Shoes
Aug 25, 2023

The Chicest Shoes of the Season—Period

by Eliza Huber

Best Fall Shoes

Photo:

@maryljean; PICTURED: Tony Bianco Shirley Mule ($160)

As much as fashion people like to pretend they don't play favorites, they do, and their favorite season is fall—period. The collections are the biggest, the pieces are the chicest, and the styling is the most creative. It makes sense that the shoes that come out every autumn are the most elite of the entire year, whether they're boots, mules, flats, or sneakers. The options are literally endless. But with such a large selection comes one problem: If you want to find the very best ones, sacrificing a few hours will certainly be necessary.

That's where I come in—your fall-shoe guru who has all the time in the world to scroll through Moda Operandi, Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, H&M, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, and more and handpick the footwear that's deserving of more than a second look. While I'm certainly tempted to gatekeep all of the styles I found during my search, my need to tell everyone about every chic thing I find far outweighs any desire I feel to keep them to myself.

Zara Kitten Heel Shoes

Kitten Heel Shoes

Just a whisper of a heel.

Jeffrey Campbell Darlings Boot

Jeffrey Campbell

These sold out so fast last fall. Don't let it happen again without getting a pair.

Massimo Dutti Pointed High-Heel Shoes

Pointed High-Heel Shoes

If you want The Row pumps but can't justify the price, this equally elegant pair from Massimo Dutti should be in your shopping cart right now.

Adidas Samba OG Shoes

These are in stock. I repeat, these are in stock.

Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Ballet Flat

Jeffrey Campbell

Dancerina Ballet Flat

I love these in black, but the brown is too pretty to pass up.

Charles & Keith Chalk2 Gabine Leather Ballerinas

Charles & Keith

Chalk2 Gabine Leather Ballerinas

Never ever sleep on Charles & Keith's shoe selection.

Sam Edelman Fitzgerald Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

Fitzgerald Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

Wear these with bare legs in September and sheer stockings in October.

H&M Ballet Flats

The price on these is downright shocking.

Aeyde Henry Boots

Olivia Rodrigo and Bella Hadid are big riding-boot girls.

Jeffrey Campbell Romp Flat

Jeffrey Campbell

These are giving money. Maybe it's the color.

Massimo Dutti Leather Slingback Ballet Flats

Leather Slingback Ballet Flats

I have already sent these to at least a dozen people hoping to get a Venmo notification.

Tony Bianco Shirley Mule

If you hate pretty things, keep scrolling.

J.Crew Field Sneakers

Yes, J.Crew has sneakers, and yes, they're extremely low-key and cool.

Khaite Marfa Leather Ankle Boots

Marfa Leather Ankle Boots

The perfect boots for straight-leg jeans—found.

Zara Heeled Mules

Classic mules you'll wear all year round.

Reformation Francesca Moto Boot

Francesca Moto Boot

The entire WWW office is whispering about these new Ref moto boots.

The Row Sock Leather-Trimmed Mesh Flats

Sock Leather-Trimmed Mesh Flats

These are sold out everywhere, but Net-a-Porter just got a major restock.

Birkenstock Boston Oiled-Leather Clogs

Boston Oiled-Leather Clogs

The oiled-leather Birkenstocks feel so much more elevated than the classic suede.

H&M Block-Heeled Pumps

Block-Heeled Pumps

For both the office and a sleek night out.

Mango Leather Heeled Slingback Shoe With Buckles

Leather Heeled Slingback Shoe With Buckles

Just the pop your fall wardrobe's been missing.

Reformation Randi Closed Toe Mule

Randi Closed Toe Mule

Reformation's fall shoe drop has me girl-mathing like a Gen Z Ada Lovelace.

Massimo Dutti Suede Slingback High-Heel Shoes

Suede Slingback High-Heel Shoes

I'd pay double for these. Luckily, I won't have to.

H&M Biker Boots

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on moto boots.

Prada Loop Bouquet Pointed Toe Flat

Loop Bouquet Pointed Toe Flat

You don't have to convince me to spend every dollar in my bank account on these. They do the work themselves.

Mango Metallic Heel Shoes

Metallic Heel Shoes

A touch of metallic will always be a good idea.