7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’re Embracing Instead

7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’re Embracing Instead

      Footwear trends for the autumn/winter 2025 collections have introduced a fresh vibe—after years dominated by chunky, thick soles, the trend is shifting towards a sleeker and more streamlined look. There's a noticeable departure from lug sole boots, heavy trainers, and platform shoes that require significant ankle strength for wear—styles that became popular as we returned to normalcy post-pandemic—and a tendency towards more elegant and, in many cases, simpler footwear. On my personal wishlist for autumn is a pair of soft lace-up Derby shoes that lean more towards a jazz shoe than a ballet flat, alongside a pair of uncomplicated black leather knee-high boots that will match everything. The color palette is equally sophisticated, with all the trending shoe styles for autumn presented in luxurious chocolate brown tones. Whether you choose suede retro runners, fitted glove boots, or pointed mules, this season's shoes are designed not to overshadow your outfits but to harmonize beautifully with them, fitting seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe and serving as a practical and lasting investment. If you're looking to invest in new boots, flats, or trainers for the upcoming months, refer to our guide below for the shoes our editors recommend investing in as well as those they suggest setting aside for winter. Move away from flamboyant pieces and instead opt for beautifully crafted, versatile shoes.

      5 Shoe Trends Our Editors Are Retiring This Autumn and 5 They Are Buying

      1. Retiring: Chunky, Lug-Sole Boots

       Buying: Sleek, Fitted Glove Boots

      Style Notes: The popularity of lug-sole boots is finally dwindling after years of wearing chunky stomping styles. If you've purchased the original Bottega Veneta versions or a similar style from Zara, reserve these for casual jaunts around the park or country weekends, and consider acquiring a more refined pair of fitted glove boots for daily wear. This trend has been spotlighted on the runways by designers like Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Toteme and will provide an elegant base for all your autumn outfits.

      2. Retiring: Mesh Mary Janes and Other Flashy Flats

       Buying: Derby and Oxford Shoes

      Style Notes: Instead of shiny flats like mesh Mary Janes or crystal-embellished ballet pumps, autumn 2025 will see a surge in sensible, classic flats, including loafers, lace-up Derby shoes, and sturdy Oxfords. We are particularly fond of Derby shoes that have a soft jazz shoe-style appeal, as highlighted in Michael Rider's debut collection for Celine for spring/summer 2025.

      3. Retiring: Chunky Trainers

       Buying: Streamlined Runners

      Style Notes: The trend in trainers is shifting towards sleeker silhouettes with retro design elements, such as racer red hues, suede textures, and nostalgic runner details. Dries Van Noten is at the forefront of this trend, with increasing demand for its sneakers. Unlike chunky soles, these updated styles offer greater versatility, pairing well with both office attire and sportswear.

      4. Retiring: Impractical Heeled Boots

       Buying: Flat Knee-Highs

      Style Notes: A notable trend that has emerged this fashion month is the rise of flat knee-high boots that are uncomplicated and functional. Rather than opting for high-heeled alternatives, these stylish options allow for ease of movement—especially appealing when worn with scholarly pleated skirts or mini lengths. Black glossy leather is a reliable choice.

      5. Retiring: Sheepskin Boots

       Buying: Boho Slouchy Boots

      Style Notes: For a bohemian vibe, it's best to reserve sheepskin-lined boots for cozy nights indoors and instead embrace the slouchy boot revival of the Noughties. Often referred to as “buccaneer boots,” these styles feature an abundance of fabric that drapes over the leg. You could go for a full pirate look with embellishments (Vivienne Westwood's buckled pirate boots are trending again) or a sleeker equestrian style as seen at Ralph Lauren. Suede adds that Noughties boho flair, and no one does this better than Isabel Marant.

      Buying: Chocolate Brown

      Style Notes: If you've seen our seasonal trend report, you'll know that for 2025, rich mocha, chocolate, and deep mahogany tones are in vogue. This trend applies not only to leather jackets and knitwear but also to every piece in your wardrobe, including your footwear. It provides a sophisticated alternative to black, infusing depth and richness into any outfit—a much cooler approach to event dressing compared to shiny, mirrored shoes.

      7. Retiring: Platforms

       Buying: Pointed Pumps

      Style Notes: In 2022, Versace reignited the platform craze with bold, colorful heels, signaling a return to festive dressing after lockdowns. For 2025, however, we are dialing it back a notch with barely-there kitten heels and pointed-toe

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7 Pairs of Shoes Our Fashion Editors Are Saying Goodbye to This Autumn and 7 They’re Embracing Instead

From vintage sneakers to glove-style boots, these are the footwear options that are worth your investment, along with the "outdated" designs our editors are choosing to set aside for now.