The leaves are starting to turn, the morning air has that delicious crispness, and I don’t know about you, but I am ready for sweater weather! But before we pull out our favorite knits, let’s talk about the foundation of every fabulous autumn outfit: your shoes.

Fall 2026 shoe trends are a mix of old favorites making a comeback and a few newer looks that are fun to try. Classic riding boots are back, loafers are looking sleeker, and feminine styles like slingbacks and kitten heels are everywhere. Rich suede, burgundy, and animal prints are also giving fall shoes a luxurious new look.

Here’s a look at the biggest fall shoe trends for 2026 and the ones I think are the most wearable for women over 40.

What Shoes Are in Style for Fall 2026? 12 Trends to Try

1. Classic Riding Boots

If you’ve been hanging onto a great pair of riding boots, you’re in luck because they’re back! Classic riding boots are one of the biggest fall boot trends for 2026, after several seasons of Western and slouchy boots getting most of the attention. The newest riding boots are simple and streamlined, with flat or low heels and very little hardware.

Need a little inspiration? Take a peek at these 3 ways to style classic riding boots, or see my roundup of the best boots for women over 50 if you’re ready for a new pair.

2. Refined Loafers

Loafers aren’t going anywhere, but they are looking a little less chunky this fall. Those big, heavy lug soles are giving way to slimmer, more refined loafers that feel feminine and sophisticated.

Look for classic leather or soft suede loafers in black, chocolate brown, cognac, or burgundy. Driving loafers and loafers with a small heel are also popping up. These are fabulous everyday fall shoes when you want something comfortable but a little dressier than sneakers.

3. Low-Profile Retro Sneakers

Sneakers are still going strong for Fall 2026, but the look continues to get slimmer and sleeker. Low-profile retro sneakers have replaced many of the big, bulky styles we’ve been wearing for the last few years. Suede sneakers are popular.

If you live in sneakers, this is an easy way to make your jeans and casual pants look more current without giving up comfort. They’re fun with dark wash jeans when you want a casual, modern fall look.

4. Sleek Slingback Shoes

Slingbacks have such a ladylike feel, and I’m happy to see them sticking around as one of the prettiest fall shoe trends for women. You’ll find everything from dressy slingback heels to low kitten heels and chic slingback flats.

Pointed toes are still popular, but softer almond shapes are also showing up, which many of us may find much more comfortable. I’m also seeing some fabulous two-tone slingbacks that have that classic Chanel-inspired look.

5. Almond-Toe and Soft-Pointed Flats

If those super-sharp pointed shoes make your toes hurt just looking at them, here’s some good news! Fall flats are softening up for 2026.

Almond toes and softer points still give you that sleek, feminine look without feeling quite so severe. Ballet flats, slingback flats, and simple leather flats are all part of this fall shoe trend. They’re also an easy choice with wide-leg jeans when you want something lighter than a chunky shoe.

6. Mary Janes and T-Strap Shoes

Mary Jane shoes have been trending for a while, and this fall they’re getting a more grown-up twist. Sleek T-straps, delicate buckles, rich suede, and low heels make them feel sophisticated and modern.

The key after 40 is to keep the shape simple and streamlined. I love a rich fall color, an elegant toe shape, or a low heel. A T-strap is also a nice way to try this feminine shoe trend if a traditional Mary Jane isn’t your style.

7. Kitten Heels

High heels have taken a back seat to lower, more walkable heels, and I’m all for it! Kitten heels give you a little lift and make an outfit feel dressier without putting you way up in the air.

You’ll see kitten heels on pumps, slingbacks, and even some ankle boots this fall.

8. Clogs and Mules

Clogs and mules are back for another season, and they’re perfect when you want a casual fall shoe that’s easy to slip on.

The newest styles have a cozy fall feel with suede, rich brown leather, buckles, and substantial but wearable soles. You’ll also see plush and shearling-lined mules as we get closer to winter. These are relaxed shoes, but the rich textures give them a more elevated look.

9. Sleek Ankle Boots

Ankle boots will always have a place in a fall wardrobe, but the shapes change just enough each year to make them feel new.

For Fall 2026, ankle boots are looking clean and streamlined. Look for almond, soft-pointed, or elongated toes, simple side zips, and low to medium heels. Chocolate brown and espresso suede ankle boots are gorgeous this year and make a nice change from basic black.

If you already own a pair, take a peek at my tips for how to wear ankle boots over 40 for more outfit ideas.

Fall 2026 Shoe Colors, Prints, and Textures

You don’t always need a completely new shoe style to update your fall wardrobe. Sometimes a fresh color, print, or texture can make a classic pair of shoes look right on trend. These are three of the biggest fall shoe trends for 2026.

10. Rich Suede Shoes

Suede is everywhere for Fall 2026, and I love the soft, luxurious feel it brings to an outfit. I’m seeing suede shoes on everything from riding boots and ankle booties to loafers, flats, and sneakers.

Chocolate brown suede is probably the biggest look, but don’t stop there. Burgundy, olive, camel, navy, and taupe are all great choices. If you tend to wear a lot of denim and neutral clothing in fall, suede is an easy way to add some warmth and texture.

11. Burgundy and Wine-Colored Shoes

Burgundy is one of the prettiest shoe colors for Fall 2026. It has the richness of brown but feels a little more special, and it’s surprisingly easy to wear.

Think oxblood loafers, wine-colored flats, burgundy sneakers, or a gorgeous suede ankle boot. These deep reds look fabulous with denim, camel, cream, gray, chocolate brown, and olive. If your shoe wardrobe is mostly black and brown, burgundy shoes are an easy way to branch out without going too bright.

12. Animal-Print Shoes

Animal print never really goes out of style, but some seasons it roars a little louder! This fall, leopard, zebra, and snakeskin are turning up on flats, loafers, boots, and heels.

I’ve always thought shoes were one of the easiest ways to wear animal print. You get that little shot of personality without it taking over your outfit. My rule is to let your animal-print shoes be the star. You don’t need a leopard shoe, leopard bag, and leopard belt all at once!

What’s Out: 3 Shoe Trends to Skip This Season

I’m a big believer in wearing what you love, so I’d never tell you to toss a pair of shoes just because they’re no longer trending. But if you’re buying something new this fall, there are a few styles I’d leave behind.

Chunky lug-sole loafers are starting to look heavy, and I much prefer the slimmer, more feminine loafers we’re seeing now. I feel the same way about bulky dad sneakers. A sleek, low-profile sneaker looks fresh and is just as easy to wear.

I’d also skip the big, rugged combat boots. Classic riding boots and sleek ankle boots are back, and I think they’re a much nicer way to give your fall wardrobe a little update.

What Fall Shoes Should Every Woman Over 40 Own?

You don’t need every shoe trend that comes along. I like to start with a few pairs that work hard in my wardrobe: a comfortable everyday flat or loafer, a sneaker, a great ankle boot, and a tall boot. Then you can add something fun, like a slingback or kitten heel, depending on your lifestyle.

It also helps to think about what you wear most. If you live in dresses once the weather cools down, my guide to what shoes to wear with sweater dresses has lots of ideas for choosing the right pair.

Step Into Fall in Style

The fun thing about this year’s fall shoe trends is that you may already have a few of them hiding in your closet! Start there, then add a new pair or two that makes your wardrobe feel fresh. You don’t need every trend, just the ones that fit your style and your life.

If you’re ready for a little shoe refresh, take a look at my modern flats for women over 50 and modern sneakers for women over 50. You can also see the essential shoes every woman needs to help you spot any gaps in your shoe wardrobe.

Curious how things have changed? My Fall 2025 shoe trends are a fun look back at what was in, what was out, and how shoe trends have moved on since then.

Which Fall 2026 shoe trend is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!