Some people remember seasons by the color of the leaves; I remember them by shoes. The pairs I reached for most and the ones I wanted along the way. The sneakers I saw that walked the runways, the boots I passed in a store window but never tried on, the clogs that gave me blisters before passing the 10,000-step test.
But the best Fall/Winter 2025 shoes are the ones you’ll want to reach for most—slouchy leather boots you might wear to an indie concert. Very serious oxfords and brogues that might have you cracking open a (very intellectual, obviously) Cosmo Reads book. Torpedo-shaped sneakers in poppy colors for getting active or for standing perfectly still (I prefer the latter). Sky-high wedges and wicked boots that will have you feeling witchy enough to rewatch Practical Magic.
Whichever styles you choose to usher in the new season, I promise you won’t want to let these shoes walk away.
Seriously Studious Shoes
Practical, serious school shoes—think lace-up brogues and preppy Mary Janes in deeper, collegiate shades like brown, forest green, and navy—were all over the runways at Thom Browne, Bally, Max Mara, and Hodakova. This is a continuation of one of the biggest spring 2025 shoe trends, but the fall version is preppier and a bit more playful— for example, adding a heel to a traditionally flat shape, like a loafer.
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Lauren Ralph Lauren Colleen Pumps
Torpedo Sneakers
The torpedo sneaker is a narrow, thin-soled soccer shoe. A couple brands are responsible for popularizing this shape: Dries Van Noten and the Adidas Tokyo style are the roadmap, and the shoe’s runway presence is only increasing—this season in new, bold colors. Maison Margiela also just released their version, the Sprinter. Now that we’ve mentioned it, you’re sure to spot it everywhere. In opposition to the chunky “dad” sneaker, its simpler design serves as an easy, weightless addition that grounds any look and allows you to color-block and play.
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Puma Speedcat OG
Adidas Tokyo Decon Sneaker
Gola Torpedo Sneakers
Modern Wedges
I know, wedges seem to pop up every season, but this isn’t your typical espadrille. This wedge has an edge (forgive the rhyme). Maybe in the form of a patent peep toe, like at Ferragamo, or maybe extended into a full leather boot, like at Michael Kors. The possibilities—and the arch support—are endless.
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Vagabond Shoemakers Aino
Witchy Boots
Extra-long, sharp, pointy toes dominated the runways at Gucci, Lanvin, McQueen, and Dior this season. It’s very possible the influence came from Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in Wicked: Part 1 or maybe it’s in anticipation of the second film. Maybe it’s due to the enduring nostalgic spirit of Hocus Pocus or Practical Magic. Regardless, this style is here to stay, and it’s surprisingly wearable too. Depending on your job, you could probably get away with them at the office by offsetting the sharp toe with a wider pant.
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FEMME LA Peyton Boot
Vagabond Shoemakers Giselle Leather Bootie
John Fluevog Agnes
Slouchy Leather Boots
Skintight boots had their time in the sun—now, we’re all ready to embrace something softer. Slouchy, bohemian leather boots with that perfectly worn-in feel are on the rise. It’s part of a nod to the reemergence of these styles more generally—remember stacked leather bracelets, suede, and headbands? They’re all back too. Think Isabel Marant. Louis Vuitton even did a sweater boot that emulated the slouch of foldover leather. Whatever the reference, we’re here for pieces that look lived-in and loved.
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Zara Split Leather Kitten Heel Boots
Frye Campus 12R Boots
Miz Mooz Bobbie Mid Calf Boot
(Title Image) Pants and boots Hermès.
Styled by Brandon Tan. Hair by Ledora at Born Artists. Makeup by Yuui Vision for MAC Cosmetics. Manicure by Honey Nailz at Exposure NY.
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.
