Fall/winter 2026 footwear builds on classic shapes and adds personality-driven details, according to a new trend roundup. With spring/summer 2027 collections already showing in New York, many of these styles look set to last beyond the season.
Kitten heels and T-straps lead the way
The kitten heel was a reference point for many designers, including Celine, Prada and Proenza Schouler, who gave pared-back silhouettes playful, feminine touches. For more height, the roundup points to Victoria Beckham, Jil Sander and Stella McCartney. It describes the kitten heel as pairing uptown elegance with downtown edge, with embellishments and modern hardware.
The T-strap also returned, in both heeled sandal and pump form. Dior and Givenchy showed open-toe versions for transitional weather, while Dries Van Noten, Fendi and Calvin Klein paired the shape with midiskirts. Dries Van Noten and Fendi styled theirs with socks for colder months.
Boot season: biker and sock styles
Two boot silhouettes stand out. Biker boots bring a rugged note to feminine looks. Balenciaga showed slouchy black leather pairs, while Dries Van Noten and Proenza Schouler set sturdy footwear against softer, romantic clothes. Dior’s riding-inspired boots offer a more polished option.
The sock boot, in knee-high and ankle heights, is the sleeker alternative. Chanel showed pastel versions, Celine offered pointed-toe styles, and Calvin Klein and Altuzarra went minimalist with supple leather that hugs the leg.
Slippers, party pumps and statement details
Slippers, sometimes styled as soft loafers, appeared at Gucci, with its fur-lined horse-bit style, as well as at Ralph Lauren and Conner Ives. The roundup describes them as a hybrid of the ballet flat and the mule, and a flat option for party dressing.
For the holidays, it highlights festive pumps, including Chanel’s two-tone metallic glove pumps and crinkled gold leather styles, and Michael Kors’ red satin square-toed heels. Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch and Ferragamo also showed evening shoes with extra shine.
Other trends include:
Animal print: leopard, snakeskin, zebra and abstract patterns appeared across footwear. Khaite paired snakeskin pumps with rinse-wash denim, and Isabel Marant showed zebra-print tall boots with crimson jeans.
Cone heels: this sculptural heel appeared on pumps, slingbacks and leather and suede boots, and the roundup suggests rounded-toe versions to wear under tailored trousers or straight-leg jeans.
Pumps: Stella McCartney, Chanel and Tory Burch offered fresh takes, from barely-there glove pumps to colorful slingbacks.
Textured shoes: textured pumps and sequined sneakers add a playful touch.
What carries into spring
The roundup notes that kitten heels, textured pumps and slip-on silhouettes have already appeared on the spring/summer 2027 runways in New York, making them a sensible investment for the winter months and beyond.
Source: vogue.com
Image: vogue.com