A Definitive List of the Shoes Taking Over This Autumn

Ah shoes. It's been so wonderful wearing them again, hasn't it? All right, so we may be being a touch dramatic, but there's no denying that, for what seemed like the longest time, shoes (and bags for that matter) had taken a back seat, and instead, we developed some new shopping habits. In lieu of treating ourselves to a new pair of heels to wear with our elegant wedding guest dresses, we snapped up loungewear, knits and candles in numbers never before seen.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Still, that was 2020, and right now, as we pick up our lives where we left off, our outfits now call for something other than slippers. (Don't worry—they're not totally obsolete.)

So, which shoe trends are we kicking autumn off with? We're sure you'll be pleased to hear that comfort is still very much a priority as far as footwear is concerned—as is durability. Without further ado, scroll below to see the shoe trends the season has to offer.

CHUNKY LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Style Notes: If you only invest in one trending shoe this season, it's imperative that you make it chunky loafers. "The shoe counterpart to the chunky boot trend is the chunky loafer. Brands such as Prada, Balenciaga and Simone Rocha are key for this trend," reveals Heather Gramston, head of womenswear at Browns

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CHIC SLIPPERS

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(Image credit: @mie_juel)

Style Notes: Rejoice! You can still justify wearing your slippers as shoes in the cooler months thanks in no small part to designers who have devoted their time to creating stylish options for us to choose from. "With us spending more time entertaining or relaxing at home, after summer, the house slipper is going to be incredibly popular with our customer. Plush styles are modelled on the traditional slipper however are very versatile, as they can be worn outside of the house, too," assures Cassie Smart, head of womenswear buying at Matches

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TECHNICAL TRAINERS

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

Style Notes: It would be remiss not to include a pair of trainers in our edit, and for autumn, the trend has morphed into high-performing kicks. "We have seen an increased interest in athletic performance footwear as our everyday uniform has evolved and our customer is combining technical activewear with more fashion-focused pieces," continues Smart. "New Balance has been a highlight, and we see this continuing for autumn as well as introducing new specialist brands including Salomon, Asics and On.”

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BALLET FLATS

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(Image credit: @shotfromthestreet)

Style Notes: There's so much to love about Simone Rocha's latest collection, but one of our favourite pieces is undoubtedly the gold ballet pumps that decorated the models' feet. Featuring rhinestones and wraparound details, they're this year's answer to party and wedding guest shoes. 

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CLUNKY MARY JANES

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style Notes: Forgoing heels for over a year was a welcome plot twist for some, but others missed having an excuse to wear them. To help ease us back into wearing heels (if you haven't already taken the leap), the biggest trend of note for autumn is the clunky Mary Jane. With straps that keep your foot in place and blocky heels for added stability, Nodaleto's cult Bulla Babies have been dominating our feeds for weeks. Coincidence? We think not. 

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CLOGS

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: As our assistant editor Nell Block revealed earlier this summer, clogs are back on the footwear agenda, having made an appearance in Hermès's glossy 2021 collection. Wear them with jeans, a white shirt and chunky socks to carry them seamlessly through to autumn.

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TALL CHELSEA BOOTS

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Boots are on our mind right now, so for our last slot, we've chosen to profile the need-to-know style. Continuing on from last year, chunky, track-sole boots are still leading the sartorial charge, though we have noticed the addition of an elastic panel akin to that of Chelsea boots and a taller shaft. Make yours knee-high to stay atop of the trends. 

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up, Autumn 2021 Trends: The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.