Sneakers, Clogs, Boots, and More You Need this Fall 2023

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If there were to be a biography written about my life (don’t laugh), there would be at least one, if not two chapters dedicated to my love for shoes. We’ve had a constant, some might say relentless love affair, and I have my fashion-muse of a grandmother to thank for it. She taught me that dressing doesn’t have to feel fussy and building a style system is easy—it all starts with a decent pair of shoes. (If you need proof of her fashion credentials, just know she sported these Nike Zoom Vomeros long before they were popular.)

Whether you're going to the farmer’s market on an 80-degree day or getting ready for a stroll out into the season’s first snowfall, your fall shoes can help you literally build an outfit recipe from the ground up . Pick the shoes first and then the rest will fall into place.

But how do you find the right fall shoes for you? Do your research first. Examine your closet, and ask yourself where the gaps are.  A comfortable yet stylish pair of sneakers for traveling? A weatherproof boot for trudging through cruddy weather? Figuring it out first will help you get the most use out of your purchases. (Hello, conscious consumerism!) Next, find the chicest options. Oh wait, nvm, I did that for you! Scratch that off your list and shop the must-have shoes for fall below. 

Our Favorite Women’s Shoes for Fall 2023:

• Sandals: Birkenstock, Arizona Big Buckle in Shearling—$180
• Clogs: Dr. Martens, Carlson Suede Casual Slingback Mules—$110
• Fashion Sneakers: New Balance, 530 Sneakers—$100
• Running Sneakers: On, Cloudmonster Running Shoe—$169
• Loafers: Sam Edelman, Laurs Lug Sole Loafer—$150
• Cowboy Boots: Lucchese, Nicole— $595
• Slippers: UGG, Tazzlita—$150
• Weather Boots: LL Bean, Rangeley Insulated Pac Boots, Ankle—$150

Birkenstock, Arizona Big Buckle in Shearling—$180

A shearling lined Birkenstock? Barbie would have chosen this one on the first go! (IYKYK.) These Birks are built in the same classic Arizona style everyone knows and loves, but are made fluffier and more chic with teddy shearling and oversized gold buckle details. Pair these with a light wash denim of any kind (shorts, skirt, or pants) and a breezy sweater vest.

Clogs: Dr. Martens, Carlson Suede Casual Slingback Mules—$110

Looking for a fall clog but don’t want to go the typical Boston route? (Seriously, Birkenstock is crushing the game.) The Dr. Martens Carlson sling back is a great swap. It has the same classic clog silhouette, but with a few added details like a moveable strap, and the famous Dr. Martens sole. Throw on some chunky cashmere socks and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a granola curious look.

New Balance, 530 Sneakers—$100

Mark! My! Words! Silver metallic shoes of all kinds are IN (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C). If you’re looking for a new fashion sneaker, opt for this shiny tennis shoe that elevates any look. Since they are bold enough to be a statement sneaker, but still classic enough to be a staple shoe, they’ll casually blend in with all of your fall outfits. They would look particularly striking  with a chic travel sweatsuit, or with a sleek all-black look (i.e. black trousers and an oversized black hoodie)

Running Shoes: On, Cloudmonster Running Shoe—$169

The motto of the year century: Girl math made me do it. Some experts say you should alternate running on two different pairs of shoes to avoid injury, and because I don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars in physical therapy bills, I saved myself money by adding these to my rotation! These rightfully named, TikTok-famous sneaks feel literally like walking on a cloud. They are somehow both cushiony and springy, giving you a graceful push with each step. There are so many colorways that it would be dang near impossible to find one that doesn’t already align with your wardrobe.

Loafers: Sam Edelman, Laurs Lug Sole Loafer—$150

If you’ve had a pair of loafers on your shopping list for the past few years, you’re in luck because they’re still in style this fall. (Clarification: they’re always in style, forevermore.) These loafers from Sam Edelman pack a stylish punch with a chunky platform sole and brown leather accent. On the website, they recommend styling with a pencil skirt, but they’d also look great with boxer shorts and a crew neck sweater. If you’re beckoned back in office, these are a fantastic work-appropriate silhouette to finally actually rock a “day to night” look the way Y2K magazines told us we would.

Lucchese, Nicole,  $595

More good news in the world of macrotrends: Western wear ain’t going anywhere. Kill two birds with one stone this year and make your next pair of black leather boots a pair of cowgirl boots! Girl math says that’s two pairs for the price of one. There is so much to love about these boots, but I’m personally fangirling over the fact that they are handmade in Texas—can’t you just feeeeel the authenticity through the screen? Our dream of becoming real life cowgirls is just a click away, ladies!

Slippers: UGG, Tazzlita—$150

The Birkenstock Boston Clog and the UGG Tasman Slipper were two of the most popular pairs of shoes last fall, at least according to my TikTok FYP. If you haven’t participated in the slip-on shoe trend yet, consider this new style your delayed gratification. The Tazzlita is UGG’s puff-ified version of the Tasman Slipper and damn is she cute! The best part is that these are slippers you can wear in and out of the house. I personally can’t wait to pop them on after the first day of pre-winter skiing!

Weather Boots: LL Bean, Rangeley Insulated Pac Boots—$150

Speakkking of snow, these insulated, waterproof boots from LL Bean are the cozy, mid-ankle boots you need to stay dry this season. With a 4.7 star rating and almost 400 reviews, your tootsies are guaranteed to stay warm and comfortable throughout the fall and winter months. Wear them with a wax barbour jacket and cream colored denim for the perrrrfect English countryside look.