane has grown up. Thick straps, conical heels, glossy leathers, silver grommets and bold studs all help to achieve a look-at-me-now effect. Bally, Ganni, Valentino, Loewe and Chloé have all created standout styles, which you can shop below.
Fancy feet
We’ve been here before, but there’s something about the rich, jewel-toned pumps and feather-trimmed flats that feels particularly right for the upcoming party season. Prada presented prim satin kitten heels that are destined for cult status, while at Saint Laurent, crystal-embellished stilettos completed the designer’s vision of “noirish after-dark glamour,” as Vogue’s Nicole Phelps previously described Anthony Vaccarello’s show. Viewed together, however, these styles make a strong case for incorporating after-dark glamour into your everyday wardrobe, as these can be worn day or night. Look to the recent Prada spring/summer 2025 runway for an unexpected styling tip and pair your fancy footwear with something thoroughly practical. May we suggest denim and a barn jacket?
Ballerinas take flight
There’s no denying the enduring appeal of the ballet flat, but a heeled silhouette was proposed for autumn by Jacquemus, Alaïa and Simone Rocha. Pieter Mulier favoured a towering, pencil-thin style at Alaïa, while Simon Porte Jacquemus introduced a stacked double stiletto. Simone Rocha’s offering referenced graceful pointe shoes with a gathered square toe box and an elastic band, but finished it off with a lucite heel. These three runway styles are all key silhouettes of the season, but if a more subtle interpretation is preferred, look to Sandy Liang, Everlane and 3.1. Phillip Lim for other ideas.
Walk on the wild side
Spots and stripes were on the prowl. They came in long, wavy lines (Jacquemus), as solid spots flecked onto white (Alaïa) and dark rosettes on golden, tan coats. But something about these animal prints felt less daring and more timeless than usual – they will be just as versatile as a trusted pair of black flats or boots. One of the most desired pairs for the season can be found at Toteme, while & Other Stories offers a more restrained way into the trend with its printed ballet flats.
A new kind of loafer
The loafer was seen across the autumn/winter 2024 collections. Gucci aimed high with a flatform style that divided opinions, but certainly raised the bar; Tod’s looked beyond the tassels with a fringed design that epitomises eccentric maximalism and pushed the envelope on craftsmanship. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find toothy lug-soles (Victoria Beckham), sharp brogues (Ferragamo), and twee, heeled creepers (Louis Vuitton). These aren’t your classic loafers and that’s exactly what makes them so fun.
Category is: cosy
The idea of all-day comfort was put forward by many. At Miu Miu, a leather hotel slipper took off-duty styling a step further, while at Carven and Staud reimagined plush footwear. Slip into any one of these styles, from Proenza Schouler to Staud, and you’ll likely feel the same way as you do about your house slippers. You will never want to take them off.
