Invest in These 8 Shoe Trends For Fall, Because They're Sticking Around All Year

A retro, low-top sport sneaker with stripes, reminiscent of a '70s running shoe, makes a comeback this year, and looks perfect with a pair of cutoffs and a casual button-down. While you could go for natural tones, there are plenty of quirky colorblock styles that have a modern feel to them.

Mango Platform Lace-Up Sneakers ($80)

Gola Tennis Mark Cox Sneakers ($65)

Nike Blazer Low Sacai Sneaker ($129+)

Saucony Jazz Court RFG ($130)

AE Retro Sneaker ($35)

Veja Urca Sneakers ($150)

Rag & Bone Retro Runner Recycled Sneaker ($250)

Chloé Lauren Sneaker ($525)

The leather flat is a familiar shoe, but its resurgence in 2021 introduces us to new shapes and flashy details. Shop neutral colorways like cranberry and tan, or opt for an almond-shaped sole with an upper that engulfs and hugs the foot.

Zara Leather Ballet Flats ($50)

Miz Mooz Romie Ballet Flat ($90)

AEYDE Betty Leather Flats ($255)

Bottega Veneta Almond Flat in Bordeaux ($720)

Vagabond Maddie Elasticized Leather Ballet Shoes ($140)

The Row Friulane Flat Soft Leather Slippers ($690)

Kahmune Kennedy Flat 2.0 in Kumasi Patent ($265)

NEOUS Alba 5mm Flats ($595)

MM6 Maison Margiela Leather Ballet Flat ($452)

No. 21 Chain Detail Ballet Flats ($660)

Khaite The Ashland Ballet Flat in Tan Leather ($660)

Whether you prefer a tall height or an ankle boot, it's all about the sturdy foundation of a thick, often treaded sole. Allow these to ground your outfit and even offer a touch of edge or grunge when they've got lace-up details.

Ganni Country Boot in Kalamata ($285)

Zara Waxed Finish Low Heel Boots ($119)

Free People Lola Lugged Sole Chelsea Boots ($248)

La Canadienne Knee High Flora ($598)

Charles & Keith Mustard Slip-On Platform Ankle Boots ($96)

Emme Parsons Zion in Oxblood Spazzolato ($575)

Coach Lace Up Bootie ($285)

Staud Rocky Boot in Olive Suede ($475)

While we've looked to the loafer to achieve the schoolgirl aesthetic before, 2021 introduces colorblock versions, snake-print details, and tough-looking platforms. Use these to spice up your style — when you'd regularly choose a sneaker or a flat, slip into your loafers instead and instantly feel more sophisticated.

Brother Vellies Wilson Loafers in Linen ($615)

Parisienne Et Alors Godin Mocassins ($163)

Camper Thelma Moc Toe Loafer Shoe ($185)

H&M Chain-Detail Loafers ($32, originally $40)

Intentionally Blank Toronto Tan ($229)

Tory Burch Buckle Heel Loafer ($428)

CLOSED Leather Loafer ($498)

Aeydē Angi Moka Nappa Snake Print ($345)

Loeffler Randall Rikki Brown Platform Loafer ($350)

Malone Souliers Jane Tweed Flat Loafers ($675)

Though we first collected house slides because we were spending so much time at home, those that can transition outside will stay in heavy rotation. The whole idea of a comfy shoe to quickly run an errand in isn't far-fetched any time of the year, so expect these to stick around. They'll be reinvented in colors and luxe fabrics like velvet and shearling, but they all have substantial soles, making them walkable, unlike a thin slipper.

Sleeper Lulu Shearling Slippers ($290)

Birkenstock Zermatt Shearling Lined Slipper ($100)

Schumacher x Margaux The Ballet Mule in Kaya Medallion ($238)

SINOBI Mules Single Black ($296, originally $370)

Sleeper Manon Mules with Detachable Feathers ($290)

UGG Fuzz Sugar Slide ($110)

Nanushka Matangi Ruched Velvet Flats in Peony ($445)

Mara & Mine Etta Slippers ($125)

Offered in suede, faux leather, or patent with intricate stitching or fun add-ons like Stuart Weitzman's fringe, this season's Western boot looks best on full display. Tuck your pants into a mid-height boot or pull off the refreshed miniskirt trend with a knee high.

Sézane Phoenix Boots in Smooth Ecru ($305)

Reformation Onesta Western Boot ($348)

Source Unknown Western Chelsea Boots in Black ($86)

ASOS Design Western Chelsea Boots in Blue Patent With Silver Chain ($64)

Tamara Mellon Joplin in Suede ($1,495)

HAVVA Texas Flame ($463)

Stuart Weitzman Kenley Fringe Boot ($895)

Larroude Louise Boot in Ivory Floater ($475)

With a return to flared denim, the hype for '70s trends is prominent, and the clog — with a wooden platform or textured upper that makes it feel "next level" cool — is everywhere. Try it with a miniskirt or trouser where you'd normally think to grab your standard brown boots.

Cult Gaia Hyra Clog in Camel ($358)

Lisa Says Gah Dakota Clog in Bocce Court Daisy ($179)

Andre Assous Sofi Clog in Cognac ($199)

By Far Walker Almond Snake Print Leather ($500)

MIA Phoebe Printed Clogs ($120)

Brother Vellies Eve Doodle Mule ($795)

Paloma Wool Odessa Clog in Natural Leather ($275)

Kate Spade New York Amsterdam Platform Clogs ($228)

Veronica Beard Delia Clogs ($395)

Isabel Marant Thalie Studded Leather Clogs ($430)

The evolution of the square toe has gone from boot form to just about every other type of shoe. The structure makes sandals and mules feel more modern and it makes pumps appear particularly eye-catching and elevated. In short, it's the shape that gets noticed.

Amina Muaddi Lupita Leather Wedge Sandals ($618)

ASOS Design Harling Square Toe Ruched Mid Heel Mules in Black ($50)

ASOS Design Rosa Premium Leather Heeled Ankle Boots in Blue ($111)

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Mary Jane in Flamma ($395)

& Other Stories Suede Sock Boots ($179)

KAM Black Widow Lace Up Heels ($139)

Amomento Fur Square Pumps in Cream ($486)

Alohas Mara Black ($232, originally $331)