As Milan Fashion Week kicks off for the third leg of fashion month, a number of new shoe trends [1] are already started taking shape on the runways in New York [2] and London [3]. We've already given you a preview of new fashion trends from asymmetrical sleeves to shearling coats and so-pretty jewel tones — not to mention some seriously unforgettable runway looks [4] on the likes of Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Kaia Gerber — but in the shoe department, things are going in two clear directions: gritty, '90s grunge and ladylike styles with a vintage twist. We love us some good trend dichotomy.
From the return of the over-the-knee boot to vintage-inspired heels and chunky soles á la the early aughts, here, the biggest shoe trends from the Autumn 2020 runways [5] so far. Stay tuned as we continue to bring you more runways highlights from the Milan and Paris collections.
- Autumn Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots [6]
- Autumn Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots [7]
- Autumn Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels [8]
- Autumn Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots
Making a triumphant return, over-the-knee boots were all over designer runways in New York in London. While some skew simple in leather and suede as we saw at Oscar de la Renta and Tory Burch, bold and bright versions also popped up at Proenza Schouler and Victoria Beckham [10] with a second-skin-like fit, to boot.
A boot from the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots
Boots from the Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots
Boots from the Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots
Boots from the Rag & Bone Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-The-Knee Boots
Boots from the Victoria Beckham [11] Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Another It boot for 2020? Riding boots! Witnessed at Brock Collection, Brandon Maxwell, and Michael Kors Collection, among others. With some seriously chic equestrian vibes pervading these designer collections, new-season styling is all about pairing these boots unexpectedly with feminine pieces like brocade skirts and metallic dresses.
A boot from the Brock Collection Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Michael Kors Collection Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
A boot from the Coach 1941 Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
A boot from the Brandon Maxwell Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Rejina Pyo Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Though designers took inspiration from many decades, a common thread between them was vintage-inspired heels. From Victorian-inspired satin pumps at Self-Portrait to '60's-style Mary Janes at Marc Jacobs, this look consists of lower heels, high-cut vamps, and detailing like bows, buckles, and rhinestones.
A heel from the Self-Portrait Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Heels from the Rodarte Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Heels from the Khaite Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
A heel from the Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
A heel from the Petar Petrov Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
Another '90s and early aughts trend that pervaded designer runways? Thick and chunky soles as an offset to more feminine pieces, ranging from Oxford's to combat boots and over-the-knee stompers.
Shoes from the Jonathan Cohen Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A boot from the Gabriela Hearst Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
Shoes from the Molly Goddard Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
Shoes from the Monse Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
Boots from the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
Making a triumphant return, over-the-knee boots were all over designer runways, from New York to Paris. While some skewed more simple and were made with leather and suede — as we saw at Celine and Givenchy — bold, bright versions and high-impact patent leather popped up at Proenza Schouler, Victoria Beckham [12], Saint Laurent, Balmain, and more. The common thread between all? A second-skin-like fit.
From left: Tory Burch Fall 2020, Proenza Schouler Fall 2020, Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
Boots from the Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
A boot from the Celine Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
Boots from the Tory Burch Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
A boot from the Isabel Marant Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
A boot from the Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
A boot from the Balmain Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Over-the-Knee Boots
Boots from the Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
The '90s and early aughts continue to pervade designer runways, and for Fall/Winter 2020 that means thick and chunky soles to offset more feminine pieces. Ranging from Oxfords to combat boots and lug-sole stompers, this shoe trend is perfect when you want to add a bit of grit to your look.
From left: Rochas Fall 2020, Jonathan Cohen Fall 2020, MSGM Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A shoe from the MSGM Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A boot from the Rochas Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A shoe from the Chloe Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A shoe from the Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A boot from the Giambattista Valli Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A boot from the Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A shoe from the Hermès Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: '90s-Style Stompers
A boot from the Nina Ricci Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
Opposite of gritty lug-soles and punk-inspired boots, designers considered a more whimsical aesthetic when it comes to heels. Whether in the form of glitzy rhinestone embellishments like we saw at JW Anderson and Versace, pearl adornments as witnessed at Giambattista Valli and Y/Project, feather detailing which we spotted at Altuzarra and Prada, or lingerie-inspired design a la Fendi, these fancy and feminine heels feel as fresh with eveningwear as they do with a t-shirt and jeans.
From left: Giambattista Valli Fall 2020, JW Anderson Fall 2020, Fendi Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
Heels from the Giambattista Valli Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the JW Anderson Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the Fendi Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the Prada Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the Versace Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
Heels from the Alberta Ferretti Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
A heel from the Altuzarra Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
Heels from the Prabal Gurung Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Fancy and Feminine Heels
Heels from the Y/Project Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Perhaps the most joyful shoe trend of the Fall/Winter 2020 season, colourful boots make a major mark on designer runways. We're not just talking about earthy shades and in-season jewel tones — think ultrabright shades, from yellow to orange and green, from leather to suede, snake print to satin.
From left: Carolina Herrera Fall 2020, Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020, Dries Van Noten Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Alberta Ferretti Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Roksanda Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
A boot from the Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Lanvin Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Sportmax Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Colourful Boots
Boots from the Jason Wu Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
Keeping with the theme of nostalgia, sneakers are going in a decidedly retro direction for Fall/Winter 2020. From slim runners to colorblocked court shoes and perforated designs, this look is accentuated by throwback styling. Think slouchy trousers, scrunched tube socks, and '80s powersuiting.
From left: Coach 1941 Fall 2020, Louis Vuitton Fall 2020, Loewe Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
Sneakers from the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A sneaker from the Coach 1941 Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A sneaker from the Marni Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A sneaker from the Each x Other 1941 Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
Sneakers from the Loewe Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A sneaker from the Rag & Bone Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A sneaker from the Gauchere Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Retro Sneakers
A Nike sneaker from the Sacai Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
A chain reaction of sorts, designers from Ulla Johnson to Gucci and Sacai decked out boots, flats, and heels with heavy-metal links — no doubt a response to the buzz circulating Bottega Veneta's chain-adorned heels. The trend is much more wearable than you'd think — it's perfect for dressing up minimal or basic pieces.
From left: Ulla Johnson Fall 2020, N°21 Fall 2020, Sacai Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Boots from the Ulla Johnson Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
A heel from the N°21 Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Boots from the Sacai Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
A heel from the Gucci Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Heels from the Off-White Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Flats from the Simone Rocha Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Heels from the Adeam Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Chain Accents
Sandals from the Rag & Bone Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Another It boot for 2020? Riding boots! Witnessed at Brock Collection, Dior, Valentino, and Michael Kors Collection, among others. With some seriously chic equestrian vibes pervading the Fall/Winter 2020 collections, new-season styling is all about pairing these boots unexpectedly with feminine pieces like brocade skirts and metallic dresses.
From left: Brock Collection Fall 2020, Michael Kors Collection Fall 2020, Dior Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
A boot from the Dior Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Valentino Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Chanel Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Salvatore Ferragamo Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Riding Boots
Boots from the Etro Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Though designers took inspiration from many decades, a common thread between them was vintage-inspired heels. From Victorian-inspired satin pumps at Self-Portrait to '60s-style Mary Janes at Marc Jacobs and '80s-inspired colorblocking at Saint Laurent, this look consists of lower heels, high-cut vamps, and detailing like bows, buckles, ruffles, and rhinestones.
From left: Missoni Fall 2020, Saint Laurent Fall 2020, Self-Portrait Fall 2020
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
A heel from the Dior Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Heels from the Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
A heel from the Missoni Fall/Winter 2020 runway.
Fall Shoe Trends 2020: Vintage-Inspired Heels
Heels from the Marine Serre Fall/Winter 2020 runway.