Fall Shoe Trends of 2026: The Boots, Clogs & Sneakers to Shop Now

Fall 2026 Shoe Trends at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here's a quick look at the six trends shaping the season.

Trend	What Defines It	Best Worn With
Updated boots	Combat, Chelsea, knee-high, sleek tall, and western silhouettes with cleaner lines and polished finishes	Jeans, dresses, skirts, trousers
Clogs	Flat, platform, and shearling-lined slip-ons in suede, leather, and cozy materials	Straight-leg jeans or wide-leg pants
Low-profile and retro sneakers	Slim soles, retro panels, minimal low-top uppers	Trousers, denim, midi skirts
Animal print	Leopard, cheetah, snakeskin, zebra, croc embossing used as accent pieces, and more	Neutral or tonal outfits and denim
Rich browns	Cognac, caramel, chestnut, and chocolate tones	Cream, denim, olive, navy
Burgundy	Deep red with brown or purple undertones	Gray, black, camel, denim

Each trend is covered in detail below, complete with shoppable picks and outfit ideas.

Why is Animal Print Everywhere Right Now?

Animal print continues to earn its place in fall wardrobes, not as a loud accent, but as a statement neutral that grounds an outfit the way a solid brown or black boot would. The key prints for fall 2026 are leopard, snakeskin, and croc-embossed finishes. They work especially well with black, chocolate brown, cream, denim, olive, and burgundy. Shop animal print at DSW.

• Adidas VL Court 3.0 Sneaker in brown calf hair leather: A calf-hair sneaker with the classic T-toe soccer-inspired design that adds texture to any outfit.
• Matisse Daria Clog in brown calf hair leather: A fresh take on a modern silhouette. This slip-on clog is the perfect versatile fall shoe, with the calf hair upper setting your vibe as cool and approachable.
• Steve Madden Willa Bootie in Animal Print: A tapered square toe with a flat block heel adds subtle dimension, while animal print adds a bold pop to all of your favorite fall outfits.

Quick styling tips:

• Treat leopard like a neutral
• Pair with denim and brown tones
• Keep the rest of your outfit simple

When to wear animal print:

Animal print can really be worn in any season and for any reason. From sneakers to sandals and heels, there are a pair of animal print shoes for every style. 

• Animal print thong sandals pair perfectly with denim shorts and causal outfits. 
• Sneakers like the PUMA speedcat, adidas VL Court, and PUMA Arizona can be worn with all of your everyday essentials but also look great paired with a sundress or sleek tailored sets.
• Mix and match animal print heels with printed dresses or skirts to make the entire outfit a statement.
• Grab a snake print or leopard print bootie to pair with your everyday work attire or your dinner date outfit.

Retro Sneakers & Low-Profile Styles That Stay Current

The sneaker silhouette getting the most attention for fall 2026 is slim, low, and inspired by retro court shoes, terrace culture, and vintage runners. Look for slimmer or lower-profile soles, clean paneling, minimal low-top uppers, and suede overlays in earthy colorways. These sneakers offer a sleeker alternative to chunky platforms, one that works easily with tailored trousers, midi skirts, and feminine outfits without overwhelming the proportions. For cooler weather, dark socks or tonal crew socks add a seasonal layer. Whether you lean toward a clean basketball silhouette or a heritage terrace shoe, the key is a streamlined profile and fall-ready tones. Shop women’s retro sneakers or women’s low-profile sneakers for the full DSW lineup.

Try pairing your sneakers with:

• Style with straight-leg jeans or denim shorts 
• Pair with your favorite athleisure 
• Pair with trousers for contrast
• Add crew socks for an easy finish

Styles we are loving:

adidas Samba Indoor Sneaker
Featured color: white/black
DSW take: The soccer heritage sneaker that's become a modern staple. It is slim, comfortable, and endlessly versatile.
Wear it with: A midi skirt and socks, or relaxed jeans with a cropped jacket or tee for an effortless weekend look.
Details: The Leather and suede upper and rubber sole give the Samba a tactile quality that pairs well with fall textures like corduroy and wool.

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker
Featured color: Off white
DSW take: A minimal retro court classic with a leather upper and timeless appeal. understated enough for office-casual days and perfect for all your after-work plans.
Wear it with: Workout sets and athleisure, trousers and a blazer or dress shirt, or try a denim skirt with crew socks.
Details: Easy to clean with their removable EVA cushioned insole, leather upper, and fabric lining. These shoes will be in your rotation for a long time!

Nike Pacific Sneaker
Featured color: Light denim blue
DSW take: A retro sneaker that takes on a new kind of low-profile look with a nostalgic herringbone sole and flex grooves. This is the kind of sneaker that looks polished while keeping you comfortable. Wear it with: Wide-leg trousers and a knit sweater, or slouchy denim and a structured coat.
Fall 2026 detail: This denim colorway and textile lining add a touch of dimension that pairs perfectly with an all-denim outfit as well as all your favorite colors. 

Puma Replicatch Mary Jane Sneaker
Featured color: Animal Print 
DSW take: A slip-on sneaker that provides all day comfort packed into a sleek silhouette. The animal print colorway paired with the sporty style makes this shoe the perfect versatile addition to a fall wardrobe.
Wear it with: A sweater dress and crew socks for a relaxed contrast, or straight-leg denim and a cardigan. Pair this sneaker with spring and summer attire as well for some dimension.
Fall 2026 detail: The neutral shades in the animal print allow this sneaker to be treated as a neutral in your fall rotation.

Men’s Retro Sneakers That Do More

Low-profile and retro sneakers are one of the defining footwear trends of fall 2026, and the men's market is leading the charge. The direction this season is unmistakably retro with slim soles, clean leather uppers, heritage silhouettes, and warm earthy tones like dark brown, sand, and bone. These aren't performance shoes dressed up for casual wear; they're purpose-built sneakers with genuine styling range. They pair as easily with straight-leg trousers and a crewneck as they do with athleisure or casual outfits. Whether you gravitate toward a classic canvas high-top, a suede court shoe, or a streamlined running-inspired silhouette, this season's strongest men's sneakers share one quality: they are effortlessly cool. Shop men's retro sneakers at DSW to browse the full selection. Take a look at brown sneakers to really get into this season’s trends. 

Look for:

• Neutral colorways
• Low-profile shapes
• Easy pairings with denim or chinos

Tall Boots Leading Fall Trends

Boots are the backbone of fall dressing, but the update for 2026 is in proportion and finish. Practical lug soles are still relevant, ankle boots have been streamlined or boldened with animal prints, and knee-high boots continue to work as wardrobe staples. The season's standout silhouette is the tall sleek boot, which is defined by clean lines, restrained hardware, and an elongating fit that pairs effortlessly with dresses, skirts, and straight denim. Western boots remain current too, though the direction has shifted toward cleaner, city-ready forms with less ornate embroidery. If you are looking for something extra when it comes to your boots, try patchwork this year. Whether you're looking for boots to wear on the daily or something fun for a special occasion, this section will help you find the right match. You can also shop women's boots to browse the full DSW assortment.

To learn more about boot sizing, check out our Boot Sizing Guide in the Article Hub. 

How to wear tall boots:

• With mini-skirts and oversized knits
• Over leggings for easy outfits
• Under relaxed denim for an elevated yet casual look
• Also pair them with your favorite dresses to add more dimension

You can shop tall boots to see the full DSW selection of this seasons favorite boot.

The Shoe Colors Defining Fall

Color is one of the simplest ways to make a fall wardrobe feel current. For fall 2026, the dominant palette centers on rich browns and burgundy. Thes warm, saturated tones work across boots, clogs, and sneakers. Black remains a timeless neutral, but it's not the lead color story this season. The products already featured throughout this guide demonstrate just how versatile these shades are.

Rich Browns: From Cognac to Chocolate

The brown spectrum for fall is wide and worth understanding, because each shade creates a different effect.

• Cognac is a warm, orange brown that reads polished and versatile 
• Caramel is a soft golden brown that works well for transitional weather and lighter fall outfits
• Chestnut is a deeper red brown that reads distinctly autumnal 
• Chocolate and espresso are dark, sophisticated alternatives to black. These shades pair naturally with cream knits, indigo denim, olive layers, navy outerwear, and burgundy accents.

Cognac vs. tan: What works for fall?

Tan is lighter and can feel more transitional as it bridges summer and early fall but doesn't always hold its own against heavier textures and darker denim. Cognac has more depth and warmth, making it easier to pair with the richer fabrics and deeper colors that define fall dressing. Reach for cognac with indigo denim, cream knits, olive jackets, navy blazers, and burgundy accessories. That said, tan isn't out of style, it simply works best in early-season outfits before the palette darkens.

Burgundy and Oxblood: Fall's Richest Alternative to Black

Burgundy has earned a permanent place in the fall color rotation, and for good reason. Burgundy carries deep red or wine tones that feel warm and expressive. Oxblood is darker, often with more brown depth, reading almost like a very dark neutral. Both function like a neutral in fall wardrobes, because they pair with nearly everything black does, but with more visual warmth.

The Jessica Simpson Zargen Slouch boot in dark cherry red and the Frye & Co. Ashlyn Western Mule in redwood both demonstrate how this color family elevates a simple outfit. 

How to wear burgundy boots

Start by treating dark burgundy as a neutral rather than a bold color choice. Pair burgundy boots with gray trousers and a cream knit for a soft, sophisticated combination. They work beautifully with dark-wash denim, where the deep red adds warmth without competing with the indigo. Try them with camel or chocolate outerwear for a tonal fall look, or with black clothing for a subtle color break that feels more interesting than all-black. Navy and burgundy together create a low-contrast, refined pairing that works for both casual and polished settings.

Loafers for Everyday Outfits

Loafers are one of the most adaptable shoes in a fall wardrobe. They bridge the gap between dressy and casual, pair with everything from wide-leg trousers and pleated skirts to straight-leg pants and cropped denim. Loafers also come in many forms and offer a flat or low-heeled alternative when boots feel like too much. For fall 2026, the standout loafer silhouettes are chunky-soled platform styles, classic penny and horsebit designs in rich leathers, and moc-toe interpretations in suede. Lug-sole loafers carry the utility edge that defines the broader fall shoe story; sleeker versions in cognac, black, or chocolate lean more polished. Browse the full selection and shop loafers at DSW.

How to wear them:

• With socks and skirts
• With wide-leg trousers
• With denim for a quick swap from sneakers

Men’s Boots for Fall

Fall boot season is not just a women's occasion. Men's boot trends for fall 2026 center on three silhouettes: the Chelsea boot, the rugged lace-up work boot, and the cleaner chukka. Chelsea boots continue to gain ground in men's casual dressing as they slip on easily, read polished under slim trousers or dark denim, and avoid the bulk of a traditional lace-up. Work-style boots in full-grain leather with commando soles are the rugged end of the spectrum, fitting naturally with raw denim, canvas chinos, and heavy knitwear. Chukka boots occupy the middle since they are unlined or lightly lined and come in suede that transitions well from fall into early winter. Browse the full assortment and shop men's boots at DSW.

Go-to options:

• Chelsea boots
• Lace-up work boots
• Rugged styles for cooler weather

Kids’ Back-to-School Sneakers That Keep Up

Back to school sneaker shopping comes down to two things: durability and wearability. Kids need shoes that can handle full days, multiple subjects, recess, and everything else a school day involves. This means supportive construction, easy on/off for younger kids, and styles that won't embarrass older ones. For fall 2026, the best back to school picks at DSW lean toward low-profile athletic sneakers, which include velcro and slip-on options for younger grades, and lace-up styles for the older kiddos. Brand favorites include Nike, New Balance, Skechers, and adidas, all of which carry kids' sizing at DSW. Shop kids' shoes to find the right fit or check out our Kids’ Sizing Guide in the Article Hub for more tips. 

What to look for:

• Durable soles
• Easy on/off closures
• Neutral or fun color options

Styles we are loving:

Nike Air Max 270 Sneaker

Featured color: Black/White
DSW take: A lightweight, versatile Nike running shoe that transitions from PE class to hallways without looking out of place.
Wear it with: Any school uniform or everyday outfit, the clean black and white colorway is one of the easiest to pair.
Why it works for back to school: The Air Max 270 delivers an Air unit that absorbs and gives back energy with every step, or skip. An Air Max is a classic style that wins extra style points every time. 
Product facts: Mesh fabric and synthetic upper, rubber outsole, lace-up closure, available in youth sizes. 

New Balance 408 Kids' Sneaker

Featured color: Black / Silver
DSW take: The 408 is inspired by the 2000s and gives your kiddos a taste of retro y2k while keeping it on trend for school. This is a durable style for girls and boys. 
Wear it with: Jeans, joggers, or khaki school pants. It's a low-profile silhouette that doesn't compete with the outfit.
Why it works for back to school: The round toe with bumper handles the demands of a school day while the retro profile stays in favor across age groups.
Product facts: Synthetic and mesh fabric upper, padded collar and tongue, rubber sole, lace-up closure, available in half-sizes.

PUMA Speedcat OG Sneaker

Featured color: Black / White 
DSW take: A race-inspired sillouette that offers a sporty yet sleek look. They are comfortable enough for all day and slim enough to handle every adventure. 
Wear it with: Athletic attire, denim, or school uniforms. Why it works for back to school: The cushioned footbed provides comfort for active kids and the on trend appeal scores your kiddo extra style points. 
Product facts: Mesh fabric lining, suede upper, round toe, rubber sole, and lace-up closure.

adidas VL Court 3.0 Kids' Sneaker

Featured color: Dark brown
DSW take: All their activities can be a breeze in the VL Court due to their authentic suede and leather construction. The signature 3-stripe design and lightweight EVA cushioning just add to the shoes wearability. 
Wear it with: denim, khakis, or athleisure, the low-profile silhouette and brown colorway keep the look versatile and fall ready. 
Why it works for back to school: The lightweight cushioning and durable vulcanized sole keep feet comfortable across a full school day.
Product facts: Synthetic and suede upper, cushioned midsole, vulcanized rubber sole, lace-up closure, available in toddler and youth sizing.

How to Style Fall 2026 Shoes

How to Style Knee-High and Tall Sleek Boots

• Knit midi dress + sleek brown boots for a monochromatic fall outfit
• Mini skirt + tights + tall burgundy boots
• Midi skirt with a hem that overlaps the shaft by a few inches, preserving the boot's clean vertical line
• Slim jeans tucked into the shaft, when the boot opening comfortably accommodates the denim

Tall sleek boots work best when the outfit preserves their uninterrupted line from knee to toe, so try and avoid bulky layers or heavy cuffs that break the silhouette.

How to Style Western Boots

• Straight-leg jeans + simple white shirt for an effortless everyday look
• Bootcut jeans + fitted sweater, letting the hem fall naturally over the boot
• Midi dress + understated tall western boots for a dressed-up take that stays contemporary and urban

How to Style Clogs

• Clogs with jeans: Straight or relaxed denim with a cropped, cuffed, or ankle-grazing hem that shows the shoe
• Clogs with wide-leg pants: A full but controlled hem that doesn't conceal the entire shoe or drag under the sole
• Shearling clogs + leggings + oversized outerwear for cold-weather errands
• Platform clogs + midi skirt + socks for a retro-inspired layered look

How to Style Low-Profile Sneakers

• Wide-leg trousers + fitted knit + retro runner
• Midi skirt + slim sneaker + crew socks for a casual-feminine balance
• Slouchy denim + minimal low-top + cropped jacket
• Sweater dress + terrace sneaker for a relaxed contrast that works all weekend

These combinations focus on hem length, shaft height, proportion, and occasion — not body-type rules. Adjust based on what feels right for your personal style.

FAQs

Are over-the-knee boots still trendy in fall 2026?

Yes, over-the-knee boots are still in play for fall 2026, but the most current versions lean sleek and minimally detailed. Look for close-fitting shafts, clean lines, and restrained hardware — skip heavily buckled or overly embellished styles. Flat, low-block, and refined heeled options can all work depending on the outfit. Pair them with midi skirts, dresses, or simple monochromatic outfits where the boot becomes the focal point rather than competing with busy layers. Not every over-the-knee style feels equally current, so prioritize a streamlined fit and a polished finish. Shop streamlined over-the-knee options at DSW.

Are clogs back in style for fall 2026?

Yes, clogs remain a key fall shoe for 2026. Their appeal is straightforward: easy slip-on construction, substantial soles, fall-ready materials like suede and leather, and compatibility with socks when the temperature drops. The trend spans flat-soled clogs, platform clogs, and shearling-lined styles, so there's an entry point for every comfort level. They work especially well with straight jeans, relaxed denim, and wide-leg pants. Shop clogs and mules at DSW to see the full selection.

What is the best boot to wear with jeans?

The best choice depends on the jean shape. For straight-leg jeans, Chelsea boots, combat boots, and western ankle boots all create a clean break at the ankle. Bootcut and flare jeans work well with streamlined ankle boots or western boots that sit neatly beneath the hem. Wide-leg jeans pair best with low-profile Chelsea boots, pointed boots, or platform boots worn under the hem for a polished silhouette. And slim jeans can be tucked into knee-high boots when the shaft comfortably accommodates the denim without bunching. There's no single universal winner — the right boot matches the proportions of the jeans you're wearing. DSW offers styles suited to each jean silhouette.

Are animal-print shoes in style for fall 2026?

Yes. Leopard, snakeskin, and croc-embossed finishes are all trending for fall 2026, positioned as statement neutrals rather than bold fashion risks. One animal-print shoe is enough to anchor an outfit — pair it with denim, black, cream, chocolate, olive, or burgundy and let the print do the work. Whether it's a leopard bootie, a snake-embossed tall boot, or a croc-textured ankle boot, the key is treating the print as a grounding texture, not a competing pattern. DSW's assortment includes these prints across silhouettes and price points.

What shoe colors are trending for fall 2026?

The leading shoe colors for fall 2026 are rich browns — cognac, caramel, chestnut, and chocolate — along with burgundy and oxblood. These warm, saturated tones appear across boots, clogs, and sneakers throughout the season. Black remains timeless and always works, but it's not the standout color story this fall. Earthy olive and muted mauve also appear in the sneaker category for shoppers who want something beyond the core brown-and-burgundy palette. The named products throughout this guide showcase each of these shades in action. The products highlighted here from DSW illustrate these shades in real options.

Shop Fall 2026 Shoe Trends at DSW

Building a fall footwear wardrobe doesn't require starting from scratch. Start with the silhouette that fills the biggest gap, and if you live in sneakers, a pair of sleek tall boots will transform your fall outfits overnight. Choose brown or burgundy for the strongest seasonal update or use an animal-print boot or sneaker as a statement accent. Loafers and retro sneakers cover casual days with ease, while polished boots handle everything from the office to dinner. The goal is a rotation that works together, not a collection of one-off purchases. DSW's mix of exclusive labels and designer brands makes it easy to build a cohesive rotation.

• Shop fall shoes at DSW
• Shop women's boots
• Shop clogs
• Shop Loafers
• Shop women's retro sneakers
• Shop animal print
• Shop burgundy
• Shop tall boots

If you are looking for mores styling tips, check out our Influencer Edit to see how some of your favorite trendsetting (Insta)besties wear them. If you want to shop all of our fall favorites in one click, then head over to our Fall Preview page. Not ready for chilly days? You can still shop our summer page. Here you can find a complete collection of footwear trending this fall. Prefer to shop in store? Find your nearest DSW location with our store locator.