The shoes to wear to tackle fall 2026 in style From retro sneakers to knee-high boots, this season’s perfect styles play with contrasts, silhouettes, and nostalgia

Autumn comes with its certainties. Coffee gets a dash of cinnamon, days grow shorter, existential worries multiply, and the urge to buy new shoes returns like clockwork. Because while a good coat can save us on a rainy day and a bag can make even the worst Monday feel a little better, it's the shoes we wear that ultimately set the pace of an outfit. Fortunately, the fall 2026 shoe trends have decided to keep things interesting. The FW26 runways swing between two extremes: on one side, sleek silhouettes that feel like a second skin; on the other, chunky soles and oversized shapes with absolutely no intention of going unnoticed. In between, there's plenty of nostalgia, from 1990s minimalism to 1970s running shoes, with a little punk and preppy style thrown into the mix. Sneakers are getting slimmer, loafers are shedding some of their austerity, boots are reclaiming the territory that rightfully belongs to them, and classic shoes are shaking off their good-girl reputation. Meanwhile, bold colours, animal prints and tartan patterns remind us that getting dressed shouldn't be an endless exercise in restraint. The good news? There's no need to choose between comfort and personality. The not-so-good news is that, with so many tempting options, our bank accounts might not be quite as enthusiastic. Here are eight styles to kick off your autumnal fashion revolution, one step at a time.

The shoes to wear in fall 2026

Rowe - Malone Souliers

The Rowe by Malone Souliers has something of 1960s London about it: a little mod, a little rebellious and decidedly allergic to anything ordinary. Part of the Fall/Winter 2026–27 collection, presented at London Fashion Week, this mule captures the graphic energy of British culture and translates it into a contemporary silhouette. The result? A shoe that knows exactly what it's capable of. Its defining feature is the elongated square toe, paired with an original 90 mm Wave heel inspired by the curves of the iconic Maureen style. For autumn, the Rowe comes in dark brown python-effect leather, a texture that adds character without weighing down the silhouette. The sinuous heel does the rest, turning an everyday mule into a little design object. Paired with tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans or midi skirts, the Rowe can transform even the most predictable outfit. It needs neither excessive embellishments nor elaborate styling tricks. It simply has to be itself. 

Londres Sneakers - Victoria Shoes

After years of monumental soles and sneakers that looked ready to tackle an expedition to the Himalayas, fashion is once again embracing lighter silhouettes. The Londres sneakers by Victoria Shoes, the historic Spanish footwear brand, capture this renewed love of understated footwear with a style designed for everyday life, preferably without making us long for the sofa. The lace-up closure allows for an adjustable fit, while the removable insole offers extra customisation. The textile lining promotes breathability, and the rubber sole provides grip and durability. Completing the design is a subtle two-centimetre lift, just enough to gain a few millimetres without turning a walk into a survival challenge. The Londres work with jeans and sweatshirts, but also with oversized blazers and midi skirts, especially when you want to tone down a more polished outfit. They're the kind of casual sneakers that don't demand the spotlight but know how to become indispensable. 

Stuart Power Knee-High Boot 75 - Stuart Weitzman 

Knee-high boots are reclaiming their place in the autumn wardrobe. This time, however, there are no excessive embellishments or overly literal throwbacks to the early 2000s. Instead, the rules are set by 1990s minimalism, with clean lines, streamlined silhouettes and an elegance that needs no explanation. The Stuart Power Knee-High Boot 75 by Stuart Weitzman captures this comeback perfectly, turning one of the maison's iconic styles into a contemporary statement. The elongated pointed toe and 75 mm stiletto heel lengthen the silhouette, while the stretch construction hugs the leg. Crafted in Spain by the brand's artisans, the boot features a new cushioned foam insole designed to enhance comfort. A detail that is anything but insignificant, especially for those who don't consider foot pain a fashion accessory. How to style them? With a midi skirt and denim jacket for an interesting play on proportions, or with a tartan miniskirt and a blue sweater for a preppy look. Even a classic trench coat and white shirt take on a new personality when paired with these boots. 

Pansy Boots – Coccinelle 

The English countryside meets the urban wardrobe in Coccinelle's Fall/Winter 2026 collection. With The Gardener's Studio, the brand imagines a world of stone cottages, sunlit greenhouses and lush gardens, where nature and craftsmanship coexist without too many formalities. The Pansy boots look as though they've stepped straight out of this setting, but they're certainly not destined to spend their days exclusively on a country estate. Their timeless equestrian silhouette is naturally elegant and crafted from soft, smooth leather. Breaking up the understated design is the cube-shaped C-Me detail, the maison's recognisable signature. The result is a minimalist boot, free from unnecessary embellishments, that focuses entirely on the quality of its materials and the balance of its proportions. With straight-leg jeans and a suede jacket, the Pansy boots take on a retro feel; with a midi skirt and oversized sweater, they're ready for a walk through the English countryside. 

Nike TN Tartan – Nike e Foot Locker

If minimalist shoes prefer to whisper, the Nike TN Tartan have a very different idea of how to make conversation. Unveiled on September 17 by Nike and Foot Locker in collaboration with Anna Pepe, they celebrate individuality through a combination of bright yellow and tartan. These sneakers seem to have travelled through time, landing somewhere between British punk culture and Y2K aesthetics, without forgetting their streetwear roots. The silhouette retains the streamlined lines of the iconic Nike Air Max Plus, updated with a contemporary fit and carefully selected materials. The real star, however, is the upper, where tartan meets vibrant yellow to create a graphic contrast that's impossible to ignore. The collaboration with Anna Pepe reinforces this rebellious attitude, celebrating personal style without seeking anyone's approval. The easiest way to wear them? Let them take centre stage, pairing them with baggy trousers, oversized sweatshirts and black or brown pieces. Those who love to take risks can experiment with colour blocking and mix different prints. Either way, the result is an outfit that won't go unnoticed. After all, if the autumn wardrobe threatens to become an endless succession of dark coats, a little punk yellow can only do us good.

Mocassini track - Bata

Loafers have spent quite enough time in offices and traditional wardrobes. For fall 2026, classic penny loafers are becoming softer, more contemporary and, above all, bolder. Bata's track-sole styles create an interesting contrast with the traditional shape of these shoes, adding character and an urban edge. Part of the FW26/27 collection, which embraces the motto Make Yourself Comfortable, they strike a balance between functionality and style, proving remarkably versatile. Paired with tailored trousers and a blazer, Bata loafers maintain an office-ready elegance. But simply swapping in a short skirt or a pair of jeans completely changes the mood. The contrast between the chunky sole and more feminine pieces is their secret weapon.

471 - New Balance

The New Balance 471 prove that sometimes, to look towards the future, we need to take a step back into the past. The model revisits the aesthetics of 1970s running shoes, reinterpreting them through a streamlined silhouette and materials with a lived-in appearance. It's a choice perfectly in tune with the retro sneakers dominating fall 2026, which are becoming increasingly slim and moving away from the exaggerated proportions of recent years. The upper combines breathable mesh with suede overlays, while the wedge-shaped EVA midsole and herringbone outsole pay homage to archival running shoes. What sets the model apart is the distinctive fang-like design on the toe, a historic New Balance detail that adds character without compromising the clean silhouette. The 471 naturally pairs with wide-leg jeans and cargo trousers, but can also look surprisingly good with a long coat or an oversized blazer. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to move between styles and occasions without losing its identity. 

Mary Jane Ballet Flats – Frau

Mary Jane ballet flats have managed to win over even those who, until just a few seasons ago, would never have given up their sneakers. Their secret? The double strap. Along with the vintage leather and minimalist silhouette, this detail takes Frau's fall 2026 design far beyond the realm of traditional doll-like shoes. Minimalism, retro influences and a healthy dose of practicality come together in a style with a distinct personality. The soft leather upper features natural variations in tone and texture, giving the shoes a beautifully worn-in look. The double strap is more than just a decorative detail: it ensures a secure fit and prevents that annoying slipper-like feeling. A leather lining, a soft removable insole and a TPU sole complete this Made in Italy design, which combines traditional craftsmanship with everyday comfort. Paired with tailored trousers and a white shirt, they're perfect for the office, while jeans and a leather jacket give them a more rebellious edge. Those who prefer a romantic aesthetic can wear them with midi skirts and cardigans, perhaps adding a pair of colourful socks.