9 Shoe Trends That Are In and Out for Fall

We all have that go-to pair of shoes we rely on to get us through, well, life. For fall, that might be black ankle boots or heeled mules. While you should never give up what you feel comfortable in, why not freshen up your shoe rotation this season? To help you zero in on the hottest footwear trends, we tapped some of the biggest experts in the industry—including the fashion director at Shopbop and the Creative Director at Via Spiga—to spill on what to store and what to wear this fall. Go on and take one big step forward toward perfect style.

Store: Black Heels; Wear: Leopard-Print Heels: Animal prints have basically become a perennial trend at this point, but leopard-print footwear is particularly having a moment right now. As Shopbop Fashion Director Caroline Maguire told us, “I’m ditching anything all- black this season. It’s time to embrace bold colors and animal prints!” Brit + Co Pick: Loeffler Randall Juno Heeled Mules ($395)

Store: Stretchy OTK Boots; Wear: Ruched Boots: Get ready, the '80s look is in full swing. “The idea of a pull-on ruched boot feels right for fall to wear over jeans and narrow trousers,” said Carla de Freitas, creative director of Via Spiga. We’d also suggest trying this on-trend style with a mid-length skirt for a fresh office look. Brit + Co Pick: Via Spiga Naren Boots ($395)

Store: Ballet Flats; Wear: Flat Mules: While ballet flats will never go out of style, don't be afraid to put them aside in exchange for a stylish pair of flat mules. “Mules continue to be a prevalent footwear trend because of the simplicity and ease of them,” said Carly Burnett, owner and creative director of TKEES. “You slide in and go, and look instantly elevated.” Brit + Co Pick: TKEES Ines Mules ($150)

Store: Ankle Boots; Wear: Western Boots: Mark our words: This is the trend you’ll see on every fashion girl this season. "My favorite shoe trend for fall is a modernized western boot,” said Maguire. “I am loving all the various heights we’re seeing them come in, from ankle to knee height." Brit + Co Pick: Tibi Felix Boots ($795)

Store: White Sneakers; Wear: Clunky Trainers: Whether you hate or love the trend, dad sneakers continue to be all the rage. While in no way should you get rid of your favorite white leather kicks all together, try subbing in eye-catching clunksters to embody the street style elite. Brit + Co Pick: Topshop Ciara Chunky Trainers ($65)

Store: Sky-High Heels; Wear: Mid-Heel Pumps: “I love all the mid-heel sandals and pumps out there this fall,” de Freitas told us. Seriously, same. Plus, they’re way more comfortable than the 5.5-inch silhouettes that were popular in past seasons. Brit + Co Pick: Via Spiga Elisha Pumps ($295)

Store: Black Strappy Heels; Wear: Embellished Sandals: If it’s slightly warmer outside and you want to go for a pair of sandals, put your black mainstays aside in favor of an embellished style. But don’t worry, you can wear these when the temps start to dip as well. As many of our fashion friends say, sandals with a festive pair of socks is incredibly trend-forward right now, especially paired with a frilly skirt. Brit + Co Pick: Charles & Keith Embellished Block Heel Sandals ($79)

Store: Canvas Sneakers; Wear: Sock Sneakers: Aside from dad sneakers, sock sneakers are another major fall trend that fashion people are standing behind in a major way. Try this fashionable pick with cropped jeans to showcase the unique sock-like detail. Brit + Co Pick: Zara Fabric High-Tops ($60)

Store: Wedge Booties; Wear: Unique Stiletto Booties: The fashion elite (including Maguire and de Freitas) love wearing statement-making stiletto booties. So this season, give your wedge boots a break and try one of these eye-catching silhouettes to complete your perfect fall look. Brit + Co Pick: Mango Snake-Effect Ankle Boots ($80)