In another month or so, we’ll be tucking away our cute summer sandals and slipping into chic fall shoes and booties. With the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in full swing, I always like to get a head start on my fall footwear. After all, who doesn’t love scoring some of the season’s best shoe brands at sale prices?

Last weekend, I popped into Nordstrom to see if the shoes that caught my eye online were just as good in person—and they absolutely were. In fact, I was a little overwhelmed. Unlike the clothing department, where many of the best pieces were already picked over, the shoe department was packed with fabulous styles. I felt like a kid in a candy store. How was I ever going to choose?

Then it hit me. Maybe fall shoe shopping should be like speed dating. Grab a few pairs that immediately catch your eye, spend a couple of minutes with each one, try them on… and then boom—decide! No overthinking. Just trust your gut.

And you know what? It worked.

I walked out of Nordstrom with five pairs of shoes and one pair of boots that I absolutely love—and know I’ll wear on repeat this fall and winter. I pretty much have all the shoes I need now (call me a shoe-aholic, but I’m still open to a pair of dressy booties- lol), and I saved a bundle thanks to the sale (over $230).

So, if you’re wondering which styles made the cut, here’s a look at what I bought, why I chose each pair, and how I plan to style them this fall and winter.

ROTHY’S –  The Doublebit Driver

The first shoe that caught my eye was this Rothy’s Driver shoe. I was initially drawn to the black herringbone, but my gut told me it felt a little too busy. In the end, I chose the black leopard print because it’s a little more understated while still adding some personality.

Two things sold me on these shoes. First, I wear a lot of solid colors, so the subtle animal print is an easy way to add a little interest to a casual outfit without feeling too bold.

Second—and this was the surprise—these Doublebit Drivers are unbelievably comfortable. I had no idea until I slipped them on. They are made from recycled plastic bottles and are so flexible that they move with your feet. They honestly feel more like a slipper than regular footwear. I can already tell these are going to be one of my most-worn shoes this fall.

NSale Price: $129.99
Regular Price: $199.00

VERONICA BEARD – Rami Slingback Pump

I love just about anything Veronica Beard, especially their shoes and handbags. They have a way of taking classic styles and giving them a modern twist, and these suede slingbacks are a perfect example. I fell for the rich brown suede, which pairs beautifully with all those warm, earthy fall shades, and I loved the feminine silhouette and elegant button detail.

They were even better once I slipped them on. I’m usually an 8, and I found they fit true to size. The heel is slim and elegant without being too high, so they’re surprisingly easy to walk in. Best of all, they’re incredibly versatile. They’ll look just as chic with a dress for dinner as they will with jeans and a blazer, instantly making any outfit feel more polished.

These Rami Slingback pumps were definitely my splurge purchase of the day, but at the Anniversary Sale price, I felt they were absolutely worth it.

NSale Price: $259.99
Regular Price: $395.00

STEVE MADDEN- Define Block Heel Bootie

Brown has definitely replaced black as the “it” color for boots this fall, and I’m all for it. There’s something about a rich chocolate suede boot that feels so luxurious and expensive-looking.

I was immediately drawn to this chic suede pair from Steve Madden. They have a casual, easy-to-wear vibe with a comfortable low heel, and I love the almond-shaped toe and the subtle stitching detail across the front. They’re a pull-on style with no zipper, making them easy to slip on and off, and I think they’ll be perfect for days when I’m doing a lot of walking.

They also have just a hint of Western influence without screaming cowboy, which makes them feel current while still being timeless.

NSale Price: $119.00
Regular Price: $179.00

SOFFT – Marcella Slingback Pointed Toe Flats

I never planned to buy a pair of green suede shoes, but I decided it was about time I added a little color to my shoe wardrobe, and these seemed perfect. They’re a deep, rich green that works beautifully with all the warm fall shades while adding interest to an outfit without stealing the show.

I also love this flat slingback style. They remind me of a navy pair I wore to death this spring, and I can already picture these with my favorite slim and straight-leg ankle jeans.

These slingback flats are from Sofft, a brand I’d heard of but had never tried. The minute I slipped them on, I was hooked. They have an incredibly cushioned footbed with a thick, soft pad under the ball of your foot that makes them unbelievably comfortable. I’m not kidding—you really have to try these on if comfort is high on your priority list.

It’s so refreshing to find a comfort shoe that doesn’t look like a comfort shoe.

NSale Price: $79.99
Regular Price: $119.95

STEVE MADDEN – Brax Pointed Toe Boot

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous tall boot when fall rolls around? This wide shaft pair from Steve Madden immediately caught my eye. They have so much personality. I loved the elegant pointed toe, the flattering shape, and the soft ruching, which gives them a modern, sophisticated feel.

These boots were so close to coming home with me. The only reason I left them behind is that I bought two pairs of tall brown boots last year and simply couldn’t justify another pair. I stood there talking myself into them… and then firmly talked myself back out of them!

If I didn’t already have a great pair of tall brown boots, these would absolutely have been my pick.

NSale Price: $179.99
Regular Price: $269.00

TORY BURCH – Kira Travel Loafer

I think the only shoe giving sneakers a run for their money this fall is the loafer. I’d already decided to buy the Rothy’s leopard-print loafers when I remembered these Tory Burch loafers I wanted to try. They’d been selling like hotcakes online, and once I saw them in person, I understood why.

What I love most about these loafers is how refined they are. A lot of loafers can feel chunky or a little too masculine for my taste, but these have a sleek, elegant silhouette that feels much more feminine.

They’re also incredibly comfortable. The elasticized heel makes them flexible, easy to slip on, and wonderfully forgiving as you walk. It also means they’ll pack beautifully for travel without losing their shape. And, of course, they’re Tory Burch—a brand that’s always a class act.

NSale Price: $179.99
Regular Price: $300.00

TORY BURCH – Chelsea Boot

While we’re talking Tory Burch, I wanted to show you their take on the classic Chelsea boot. I thought these were a beautiful, refined version for anyone who wants a practical everyday boot that still looks polished.

Unfortunately, they just weren’t the right fit for me. I have a bone that sticks up on the top of one of my foot, and the boot rubbed right on that spot, so I reluctantly had to pass.

That said, I still think they’re worth a look if you’re after a sleek suede Chelsea boot and you’re tired of all the chunky platform styles. They have a much more elegant profile, which makes them easy to dress up or down.

NSale Price: $279.99
Regular Price: $475.00

NORDSTROM – Lana Pointed Toe Slingback Pump  

These were impossible to resist! The glossy patent finish and chic animal print immediately caught my eye. They have just the right amount of shine to make an outfit feel special while the subtle print adds a touch of personality.

I think they’re a fabulous way to elevate even a simple pair of jeans, but they’d look just as chic with black pants or a little black dress. They’re one of those shoes that instantly make an outfit feel more polished and pulled together.

And the best part? They were only $59.99! These are my fun-but-elegant fall shoes, and I know I’ll be reaching for them whenever I want to add a little glamour to an everyday outfit.

NSale Price: $59.99
Regular Price: $89.98

VINCE  – Hailey Bootie

Vince always impresses me with its shoes and boots, so it’s no surprise these gold suede booties made me stop in my tracks as I wandered into the shoe department. They have such a cool, modern vibe, and I was especially drawn to the slim black heel—it gives them an unexpected edge.

I was very tempted to bring them home, but then I remembered I’d bought a similar pair with a kitten heel at last year’s Anniversary Sale and hardly wore them. In fact, I barely wore booties at all last fall—I found myself reaching for shoes instead.

As much as I loved these, I knew I already had something similar that would work just as well with my fall wardrobe. Sometimes the smartest purchase is the one you don’t make!

NSale Price: $299.99
Regular Price: $450.00

Shoes and Boots I considered but didn’t try on.

Top left: SAM EDELMAN – Wren Buckle Knee Boot for modern cowgirls.

Top Right: SAM EDELMAN – Alie Suede Ballet Flats – classic with an updated square toe.

Bottom left: COLE HAAN – Tyldie Kitten Heel Bootie  – Elegant in this year’s top color.

Bottom right: STEVE MADDEN -Brax Pointed Toe Boot Zebra – Loved these. Fun boots, but a bit too wild for my style.

All my beautiful shoes!

Lots More to See!

There were so many gorgeous shoes, boots, and booties at the sale that I had to stay focused or I could have come home with twice as many!

I’m really happy with the shoes I chose. For reference, I’m a size 8, and every pair I bought fit true to size.

If one of these styles catches your eye, don’t wait too long. Many are still available, and Nordstrom does restock throughout the sale, but the most popular sizes and colors tend to disappear quickly.

I always think it’s worth picking up a great pair of fall shoes at Anniversary Sale prices. When September rolls around, you’ll be able to slip them on with your favorite jeans, dresses, and sweaters—and you’ll be glad you shopped ahead.

Happy fall shoe shopping!

*The Nordstrom Anniversary  Sale is open to the public and runs until August 8th, at which time all shoes, clothes, and sale items return to regular price.