7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’ll Be Wearing Instead

7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’ll Be Wearing Instead

      Footwear trends for the autumn/winter 2025 collections are presenting a fresh vibe—shifting from years dominated by chunky, hefty soles to a more elegant, streamlined look. There’s a noticeable decline in the popularity of lug sole boots, bulky trainers, and platforms that require significant ankle strength—styles that gained traction during our return post-pandemic—and a growing preference for more sophisticated, simpler shoes. For my autumn wishlist, I’m particularly keen on a pair of soft lace-up Derby shoes that resemble jazz shoes rather than ballet flats, as well as a pair of versatile black leather knee-high boots that can complement any outfit. The color palette is equally sophisticated, featuring trendy shoes in rich chocolate brown hues.

      Whether you choose suede retro runners, fitted glove boots, or pointed mules, the trending shoes this autumn are designed to seamlessly integrate into your daily wardrobe while allowing your outfits to take center stage. They are meant to serve as a versatile foundation for your ensembles, making them a wise and enduring investment. If you're considering new boots, flats, or trainers for the upcoming months, check out our guide below featuring the shoes our editors believe are worth your investment, along with those they are putting aside for the winter season. Instead of flashy styles, opt for beautifully crafted, easy-to-wear shoes.

      **5 Shoe Trends Our Editors Aren't Wearing This Autumn and 5 They Are:**

      1. **Retiring:** Chunky, Lug-Sole Boots

       **Buying:** Sleek, Fitted Glove Boots

       Style Notes: The lug-sole trend is finally declining after years of popular chunky stomping boots. Whether you own the originals by Bottega Veneta or a version from Zara, keep these for leisurely outings and consider a more refined pair of glove boots for everyday wear. This trend has been showcased on the runways of Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Toteme, making it a sophisticated base for all autumn outfits.

       Shop the Look:

       - THE ROW Uxor Suede Ankle Boots

       - SAINT LAURENT Francoise Leather Knee Boots

       - ACNE STUDIOS Leather Knee Boots

       - Reformation Belinda Knee High Boot

       - ARKET Wedge Ankle Boots In Black

      2. **Retiring:** Mesh Mary Janes and Other Fancy Flats

       **Buying:** Derby and Oxford Shoes

       Style Notes: Autumn 2025 brings a shift from embellished flats like mesh Mary-Janes and crystal-decorated ballet pumps to sensible, academically-inspired flats, including loafers, lace-up Derby shoes, and sturdy Oxfords. We particularly favor Derbies that have a soft, jazz shoe-inspired quality, as seen in Michael Rider’s debut collection for Celine in spring/summer 2025.

       Shop the Look:

       - CHURCH'S Nelly Glossed-Leather Derby Shoes

       - LEMAIRE Souris Leather Brogues

       - CHURCH'S Shannon Wr Leather Derby Shoes

       - Repetto Zizi Oxford Shoes

      3. **Retiring:** Chunky Trainers

       **Buying:** Streamlined Runners

       Style Notes: The focus is shifting to sleeker, more aerodynamic sneaker silhouettes with retro elements like vibrant color schemes, suede finishes, and nostalgic design cues. Dries Van Noten is at the forefront of this trend, with the buzz around its sneakers continuing to build. Unlike chunky soles, these offer more styling versatility, pairing well with both work wear and workout attire.

       Shop the Look:

       - DRIES VAN NOTEN Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers

       - ADIDAS ORIGINALS + Y-3 Suede Sneakers

       - ARKET Adidas Tokyo Trainers – Off White/blue/red

       - COS Minimal Leather Trainers

       - & Other Stories Suede-Detail Trainers

      4. **Retiring:** Impractical Heeled Boots

       **Buying:** Flat Knee-Highs

       Style Notes: A major boot trend this season is the emergence of uncomplicated flat knee-high boots. These styles allow for increased mobility and look chic paired with tailored pleated skirts and shorter silhouettes. Opting for sleek black glossy leather is an assured choice.

       Shop the Look:

       - COS Leather Knee-High Boots

       - STAUD Wally Leather Knee Boots

       - TOD'S Gomma Embellished Leather Knee Boots

       - Massimo Dutti Leather Riding Boots

       - AEYDE Henry Leather Knee Boots

      5. **Retiring:** Sheepskin Boots

       **Buying:** Boho Slouchy Boots

       Style Notes: For a relaxed boho vibe, set aside sheepskin-lined boots for cozy nights in and instead embrace the resurgence of slouchy boots from the Noughties. Referred to as "buccaneer boots" in our autumn/winter trend report, these feature an abundance of fabric that elegantly drapes over

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7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’ll Be Wearing Instead

From vintage sneakers to glove-like boots, these are the footwear pieces that merit investment, while the "outdated" styles our editors are choosing to set aside.