These Will Be the Most Important Fall Shoe Trends

We'd be hard-pressed to come up with many things (sartorially speaking) that are more exciting than the arrival of new fall shoe styles. And trust us when we tell you that they're really good this year. We scoured the F/W 16 runways and the new arrivals from some of your favorite retailers to find the footwear everyone will be wearing in a matter of weeks.

We narrowed it down to eight must-have shoe trends, but not to worry—we're not saying you should go out and purchase eight pairs of shoes at once! Choose the right ones to invest in based on your personal style and wardrobe, but don't be afraid to take risks. For example, those feathered shoes that you don't think you can pull off are actually more wearable than you think, and could add a major dose of directional style to even the simplest pieces in your fall wardrobe.

We searched high and low to present you with the coolest options for each footwear trend, settling on a whopping 24 pairs of new fall shoes for you to choose from (and start wearing before all of your friends).

Keep scrolling to see them in action on the fall runways and shop them all at a variety of price points!

Velvet boots are arguably the biggest shoe trend of the season thus far, with It girls like Gigi Hadid and Hailey Baldwin already sporting them this summer. Practically every brand is releasing their own take on the trend, but they're selling like hotcakes, so don't wait on this style.

3.1 Phillip Lim F/W 16

Shop velvet boots:

Sculptural heels are one of the most beautiful trends this year, as seen on the runways of Miu Miu, Marni, Proenza Schouler, and Dolce Gabbana. They add interest in spades to shoes both simple and ornate.

Marni F/W 16

Shop sculptural-heeled shoes:

The ballerina trend is going to be huge, with brands designer brands like Valentino and fast-fashion brands like Zara focusing much of their fall collections on the pretty, feminine pieces. Shoes that elegantly tie around the ankle are an easy way to get the look.

Valentino F/W 16

Shop ballet-inspired shoes:

It's not surprising that this polarizing trend is back in a big way this season, with the '90s revival that we're experiencing and the goth influence on many major collections like Saint Laurent, Marc Jacobs, and Gucci. Not convinced? Try a slimmer platform for a more subtle take on the trend. 

Gucci F/W 16

Shop platform shoes:

Mid-calf boots, especially those that hug the leg like a sock, are the ideal pairing for the romantic bohemian dresses that made their way down the runways of Chanel, Chloé, and Preen.

Chloé F/W 16

Shop mid-calf boots:

Furry shoes are fun. It's as simple as that! A slew of footwear styles (from Gucci to Tibi) are done up in feathers, shearling, and faux fur this season. Dressed up or down, just try to not stare at your feet all day.

Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 16

Shop furry shoes:

While loafers are certainly a classic, they've made more appearances than usual so far this season (on the runways of Rag Bone, Osman, and Derek Lam, to name a few). Along with brogues, loafers are the footwear of choice for achieving the menswear trend many collections served up.

Derek Lam F/W 16

Shop loafers:

Related: The Shoes You Wore in the 2000s Are Back

Animal prints of a variety of breeds came roaring in for fall, from leopard to snake to zebra to giraffe. Swap out your neutral shoes for animal print ones and watch your look become infinitely cooler before your eyes. Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Saint Laurent, and Mary Katrantzou wouldn't lead you astray. 

Dries Van Noten F/W 16

Shop animal print shoes:

Want to know what to wear with your new shoes? Check out the easy-to-wear trends that are going to be huge this year.

Opening Image: Getty Images