Top 8 Must-try Fall Trends for Travel Shoes

As we transition into fall with crisp air and changing leaves, we bid adieu to open-toed shoes and embrace boots, loafers, and sneakers — a seasonal tradition that this New York City-based luxury fashion writer looks forward to every year. And, I look to the soles stomping on the pavement of the concrete jungle to inspire my choices for the upcoming season. Right now, New Yorkers are ushering in fall with stylish footwear callbacks to ’50s film fashion, the swinging ’60s, and ’90s grunge. They’ve also thrown in subtle nods to eco-friendly brands with their sustainable kicks.

Below, I deep dive into eight of the season’s biggest trends that are sure to heat up your shoe rack and travel wardrobe through nostalgia, innovation, bold colors, and rich textures. Whether you’re a trendsetter or prefer timeless elegance, this curated lineup has something for everyone; it’s stocked with a variety of comfy picks from Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos, and other top retailers and brands spanning different price points. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to shop!

Trend: Retro Sneakers

Let’s start with retro sneakers, a trend reminiscent of the laidback fashion of the ’80s and ’90s. This season we’ll see nostalgic colors, iconic vintage logos, and funky silhouettes like the Adidas Sambas you’ve probably seen your favorite influencer sporting. These sneakers aren’t just sentimental, they are comfortable and practical, ensuring your feet stay supported regardless of your travel itinerary. Sneakers are so versatile, so it makes sense to use them to complement everything in your suitcase from casual tees and jeans to layered office outfits.

• Adidas Samba Sneakers, $100 
• Vans Sport Low-top Sneakers, $49 (originally $70) 
• Nike Waffle Debut Sneakers, $75
• Dolce Vita Notice Sneakers, $139 
• Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneakers, $84
• New Balances 574 Core Sneakers, $90
• New Balance Classics WL574 Sneakers, $90
• Saucony Originals Shadow Original Sneakers, $95 (originally $100) 
• Tretorn Rawlins Casual Lace-up Sneakers, $70 (originally $85) 
• Asics Unisex Gel-NYC 2055 Sneakers, $90

Trend: Platform Oxfords and Loafers

Loafers and classic Oxford shoes are perennial favorites each fall, and this season, they’re getting an update with platform soles. With the timeless design combined with a bold platform, these shoes not only add a bit of height but also a distinctive edge to (literally and figuratively) stand out from the crowd. The chunky platform trend is part of the ‘90s and early 2000s fashion resurgence we’ve seen across the fashion world, making them perfect for those who love to blend different aesthetics. The all-black Gaven Oxfords from Steve Madden are perfect to transition from day to night — whether you’re dressing up with tailored trousers, a sleek skirt, or keeping it casual with jeans.

• Coach Lyla Derby Oxford Loafers, $195 
• Beautoday Platform Loafers, $80 
• Steve Madden Gaven Platform Loafers, $100
• Free People Nico Platform Loafers, $143 (originally $158) 
• Crocs Stomp Loafers, $70 
• Madden Girl Hoxtonn Heeled Loafers, $50 (originally $60) 
• Toms Cara Loafers, $74 (originally $110) 
• Steve Madden Lando-F Loafers, $60 (originally $99) 
• Steve Madden Lawrence Loafers, $100 
• Dr. Scholl’s Webster Loafers, $55 (originally $85) 

Trend: Moments of Texture

The cooler months are about embracing rich textures like embossed leather, suede, and mixed materials to add depth and intrigue to your wardrobe. Specifically, across footwear this fall, we are seeing luxe velvet in rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and burgundy. Suede remains a tried and true staple, prominently seen in Chelsea boots, like these 100-percent leather boots from Steve Madden, and ballet flats, like this charming pair that are loved by Amazon shoppers.

• Doc Marten Sinclair Milled Nappa Leather Platform Boots, $210
• Steve Madden Women’s Leopold Chelsea Boots, $52 (originally $100)
• Papillio by Birkenstock Boston Suede Chunky Clogs, $150
• Rothy’s The Loafer Mules, $149 
• Sam Edelman Michaela Textured Mary Janes, $81 (originally $130) 
• Musshoe Bowknot Ballet Flats, $40 
• Madewell The Greta Ballet Flats, $128 
• Vince Camuto Hamden Slingback Heels, $60 (originally $99) 
• Born Devlyn Heeled Clogs, $90 (originally $100) 
• Journee Reeo Mesh Mules, $48 (originally $65) 

Trend: Eco-friendly Materials

As shoppers become more aware of their environmental impact we are seeing eco-friendly fashion on the rise. We are seeing customers shop in ways that align with their values — specifically in footwear through sustainable and recycled materials and low-impact processes. Explore durable, high-quality shoes that are perfect for fall like Cushionaire’s Cork Vegan Clogs and Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers both made from recycled materials. As demand for sustainable fashion increases, many beloved brands, including Reformation and Veja, are incorporating eco-friendly options across their entire catalog so we can shop ethically head to toe.

• Veja V-15 High-top Sneakers, $225
• Everlane The Wooden Puffa Clogs, $198 
• Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lens Penny Loafers, $130 
• Reformation Marie Lace-up Oxfords, $278
• Cushionaire Loom Cork Footbed Platform Clogs, $50
• Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lock Faux Shearling Lined Mules, $140 
• Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers, $70 (originally $100)
• Ermonn Faux-leather Knee-high Boots, $51 (originally $90) 
• Will’s Vegan Store NY Sneakers, $106
• Blowfish Malibu Sadie-Sun Lace-up Sneakers, $70
• Allbirds Wool Runners, $98

Trend: Comfy Statement Heels

As we tone down color palettes for fall, shoes are a great opportunity to add a splash of boldness and color (along with bags and jewelry). This season, we’re upgrading our wardrobes with rich colors, luxe textures, and patterns all without negotiating our comfort. We love Intentionally Blank’s Leather Kamika Mules and Rothy’s The High Point Heels for those who want to embrace both fashion and comfort. As the weather cools and daylight shortens, let your shoes be the vibrant highlight of your outfit. 

• Matisse Caty Western Pointed Toe Booties, $215
• Rothy’s The High Point Heels, $169 
• Naturalizer Jayla Low-heel Slingback Heels, $110 (originally $125) 
• Toms Constance Booties, $72 (originally $120) 
• Marc Fisher Gurion Heeled Sandals, $43 (originally $85) 
• Anne Klein Sabrine Heeled Clogs, $79
• Madewell Intentionally Blank Leather Kamika Mules, $169
• Dream Pairs Annee Closed-toe Block Heels, $37 (originally $46) 
• Dolce Vita Patsy Heels, $140 
• Cole Haan Josie Block Heel Sandals, $90 (originally $160) 

Trend: Knee-high Boots

A fall wardrobe simply isn’t complete without the perfect pair of boots. These seasonal favorites we see each fall, just like the cherished pumpkin spice latte, perfectly transition us to the color months with extra warmth and versatility. Whether you pair them with a skirt, dress, or jeans you can style them in countless ways — the limit does not exist with knee-high boots in fall fashion. If you’re searching for a classic staple that won’t break the bank, we love Sam Edelman’s Issabel High Boots, Riona’s Zodiac Boots, and Hunter’s Original Tall Rain Boots, which are all currently on sale!

• Jeffrey Campbell Hot Lava Boots, $190
• Steve Madden Tara Black Leather Boots, $80 (originally $190) 
• Hunter Original Tall Rain Boots, $109 (originally $175) 
• Dauphine Kitten Heel Knee-high Boots, $108 (originally $180) 
• Modatope Chunky Heel Knee-high Boots, $56 (originally $80)
• Dolce Vita Annika Pointed-toe Boots, $150 (originally $260) 
• Riona Zodiac Square-toe Boots, $70 (originally $139) 
• Sam Edelman Issabel Knee-high Boots, $90 (originally $200) 
• Steve Madden Lizah Knee-high Boots, $100
• Lucky Brand Calypso Boots, $102

Trend: Rich, Earthy Tones

Deep browns, forest greens, warm oranges, and muted tans mirror the natural colors of autumn foliage and can bring comforting warmth to your fall wardrobe. These earthy shades create a grounded and soothing aesthetic as seen in the Ugg Tazz Slippers or Tommy Hilfiger’s Theal Boots. Their versatility allows them to effortlessly complement the existing colors in your wardrobe. If you’re exploring how to incorporate these colors, consider Kensie Poppi Slingback Flats or Marc Fisher’s Pointed Toe Over-the-knee Boots, both currently on sale. Each fall, these hues grow in popularity adding a classic, long-lasting element that truly never goes out of style so you can rely on shoes year after year. 

• Kensie Poppi Slingback Flats, $30 (originally $49) 
• Ugg Tazz Slippers, $130
• Tommy Hilfiger Theal Rain Boots, $111 (originally $129)
• Kathemoi V-cut Heeled Ankle Boots, $45 (originally $50) 
• Madewell The Dimes Kitten-Heel Boots, $198
• Dansko Baylor Slingback Heeled Clogs, $140
• Coutgo Chunky Block Low-heel Pumps, $59
• Marc Fisher Genessa 2 Pointed-toe Over-the-knee Boots, $100 (originally $239)  
• Shibever Heeled Ankle Boots, $45
• Bueno Rita Block Heel Pumps, $165

Trend: Mary Janes

Mary Jane shoes are the timeless shoes for comfort — their low heels, closed toes, and strap buckles that have remained trendy for generations. We are seeing these staple shoes making a comeback with a twist, through chunky heels, platforms, embellishments, and bold colors like Madewell’s Nettie Heeled Mary Janes and Vince Camuto’s Vinleys. If you’re more into nostalgic and classic style, we recommend Cole Haan’s Paxton Pumps or The Farah from Melissa for that retro charm you know and love.

• Madewell The Nettie Heeled Mary Janes, $148 
• DV by Dolce Vita Tyla Slingback Mary Jane Flats, $40 (originally $60) 
• Dr. Martens 8065 Mary Janes, $130 (originally $140)
• Coach Angelina Mary Janes, $195
• Trary Mary Jane Shoes, $36
• Vince Camuto Vinley Mary Jane Shoes, $80 (originally $99) 
• Cole Haan Paxton Mary Jane Pumps, $160
• Söfft Laura Mary Jane Pumps, $120
• Melissa Farah Platform Mary Janes, $109
• Nordstrom Mary Jane Flats, $60 (originally $90) 

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