Many months ago, we made our predictions on the fall 2026 shoe trends that will become the most noteworthy. While our runway predictions are never far off, the first glimpses of fall fashion are beginning to take shape, which means it’s time to revisit the footwear silhouettes to know. It may not technically be fall yet, but there are already several specific trends that are resonating in the designer collections and IRL, and it’s time to report on them.
Of course, because everything is cyclical, a number of styles are slowly starting to lose favor while these newer ones take center stage. It’s not to say that you should go and remove them from your closet right this second, but fashion people who stay ahead of things are quietly skipping them when shopping for anything new right now. If you also want to know what the insider set is into and, consequently, not into going into next season, consider this your download on the status of cool footwear.
Here, see which fall 2026 shoe trends are taking priority among the fashion set and which styles are simply not trending as much anymore.
Trending: Satin Finishes
Not Trending as Much: Patent Finishes
Heavy satin finishes are the first shoe trend I’m already seeing resonating in the wild from what came down the runways in the fall designer collections, and based on all the early popularity, I know it’s set to be one of the major styles of the season. Whether that means a pair of pretty pumps, elevated flats, or even modern sneakers, seemingly every pair of cool fall shoes is getting the satin treatment.
Trending: Western Boots
Not Trending as Much: Chunky Boots
Yep, Western boots are back, but maybe not like you’re thinking. Instead of on-the-nose cowboy motifs, designers are taking a more modern approach with boots that take classic Western details, like stacked heels and suede finishes, and reimagine them to be sleeker.
Trending: Derby Shoes
Not Trending as Much: Lug-Sole Loafers
In his debut Celine spring 2026 collection, Creative Director Michael Rider sent model after model down the runway wearing derby shoes. Not quite as formal as oxfords but more sophisticated than your average ballet flats, derby shoes are the surprising new style that’s just right for a dose of everyday polish. With more brands getting in on the look, I only expect the trend to gain momentum this fall.
Trending: Beautiful Embellishments
Not Trending as Much: Studs and Grommets
Heavy embellishments were a key shoe trend on the fall/winter 2026 runways, where they appeared either with feathers and laces, like at Prada, or an abundance of beading, like at Tory Burch. These pairs are paving the way for the rise in beautiful and intricate embellishments that will come to define the prettiest evening-ready shoes of fall and winter.
Trending: Eel Embossing
Not Trending as Much: Croc Embossing
I have nothing against croc embossing. It’s still quite chic, but there’s an obvious successor taking its place going into next season, and it’s none other than eel print. The finish is popping up all over, from The Row’s viral eel-printed loafers to Reformation’s beloved Inez Flats. Calling it now: Eel is set to be the new croc when it comes to luxe leather finishes.
Trending: Ballet Sneakers
Not Trending as Much: Athletic Sneakers
It might be time to set aside those chunky ’90s runners, at least outside of the gym, because the new lifestyle sneaker silhouette of the moment has arrived in the form of ballet sneakers. Featuring slim soles, rounded toe shapes, and scrunched-ankle details, this is the trend behind the current It pairs, including Nike Moon Shoes.
Trending: High-Vamp Heels
Not Trending as Much: Mary Jane Heels
If I sound like a broken record about high-vamp pumps by now, it’s only because the silhouette is climbing in the ranks. Come fall, they’ll fully take over other trending heel styles like Mary Janes as the new go-to to pair with skirts and, later on in the season, tights.
