With the unofficial end to summer, I’m starting to think more about curating a minimal and versatile fall wardrobe, which wouldn’t be complete without fall shoes. Comfort and versatility are most important to me when investing in a new pair of shoes. Think classic fall shoes you’ll wear year after year, like loafers that you could walk miles in, or timeless boots that go with any outfit. Here are the best fall shoes for 2023.
My Guide to Fall Shoes
1. Loafers
My #1 recommendation would be this pair of loafers. They’re SO similar to the Gucci Brixton Loafers and super comfy. They come in tons of different colors. The leather is soft, and there isn’t any break-in time. They also run true to size. Best of all, they’re a fraction of the price of the Brixtons.
Tip: If you’re trying to decide between loafers or mules, I’ll say this. I love the look of mules, but I often find myself accidentally kicking them off while walking. And because it takes a bit of work to keep them on my feet, I tend to reach for loafers more often. Also, my feet get cold really easily, especially in the fall, and loafers are warmer than mules! So loafers are a better fall shoe investment in my opinion.
2. Ankle Boots & Chelsea Boots
You can’t go wrong with ankle boots or Chelsea boots for fall. Last year, I finally bought a pair of Chelsea boots after being influenced by my 7-year-old daughter, who picked out a pair for herself. I love styling Chelsea boots with cropped Demi-boot jeans, which let a bit of the ankle part of cute Chelsea boots show. These Chelsea boots are a wonderful budget-friendly option under $100 and come in black.
3. Knee-High Boots
Brown leather knee-high boots/riding boots are such a timeless pair of fall shoes in my closet. I love wearing them with dresses, skirts, and jeans alike. And I’m a big fan of the low chunky heel, which gives me some height without compromising comfort.
Tip: I go up half size in all riding boots so I can wear thick socks with them.
4. Ballet Flats & Mary Janes
These are THE most comfortable ballet flats in the history of the planet. Buttery soft leather that’s completely unstructured and therefore feels like a cloud. They’re an investment but the only ballet flats I can wear without tearing up my feet! And these flats are a great basic for fall that will go with so many different outfits. I have them in black and tan.
5. Sneakers
For starters, white leather sneakers go with nearly everything, and you can wear them almost year-round. One of my favorite pairs of fall shoes is the Veja Campo sneakers. I love them for their minimalist design, chunkier sole, and textured leather material. The chunky sole looks great paired with jeans and dresses alike and these sneakers seem to give all looks—even really casual ones—an elevated French style.
Tip: The Campo runs pretty TTS. I wear a size 7.5 in flats but sometimes wear an 8 in sneakers. Because Veja does not carry half sizes, I went with size EUR 39, which the brand says is a size US 8. (Though it can also work for people with size 7.5 feet.) I tried both EUR 38 (US 7) and EUR 39 (US 8), and the 39 was definitely the right call. While they’re certainly roomy, they aren’t overly so… and don’t toes hit (or hurt) like they did in the smaller size.
Best Fall Shoes
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