Anyone who has spent even just a few minutes with me knows that I like to talk. Honestly, I usually talk too much, and of all the topics I find myself going on and on about, footwear is the one I return to most frequently, from up-and-coming brands to classic styles to trends. You name it—I'm interested. With fall on the horizon, it should come as no surprise that I've had the season's best shoes on my brain and the tip of my tongue for weeks. Fortunately, it's finally time to start talking about them.
After hours spent researching trends and scrolling through page after page of footwear options, I gathered enough evidence to say with certainty that the 35 pairs of shoes below are the absolute best on the market for fall. There are boots of all shaft and heel heights, sneakers, flats, and even sandals. (Yes, I'm wearing flip-flops in the fall, and no, you can't convince me otherwise.) There are designer options by the likes of Chloé, Manolo Blahnik, and Prada as well as affordable picks that look just as expensive and enticing. Basically, everything you need to craft the perfect shoe collection for fall 2024 and beyond is just a click away.
If you're ready to build your fall wardrobe from the bottom up, scroll down.
Flats
For $30, you can have a pair of chic, comfortable flats that'll go with genuinely everything in your fall wardrobe. This sounds like an easy yes to me.
These could easily be $300+.
Boat shoes are on the up, and this leather Bally pair is the best of the best.
I'm usually more of a heel person, but this pair of flats is sleek enough to beat out any lifted style.
Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence are wearing slippers as outdoor shoes, and I can't say I blame them. These slippers from the beloved French shirting brand Charvet are at the tippy top of my wish list.
Almond-toe flats are arguably fall's most alluring shoe trend, with everyone from Jasmine Tookes to Zendaya wearing them.
For a modern take on classic loafers, you can't beat this pair from Flattered. They're classic and timeless but still very 2024.
Boots
Our editors keep sending these to each other. They're so fun and different.
Classic black stiletto boots will always be chic. They remind me of '90s Jen Aniston.
From the subtle Western touch to the luxe brown suede, these booties check off every box.
Chloé's thigh-high boots are on every celebrity's want list.
Denim isn't all that Madewell is skilled at. These ankle boots are proof enough of that.
These moto-style boots are affordable and compliment-grabbing.
Fashion editors everywhere have these boots on their fall buy lists. It's true—they've told me.
Heels
Have you ever seen a more elegant pair of pumps? I can't say I have.
These $35 kitten-heel mules will look chic in every season, but especially in the fall with a pair of sheer tights and a wool miniskirt.
The crisscross design on these is calling my name. The heel height is a little high, but since it's thicker than a typical stiletto, these will be far more comfortable than you think.
I've tried these on in every single colorway and can tell you with certainty that they are perfect—no notes.
So manyBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editors own these. Steve Madden should name them after us.
When I think about shoes I want to own for the rest of my life, this pair of Maysales is the first style that comes to mind.
I've had my eye on a pair of vintage Celine pumps from the Phoebe Philo days but can't find them in my size anywhere. These are a near-perfect alt that I'll happily purchase instead.
Sandals
In the early days of fall, there's no better shoe style to wear with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt than flat thong sandals.
These will transition beautifully into winter when you style them with tights.
The thin, dainty straps make these a perfect pick for any minimalist.
Ashley Olsen just proved that flip-flops are just as suitable for fall as they are for summer.
These are very Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Pair these ivory sandals with an LBD or vintage Levi's. Either one will look gorgeous. On the other hand, if you're planning a wedding this autumn, feel free to wear these for that occasion too.
Simple sandals like these will never go out of style, so prepare to wear them repeatedly year after year, fall after fall.
Sneakers
There's a growing interest in slim-soled sneakers as an alt for chunky styles, and for anyone interested, this tae kwon do inspired pick from Adidas is the way to go about investing in the trend.
I recently got a pair of these in Paris and have been wearing them nonstop. They're so comfortable, and every time I wear or post them, I get so many requests for the style name.
If logos aren't your thing, opt for a pair of sneakers like these from Massimo Dutti. They're very demure.
Everyone talks about Adidas x Wales Bonner Sambas, but these SL76 sneakers are worth even more hype if you ask me.
These are so clean.
Kendall Jenner is especially fond of these.
Sneaker flats like these are having a moment right now as people seek out elevated, not-so-sporty alternatives for sneakers.