The new season is upon us and honestly, what better reason do you need to buy new shoes?! Prepare to turn heads in fierce footwear this autumn. From sneakers and chunky loafers to over-the-knee boots and square-toe heels, here are the shoes you’ll be wearing now and for the rest of 2021.
Sneakers:
The need for comfy and easy-to-walk-in shoes remains top of the list. Your favourite styles from seasons past are still seen all over the streets and your social media feed with noticeable new-season updates and colourways. The pared-back white sneaker now has a chunky-sole platform and we see a resurgence of the classic retro styles too – think Reebok, adidas and Nike. Dad/ugly sneakers are still relevant but there’s a definite move to jogger/performance wear sneakers that’ll ensure you look as good on a run as you do on a rest day. Easy-to-wear and easy-to-style, your kicks will go with practically anything in your autumn ’21 wardrobe.
Boots:
Over-the-knee and knee-high:
It’s a no brainer, boots for autumn are as expected as florals for spring. Embrace the cooling temperatures with easy, chic boots. Over-the-knee and knee-high silhouettes – opt for black or brown hues to ensure wearability – elevate anything from denim to dresses. Block heels appear to be the clear favourite, expected as they’re a lot comfier and easier to walk in but the fashion-set have been spotted in stilettos.
Combat boots:
Without a shadow of a doubt, you’ve seen a pair of combat boots, in virtually every iteration, on your IG feed. Continuing from last year, the combat boot is still a winner because it’s practical and so damn cool. Let’s be honest, we basically gave up heels for 2020. They’re updated for autumn ’21 with chunkier, track-soles, we also see elastic panels, similar to that of the classic Chelsea boot and a version with a taller shaft, ending just below the knee.
And they look great with everything, and I mean everything! From flowy, overly feminine dresses to leather leggings and jeans alike.
Chunky loafers and lace-ups:
Lace-ups and loafers have long been considered the epitome of comfort and classic style and for 2021, they’re the latest flat-shoe silhouette made edgy and cool with chunky soles, just like the combat boot! Whether you opt for the minimalist version or prefer a bit of statement-making finish, courtesy of hardware detailing, a pair of loafers or lace-ups are the perfect finishing touch to sophisticated daytime outfits. Wear yours with cropped pants or midi skirts to show off.
Square-toe heels
Since Bottega Veneta’s iteration of the square-toe mules took over Instagram and the streets around 2019, this silhouette has not stopped gaining popularity. Suddenly, it was hip to be square! Pumps, mules, strappy sandals, all big hits, which paved the way for square-toe boots and loafers to take centre stage this autumn.
