As we transition from summer to fall, it’s once again time to pick out new and trendy boots, sneakers, and casual shoes. Fashion trends change even faster than the seasons, so we’ve done the work of curating this season’s best styles for you.
This year, we’re loving
- Grungy, lived-in boots
- Fuzzy footwear
- Pointed heels
- Platform soles
- Open-ankle styles
Check out our top picks for each of these trends below, plus enjoy some bonus tips for styling. All shoes can be found in-store or online at stansshoes.com!
Worn-in Boots Trend
Worn leather, slight discoloration, looser fit—these all used to be signs of a worn-out pair of boots, but now it’s the sign that a style should be in your regular rotation.
Clarks Rebelle Up
This mid-calf biker-style boot is made with premium leather and crafted buckle detailing. A chunky outsole paired with a squared heel and toe create an ultra-modern look, while a Contour Cushion footbed provides lasting comfort. These boots may look casual, but you’ll be sure to get a ton of compliments!
Available for women in Black or Walnut in store and online.
Taos Crave
These boots are well-named! As soon as you slip on this boot to feel its luxurious faux fur and leather lining, plus take your first steps with its dual density footbed with arch and metatarsal support, you’ll want to put these on again and again. A full-grain leather upper and full-length lace-up provide a lived-in look while still being the ultimate in quality craftsmanship.
Available for women in Classic Black and Caramel in store and online.
How to Style Mid-Calf Boots
Mid-calf boots call for three-quarter length dresses to meet each other halfway. Just an inch or two of leg between the top of the boot and the bottom of the hemline creates a chic, put-together look that’s appropriate for fall weather without leaving you chilly. Bonus points if you layer the dress with a turtleneck underneath or an oversize blazer on top!
Fuzzy Footwear and Furry Styles
Out-there is now on-trend. Fuzzy footwear is more than cozy; it’s a way to catch eyes and make a statement with any outfit.
Ugg New Heights Cozy Clog
A white fur lining is the perfect complement to a silky-soft chestnut suede upper in one of our favorite UGG styles of the season. A foam footbed and EVA outsole provide lightweight comfort, but the best part? You can knock out two trends at once due to its 2” lug sole!
Available for women in Chestnut in store and online.
Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clog
Birkenstock clogs had a huge moment in the spotlight last fall, and it looks like they’re here to stay. In this comfortable clog, enjoy a soft shearling lining on top of Birkenstock’s signature anatomically formed cork and latex footbed.
Available for women in Mink, Stone Coin, and Mocha in store and online.
How to Style Fuzzy Footwear
Commit to the look with sherpa and teddy-bear overcoats and sweaters! Pair with slim-fit jeans or leggings to create contrast with the more voluminous parts of the outfit.
Pointed Heels Trend
Rather than a straight stiletto, the new heel style starts wide and narrows as it goes down. Many come with pointed toes as well to create a fun geometric look.
Ara Orly/Ophelia Pump
Subtle and classic, this pump is perfect for the office and any formal night out. An elasticized topline creates a better fit while adding delightful detailing to the upper. Its 2” stacked block heel is stable but chic, and comfort is further increased by foam padded leather insoles and a flexible synthetic sole.
Available for women in Blue Nappa Leather in store and online.
L’Artiste Adelvice-Fleur
L’Artiste is always a winner when you want to grab attention, and this unique heel made with natural tanned leather and painted by hand is truly a statement piece. A lace-up closure adds extra customizability.
Available for women in Grey Multi in store and online.
How to Style Pointed Heels
Achieve a sleek and elegant look by wearing well-tailored clothing (think pants cut off right above the ankle, cinched-waist dresses, etc) in neutral colors. Whether you pair with neutral or colored heels, you’ll be sure to stand out!
Lug Soles Trend
When you want the height of heels with the stability of flats, a thick sole is the way to go! Lug soles perfectly bridge the gap between sneakers and heels when it comes to both style and comfort.
Vionic Cheryl II Loafer
The classic loafer is elevated (literally) with a .75” platform and 1.37” heel. It preserves everything to love about the loafer style with its upper welt-stitch details and penny loafer saddle strap, but this extra height combined with Vionic’s biometrically engineered support makes it even a step above.
Available for women in Navy Blazer, Dark Khaki, and Black in store and online.
Hassia Pisa Loafers
One of Hassia’s most popular styles, these loafers are stylish and made with first-class materials. The sole is slip-resistant while the shoe itself molds to your feet with elastic, a narrow heel, and a soft leather lining.
Available for women in Schwarz Patent and Dark Grey/Schwarz in store and online.
How to Style Lug Sole Loafers
Wide-leg pants lovers, this one’s for you. Lug soles create a solid base for any outfit so that boot-cut, straight-leg, or wide-leg jeans don’t overwhelm the shoes. The same goes for flowy, floor-length skirts and dresses. Go for something tighter on top to balance out the look.
Open-Ankle Styles
Cool weather doesn’t mean the ankles have to hide behind boots! Show them off for longer this year with open-ankle heels and flats.
Pikolinos Granada
Pikolinos never disappoints when it comes to rich colors and designs, and the Granada is no exception. This mule is more than gorgeous, though; its memory foam insole has arch support technology for extra cushioned support and heel comfort, and it’s removable if you want to add specialized inserts of your own.
Available for women in Brandy and Black in store and online.
Dansko Berry Mule
Love the open-ankle mule style but worried about the shoe not staying on? Dankso’s Berry mule includes an adjustable swivel strap that goes around the ankle if you want extra security. Plus, it features an odor-controlling lining, stain-resistant upper, and lightweight EVA and memory foam footbed.
Available for women in Mushroom and Black in store and online.
How to Style Open-Ankle Shoes
This one’s easy – anything that shows off your shoes above the ankle! Short to mid-length skirts, pants that cut off above the ankle, etc are all great options.
Women’s Dansko Berry Mule
Shop Fall Shoes and Boots Near You
The season is just starting, so Stan’s is fully stocked with more on the way! Check back regularly in store and online to find the perfect pair of shoes and boots for this fall.
Since its inception in 1950, Midwest Shoe Merchants has reliably sourced stylish and comfortable footwear for the greater Milwaukee area. Today, under the stewardship of its third-generation family owners, Midwest Shoe Merchants is recognized as one of the nation’s top independent shoe retailers. With 7 Midwest brick-and-mortar locations under 4 distinct retail brands – Stan’s Shoes, Goodmiles Running Company, The Vionic Store Milwaukee, and Waxberg’s Walk Shoppe in Niles, IL, and a thriving, national e-commerce business, Midwest Shoe Merchants proudly serves a diverse clientele from all walks of life.
For more information, please visit www.stansshoes.com or email [email protected]