Londoners Are Over Sandals—5 Fresh Autumn Shoe Trends They're Already Wearing Instead
London acts as a catwalk for so many good fashion moments, and the run-up to autumn is no different. When we're not savouring the last traces of summer sun, we've been observing AW24 street-style pics and influencer snaps to suss out the coming season's biggest trends.
While we're excited by everything the coming months have in store (sartorially speaking, that is—the cold can show itself out), autumn's shoe offerings are especially noteworthy. Often, footwear grounds a look and defines its identity—a chunky biker boot adds edge, while a kitten heel exudes elegance—so it's worth paying attention to. In the capital, autumn shoes have started making their way into wardrobes, and a few standout styles have already emerged as favourites.
Take a look at the five frontrunners below, from the nautical flat you thought you'd left in the ’90s to the wear-with-everything trainer that feels like an instant classic.
5 AUTUMN SHOE TRENDS TAKING OVER LONDON RIGHT NOW:
1. Boat Shoes
Style Notes: Okay, hear us out—what might at first glance look like your dad's shoes from the ’90s are, in fact, this season's preppiest shoe trend. Don't let the name deceive you; this ‘old money’ style isn't just for yacht owners and has recently been buoyed by Londoners looking to bring a touch of the coastal class to the city.
Shop the Trend:
2. Wedge Boots
Style Notes: Keen readers will remember us announcing the return of the wedge sandal at the start of summer, so it shouldn't be a surprise that 2024's boots are adopting a similar silhouette. Love it or hate it, there's no denying the practicality and comfort of a wedge heel in contrast to stilettos.
Shop the Trend:
3. Brown Trainers
Style Notes: The changing seasons call for a shift from bright, citrus hues to earthy neutrals. Where high-saturation Sambas dominated the summer, we expect rich brown sneakers to steal the spotlight over the next few months, making for easy styling with all your autumnal tones.
Shop the Trend:
4. Square-Toe Boots
Style Notes: Almond and pointed toes, be gone! This season is all about square-toed footwear—particularly boots—in a nod to nineties-does-sixties style. Cue a collective sigh of relief from broad-footed women everywhere.
Shop the Trend:
5. Delicate Flats
Style Notes: Flats in all shapes and sizes will continue to be embraced throughout autumn, but we're seeing London's fashion set move towards dainty, feminine pairs that contrast nicely with wide-leg trousers, voluminous maxi skirts and raw-hem denim.
Shop the Trend:
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
-
Fashion People Are Buying These 4 Flat-Shoe Trends atReplica Store This Summer
Your guide to this season's must-have styles.
-
Fashion People in Their 20s and 50s Wear This Flat-Shoe Trend With Skirts to Look Chic
Hint: It's not loafers.
-
If You Hate Flip-Flops, Try the Viral Sandal Trend Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing This Summer
You can trust me.
-
Return Those New Flats—*These* Are the Cool Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With Dresses and Skirts
Fresh and unexpected.
-
I'm a Shopping Director—10 Shoe Silhouettes I Love RN (and How to Style Them)
Sandals, sneakers, heels, and more.
-
From A-Listers to the F1 Paddock—Inside the Meteoric Rise of 2025's It Sneakers
Let's ride.
-
If You Visit London This Summer, Prepare to Spot This Polished Shoe Trend on All the Locals
European chic.
-
People With Cool Style Are Suddenly Wearing This Vintagey Heel Trend With Pants and Skirts
I'd take a break from flats for these.