There is some fun to be had with autumn/winter footwear. While summer shoes demand skin and a fresh pedicure, transitional weather offers the best of both worlds. Nobody, will look at you twice for wearing a boot on a cold morning or keeping it breezy in a mule by the afternoon.
This season, designers are giving us plenty of reasons to pay attention to what we put on our feet. From kitten heels that are still very much alive and well to loafers getting a makeover, the autumn/winter 2026 collections have something for every kind of shoe person. There are slouchy boots for those who like to stay warm, practical flats for the daily commute and patterned styles for anyone who loves fancy feet.
Of course, there’s no need to pledge allegiance to just one camp. You might live in loafers Monday to Friday before reaching for a pair of pointed pumps on Saturday night, or wear statement flats with your usual jeans. Whether you're looking for a new everyday staple or something to make your existing wardrobe feel fresh, consider this your guide to the season's best shoe trends. Pick your tribe, or mix and match as you please.
Flats & Loafers
The Off Duty Icon
Flat shoes and classic loafers have officially conquered the A-lister wardrobe, championed by everyone from Kate Middleton to Katie Holmes. Tailored yet still wearable, they are the undisputed hero for your 9 to 5 and beyond. Standouts on the autumn/winter '26 runways include Gucci’s opulent fur-lined Horsebit loafers and Miu Miu’s playful array of burgundy mules that commanded the catwalk. To wear your flats, anchor oversized tailoring or straight-leg trousers with soft loafers. For a casual weekend twist, pair plush or fur-trimmed flats with cuffed jeans and a thick slouchy knit.
Heels & Pumps
The Refined Stride
While only a dedicated few have fully migrated back into sky-high heels camp, the fashion world has found its perfect middle ground. Traditional pumps of the past are taking a backseat to cone heels and the ever-enduring kitten heel - which remains very much alive and well. Designers have reinvented the frumpy shoe of the past. Adding pointed toes and interesting hardware, usually reserved for sky high stilettos. Pair yours with a shirt and ankle-skimming trousers, or to steal the Prada runway look, layer them over cashmere socks with a pleated midi skirt.
Boots & Booties
The Cold-Weather Hero
Naturally, as temperatures dip, it's instinct to grab a boot. This season is defined by textures - expect to tap heavily into suedes and supple, broken-in leathers. Brown is the undisputed colour palette for this choice of shoe. Take a cue from Chloé’s autumn/winter '26 collection, where slouchy leather boots stole the show. How to style it? Let the boots peek out from under a sweeping trench coat and skirt. Tucking relaxed trousers into knee-high boots also works too.
Textures & Prints
The Statement Makers
We are certainly not shying away from statement shoes this autumn. From two-tone leathers and bold animal prints to studs, texture is taking centre stage. Case in point: Zimmermann’s autumn/winter '26 collection featured embellished flats - a trend already dominating the street style circuit. The golden rule for statement footwear? Let the shoes do the heavy lifting. Keep the rest of your look pared-back so all eyes stay on your feet. Try styling a personality shoe with indigo denim - a wash made for autumn - allowing just a flash of the shoe to peek out from beneath the hem.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.
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